Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) (12 page)

Amy

"I'm so pleased that you could make it." Taylor
walked towards us with a huge smile and her arms open wide to great us. She
pulled me in for a hug and in turn gave Connor and then Louise the same welcome.
I felt a tugging on my jacket and looked down to see Tommy's solemn face,
"What's up little man?" I asked as I crouched beside him.
"Can we buy something for mummy? I think that would make her happy."
He whispered close to my ear.
I smiled at the thoughtful gesture from such a young boy, Louise had done a
fantastic job raising her two children despite the circumstances. "I think
that would be a great idea, have you seen anything in particular?" I asked
intrigued. Tommy shook his head, "Well why don't we have a look around the
stalls to see what we can find."
Tommy's face lit up with excitement and held his hand out for me to take. My
heart swelled inside at the simple gesture and I placed my hand in his as I
stood to guide him around the hall. We passed the first stall that were selling
hand crafted decorations for the garden but they weren't suitable at present as
Louise didn't have a garden. We slowly moved past the stall and I pulled on
Tommy's hand but he was stuck like glue. I turned towards him, "What's up
Tommy?"
He pointed at the sign, "Is it really only 10p a go?" he asked
questioning the large sign stuck to the table.
"Well if that's what it says Tommy then I think that's right." I
stepped closer and Tommy followed suit standing directly beside me.
"Excuse me," I stated loudly so the elderly person behind the stall
could hear me. She turned and looked at me before turning her attention to
Tommy with a smile. "This young man here was just questioning your sign,
is it really 10p a go?" I asked.
The lady nodded, "Oh yes dear and you win a prize every time."
Tommy's face lit up and stepped forward excitedly, "Well, Tommy better
have five goes then please." I handed the lady 50p and Tommy dug deep into
the box and eventually pulled out a tub of bubbles and placed them on the
table. He looked at me expectantly, "Go on little man you have another
four goes." I stepped back giving him some space and watched as he delved
into the box again.

"You're good with him." I turned quickly startled
by the male voice and his close proximity until I saw that it was James.
I smirked, "I like the fact that everything is so black and white with
kids, it's adults that make things complicated by bringing in all the
grey!" I turned my attention back to Tommy as he enjoyed the attention
from the older lady.
"So would you class Duke as a grey area?" I glanced back at James confused
to see him assessing me, he was being serious which piqued my interest.
I placed my hands in my pockets taking a casual stance, "No Mitchell is
very much in the black and white area."
"Want to enlighten me?"
"Amy, look at all the prizes I've won." Tommy said excitedly halting
my conversation with James.
"Aren't you a lucky boy, why don't you pop the prizes in here." I
opened a carrier bag and he juggled the prizes around in his arms trying not to
drop them before placing them into the bag.
"Take this Tommy and go and win some more prizes." I quickly looked
to see James hand Tommy a £5 note and his eyes light up like it was Christmas.
"You can't give him that James."
"Too late I already have, it's very black and white."
I narrowed my eyes at him as he threw my words back at me, and I decided to
have some fun. He'd stood me up twice now and although we'd had a brief kiss,
well actually a very nice kiss he deserved a bit of pay back. "So anyone
would think you're jealous of Mitchell by the way you're behaving."
"I am!" he said calmly and his words shocked me that I turned my head
to try and understand where he was coming from. "And I don't cope very
well with jealousy."
"There's nothing going on between us." I blurted out and I was
annoyed that I was explaining myself but I felt that I had to. James'
expression didn't change, he continued to stare at me and the intensity was
playing havoc with my heart rate as it became erratic.

"Amy!" I turned towards the little voice to see
Tommy carrying a big cardboard box and crouched down to help him.
"What you got there?" I asked looking in the box to see polystyrene
balls.
"The lady said I could have this box with all the prizes in it for £3 so
I've still got change."
"Well give that to James." I said pointing behind me.
"Where is he?" Tommy asked looking around the hall.
I glanced behind me to where James had been standing, and then stood looking
eagerly around the hall trying to locate him but he was nowhere to be seen.
"Well give it here Tommy and I'll give it to James the next time I see
him." Tommy gave me the £2 and I placed it into my jean pocket. James had
intrigued me further this afternoon and I was surprised by how I'd reacted. I
obviously liked him more than I thought otherwise I wouldn't have tried to
explain the situation with Mitchell so quickly but he'd also left me hanging. I
wanted to see him again and although I'd played the situation down in front of Mitchell
yesterday, I knew that I was in trouble as my feelings were stronger than I
first thought.
"Amy can I show mummy?"
I smiled at Tommy as he brought me into the here and now, into the black and
white and out of the grey as only a child could do. "Of course you can
little man, let's go and find her."

James

I closed the door behind Mrs Wright and let out a brief sigh
before returning to my desk. I'd been busy today and knew that I had a half an
hour slot to complete some important paperwork before the mad rush started
again this afternoon. I started to wade through the paperwork when my phone vibrated
on my desk indicating that I'd received a message and I smiled when I saw that
it was from the fiery red haired beauty.

Chanel's been assaulted, is there any chance you can take
a look at her?

Amy and I were still playing a cat and mouse game but I knew
if I helped her, I could use this to my advantage.

I'm busy for the next couple of hours but can come over
around 4ish. Is that any good?

I didn't know why she was asking me rather than my father as
I wasn't officially on the books yet, she'd also called me the other day to
take a look at Tommy and Louise. I was hoping it was because she wanted to see
me but I never knew with Amy because she sometimes blew hot and cold, and used
humour as a decoy. I was surprised when my phone vibrated again as it hadn't taken
her long to respond.

That would be lovely thank you. She'll be at Elite hair
and beauty on Epping high street.

I knew full well where Chanel worked, in fact I'd done my
homework on all of the club members. The whole biker thing had piqued my
interest as a child and I remember spending many evenings sitting at the top of
the stairs as my father told my mother about his day and what the club had been
up to. I now knew that he'd get in serious trouble for discussing club business
but at the time I found it intriguing which later sparked my enthusiasm for
motorcycles although I preferred superbikes to Harleys.
I had paid a private investigator to do some research and to find out more
about Amy, I know I shouldn't have but I wanted to find out how involved she
was in the club. I liked her, really liked her and was hoping that our
friendship may develop into something more but I needed to know what I was getting
into. To my surprise, it was revealed that Amy was loyal, caring but also a
force to be reckoned with. She worked voluntary in the local women's refuge and
managed a very successful business. She was still associated with the club but
only because of her family and the check had also revealed that there was an ex
boyfriend, who was currently serving at her majesties pleasure. Blake
Washington or Recon to the club was a womanising prick, who'd left Amy in her
hour of need. I'd studied his profile in detail and was well aware that he was
out soon and would possibly try to make contact with her, I just needed to be
there if he did and be that support or even distraction she'd possibly need.
I was also made aware of her medical records and knew the extent of the damage
she'd received when she was viciously attacked five years ago, although I knew
she'd kept it a secret from the club. This just confirmed what type of a person
she was because she knew that the club would wage war on the Dyers more than
they already had.

I responded to her last text.

Yeah I know where she works. If I help you out though I
want you to cook me a meal as a thank you and an apology for the other night

After catching her in bed with Duke, things had been a
little difficult and I was surprised that she hadn't come after me to explain
but I'd since come to understand that Amy was very stubborn. In fact, Amy was
independent, strong minded, confident and liked to have everything her own way.
I sniggered at the thought because I too liked my own way and I was hoping that
she'd let me show her just how fun that could be.

Picking up my phone, I called through to reception. "Hi
Bonny, I haven't got another patient until half past but if they arrive early
can you please send them through. I need to leave by 3.30pm so is there's any chance
could you juggle the appointments with the other GP's?"
"Of course I can Mr Hudson." Bonny said in her usual authoritative
tone.
"You are a super star and Bonny, it's James not Mr Hudson, that's my father."
I sniggered, she'd worked for me for the past year and had improved the
efficiency of the practice within that time. I'd tried over the past year to
get her to call me by my Christian name but she was a professional and had
struggled with the familiarity of it all.
"Okay Mr...James." I heard her snigger uncomfortably before hanging
up the phone.

I turned my attention to my computer to bring up the next
patients file as I heard a quiet tap on the door.
"Come in," I shouted hoping that I could get through as many patients
as possible before I had to leave to tend to Chanel.

Walking into the salon, I immediately saw the explosion of
colour and smelt the calming aroma of lavender. I knew that the salon hadn't
been open for long but Taylor had done a good job with this place and from what
I'd heard through the grapevine, business was doing well.
I walked further into the reception area and noticed a tall blonde dressed in
black, and made my way towards her
.
“Hi, I’m James,” I stated holding
out my hand for her to shake.
She turned and flicked her hair over her shoulder as she assessed me quickly, “Thank
you for coming James, I really appreciate you giving up your time.” Taylor took
my hand and shook it firmly.
“Not a problem. I'm not officially working for the club yet but Amy has some
making up to do, and has promised to cook me dinner if I help you out.” I winked
at her cheekily and she sniggered at my comment before turning and heading to
the back of the salon. Taylor opened the door and a young girl looked up with a
bright smile.
“Chanel this is James, he’s gonna take a look at you to make sure you’re okay.”
I noticed her demeanour change and the smile disappear as she stood placing her
hands on her hips in a defensive stance.
“Taylor, I told you I’m okay. I just have a…Aaaah!” Chanel stumbled back
slightly holding her head with her left hand and she closed her eyes from the
pain.
“Please sit down and let me take a look at you.” I placed my bag gently on the
floor before bending down in front of Chanel to examine her face. I pressed
gently around her eye socket and held firm as she winced and when satisfied
with my findings I moved towards her lip, to assess the extent of the damage.
I wasn't happy with the way it was healing and let out a sigh of frustration. “You
should’ve had a stitch in this,” I said more to myself then to Chanel. “I’m
going to give you some pain relief which you must take every four hours.” I
rummaged into my bag and brought out two blister packets containing the
tablets. They were stronger than over the counter drugs so they'd get into her
system quicker and ease her discomfort. “You should really be at home resting,”
I stated getting up from the floor. “Can she leave work early?” I asked turning
my attention to Taylor.
“We need to get Chanel's stuff from her house tonight first and then she can
have as much time off as she needs.” Taylor responded looking a little sheepish
that Chanel was here but I understood that they needed to keep her safe.
I nodded, “If her condition worsens, please let me know and I’ll come over.” There
was nothing more I could do, Chanel needed to rest and the TLC that she was
getting from Taylor would also speed the recovery. I packed away my equipment
and smiled briefly at Chanel before leaving the room to wash my hands using one
of the salon sinks.

“Thank you again James, I really appreciate you coming to
see her.” Taylor said holding out her hand for me to shake.
I took her hand politely, “Not a problem.” I stated before strolling from the salon.
I had met a number of club members now but I found it more interesting meeting
the associates and women that were romantically involved because that's where I
got to see the real people behind the scenes and the way the club affected
people's lives.

 I stood on the pavement directly outside the salon and took
in my surroundings. I wanted to speak to Amy but knew that she'd be busy with
the early evening rush so decided to send her a quick text.

I understand that you're still staying at Spikes, I'll
pop over a 7.30 for that meal you promised.

I pressed send and placed the phone back into my pocket
knowing that it wouldn't be long until I received an irate text from Amy,
reprimanding me. The thought made me snigger as I strolled towards my car that
was parked about 50 yards down the street. I slipped into the driver's seat and
stuck the keys into the ignition when my phone vibrated indicating that I'd received
a text and I knew who it was from without even looking. I pulled the phone from
my pocket and swiped the screen to read the text.

I believe that I agreed to cooking you a meal but I
didn't state where or when. I may be busy this evening.

I smiled at her response, Amy had taken the bite like I
hoped she would. She said that she may be busy so obviously she wasn't and I
knew I had to push it a little further to see if she'd fold.

Indeed you are correct but I would like you to cook
for me this evening

I'd read her profile and spent some time with her but I
really wasn't sure how she'd respond to my domineering ways albeit playful at
the moment.

As you are aware, I'm an Aries and therefore like to
get my own way!

I liked playful Amy! I read the message a couple of times
before I responded. She could've almost put a but at the end of her text and I
knew that she was up for meeting this evening.

And as a Leo I'm very competitive and will enjoy the
challenge .

I sat in the car holding my phone waiting for a response that
I knew would come.

I've just googled the traits of a Leo. Proud,
determined, loyal, generous, ambitious, fearless, creative, confident,
seductive, enthusiastic and headstrong. Quite a list and many things to be
proud of but these worried me; vain, bossy, stubborn, intolerant,
self-centered, quick-tempered and pretentious! Care to explain?

I'd intrigued her that much, that she'd googled Leo traits
so she could continue the banter.

I could but it's very difficult to discuss via text.
It's better if I show you this evening.

We could go around in circles all afternoon, I needed her to
agree.

But I haven't agreed to it?

Bloody woman, was this her attempt to play hard to get?

I don't know what we're eating so shall I bring white
or red wine?

One last ditch attempt to get a date with her this evening.

Well if you're feeling 'generous' you could always bring
both!

Good girl and a little play on one of my many
characteristics. I typed a quick response and placed my phone back into my
pocket before pulling into the early evening traffic. If I was planning on
seeing Amy this evening there were a few things I needed to take care of beforehand
as I didn't want to be disturbed this time.

The next couple of hours flew by and here I was standing
eagerly on her doorstep waiting for Amy to greet me. I retrieved my phone
remembering that I hadn't read Amy's last text from earlier.

How did you do that? I was determined to say no but
you talked me around!

 
I sniggered at her response and placed my
mobile back into my pocket as she opened the door.
"Are you smiling to yourself James?" she asked stepping aside and
gesturing for me to enter Spike's flat.
"First sign of madness or is that talking to yourself, either way I do
both." I stooped slightly to place a kiss on her cheek and breathed in her
scent, "You smell and look radiant." I stated quietly brushing my
cheek against hers ever so slightly and visibly noticed her shiver at the
contact. As I pulled away her eyes widened and I smiled knowing that I could
affect her, this evening could be a lot of fun.

I entered Spike's flat and smelt the aroma of dinner cooking
and my stomach rumbled loudly.
"I'll take that as a good sign." Amy stated as she passed me walking
towards the kitchen.
"I'm ravenous," I rubbed my stomach animatedly making her giggle.
"Well I should hope so after demanding that I cook for you."
I sniggered, "That wasn't even close to demanding but I can be if you want
me to?" Amy whipped her head around quickly to look in my direction and I
saw a flash of excitement or even playfulness on her face as I gave her a cocky
grin.
She stood still assessing me and I noticed her breathing become shallow as she
branched her arms wide to hold on to the kitchen worktop.
"Amy!" I said but she was looking straight through me as if in a daydream,
"Amy!"
She shook her head slightly, pulling herself from her trance. "Yeah?"
"The saucepan is spilling!" I stated nodding in the direction of the
hob.
She turned quickly, "Shit!" she berated under her breath as she
grabbed a cloth and wiped some of the spillage before walking over to the sink
to rinse it under the cold water. "Make yourself useful and pour the
wine." She stated over her shoulder as she walked back to the hob to clear
up the remainder of the mess left from the spillage.
"What we having?" I asked intrigued.
"Surf and turf." Amy said quietly over her shoulder. "
Filet mignon and sea scallops. How do you like your
steak cooked?"
"Sounds and smells delicious, Medium rare please." I took the two
bottles of wine from the carrier bag and placed them onto the kitchen counter before
turning my attention back to the kitchen to work out where Amy would keep the
corkscrew. The most obvious place would be the drawers next to the oven, I
casually made my way across the kitchen to manoeuvre myself behind Amy as I
lightly placed a hand onto her hip and pressed myself against her as I leaned
towards the drawer. She stopped stirring the sauce and pushed back slightly as
I tightened my grip on her hip and lifted her head so it was resting on my
chest. I scrambled around in the drawer and found what I was looking for and
stooped close to Amy's ear, "You better keep stirring that sauce otherwise
it'll be lumpy." I patted her on the arse and a slight blush covered her
cheeks as she returned her attention back to the saucepan.