Taken Hard (The Hard Boys Book 2) Read online

  She laughed. “We’re friends. Night one, he walked me home from the bar. Night two, we had dinner at the diner, and he walked me home. He’s the perfect gentleman. There are a lot of guys in this town that could learn a thing or two from him.”

  “I’m sure. Happy birthday, honey.” Aunt Betty came to her side and Lilly froze when she saw a gift as well as a card in the woman’s hands.

  “Aunt Betty, you really didn’t have to.”

  “I know I didn’t have to, but what’s the point in having a birthday if you’re not going to celebrate it? Each moment in life needs to be celebrated. If we don’t, then what’s the point?”

  Lilly took the card and gift from the woman. It had been a long time since she’d gotten a card, let alone a gift. Her throat felt like it was on fire as she tried to control the rush of emotions consuming her.

  Tearing open the card, she was touched. Inside was a small note from Aunt Betty, hoping she had a wonderful day.

  “Thank you.” She hugged the woman and then opened the present to find she was looking at a brand-new laptop. “I can’t accept this.”

  “It’s all set up. Eliza helped me to get a bargain price. I’ve seen you struggle with that old thing. I’ve also purchased a printer for you. I see the way you type insanely at that thing and have to go back because it won’t catch up. You deserve it.”

  “It’s too much.”

  “Lilly, darling, you help me out here more than you know. I love the company. I enjoy being around you. Please let me do this one thing for you. Also, you’re not working today.”

  “I am. I’ve got to head out in half an hour.”

  “Called the library, arranged for someone else to take your shift. Did the same with Edward. You don’t need to go serving others. It’s your birthday, and if you trust me, I’ve got a surprise for you. You’ll find out about it near lunch.” Aunt Betty nudged her out of the way. “Time for me to cook for you.”

  Aunt Betty winked at her, and Lilly laughed.

  “It won’t bite. Open it up. See for yourself.”

  As Aunt Betty made breakfast, she fired up the laptop to find everything in working order. She couldn’t believe it.

  They enjoyed a good breakfast, and while Aunt Betty took care of some things at the florist shop she owned, Lilly transferred all of her working documents, and even took the time to print off one of her stories.

  Aunt Betty returned a little after one, and Lilly walked with the other woman to her next present. The sun was high up in the sky. Rather than wear her usual jeans and shirt, she’d opted for a blue summer dress. It had been well worn, but it still fit and Lilly loved it. The length fell just below her knee, giving her comfort.

  She recognized the Hard house as they turned into the driveway.

  “What are we doing here?” Lilly asked. “Do you need me to pick something up?”

  They didn’t go up to the main door, but Aunt Betty walked all the way around the back.

  The moment she stepped into the yard, cheers of “Happy Birthday!” erupted, startling Lilly.

  Banners, balloons, streamers, and other decorations filled the yard. Eliza, James, Darla, Rome, Caleb, Jane, and Theodore Hard were all there.

  With a hand to her chest, she was speechless. “This is … thank you so much.”

  She refused to cry. There was no way she was going to let them see how much this touched her.

  Jane came toward her, pulling her in for a hug.

  Everyone wished her a happy birthday.

  She sensed Caleb lingered in his hug, but she must have misread it because they were only friends. When he’d asked her if she had a crush on anyone, she’d told a little lie. The more she’d gotten to know Caleb, she’d begun to develop a crush.

  “This is amazing.”

  “Aunt Betty told us all your favorite foods,” Jane said. “And don’t worry, I’ve got a lemon cake. Your favorite. I baked it myself. Finished icing it this morning. You’re going to love it.”

  Caleb put his arm around her waist, tugging her close. “What do you think?”

  “I had no idea this was even happening. I never celebrate my birthday.”

  “I think it’s time we change that tradition.” He kissed her head and she found herself leaning against him. She had no right to. He didn’t belong to her.

  Pulling away, she went to Eliza. Her friend held her close. “I’m so pleased we were able to do this for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She sat around the table, surrounded by so much love. It was crazy. She watched the Hard family up close and saw it: family love. They all cared about each other. They were one solid unit.

  This was the kind of family she wished for. The one she wanted more than anything.

  Caleb sat beside her, and when it came time for presents, Lilly didn’t know if she was going to be able to handle it. The laptop this morning had nearly broken her down into tears.

  Rome got her a bracelet. It was sweet and kind with little jewels around. Jane and Theodore had purchased some books for her to write in. Aunt Betty had told them of her love of writing. She loved taking notes, writing down her ideas.

  James, Eliza, and Darla had given her a gift voucher at a clothing shop at the mall. She loved it because she rarely bought herself new clothes, and it showed Eliza remembered from all the years ago when she used to babysit.

  Caleb’s present was a single envelope.

  Lilly smiled, but her hands shook as she opened it up.

  She pulled out the letter to see it was an acceptance and welcoming letter at the local college for an English course.

  Looking up, she stared at Caleb.

  “All paid for. Happy Birthday.”

  She was shocked. Throwing her arms around his neck, she held him tightly. “Thank you so much. You really didn’t have to do this.”

  “I wanted to.” He rubbed up and down her back and the touch alone set her body aflame.

  Jerking back, she noticed his family watched.

  Jane clapped her hands. “I think it’s time for cake.”

  “Yeah, cake,” Aunt Betty said.

  “Can I use the bathroom?” Lilly asked.

  Jane told her where it was, and she quickly made her escape. After finding the bathroom with ease, she closed the door. In her hand, she still held the acceptance into the college course. She read it again and felt the tears she’d tried to keep at bay flooding her eyes. This meant everything. The laptop, the paper, the voucher, even the bracelet, they were the best gifts she’d ever had. Even more so was this day. The memory of being remembered.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” she said.

  “Lilly, it’s me,” Caleb said. “I can hear you crying in there. Open the door.”

  “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Friends don’t allow friends to be hurt.”

  Lilly opened the door. “I’m not hurt.”

  “Why are you crying? Was it too much?”

  “No.” She shook her head, wiping at the tears. “It was … I can’t explain it. I will never, ever forget today. It means so much. You all, this was more than I could have ever imagined. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything I could have ever wanted that could top this.”

  Caleb reached out to her, pulling her into his arms. “I hate your mother for making you feel this way.”

  “It’s not her fault.”

  “Yeah, it is. You should have had lots of birthdays and lots of memories.”

  She had both of each, just none that were really worth sharing.

  Pressing her face against his chest, she breathed in his scent. Arousal shooting through her entire body as an ache unlike anything she’d ever experienced flooded her.

  No man had ever gotten her needy like this.

  She pulled away.

  Caleb wasn’t just some guy. He was her friend.

  There was no way she should be having sexual feelings for a friend. Even as she
thought it, she couldn’t help but mourn the chance of being with him.

  ****

  Several days later, Caleb came out of his office, marking off some of the paperwork for the latest vehicle in his shop that needed a lot of work. It had failed so many tests and wasn’t road safe.

  “Do you think I’m blind?”

  He looked up to see Aunt Betty standing in his yard.

  Caleb frowned and glanced at the older woman. “No. Not the last time I checked. Any woman that knows I’m a fine piece of ass is not blind.”

  “I know you, Caleb. I’ve seen you grow up and the way you use women. I know what kind of man you are, or at least the one you try to show the world.” Aunt Betty stepped close to him. “What are you doing with Lilly?”

  “I’m not doing anything with Lilly. She’s a friend.” He wanted more. So much more. The days she worked at the library, he didn’t always get a chance to walk her home. Most nights, he tried to make it to the bar to walk her home, but twice in the last few days, he’d been called away because of a breakdown.

  As a mechanic, he also offered towing service. Most months, he rarely got any business. On rare occasions, he made more money towing than fixing. Especially at night. The rate of pay for a call out was higher. Some of the tight asses in town wouldn’t dream of calling him.

  There were still tourists who had bad luck with cars.

  “I like you, Aunt Betty. Don’t go believing everything you hear.”

  “It’s why I know you want more from that girl than friendship. Lilly hasn’t had it easy. You’re used to women walking in and out of your life without a care in the world. No one has looked out for Lilly, certainly not her mother. She deals with rejection on a daily basis. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

  Caleb sighed and glanced over at Aunt Betty. “You talked to my mother.”

  “Why do you think I’m here being nice instead of beating your ass?” Aunt Betty asked.

  It took every ounce of strength in him not to burst out laughing. Aunt Betty was a fierce woman. He loved her, for sure. Most of the town did. She was a good woman as well. The way she’d taken care of Eliza, and now helping Lilly. He knew Lilly would be well taken care of with this woman looking out for her.

  “I care about her,” he said. “I want to date her.”

  Aunt Betty pursed her lips.

  “You don’t think I’m good enough for her?”

  “I didn’t say a damn word.”

  “You’re looking at me like you’re thinking it.”

  “Why aren’t you in the army if you can read what I’m thinking by a look? Just so you know, you’re wrong. I don’t think you’re not good enough for her.”

  This time, Caleb frowned. “But you came in accusing me.”

  “I also said the kind of crap you show the rest of the world. I always knew there was something more to you. Jane and Theodore wouldn’t have allowed you to be empty. You’ve got substance.”

  He didn’t know if she was paying him a compliment or insulting him.

  “I’m confused, because how the hell does walking her home constitute a damn date?” Aunt Betty asked. “I know I’m getting older and you guys have your social media and weird modern crap to connect with. Since when did asking a woman out on a date become so complex?”

  Caleb held the clipboard at his side. He was totally not sure how to answer that, and believed if he did, Aunt Betty would slap him several times for pleasure.

  “Er, I … Lilly … she doesn’t date.”

  “So?”

  “I … what if she says no?” he asked. “I don’t want to spoil our friendship.”

  “Then how about you ask if she’d be interested in going out sometime. Not as a friend but as a date. Grow a spine. Lilly deserves a man who’ll work at her pace.” Aunt Betty looked at him and smiled. “I just knew it. I knew you weren’t the manwhore everyone said.” She went to him, cupped his face, and planted a kiss on his nose. “You’ll be good for Lilly. I just know it.”

  Caleb watched her leave his yard, and he stood there with several cars waiting for his attention, more confused than ever. Glancing down at his clipboard, he didn’t know what the hell to do. Tonight, he was supposed to be picking Lilly up from the library and having their first book night.

  He already had his sauce slow cooking in the oven. His mother’s best pasta sauce that had lots of dried herbs and seasonings inside. It always tasted so good. It was his favorite, and his mother had been more than willing to give him the recipe.

  Rather than dwell on his strange meeting with Aunt Betty, he got back to work, hoping to get a bulk of the work done on the car currently in place.

  As he worked, people stopped by for him to listen to odd sounds their vehicle was making or to change something. He did all of this while thinking constantly about Lilly. He loved how relaxed she was in his company. Nothing seemed to faze her, not even the women who tried to get him to go out with them.

  By the time six o’clock came around, he was fed up with all the kinds of cars and ready to spend the evening with Lilly.

  She stood outside of the library waiting for him. The moment she spotted him, she rushed toward his truck.

  He quickly climbed out, offered her a hand to help her inside.

  “Thank you. I thought I’d gotten tonight mixed up,” she said.

  “I had a couple of people who needed some advice.” They’d arrived at the gate as he closed it. He’d told them both to come back to the shop tomorrow.

  “Wait, before we go.” Lilly reached into her bag and handed him a file. “This is for you. I think it’s only fair you get to have a read. You did buy me a course.”

  Lilly had no choice but to cut some of her hours back as the classes she took were at night. Three hours a night, three days a week.

  He took the file from her hand and looked at it.

  There was no title, just telling him it was by her.

  “This is one of your stories?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’d like you to read it. You can be brutally honest. I trust you and I know you won’t tell me bullshit.” She nibbled on her lip.

  He saw her hands shaking. “Lilly, thank you.” He covered her hand with his own. “Relax. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

  “I … they’re … I hope you like them. I really do, but I will understand if you don’t.” She tucked some hair behind her ear.

  He placed the file in the side of his truck door. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  Caleb drove back to his home, pulling up outside.

  He’d never brought a woman back to his place. Ever since he arranged for Lilly to come to his place, he’d been cleaning like mad, wanting to be perfect for her. He took her hand, leading her to his place.

  “Are you okay?” she asked. “You seem nervous.”

  “I feel like I’m taking you to meet my parents.”

  She laughed.

  He switched on the light at his home and quickly closed the door. Caleb put the file on the table beside the door and proceeded to take her jacket.

  “This isn’t what I expected,” she said.

  “You thought a bachelor pad?” he asked.

  His mother had decorated the place when he first moved in. Their parents couldn’t settle unless they were sure their sons had everything they needed. James had the same happen to him, as did Rome. Only his youngest brother kept on moving back home. He couldn’t seem to shake living with the parents.

  “I don’t know what I thought. I’ve heard women gossip about this place.” She put her hands on her back pockets. The position thrust her tits right out. He noticed her nipples were erect and that made it impossible for him to think. He was starting to behave like a randy teenager rather than a full-grown man.

  “Don’t believe everything you hear about me. Most of it is lies.”

  “I’ve started to see that.”

  He stared at her. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her out, to tell her the
truth, but he held himself back, hating himself for it. “Wine? Coffee?”

  “Coffee, please, if you don’t mind. I don’t drink. Dinner smells amazing.”

  “Make yourself at home and I’ll be back.”

  He needed to gather his wits about him. What the hell was wrong with him? He wasn’t the kind of man to stumble all over like this. It made no sense. He was the kind of guy to take charge.

  It was Lilly, it had to be. She was different from other women, so the need to impress her was a lot stronger than ever before.

  Chapter Four

  The food was delicious, as was the company. Caleb could cook. Lilly sat back down as he finished reading one of his favorite parts in the story.

  He really had read the book and enjoyed it.

  “So, to conclude, we both loved the book,” Lilly said.

  “I did, and it was nice talking to someone about it.”

  “Yeah, I’ve never done this before.” She tilted her head toward him as he sat down on the sofa beside him.

  She couldn’t help but notice how plump his lips were. The book he’d chosen had been a little steamier than she thought he’d go for. It made her regret giving him her book as there was a lot more sex, and it was kinkier as well.

  Her fantasies were not soft or gentle, but hard.

  “What are you thinking about right now?”

  Rather than have another coffee, she’d opted for a single glass of wine, and as he looked at Caleb now, she wished she hadn’t. She became more honest and open. “I shouldn’t have given you my book.”

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “It’s dirty. It’s what I write.” She leaned back and sighed. “I think about sex a lot.” In the back of her mind, she was screaming for herself to shut up.

  She didn’t. “Did you know I’ve never had sex?”

  “What?”

  “Never had sex.” She pressed a hand to her mouth. I shouldn’t tell you that either.” She let out a giggle. “And I shouldn’t have had that glass of wine. Also, while I’m being so honest, I think I’ve developed a little bit of a crush on you.” She held her fingers close together.