Waiting for Sunrise: Baytown Boys Series Read online

  “You walk into a room and men’s eyes follow you…you’ve got no idea. You dress like a sweet pin-up girl, covering every asset, and you’ve got plenty of them, and have no idea that you’re sexier than if you were walking around half-naked. You show up to work each day with a ribbon that matches your scrubs and it puts a smile on the residents’ faces just to see you walk into their rooms. You wear sweet dresses to the gatherings in town because, to you, it’s worth the effort to show up somewhere and look nice. And again, you’ve got no idea how the appreciative stares follow you.”

  She blinked several times, but he was not finished, so she just stared, wide-eyed at him.

  “You have a shy smile that lets people know you’re not stuck on yourself, but you’re willing to share it with others. And that is also sexy as fuck. And the reason I was staring at you was that I can’t believe someone like you, someone any man in this room would lay down and die tomorrow if they had a chance at your beauty tonight…you are here with me.”

  Tears filled her eyes and she found her breath stuck in her throat.

  “Breathe, baby,” he whispered.

  The breath rushed from her lungs and she blurted, “I want you to take me home and show me your camper.”

  Hunter blinked slowly, twice, then pulled out his wallet and tossed a huge wad of bills onto the table to cover their dinner and leave a generous tip. Grabbing her hand, he gently assisted her up and with one hand protectively on her lower back and the other in front, guiding her between people so she would not get bumped, he led her outside.

  Snapping her helmet onto her head, he mumbled, “Got to get you a helmet of your own that’ll fit better.”

  With no other words, he swung his long leg over his motorcycle and waited for her to do the same. She did not make him wait and in a moment, with her hands wrapped tightly around his waist, her front pressed to his back from breast to crotch, he roared out of the parking lot.

  At the mobile home park, he parked outside his camper and, as soon as she had dismounted, jumped off and grabbed her hand. Stopping at the door, he turned, still holding her hand, and peered down at her. “You sore, sweetheart?”

  Eye wide again, she repeated, “Sore?”

  “From our first time.”

  “Oh,” she breathed.

  He waited for a beat then said, “Belle, oh is not an answer.”

  “Oh,” she said again, then shook her head. “Sorry. I mean, uh…no…I was a little tender the next day, but it’s okay now.”

  “Good,” he said, bending down to take her lips. Fighting to keep the kiss chaste, he rose up and explained, “I always want it to be good for you. I’m hanging on by a thread, but I’ll take it as slow as you need.”

  She nodded, saying, “I’m good.” Smiling, she added, “With you…here in your camper…I’m great.”

  “Jesus, you’re gonna make me come the first second I slide into you,” he growled, fumbling with the key.

  She jolted at his words and he grinned as she wiggled impatiently. Throwing open the camper door, he stepped in before twisting around and offering his hand to assist her up.

  “Wow,” Belle said, looking around at the compact area. Upon entering, they were standing in the space designated for the kitchen and living area. Directly in front of her was a counter, complete with small sink, stove, half-sized refrigerator, and upper and lower cabinets. A small microwave was built over the stove. To the left, across from the cabinets, was a table with opposing bench seats. She had seen pictures of campers and assumed the table could lower to the level of the benches and form an extra bed as needed.

  To the right was a bench sofa and, again, she assumed it could also form a bed. A flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall opposite the sofa. The cushions were in a deep green plaid pattern matching valences on the windows.

  To the left, beyond the cabinets and table, was a short hall, closets on either side. He led her further in, and she could see a bedroom at the end of the hall. Her eyes jumped to his and she smiled widely.

  “This is so cool!” she enthused.

  Meeting her grin with a smirk, he replied, “Don’t know how cool it is, babe, but it serves as home for now.” A flash of uncertainty moved through his eyes and he asked, “You want something to drink?”

  She moved closer and lifted her arms to place her palms flat on his chest, the feel of hard muscles meeting her fingertips. Tilting her head back, she held his eyes and breathed, “No…I want you to show me your bedroom.”

  His grin widened and he reached up to place his hand over one of hers, clutching her fingers as he led her down the short hall. The bedroom took up the entire back of the camper and most of the space was taken up with the bed. There were two nightstands on either side and just enough room around the bed for an adult to walk. Two lights were attached to the back wall and a shelf ran the back length of the camper.

  Before she had a chance to investigate further, he lifted her under her arms and with an easy toss, she landed on her back in the middle of the bed. A girlie squeal was forced from her lips, but it died quickly as she watched him unbutton his shirt and toss it to the floor. Shirtless, he was a dream come true and she leaned up on her elbows to enjoy the rest of the show.

  He unbuckled his belt and slid it slowly through the loops in his jeans. When the leather was free, he snapped it between his hands and her sex clenched. He bent to untie his boots before toeing them off. The sound of his zipper moving over his impressive cock had her squeezing her legs together in anticipation. His gaze dropped to her legs and he grinned. Dropping his jeans and boxers, he stood at the base of the bed, fisting his cock.

  She bolted upward and crossed her arms at the base of her shirt but his words halted her movements.

  “You don’t move, baby,” he ordered, his eyes dilated with lust. “That particular present is for me to unwrap.”

  She bit her bottom lip as she grinned, resting her weight on her palms, flat on the bed. “Okay…I’m yours to unwrap.”

  Hunter bent to grab her ankles and pulled her forward a few inches. Slipping her shoes off, he tossed them to the floor before putting a knee on the mattress. He made quick work of her jeans, sliding them down her legs, before staring appreciatively at her satin panties. Bending to kiss her skin just above them, he then slowly drew them down her legs as well.

  Having unclothed her from the waist down, he kissed her calves, nibbling up her leg almost to her apex before moving to the other leg. The scent of her arousal was evident, and he sucked in a quick breath, tamping down his desire so that he could make the evening last.

  She flopped back and groaned. “I wanted to keep watching you but my arms are so tingly they can’t hold me up.”

  He lifted his head and stared at her for a moment, appreciating her honesty. No artifice…with her, she plays no games. Dropping his head, he continued his kissing assault on her legs, moving upward. Hearing her breath hitch as he neared her sex, he lifted himself higher on the mattress and placed his lips on her tummy.

  Nuzzling the bottom of her shirt, he slipped his hands to the hem and began to shove it upward. When it caught on the underside of her breasts, he knelt beside her and lifted her to sit.

  “Lift,” he ordered, and she dutifully raised her arms over her head. He pulled the shirt off and tossed it to the side. His fingers skimmed over the mounds of her breasts threatening to spill out of the soft satin. He watched as she sucked in a quick breath and moved to unhook the delicate material, allowing it to drop to the side as well.

  He stared at her lush curves, his cock twitching at the sight. Made for me…fuckin’ made for me.

  With a hand to her chest, he pushed her gently back onto the mattress and slid off the end, shifting his large body to place her legs over his shoulders as he kissed her thighs again. Only, this time, he licked her folds before latching onto her clit.

  “Oh, my God,” she cried, her hands clenching the bedspread.

  She lifted her head just long enough to
catch his eyes and he mumbled against her sex, “My present. Greatest gift ever.”

  An hour later, Belle lay with her head on Hunter’s chest, her fingers moving gently through the hair there. Their legs were tangled and his arms were wrapped tightly around her body. She had experienced her first mouth and hands only orgasm, then another one when he powered into her body, rocking her hard as she met him thrust for thrust.

  Now, their heartbeats had slowed and their breathing had returned to normal. His hand drifted over her shoulder, down her back to her ass, and up again. Warm and sated, she sighed in contentment.

  “Whatcha thinkin’, babe?” his voice rumbled from deep in his chest.

  “I like your camper,” she said. She felt his hand still on her back, his fingers twitching for a few seconds until they relaxed and began their trail again.

  “Aint’ no place special, but it means a lot to hear you say that.”

  She lifted up on his chest, her gaze on his face. “Anywhere you live is special, Hunter. Or, it should be.”

  “Yeah, but you talk about a real home as your dream. I mean, you’ve got a sweet home, Belle…one you’ve put time, effort, and money into to make it a nice place to live. And yet, you still want your own home.” He smiled, adding, “Two stories, a front porch with a swing and a back deck where the bay breeze can keep you cool.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “You remembered?”

  “I remember everything you’ve ever told me.”

  Sucking in her breath, she pressed her lips together. “That’s sweet…so sweet.”

  “I think those words stayed with me, especially, ‘cause hearing your dream made me look around and think that I’d like to have more one day too.”

  “A real home?”

  “And real roots.”

  She cocked her head to the side, wondering where he would like to put down roots, but was afraid to ask.

  As though reading her mind, he closed the gap between their faces and took her lips. The kiss was thorough, but he pulled back before it flamed too brightly. “Never found a place I’d like to call home until Baytown, babe. Never found a woman I’d like to be with until you.”

  Grinning, she lay her head back down on his shoulder, her fingers splayed on his chest. As the moonlight crept through the blinds and onto them, she felt sleep begin to claim her. Closing her eyes, she murmured, “I never found a man worth falling for, until you.”

  Her voice in the night settled over Hunter, filling him with hope.

  15

  Belle entered the pawn shop, hearing the buzzer sound in the back, alerting the owner that a customer had arrived. A thin man walked toward her and called out his greeting.

  “What can I do ya for?”

  “I was wondering if you had any motorcycle helmets…um, that could fit my head?”

  His gaze moved from the top of her head and down her body before drifting back up. “Maybe.” Jerking his head to the far wall, he said, “If so, they’d be over there.”

  She walked where he indicated and stared at the few helmets on the shelf. Two of them appeared to be well worn, but a blue one caught her attention. Picking it up, she checked the inside for cleanliness before sliding it on her head.

  It fit snugger than the one Hunter let her use. He had mentioned getting a helmet for her, but she wanted to surprise him. Fastening the straps, she moved to the back of the store where a mirror was on the wall. A grin slipped over her lips as she stared at her reflection and imagined his face when she appeared for their next ride with her own helmet.

  The thought of another ride did more than send sexy tingles throughout her body. And the idea of riding forever with him… Blinking, she shook her head to rid those premature thoughts. The heavy helmet stayed firmly in place, even with her head shaking, and she pulled her mind back to the task at hand.

  “You got what I need?”

  Jerking around, she realized the owner was not talking to her. Turning back to the mirror, she heard a gruff male voice. “You fuckin’ know I do. I always fuckin’ have what you need. Question is, can you pay?”

  The voice had a threatening tone to it but, still behind tall shelves, she was hidden from their view. Curious, she thought about peeking around the aisle, but fear slid along her spine.

  “That’s all I’m getting?” the man growled.

  “Take it or leave it. It’s engraved so I gotta be careful.”

  She quietly unfastened the helmet and hesitated, waiting until the transaction at the counter was completed. Hoping the coast was clear, she walked around the tall shelf, seeing the man behind the counter, his attention on whatever was in his hand.

  Walking up, she glanced at the object as he placed it on the shelf behind him. It looked like a gold pocket watch. Curiosity warred with her need to not appear suspicious. She plastered a smile on her face and announced, “Um…I need to think about it a little more.”

  “Sure,” the clerk grumbled. His phone rang, drawing his attention away from her. “I gotta go to the back for a second to take this call.” Without waiting for a response, he walked toward the back of the store, his phone at his ear.

  Taking advantage of the moment, she skirted around the counter and looked at the watch. Picking it up, she gasped, reading, Your loving wife forever, Bea.

  Dropping the watch, she darted to the front door but the parking lot was empty. Uncertain what to do, she startled as the clerk’s voice called from the back.

  “You still looking?”

  Sucking in a shaky breath, she nodded and turned to walk back. Her eyes continually moved to the watch behind him. Should I buy it so I can make sure it goes to Mr. Rosenberg’s relative? Should I call the police? Hesitating, she looked over, seeing him staring at her. With a nervous goodbye, she hurried out of the store. Sitting in the parking lot, she called Hunter.

  “Hey, babe—”

  “I need your advice because I don’t know what to do,” she rushed.

  “What? Where are you? What’s happening?” His words were just as rushed as hers, alerting her to his level of concern.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she assured. “I just don’t know what to do about something.”

  “Go ahead, Belle.”

  “I stopped at the pawn shop up on Rte. 13 to look for…uh…oh, I was going to buy…something and saw a pocket watch. When the clerk wasn’t looking, I peeked at it. Hunter,” her voice squeaked, “it was Mr. Rosenberg’s watch.”

  “Are you sure? How do you know?”

  “I snuck a look at it when the owner went to the back and and I recognized the same inscription.” She waited for a few seconds but he remained silent. “Hunter? What should I do? Call the police? I didn’t see the man who brought it in.”

  “Man? How—”

  “He came in while I was there. I was in the back but could hear him talking about it, and he wasn’t happy that he did not get more money for it.”

  “Does the clerk know you heard them and looked at it?”

  “No, I…don’t think so…I was careful, but I don’t know what to do. Should I call Mitch?”

  “No, babe, he’s the chief for Baytown only. You’re in North Heron County. That’s Colt’s jurisdiction.”

  “Oh,” she muttered, irritated she had not thought of that herself. She heard him sigh heavily and waited to see what he would suggest.

  “Look, Belle, I don’t want you into this.” She started to protest, but he continued, “Pawn shops can often carry stolen items and if someone finds out you’re calling the cops, then you could be a target of someone’s anger. Let me handle it.”

  “Okay,” she said slowly, “but what are you going to do?”

  “Don’t know at the moment, but I’ll figure it out. But, whatever I do, I want you out of it. Please, baby, tell me you’ll let me handle it.”

  Huffing, she leaned back against the headrest in her car. “Okay,” she assured.

  “And I gotta ask, what the hell were you doing in a pawn shop?”r />
  “I told you…I was looking for something.”

  “Belle?”

  His lowered voice gave her the indication that he would keep pestering her until she gave in. Huffing, she replied, “I was looking for a motorcycle helmet. It was going to be a surprise.”

  “Oh, babe. You don’t want to buy a used one. You never know if it was damaged in a wreck or something. We’ll get you a new one.” He added, “Please…we’ll go together and then I can be sure my precious cargo is perfectly fitted and safe.”

  Precious cargo. She smiled, loving the compliment. “Okay,” she agreed, her breath leaving her lungs in a rush.

  Disconnecting after promising to see each other later, she started her car and pulled onto the road. Her mind turned over what she had seen and heard, but without seeing the man who brought the watch in, she had no way to determine who it was. Plus, it could have been a female who took it and gave it to a male to pawn. So many people could have had their hands on it…there were people in and out of Mr. Rosenberg’s room all day.

  Just as she pulled into her driveway, she realized she had not thought about telling Mr. Weldon. Of course, he would want to know!

  Walking into the employee lounge, Hunter heaved a sigh of relief that the room was empty. Scrubbing a hand over his face, he moved to his locker, his hand hesitating for a second before opening the door. At first glance, it appeared undisturbed, but as he pulled out his spare shirt, he felt something in the pocket. Looking around again to assure himself he was alone, he pulled out a small packet and once opened, spied ten, small, white pills inside with a note.

  You’ll find out what to do.

  Shoving the packets into his pants pocket, he grabbed his helmet and walked out the back door toward the employee parking lot. Just as he swung his leg over his bike, his phone vibrated. As much as he wanted to talk to Belle, he felt up to his ears in his own situation and had no idea what to do about the stolen pocket watch at the moment. Looking at the caller ID, he saw it was not her. Answering with, “Simmons,” he waited.