Chapter 6

"I'm bored, Talla," were the first words out of Pen's mouth when I entered the room. "I'm not used to lying around doing nothing."

Penelope had showered and looked much better than when I'd left her. "How do you feel about a little investigation? It can't do too much harm if you walk slow."

"That depends on where you want to go snooping."

"I thought we could eat at Hallen's. The groom and his friends will be there, I imagine."

Pen snorted. "I remember the last time we were there. You almost unmanned Jessop."

I rolled my eyes and paced. "That won't happen again. Besides, I have no intention of playing pool. We need to keep an eye on the groom, though. See if we can figure out who's after him."

"I'm in." She winced. "It'll have to be someone strong, though, if we suspect he was strangled, with a stiffy and all."

"Oh!" My cheeks heated. "I forgot about that. How on earth am I going to look him in the eye if I know I've seen his private thing?"

Pen snorted. "Private thing... Talla, really, you can do better than that. Penis, dick-"

"I get it." I winced.

Pen started to laugh, clutching her ribs. "Don't make me laugh."

"We shouldn't laugh. This is serious."

"I know. I think I'm more amused by how red you get when it's mentioned."

"At least you don't have the picture in your head."

"I wouldn't mind." Pen moved stiffly around the room as she searched for her purse. "I never asked you, is the groom a hottie?"

"You'll see for yourself." I frowned. "Are you sure you're up to this?"

Pen stopped in front of me. "You know me, Talla. I can't sit around. My legs work fine, besides, there's no way I'm going to miss this." She picked up her purse. "Are you ready?"

"Give me five minutes." I fled to my bedroom and changed into a flower tea dress in record time. I straightened my hair, put on fresh mascara and lipstick, and slipped my feet into a pair of red sandals with spiky heels. The sandals made my legs look amazing. I had forgotten deodorant, so I ran back to the bathroom and squirted some on. I smiled at myself in the mirror. I was ready.

The roadhouse was busy as we pulled into the parking lot. Pen was fidgeting with the dress I'd talked her into wearing, even though we'd both decided she'd be better off in ballet flats while she recovered.

I slipped my arm through Pen's, smiled, and entered Hallen's Roadhouse. I loved this place. The food was amazing. Most of the live bands that played here were excellent and drew large crowds. It was kept clean and free of fights. Well, the odd one would break out occasionally, but it was quickly broken up. Give it an hour and security would be at the doors and anyone who asked would be escorted to their vehicles.

The music could be loud though. As it was when we entered. We couldn't find an open table, but I spotted the groom and his friends. They were with a group of women, and I was pretty sure the bride was not one of them. The fact that the groom was flirting with some of the women gave it away.

"Should you be out?" A harsh voice came from Pen's right.

I felt my friend bristle at the question, which was asked in a rather annoyed tone.

I grabbed Pen's arm and said, "How's the head?"

"Tough," Jessop muttered.

"Is there a place to sit so we can order food?" I grinned. "Does being friends get us any favors with management?"

For the first time, I noticed that Pen was trembling. I looked at her face and quickly met Jessop's gaze. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Follow me."

He led us to a quiet corner where Carlisle was sitting with a laptop and papers on part of a table. His eyes bored into mine as he looked up and saw us. His eyes swept over me, pausing on my shoes and slowly moving up my legs before meeting my gaze.

"Sit down," Jessop urged.

I slipped into the seat before Pen could, thinking that Jessop wanted to be close to Pen. Carlisle gathered his papers and closed the laptop. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We're here to eat and enjoy some music," I replied.

"They want to eat, no other tables." Jessop motioned to his brother. "Do you want menus, or do you know what you're having?"

"Beast Bourbon," I announced happily. "With thick salt and pepper fries and a Stella, please."

"I'll have the same."

Jessop's gaze lingered on Pen for a moment, then he went off with our orders.

The heat I felt around Carlisle was becoming ridiculous. With that in mind, I turned my attention to him, only to find his on me. He gave me a slight knowing smile and turned his attention to Pen. "How are you really feeling, Pen?"

"I'm sore," she said. "Grateful to have good friends." She brushed a trembling hand across her cheek. "Is Jessop okay? I heard what he did?"

"He's a big baby with needles," he chuckled. "Don't tell him I told you that. He's fine, Pen, so don't worry about him."

Pen nodded, her eyes scanning the guests. "Where's the groom?"

"Groom?" Carlisle frowned.

"Talla thinks something bad is going to happen to the man, we're here to check him out."

"Is that right?"

Pen didn't seem to pay attention to Carlisle's tone, but I certainly heard the underlying anger in his voice. He glanced toward the bar and motioned for Jessop to come over. "Keep Pen company." He turned to me. "A word. Now!" He slid out of the booth and waited for me to follow, then took my hand and pulled me through to the back of Hallen's and into his office.

As soon as the door closed, he turned and pinned me against it, his face so close to mine. "Did I hear Pen right? You're here to see another man?"

"What? No! Not like that. Carlisle," I moaned. "Let me go." My heart was pounding, and my body felt hot and tight from how much of the man I could feel. We were pressed thigh to thigh and chest to chest. I didn't miss his reaction to me because he was hard and throbbing against me.

Carlisle closed his eyes and let his forehead fall on mine. We stayed like that for a few moments. I broke it when I raised a hand to his cheek. He pressed into my palm and planted a soft kiss there, his eyes now open and holding mine. "I don't know what to do with you?" He confessed.

I frowned, feeling a little annoyed. "I'm not one to play with, Carlisle. You keep doing this to me and then you back off. It has to stop."

"Do you really want it to stop?"

Good question.

"Why do you do it? You keep giving me a glimpse of what you and I could be, and then you push me away."

"I keep doing it," he rubbed against me, "because you drive me crazy." He grabbed my bottom and lifted me into his arms, my back pressing against the door again. My legs wrapped around his hips.

I moaned as his hardness pressed against a very sensitive spot. I couldn't breathe normally as he squeezed my bottom and rocked forward. Every thought fled as the sensation built. "We have to stop this," I whispered.

His mouth was on my neck. I shuddered and felt him tremble as my fingers dug into his neck. His wet mouth moved up and along my jaw. "I want you so badly," he moaned into my mouth seconds before his lips pressed against mine.

I clung to the man for all I was worth, he kissed me hard and wet while a hand pulled up the back of my dress. He slid his hand into my panties and squeezed my bottom. I gasped into his mouth as a large digit slipped inside me. Carlisle shivered and ground his erection against me. Then I experienced something unique for me; I came fully clothed. I arched and moaned and panted as I tried to consume his mouth.

"You," he said breathlessly, "need to stop talking about other guys when I'm around."

Totally embarrassed, I pressed against his chest until he released me. I stood on wobbly legs, my eyes glued to the bulge behind his zipper. Carlisle sat behind his desk and winced.

"I didn't mention another guy. Pen did." I dropped into a chair. "I-I mean, I've never done that before." I blushed fuchsia and cleared my throat. "I don't understand you."

Carlisle wiped his face with a hand. "I want you. Is that easy to understand?"

I nodded.

"You already know there are things going on in this town. I've told you many times. That is why you must stay away from me. I don't want others to find out that you are my weakness." His eyes held mine, and I knew then that he meant it. "I need you to stay out of whatever it is you are about to get into."

I burst out laughing. "How do you know I'm about to get into something?"

He glared. "I know you and Pen."

I got up and went to the door. I reached out and as my hand touched the doorknob, Carlisle said, "Tallulah?"

I glanced over my shoulder. "What?"

"It won't happen again."

Tears hovered, so I quickly exited and fled to the bathroom. Inside a stall, I grabbed a tissue and dabbed at my eyes. I wasn't even sure what the hell had happened. How had I gone from having dinner with Pen to having Carlisle Hallen give me an orgasm? Then to be told it wouldn't happen again!

Oh, that man!

Angry was good. It meant I wouldn't cry. I stormed out of the restroom and joined Pen. Jessop stood up as I sat down. "I'll bring your food over." He glanced in my direction as if to say something else but changed his mind.

"You look like you've been thoroughly kissed," Pen commented, her eyes widening when she saw I wasn't smiling. "Wait? What? Tallulah James, what did you do to Carlisle?"

"It won't happen again. The arrogant ass told me that after he kissed me senseless." I certainly wasn't going to confess the rest. "I noticed the groom is still here."

"I think you should go over and say hello, since you know him and all." Pen smiled sweetly and took a long sip of her Stella.

I followed suit, a thirst had come over me. "What were you and Jessop talking about?"

Pen looked away. "Nothing much."

I wanted to push, but after what happened with Carlisle, I thought better of it. "I'll go say hello." I paused. "Do I look okay?"

"Redo your lipstick." Pen chuckled.

Red lips reapplied; I slipped out of the booth.

Barry 'Ginger' was the first to see me approach. He did a double take when he recognized me, which I found amusing. He started a chain reaction by nudging his friends. Marshall, the groom, had a huge grin on his face when he turned and saw me. I didn't miss the way his eyes swept from the tips of my spiked sandals to my face and back again. His tongue came out and he licked his lips.

"Hello boys, having a good time?" I asked, allowing Jason to slide me into their group.

"We are now," Marshall said, pushing Jason out of the way. "What can I get you to drink?"

"I've got a drink and some food waiting for me." I nodded in the direction of where Pen was watching. She raised a hand and waved. "I just wanted to say hello."

"Looks like there's plenty of room." Marshall headed toward the table while Lyle came up to my right and said, "He's harmless." He then headed toward Penelope as well. I glanced over to the bar and noticed Jessop watching with a deep frown on his face. Carlisle looked angry before turning and leaving the bar.

I quickly followed the men and managed to slip into the booth across from Pen. That meant I had Marshall on one side and Barry on the other, now everyone was seated. I grabbed a French fry and started to eat. The burger was going to be a problem. It was huge and it wasn't the kind of thing you ate in the company of men, whether you were attracted to them or not. Pen seemed to have the same dilemma.

"So, which one is the groom?" Pen asked.

"That would be me. I'm Marshall, and these are my groomsmen, Jason, Barry, and Lyle. I don't think I mentioned it to Tallulah here, but Lyle is also the bride's brother."

Lyle didn't say anything, and I felt an awkward silence between the men, except for Marshall who seemed to miss it. I looked at Pen who had noticed it too.

Pen asked, "What time is the wedding tomorrow?" while I continued to munch on the fries. Eventually I got hungry and decided to try the burger.

All heads turned my way as I picked up the burger. I shrugged. "I'm not going to let this get cold just because I have an audience." I took a big bite and put the burger back on the plate as I chewed. I covered my mouth with a napkin and munched happily. I washed it down with another long drink from the Stella. "This is so good."

"I think I need what she's having," Barry commented.

"We just ate at the hotel," Lyle added.

I grabbed the bottle of ketchup from the middle of the table and tried to turn the cap. It wouldn't budge. I tightened my grip. Nothing.

"Here, let me." Marshall reached over.

"I got it." I insisted.

There was a loud pop, and the lid was free along with a glob of ketchup. It flew out and hit Marshall in the face. Silence fell. It was his own fault for leaning so close to me.

Pen started to choke on a French fry. Lyle, trying to help, smacked Pen in the back, causing her to scream in pain. Lyle froze. We all did. Then we all started talking at the same time.

I shot to my feet and grabbed napkins to pass to Marshall. "I'm so sorry about that."

He brushed me off with a laugh. "I think I should go to the restroom and clean up." He slipped out of the seat.

Jessop had come over at the sound of Pen's scream. He glared at Lyle. I shoved Jessop out of the way. "Go easy on him. He didn't know Pen was hurt. He was trying to help her when she choked." I crouched down next to Pen. "Are you okay?"

Her eyes filled with tears. "I think we should go."

"That's not a problem." I helped Pen to her feet and grabbed my wallet. Jessop covered my hand. "It's on the house."

"I'm not going to argue." I turned to the wedding party. "I hope you all have a great day tomorrow. Say goodbye to Marshall for us and tell him I'm sorry."

Lyle grinned. "I will."

Dusk had turned to night. Jessop walked us to the car. "Are you two ladies going to be okay driving home?"

"I drank about three-quarters of the bottle. We'll be fine." I hugged Jessop after he helped Pen into the car. "Thank you."

"Don't let my brother push you away, Talla," he whispered.

"Ugh! Does everyone know what we did in his office?" I pushed away from the man who had a shocked look on his face.

He cleared his throat. "I didn't, until now." Grinning, he crossed his arms and watched me. My face was on fire when I stumbled into the car.

I took one look at Pen's face and said, "Don't say a word." My friend clutched her ribs as she tried desperately to hold back her laughter. "Nothing happened!" I started the car and drove out of Hallen's. It was pitch dark, but fortunately there were not too many people on the streets, so I could drive with the high beams on. I knew these streets, but they scared me in the middle of the night.

"I know you, Tallulah James," Pen began, "don't tell me nothing happened. I know the look of someone who has been ravished."

"Okay, we kissed. A lot. It was the hottest kiss of my life. Then he pushed me away and said it wouldn't happen again." I swallowed hard as I fought back tears. "I think we need to look into what is going on in this town. We must be very careful, because if it has Carlisle on edge, then it must be bad. Dangerous even."

"I'm still stuck on you and Carlisle making out in his office."

I snapped to attention. "Who said anything about that?"

Pen snorted. "Power of deduction. I don't see Carlisle cornering you in the bathroom or the supply closet, so it had to be his office."

"Hmph."

"What did I miss?"

"Nothing."

"Oh, yes, I did! Your face is bright red." Pen chuckled. "What did the guy do to you?"

"Can we leave it alone?" I asked quietly. "Please Pen."

I felt more than saw, her searching my face before I felt her fingers wrap around my hand and squeeze it. "Yes, we can." She paused. "The groom has a wandering eye. I wonder if that's why he gets killed. Oh! Maybe it's the bride that kills him."

"I thought we decided he would be hanged. I don't see how a bride could do that."

"With help she could."

I thought about it for a few moments, relieved to have something other than Carlisle to think about. "Lyle is the bride's brother. Did you notice how he wasn't friendly with Marshall? Maybe it's the siblings." I snapped my fingers. "We're going to the wedding."

"Good, because I'd be very disappointed if we weren't. The Iris Hotel and Spa is supposed to be 'the' wedding venue."

"I really hope we can prevent Marshall's death, Pen."

"So do I, Tallulah."