Taken Hard (The Hard Boys Book 2) Read online

  What Betty had said surprised him. “She doesn’t date?” Caleb asked, drawing the attention back toward him. “What? I’m only asking in case we need to invite him.”

  Betty chuckled. “No, she doesn’t date. Never been on a single one.”

  Chapter Two

  Lilly slid the history books back into the right selection. Some people had amazing taste when it came to the books they picked out. She loved this part of the job, taking all the books that had been returned and placing them back on their shelf. She stroked the spine and then saw there was one on the occult.

  She loved to learn.

  Moving toward their spiritual section, she found the place among the real ghost stories and hauntings. She put the book right back in. Her trolley now empty, she made her way back downstairs, putting it near the reception desk and seeing a small pile of books already waiting.

  She lined them up neatly on the trolley and served a customer who was checking out three romance novels.

  Once she was done, she stood and waited, keeping an eye on everyone. They were due a small delivery of brand-new books.

  They didn’t buy them often, but with the small investment, they tried to keep the library as modern as possible.

  She loved this place. The smell of old musty books as well as the fresh scent of new ones. They were a comfort to her.

  Lilly served two more customers, and when it came to the third one in line, she looked into Caleb’s smiling face.

  “Hi,” she said, smiling right back at him.

  “Hey, beautiful. So, this is where you escape to during the day.”

  “I don’t escape anywhere. It’s nice though. Peaceful. Are you meeting a hookup here? No making out in the shelves.”

  Caleb frowned. “No. No women. I came looking for you.”

  “For me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, okay. Is everything okay? Aunt Betty? Eliza? Darla?”

  “They’re all fine. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

  She nodded, tucking some hair behind her ear. She usually wore her unruly hair in a tight ponytail, but today, she’d decided to let it out. “What would you like? A tour?”

  “I was … I would like to take you out to dinner.”

  “Dinner?”

  “Yes. It’s nearly closing, and it’s late, and I could eat. I was passing the library and figured it was rude not to invite you to come and eat. Would you like to eat with me?”

  Lilly stared at him with a frown. “Don’t you have a date?”

  “No date. Just you and me, some food. If you don’t want to, I’m sorry for asking.” He took a step back.

  “Yes, I’d love to have some food. Aunt Betty’s busy tonight and she told me to fend for myself. I’d love to have some food.” She didn’t like to splurge on the extra expense, but the diner was affordable. “Would you like me to meet you there?”

  “Hell, no. I’ll walk you. So, what’s it like working in the library? Is it as haunted as they say it is?” he asked.

  Lilly laughed. “I don’t think it’s haunted.”

  “No flying books?”

  “No books flying. Unless the ghost likes to move them around the library.”

  “Could be. If you ever want to investigate, I’m your guy.”

  Lilly groaned. “I know I don’t have much of a life, but I don’t want to spend my time seeing if the place where I work is haunted. I would have to come here the next day. Way too scary for me.”

  “I could quit my job. Be your personal bodyguard.”

  “Now that could work, but then the town would totally hate me. You’re the best mechanic around. I know that, you know that. Let’s keep the town hatred to an all-time low.”

  “I think you’re right. Besides, if it’s a woman ghost, how could they resist these?” He lifted his shirt and flexed.

  For a second, maybe even a minute, Lilly struggled to think. She’d seen naked bodies her entire life. Coming in and out of her mother’s room all the time. Then of course on the television whenever she got to watch it.

  Aunt Betty loved watching romantic movies with a lot of heavy sex in them. She’d never seen so much sex in her life. It helped her to watch it though. The stories she wrote were very erotic, a step into her own fantasies and allowing them to play out on the page. She’d never had sex. Never been kissed, not willingly anyway.

  She hadn’t wanted the men who’d tried to kiss her, and she’d fought them. They didn’t matter and certainly didn’t count. She was a virgin, and at this rate would probably die one.

  Her stories were her sexual outlet. The only place she felt comfortable to voice what she wanted and when.

  “You’re right. It would be hard for any woman, living or haunting, to resist those. I’d put them away before the ghost decides you can’t leave.”

  Caleb winked at her.

  A young girl approached the desk and Caleb stepped away.

  Lilly dealt with the last remaining customers, scanning books and leaving the returns on the trolley.

  She closed up the library, and like with the bar, she posted the key through the letterbox. She was never allowed to open the library. One day, she hoped people would trust her. She’d moved out of her home and rarely saw her mother.

  Normally, her mother only asked for money. There was never anything good between them.

  She pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. She didn’t even know why she was allowing herself to think of her mother.

  Caleb offered her his arm and she took it, sliding hers through, linking them together. It felt good.

  She pushed some hair off her face, and they made their way toward the diner. Like most Mondays, it was busy. She often passed it on the way to the store.

  Caleb held the door for her first, and she stepped inside, nerves hitting her quickly. She had nothing to do with her mother’s affairs, but she was always judged because of it. He put a hand on her waist and led her toward the far table that only had two seats. It wasn’t private, and she was aware of all the stares.

  After removing her coat, she placed it on the back of her chair. Caleb further surprised her by pushing her chair under the table.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  He took the seat opposite her.

  Her back was to the room while he faced everyone.

  She picked up the menu and perused the items.

  Caleb reached out and put a hand on hers. “Ignore them.”

  Lilly looked up. “You notice the glares.”

  “So, they look at you like that. Ignore them.”

  “Says like a man who doesn’t experience it.” She pressed her lips together.

  “You think I don’t know what it’s like to be glared at? I know what women say about me, Lilly. Some of it is true. Not all of it. I play the role of a rebel and a heartbreaker. It’s the role they give me, and I’ve got no problem doing it. I like it, and if women throw themselves at me, I still get judged for it. I don’t sleep with every single woman who looks my way. I have standards.”

  Lilly lowered her menu. “You’re saying you’ve never been with a married woman?”

  “Not technically.”

  Lilly smiled, feeling somewhat lighter.

  “Don’t let them get to you,” Caleb said. “You have every right to be here. I want to be with you and enjoy dinner. Ignore the rest. This is your life as well.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t mention it.” He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes. The waitress took forever to come to their table. Every time Caleb tried to talk to her, she’d avoid him. They’d been seated for a good twenty minutes before Caleb got up and went to the diner’s main kitchen. Seconds later, Joanne, the owner, came out.

  She saw the woman who’d been avoiding them and waved her closer. Whatever the woman said made the waitress pale and scurry away. Joanne took the notepad and pen and came toward them.

  “Sorry about that, Caleb. Consider dinner on the house,” Joanne sa
id.

  “I don’t mind paying,” Lilly said. She didn’t want to get special treatment or be rude.

  Joanne pointed toward the back wall. “See that sign?”

  Lilly looked in the direction and at big bold letters that read the words, served in five minutes or you don’t pay.

  “Oh,” Lilly said.

  “Ever since I took over this diner from my father, I prided myself on customer service. No one can rival me. I’m that good. A little wounded waitress isn’t going to set me back the years I’ve taken to build this reputation up. Caleb knows this. He used to work here and was one of the best damn waiters I knew. Now, what can I get you?”

  Lilly was surprised.

  Caleb ordered first, and she decided to have the same as him.

  “You worked here?” Lilly asked.

  “For three years. During high school, the year after, and I’ve been a regular ever since. If I notice she’s swamped, I’ll grab an apron and get to work. Joanne’s a good woman. I like her. Always have.”

  Within minutes, their food arrived, and Lilly got stuck in.

  ****

  This was a date.

  Lilly didn’t know it.

  Caleb felt like the biggest fucking loser on the planet.

  Taking her to the diner for a date. The food was amazing, and he didn’t want it to be so obvious he was asking her on a date. Of course, Tiffany, the clinger, had to be working tonight. He hadn’t chased her.

  Tiffany had come on to him, and he’d been with her a few times, but she’d initiated everything. He never asked for her.

  Damn.

  His mother was right. She’d always warned him that his carefree attitude would get the better of him.

  “So, why don’t you have a car?” he asked.

  He watched as she took a large bite of the burger, and something was clearly wrong with him because he found it to be the most erotic thing he’d ever seen. Not if those teeth were wrapped around his dick, but just watching her eat, seeing her relax, it meant something to him. It aroused him.

  When they’d entered, he’d seen the people’s judgment. The way they stared and glared. Lilly wasn’t a spectacle, and he refused to allow her to be treated as one. Joanne was a good woman, and when he’d asked her for a little help, she’d come right out for him.

  “I used to, but I didn’t have the money to repair it. I sold it back to the garage where I got it and just walk.”

  “You didn’t even think to come to me?” he asked. “I would’ve given you a discount.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “With gas and everything, I just don’t want the expense. I’m saving to apply for some college courses. I can’t afford to go away to college, but I want to further my education.”

  “You do? What would you like to study?” he asked.

  “English language. I love to read and … write.”

  “You write?”

  “Badly.”

  “Can I read it?”

  “No.”

  His brows went up. “No?”

  “No one reads what I write, besides me. It’s nothing personal.” She winced. “I sound so rude.”

  “It’s fine. You know I wouldn’t judge you. I was curious.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Do you write romance?” he asked.

  She nodded and looked away.

  “Don’t be embarrassed.”

  “How can I not?”

  Caleb smiled. “Okay, how about I tell you an embarrassing thing about me.”

  Lilly stared at him. “You want to tell me something?”

  “Something that no one knows. Curious?”

  “I hate to say this, but yeah, I am.”

  Caleb put his burger down and leaned closer. “I used to spend hours reading my mom’s romance books, gaining tips. I love me a good romance.”

  Lilly’s mouth opened and then she smiled. “Really?”

  “Yeah.” He’d never told anyone. Only his mother knew his secret obsession with romance books, and as he got older, erotic books.

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  He began to list some of the authors he’d read, his favorite books.

  “You’re telling the truth.”

  He held his hands open. “I love romance. Not good with the whole horror thing. I’ll watch the movies to save face, but I’ll never willingly watch them on my own.”

  “You’re a surprise, Caleb. What I’d love to know is why you’re telling me.”

  He picked up his burger and took a bite. “I’ve got a good feeling about you. Besides, isn’t that what friends do? They share personal parts of their lives with each other.”

  “Yeah, but I didn’t know we were on a friends level. At least not yet.”

  He put a hand over his heart. “You wound me. You’re going to have to make it up to me.”

  She rolled her eyes, and he couldn’t take his gaze away as she bit her lip. Damn. It made his dick harden instantly.

  “You want me to tell you something about myself?”

  “Why not? I’m all out in the open. There’s nothing you can tell me that will surprise me.”

  She thrust a fry into her mouth, chewing. “Okay, personal.” She licked her dry lips. “I hate the way people treat me and assume I’m like my mom. Is that personal?”

  “Not only do you get personal points, but it’s deep as well.”

  Lilly shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve noticed it doesn’t matter how I behave. They’re always going to think the worst.”

  “Have you ever talked to your mom about it?”

  “Tried to. She told me she didn’t care and that I should start to follow her and not care.”

  Caleb winced. “She has a little point, about the not caring what other people think.”

  “Yeah. That’s what sucks. She’s not bad. She’s just focused on herself. I don’t think she should have ever had kids.”

  He wanted to hold her.

  “Not that I regret being born.” She groaned. “Now I sound like a pity party. That’s not what I was trying to say.”

  “I get it,” he said.

  “You do?”

  He nodded. “You don’t not want to be alive, but you wished your mother hadn’t been so vacant.”

  “Something like that. Have I made it up to you?”

  “Yeah, I’d say we’re close.”

  “Good. I’d hate for my new friend to think I wasn’t worth his time.”

  She was so worth everything. “So, as we’re new budding friends, I think it’s only fair that I get to cook for you.”

  “I don’t think that’s how friends are with each other.”

  “I’ve seen it,” he said. “They have dinner parties all the time. Get together. We could have a story dinner.”

  “Story dinner?”

  “We’ll pick a book, read it, and then you come over, and we’ll talk about it. It’ll be only you though. No one gets to know my secret. Not even my brothers.” His mother was the only person who knew about his guilty pleasure. “What do you say?”

  “I say … it actually sounds like fun. What about Aunt Betty? Can I bring her?”

  Damn. “How about we see how we get on as to whether or not we chose to bring in other people?” He wanted a chance to be alone with her and to cook her dinner. Any excuse to spend more time with her.

  “I like that. Sounds good.”

  They settled on a book and a time. She needed time to loan the book from the library, she told him.

  It would give him plenty of time to set everything up. He couldn’t wait to get her alone with him.

  They finished their dinner, and Joanne was true to her word. Tiffany kept her distance, and he didn’t look in her general direction.

  He offered to walk Lilly home and she accepted.

  “You know if you keep doing this, I’m going to get used to the company, and all your women are going to hate me.” She nudged his shoulder with hers.

  “I’m not seeing
anyone. I’ve taken a vow of celibacy.” Why couldn’t he just keep his mouth fucking shut? The only woman he wanted, the only one who meant anything to him, was walking beside him.

  “That’s a big deal. What made you change your feelings?” she asked.

  “I … I don’t know. I guess I felt like it.” He was going straight to hell. The truth was if Lilly said she wanted to jump into bed, he’d gladly be there.

  The only woman he wanted to fuck was Lilly.

  He’d never felt this way. He’d been teased and even taunted by the prospect of finding a woman who wouldn’t look at him the same way, but he truly didn’t think he’d fall, and certainly not as hard. For the past year since he’d met her truly, he’d been hiding his feelings from everyone. He hadn’t been screwing anyone since he realized he wanted her, and still, the women kept on talking, spreading gossip behind his back.

  “Well, if it’s something you want to do, I commend you for it. The female populace will no doubt be upset.”

  “Someone else can take the hot spot. I’m sure there are plenty of men who want the challenge. What about you? Dating anyone?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “Do you have a crush on anyone?”

  “No.”

  Fuck!

  There was zero hesitation. Not even a blush.

  “I don’t have time for men in my life.”

  “Apart from me.”

  “Apart from you, but you’ve only been very present in my life the past couple of days. It’s nice. You’re very easy to talk to and to get along with.”

  He wanted her to think about him, to imagine being in his bed. To be part of any wet dream she had.

  “That’s why we’re going to be good friends.” He wanted to cringe at his own words, but they were at Aunt Betty’s house.

  Caleb wanted to kiss her, to pull her into his arms, and show her how he really felt. Instead, he was the perfect gentleman, wishing her goodnight.

  Chapter Three

  “What’s going on with you and Caleb Hard?” Aunt Betty asked.

  Lilly frowned. “Nothing, why?”

  “Twice, I’ve seen him outside our home, and he’s done no more than watch you enter, then leave. I thought that boy knew how to treat a woman.”