Free Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series by Reese Madison, Lynne Foster Page A

fall madly in love, have kids… . kids. Do I want kids? Not really, at least not now.
    Then there’s Lou. His hair is too long, but a nice chocolate swirl of colors. I think even if he got a haircut, he should leave the front longer than it should be. I’ve grown attached to the way he’s always shoving it out of his face.
    Then there’s his long legs and lean waist. I’ve seen him without a shirt, and minus the tattoos he’s quite a piece of work. Something to be drawn with charcoals that capture the shadows his abdominal muscles create.
    I’m not sure if I like the tattoos or not. He has such a lovely body, but then again some of the symbols and artwork look important to him. They are all well done, and quite good artistically speaking.
    “Barbie!” Lou almost yelled making me jump.
    “Shit! Sorry. What?” I looked at him. Did I just cuss? Lou’s foul mouth is rubbing off on me. I got a quick flash in my head of Lou’s mouth on my neck and shivered. Well that was weird… and kind of nice. It left behind a slight adrenaline rush.
    “Where were you? I’ve been trying to get your attention for two minutes.” He scolded me.
    I felt my mouth twist up, “Nowhere, just thinking.” About you. Dammit!! I can’t be having thoughts about Lou! He’s a drifter, always going from town to town, job to job.
    “It’s almost six. Myles is going to leave you a couple guns, let’s hope you don’t need them.” He pointed to the table.
    I picked up the Glock first and checked the chamber, cartridge, and safety. Then I picked up the .38 to check the bullets. Hollow points, that’ll work. “These should help.”
    Myles stood up. “I’m going to brief the guards outside the door. Lou, I’ll see you downstairs.”
    “You got it.” Lou replied then shifted taking both my hands in his. “Look at me baby.”
    “I can’t.” I looked out the window.
    “Why is that?” He asked softly.
    “Because I’ll want you to kiss me again before you go.” I admitted letting the adrenaline fuel my bravery.
    “Is there something wrong with that?” He sounded a little hurt.
    I looked at him and saw the humor in his eyes. “Don’t tease me Mr. Colson. I have enough on my plate right now.”
    He sobered, “Very true. How about a quick kiss goodbye then?”
    I nodded because I want his lips back on mine so bad it burns in my throat.
    He leaned in and touched his lips to mine. I barely got to taste his tongue on mine before he stood letting go of my hands. “Alright kitten, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
    “Lou?”
    He pulled on his cut, “Yes?”
    “Thank you, for staying, and helping Myles.” Tears stung my eyes.
    “I’m not doing this for Myles. Keep the guns close, the volume down on the television so you can hear what’s going on in the hallway, and lock the door.” He instructed firmly. Gone is the soft Lou, with soft lips, and almost soft beard that tickles my chin. This is the protector. The man on the clock.
    I nodded. “Okay. Be careful. Please.”
    “Always.” He turned and left without looking back.
    I touched my fingers to my lips. I can still feel his presence here. What am I doing letting this man kiss me?? I must be two biscuits short of a dozen if I’m kissing gypsy bikers with long hair and dazzling blue eyes.
     

4

    The next hour was the longest of my life. When the door opened and the guys walked in I almost ran to them, but I couldn’t decide which one to go to first, so I stood up without moving from my spot instead.
    “How did it go?” I asked feeling my heart racing.
    “Paulie is downstairs waiting for you. We’ll be with you the entire time. He has a business proposition for you.” Myles didn’t sound happy.
    “What kind of business proposition?”
    “He wouldn’t divulge the details, but we agreed on a secure place for us to meet in ten minutes. You should know that if you refuse his offer, he’s going to come after you, in every way possible. Business, and personal. He