Lori gave herself an approving smile in the mirror. Then she heard her sister call to her.
Charlie was already there.
* * * *
Lori walked out to the front porch where Charlie was talking to her father and Jasper about his truck. Dante and Trevor weren’t in sight and her stomach clenched. Maybe they changed their minds. Maybe they decided they didn’t like her that much after all. She looked past him toward the truck parked up front. It was a gorgeous green color, a two-seater and Lori was surprised that it belonged to Charlie. She really didn’t know that much about him but it was obvious that her heart and body didn’t care. She was attracted to him and hoped things would only get better.
Jasper whistled as Lori walked onto the porch and everyone turned toward her. She was completely embarrassed as she felt her face turn red, her heart pound even faster, and a ball form in her throat. She could have killed Jasper for making the sound.
“You look beautiful, Aunt Lori,” Ben told her as he gave her leg a hug. “And you smell great, too.” Maggie called him over to her.
“Hi!” she said nervously as she stared at Charlie, who looked amazingly handsome. He was clean-shaven, wore a light blue button-down shirt and a pair of beige khakis. Instantly he was at the porch steps, gently taking her hand to escort her down the three steps. But his facial expression se
emed strained. Maybe he didn’t like the dress? Maybe it was too much for his friend’s place they were going to?
“You looked gorgeous.”
“So do you,” she replied.
They said good-bye then headed toward the truck.
* * * *
“Now that was something else. I’m so glad I was here to witness that,” Diana said as she smiled wide then sat back down in the rocker.
“You think she’ll be all right?” Lou asked, and Diana smiled, nodding yes.
“That was incredible. Did you see the way they looked at one another? I’ve never seen anything like that before. If Trevor and Dante look at her in the same way, there’s no way she won’t be head over heels in love in no time,” Maggie said as she spoke to Jasper.
“You’ve experienced it before though,” he whispered to her, and she smiled, knowing exactly what he meant.
“You looked at me that way just the other day,” he told her.
She was embarrassed at his directness. She had no right to get into a relationship with another man. She had Ben to worry about and he had gone through enough changes. Maggie getting involved with another man could be the worst thing for Ben right now.
Jasper took her hand into his and her parents watched, knowing that Maggie was hesitant.
“Go out with me, Maggie. Everything will be fine. Ben will be fine. I’m sure of it.”
“Yeah, Mommy, you should go on a date with Jasper like Lori did with Charlie. You have a pretty dress you can wear.” Ben stood between Maggie and Jasper. They both hugged Ben and Maggie had a feeling that just maybe things would be all right.
* * * *
Charlie still hadn’t said a word. He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable as they pulled out of the long driveway and headed out of the neighborhood. He just couldn’t seem to speak when all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms, inhale her heavenly perfume and kiss her deeply. He was shocked at the overwhelming need to touch her. But he needed to remain calm. He and his brothers decided that it may make Lori feel less overwhelmed if one of them picked her up at home. They wanted to ease her mind about getting involved in a ménage relationship and make her understand that it meant three men would share in taking care of her.
“You look incredible, Lori, absolutely amazing.” He lightly squeezed her hand. When she looked up at him, her serious expression turned to a small smile. He had succeeded in breaking the ice. Good.
“Thank you, Charlie, and you look great as well. I love this truck. How long have you had it?”
“For a couple of years. It was a hunk of junk actually and sat in my garage for about a year. Then when I had some free time, I decided to fix her up.” He left out the part about tearing it apart one night in a fit of anger over a series of terrible nightmares he had. He had met a woman, thought she was kind of special, but soon found out she wanted him for his money and good looks. He wasn’t some stupid soldier who only knew about war and guns. Nor were Trevor and Dante. He got rid of her quickly, breaking things off and letting her know how spoiled and deceiving she was. It soured him even more.
He glanced at Lori. He prayed she wasn’t pretending to be so innocent and sweet. It would send him over the edge.
“So is there anything original on it or did you completely restore it?” she asked him, and he wondered if she was really interested or just making nervous conversation.
“It has the original V-8 motor with a three-speed manual floor shifter in its original style and condition. I updated the interior with vinyl seats, a new headliner, and new rubber flooring. She’s my prize possession.”
“That’s fantastic, Charlie, where did you learn about cars and trucks?”