Mississippi Blues by D'Ann Lindun Page B

in a heap. Her Lycra skirt slid up to her waist, exposing her red thong. One bra strap slid off her shoulder, dangling down her arm. As she struggled to stand, no one offered a hand, only made a few nasty suggestions.
    Lindy giggled, pushing to her hands and knees. “Where’s Candy?”
    â€œHere I am.” The other girl wound her way forward and held out her hand. After two or three attempts, they entwined fingers and Lindy managed to get on her feet. She tugged her skirt down and fumbled with her bra, but it wouldn’t stay in place so she let it be.
    â€œBoy, can you dance,” Candy said. “Wish I could do that.”
    â€œBallet lessons.” Lindy staggered toward the bar. “I need a drink.”
    â€œI’m gonna find my date,” Candy mumbled.
    â€œThe bar’s closed,” Jimmy Ray told her when she asked for a refill. “Last call was thirty minutes ago. You missed it. You were kinda busy giving lap dances.”
    â€œJealous?” she taunted. “Maybe you wish you could have one. In fact, I think you want in my panties.”
    â€œI get into them, you won’t ever forget it.” He reached across the bar and dragged a thumb under her bra strap, sliding it back in place. His fingers lingered for a moment.
    She shivered. He was different from anyone she’d ever met. Dangerous. Edgy. Someone who would really piss off her mother and the Chief. “You’re a big talker.”
    â€œI’m big in a lot more ways than talk. Try me, and I’ll show you.” He kissed two of his fingers then brushed them across her cheek.
    Candy wandered up beside her, arms wrapped around the waist of her new boyfriend. “Can you find a ride home? I’m going with Ralphie.”
    â€œI have my Jeep.” She heard the Chief’s voice in her head warning her to never drink and drive. Sober was a long ways behind her. She glanced at the man behind the bar. “Jimmy Ray can take me home.”
    â€œYeah, and other places.” He smirked. “Like Heaven.”
    â€œCool. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Before Lindy could change her mind, Candy left with her latest chance at love.
    â€œLet’s get out of here.” Lindy slung her bag over her shoulder and handed Jimmy Ray her car keys. “You drive.”
    â€œCool.” He tossed the keys in the air catching them in his palm. “Let’s ride.”
    â€¢ • •
    He drove like a man possessed. Even loaded, Lindy worried they might wreck. She hung onto the roll bar for dear life. Her stomach pitched, threatening to boil over. “Slow down.”
    â€œNo way, baby. I don’t do anything half speed.” He tromped on the gas, sending the Jeep into a fishtail.
    â€œWhere are we going?” she mumbled, tightening her hold.
    He reached over and slid his hand up her thigh. “Somewhere we can be alone.”
    Her skin crawled. Shouldn’t she be looking forward to being with him? When the Chief found out, he’d blow his stack. “I just wanna lay down.” Lindy’s head felt as though it might explode. She thought she might feel better if it did.
    â€œOh, you’ll go down, Lil Sugar.” Jimmy Ray licked his lips and leered at her. “And so will I.”
    Suddenly, the last thing Lindy wanted was this toad’s hands on her. Her skin under his hand felt dirty. There were other ways she could piss off the Chief. “I’ve changed my mind. I need to go home.”
    He shook his head. “No way. We’re gonna see this through. Tonight.”
    Although her brain felt like scrambled eggs, she tried to think how she could get out of this mess. Maybe she could get away from him when he stopped the Jeep. Pretend to have to pee or something then run. She stroked his hand with her nails. “I know. Let’s go to the lake.”
    â€œThat’s good thinking. No one will be there.” He squeezed her knee and her