Taken Hard (The Hard Boys Book 2) Read online

  Before she could talk herself out of it, she cupped his cheek. “And I know there is nothing we can do about it.”

  She pressed her lips against his, and Caleb groaned. “Fuck me, Lilly, you’re making this hard for me.”

  “You shouldn’t taste so good, and I should have stuck with the coffee.”

  Caleb sank his fingers into her hair and kissed her back.

  He pushed her back against the sofa and she arched up, wanting to touch his body. The wine went to her head, and just as quickly as Caleb had her on her back, he pulled away. “I think it’s time for you to go home. I’m going to take you home.”

  “Caleb?” she asked, frowning. “You didn’t want to kiss me?”

  “I do. I always do.” He cupped her face. “But not like this. When I kiss you, you’re going to be alert for it. It’s not going to be something you forget the next day.” He pressed his head against hers. “You make it really hard to fight this. I’m going to be a good man for you.”

  Before she knew what was happening, she was in his truck. Her bag and jacket in her hand.

  “Do you not find me attractive?”

  He groaned. “It’s because I do find you attractive and I respect you that I’m doing this.”

  “But you fuck women all the time.”

  He jerked the truck against the side of the road and turned toward her. His hand was against her cheek. His thumb stroked across her bottom lip. “Don’t. I have a past. You know that, and I’m not going to start pretending that I didn’t. I know I’ve been with my fair share of women and I’m not always proud of that. With you, it’s going to be different. I’m not just going to fuck you and leave you, Lilly. I want more. I will have more with you. I know you’re nothing like your mother, but that’s because I want you.”

  He turned back toward the steering wheel, fired up the car, and pulled away from the curb.

  They arrived at Aunt Betty’s house too soon.

  Caleb helped her out of the car.

  “That wine was really strong.”

  “Yeah, it was.”

  “I don’t drink.”

  “I understand that.” He knocked at the door.

  Aunt Betty answered. “What did you do to her?”

  “I had a glass of wine, Aunt Betty, but it may be two. Don’t worry. Even though I wanted Caleb to fuck me, he wouldn’t. He refused. My mommy would be so ashamed. Even drunk and willing, I can’t get a man.”

  Aunt Betty and Caleb shared a look.

  “Don’t look like that. It’s the truth. Everyone knows it.” She huffed. “They think I’m so easy. The first time I want to have sex with a guy, he doesn’t want me.”

  “Come on, let’s get her upstairs to bed.”

  Caleb lifted her in his arms, which was a good thing as the world had started to spin a little. Her stomach also threatened to spill out all the good food she’d eaten, which sucked.

  “I’ve got you,” Caleb said.

  “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Within seconds, she was at the toilet, being held over the bowl. Her hair was pulled out of the way when she did indeed throw up. “This sucks. Your pasta was so good.”

  “I’ll cook it for you again. You won’t miss any.”

  “Really. Even after tonight?” she asked.

  “Lilly, this isn’t over. I want to see you the moment you’re feeling … sober.” He pressed a kiss to her head, and she wanted to tell him not to leave, but her eyes were starting to feel heavy.

  Damn alcohol.

  It sucked that she had such a low tolerance to it.

  She hugged the pillow against her head, and sleep finally claimed her.

  ****

  More often than not, Caleb loved his job. He loved fixing cars. There was nothing better in his life. They were easy to put together, to find the problem. Rarely were they taxing.

  However, this morning, it was like the universe was against him going to see his woman, and Lilly was his. Last night, the wine had gone to her head, but she belonged to him in every single way that counted, and he wasn’t going to ever let her go.

  He rubbed the back of his neck, and when he checked the time, he saw it was already lunchtime and he was starving. No sign of Lilly anywhere.

  “Fuck!”

  He was doing the right thing. There was no way he could live with himself if he’d taken it further. His dick had been hard, and he’d wanted her. When it came to Lilly, he couldn’t get enough of her. He craved her.

  When he couldn’t stand it anymore, he grabbed his keys, about to lock up when he caught sight of her. A brown paper sack in her hand.

  She’d pulled her black hair back into a loose ponytail.

  “Hey,” she said.

  “Hey.”

  “I slept in, and Aunt Betty was there with some painkillers and a very stern warning.”

  “Do you remember last night?” he asked.

  She pressed her lips together and nodded. “Yes.”

  He nodded. “Good.”

  “I’m so sorry. I’m embarrassed by what I did and what I said.”

  “Did you mean it? About having a crush on me?”

  She nodded.

  “Then don’t apologize for that. There’s no reason to.” He stepped toward her. “I’m going to close the gates. Do you want to eat lunch with me?”

  “I made enough for two.”

  “You made this?”

  “With Aunt Betty’s help.”

  He walked past her, drawing the gates to a close. Putting a hand at her back, he followed behind her, going straight to his office. He lifted several pieces of paper and invoices, moving them to the side, keeping them in a nice, neat pile.

  Lilly lowered into a chair and gave him the bag.

  He opened it up and took a sandwich for himself and then gave her one.

  After unwrapping it, he took a bite, watching her.

  She kept stealing glances toward him and quickly looking away.

  “Do I scare you?”

  “No, of course not. I’m a little … I don’t know what to say.”

  The tension between them was driving him crazy. He didn’t want her to be shy around him.

  “I read some of your book last night.”

  She began to choke on the mouthful of food.

  He rushed to her, slapping her back.

  She tried to clear her throat. “I’m so sorry. You did?”

  “I did.”

  “And.”

  “And I love it,” he said. “You’ve got some general editing that needs work, but I’m no teacher. The story, it’s amazing.”

  “Oh.”

  He’d read the first hundred pages after dropping her off at Aunt Betty’s. There was no way he could sleep. Once he started, he hadn’t been able to put the book down. He loved every single word.

  By reading it, he felt close to Lilly. She poured her heart and soul into the pages, and he felt her passion, her pains, her desires. The book was erotic, and he felt her frustration. With her mother’s reputation, he knew Lilly didn’t want to explore her needs with just anyone.

  “You’re a virgin and you’re ashamed that you want to have sex,” he said.

  “Wait? What?”

  “Your books give it away. You don’t trust anyone. Men haven’t given you a reason to trust them.”

  She licked her lips. “It’s just a book.”

  “Some books are. This one, I get the sense you wrote this during a really hard time,” he said.

  “You’re not just a dumb mechanic, are you?”

  He tapped his head. “There’s a lot going on up here.”

  “I should leave.” Lilly stood, and he captured her hand.

  “Don’t go. You don’t need to leave.”

  “But … this is so … I don’t know how you can even look at me. What I did. The way I threw myself at you.”

  “Lilly, I’ve been trying to date you for days,” he said. “Actually, scrap that, for weeks. I didn’t know how t
o ask. I didn’t know what to say.” He ran his free hand down his face. “You’re a good woman. I’ve fucked a lot of women, Lilly. I’ve had my share. I’m not taken seriously. I’ve never cared about the women I screw. They were some fun. The first time we met, I was climbing out of a woman’s window.”

  “You want to date me?”

  “Yes. I was being a gentleman last night, but I wanted to take it to the next step. I didn’t realize you couldn’t hold your wine or I’d have never given you any. I love being in your company, Lilly. I want to have so much more with you.”

  She finally sat down, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Say something.”

  “I’m shocked. All this time you didn’t just want to be my friend?”

  “No. I wanted a lot more.” He took her hand, kissing her knuckles.

  “The book thing, is that true?”

  “I read romance books, yes, that’s true. Ask my mom.”

  Lilly rubbed at her temple.

  “Are you still feeling a little hung over?”

  “A little.”

  He reluctantly let go of her hand. “Eat. It will make you feel better.”

  They finished off their sandwiches without another word spoken. He didn’t know what the fuck to say to help her. Lilly was so silent.

  Time ticked on by.

  “I—” They both started to say and then stopped, laughing.

  “You go first,” Lilly said.

  “I understand if you don’t want to see me anymore.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Because I’m … I don’t know.”

  “Because of your manwhore reputation?” she asked.

  “Yeah.” He couldn’t look at her.

  “It’s in the past though, right? You’re not sleeping with anyone right now. You’re single.”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you plan to cheat on me?”

  “Hell, no.” The very thought of hurting her made him feel sick to his stomach. He hadn’t looked at another woman since he realized he had feelings for Lilly.

  “Then I’d like to,” she said. “Date you.”

  He smiled. “For real?” You sound like an eager teenage boy.

  Lilly laughed. “For real.”

  Never had he experienced this feeling before. This euphoria. Lilly would be his.

  Chapter Five

  “So, he didn’t force you to have the wine?”

  “No, absolutely not.” Lilly looked toward her friend. Eliza stood, lightly tapping Darla’s back and rubbing it. “He was the perfect gentleman.”

  Eliza chuckled. “I’m so sorry. I find it hard to believe that Caleb can be a gentleman.”

  “You’d be so surprised about him. I was.” She sighed. “We’re going on our first official date tonight.” Lilly was so happy.

  “I’m glad you’re finally dating someone. Even if it is Caleb Hard.”

  “You do realize he’s your brother-in-law.”

  “Yep, and I also know of his reputation.”

  Lilly sipped at her ice water. “I don’t judge him for that.”

  “You don’t care that he’s been with lots of women?” Eliza asked.

  She thought about it and shook her head. “No, it doesn’t matter what came before, does it? All that matters is what is happening now. I like him, Eliza, I really do. He’s a really good guy.”

  Darla had been burped and had fallen asleep. Eliza lowered the little baby into the crib that they’d set up downstairs. Her friend stifled a yawn.

  “Has she been having some rough nights?”

  “Yes. At first, she was a blessing. We’ve just hit a rough patch. James is always there and helping. I tell him to go and get some rest. He’s working full-time, but he’s by my side. We haven’t had a couple of minutes to ourselves since she was born, but we love it.”

  “How about I take her?” Lilly asked. “For the night, I mean. You and James could have a date night or something.”

  “Not tonight, Lilly. You’ve got your own date.”

  “We’re not going out. I’m cooking Caleb dinner. Aunt Betty went to that florist convention thing that she keeps on talking about. I’ve got the house to myself. I can help. Let me help.”

  Eliza glanced down at Darla. “You’ve taken care of a newborn?”

  “Yes. I used to babysit through high school. My mom had a bad reputation and even though people treated me with disdain, they were more than happy to pay me to look after their children and babies. I’d like to help you.” Lilly stood up and moved closer to her friend. “I’d like to help. Even if you and James get a good night’s sleep. Let me. I’ll bring her back tomorrow on my way to the library.”

  The only reason she was at Eliza’s house was that she’d finished classes.

  “If you really don’t mind and don’t feel I’m taking advantage of you.”

  Lilly laughed. “I totally do, but isn’t that what friends are for? To be used like this?”

  So, two hours later, back at Aunt Betty’s house, she had Darla in her arms as the doorbell rang. Dinner was gently simmering on the stove, and she answered the door to find Caleb in a pair of dress pants and a crisp white shirt, which did nothing to hide the ink on his muscular arms and chest.

  “Not what I was expecting. Is that my gorgeous niece?” he asked.

  “It is.”

  He stepped over the threshold and took Darla while handing her a small bouquet of roses. “Something smells good.”

  Lilly held the roses in her hand and closed the door, flicking the lock into place. “I went by to see Eliza after class. She looked exhausted, and I offered to take Darla for tonight so she and James could get some much-needed rest. Seeing as I was cooking you dinner and I know you love your niece, you wouldn’t mind?” She wanted to cringe at her words. She wasn’t avoiding dating him, but it certainly sounded like it to her.

  “I don’t have a problem with babysitting, Lilly. Besides, it’s not like you’ve canceled our date. I smell food cooking. I got flowers. You didn’t call to tell me not to bother to come over. This is progress.” Caleb kissed Darla’s cheek and Lilly melted inside.

  He looked so … adorable. So right.

  “I’ll go and get these in some water. Coffee, water, tea, or a beer? I think I can offer hot chocolate as well.”

  “Seeing as we’re going to be taking care of this little one, I’ll take a coffee.”

  “You want to stay?” Lilly asked.

  “Hell, yeah. I’ve got no problem sticking around. So long as you don’t mind. You don’t have a curfew or anything, do you?”

  “No. No curfew.” She smiled at him. “Aunt Betty told me to have all the fun I needed and to take my time.” Even as she said the words that Aunt Betty had told her, heat flooded her cheeks. There had also been a wink and a knowing look to go along with it. She refused to fall for it.

  She adored Aunt Betty. The woman certainly knew how to have a good time and had made it her personal mission to make sure that she actually did.

  Ever since she moved in with her, she’d found life so much more enjoyable. She loved Aunt Betty and Eliza as if they were her own family. They were amazing women.

  After walking into the kitchen, she grabbed two mugs, stirred her sauce on the way past, and then made them both a coffee. She made sure it was strong.

  Caleb had gone into the sitting room. She’d already pushed the coffee table out of the way. Darla was laid on her back, feet in the air. Hand stuffed into her mouth.

  “She’s precious, isn’t she?”

  “I love her so much. Don’t tell James this, but I’m a little jealous that he got to have a child first.”

  “You are?” she asked, this did surprise her. “You want kids?”

  “A whole flock of them.” He looked up. “I’ve surprised you.”

  “No, well, yeah, a little.”

  “I know I’ve played around and I have no excuse for that behavior, and so I’m not going to regret it. I
hadn’t found the right woman. I want a big family. Lots of sons and daughters.”

  She heard the yearning in his voice. “If it makes you feel any better, I think you’d make a wonderful father.”

  “You haven’t seen me with kids.”

  “I can see you with Darla. Do you want to keep her?”

  “Most days,” he said.

  She laughed. “She is a gorgeous baby.”

  Lilly sipped at her coffee and watched Caleb.

  “What about you?” he asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Do you want kids? A family?”

  Lilly stared down at her cup.

  “This is still a date, Lilly. I’d like to know everything there is to know about you. Don’t leave anything out.”

  She ran fingers through her hair. She’d kept it down for the night. She’d also worn a pair of jeans and her favorite shirt. This one didn’t have a single stain. So far, Darla hadn’t thrown up on it, but it had come close. “Yeah. I do. I want kids. A family. I used to dream of having lots of brothers and sisters. My mom decided that I’d ruined her figure enough and it wasn’t worth it seeing as my dad didn’t stick around.”

  “Do you know who your dad is?”

  “Nope. Don’t even have any pictures. She never told me his name. Just said that he was a loser who knows how to get what he wants and break women’s hearts in the process.”

  “Have you ever thought about looking for him?” Caleb asked.

  “No. I don’t need to. If he was anything great, he would’ve stuck around, wouldn’t he?”

  “I’m so sorry, Lilly.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “I had this amazing father. I can’t imagine growing up without him.”

  She smiled. “He does seem like a laid-back kind of dad.”

  Caleb laughed. “No, he wasn’t laid-back. He had his moments, believe me. I think we all turned out pretty great. Family has always been so important to him.”

  “I really loved the party you guys threw for me.”

  “We all knew you hadn’t experienced a true birthday party, and that’s not right.”

  Lilly shrugged and glanced down at the baby girl. “She’s asleep.”

  “I think it best we sneak off and have some dinner. James told me she lulls them both into a false sense of security. She could wake up in the next second from a power nap. I think it’s how she broke them down.”