If Looks Could Kill: 80's Baby Series 2 Read online

  If Looks Could Kill

  80's Baby Series 2

  Tamrin Banks

  Tamrin Banks

  Copyright © 2022 Tamrin Banks

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Printed in the United States of America

  To all the 80's babies out there, including me! And to my hubby, love you honey bunny!

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One: Jillian

  Chapter Two: Michael

  Chapter Three: Jillian

  Chapter Four: Michael

  Chapter Five: Jillian

  Chapter Six: Michael

  Epilogue One: Jillian

  Epilogue Two: Michael and Josh

  Afterword

  Acknowledgement

  About The Author

  Praise For Author

  Some Books By This Author:

  ∞∞∞

  Chapter One: Jillian

  ∞∞∞

  I bop around the closed store while I set up the displays. We’ve got new panties and bras in and I’m changing out the display mannequins. Although I love my job and the store, this is my favorite time of the week. I come in early every Tuesday after the new stuff comes in to get the mannequins in new stock. Sexy Nights is the best lingerie store, bar none. And that includes Victoria’s Secret.

  Sometimes I want to go crazy and just wig out, maybe veg for an extra day on the couch. But the store calls to me and I need to make sure that our product is tops.

  And this is not the time for that. I dance around the mannequin, stripping her while I sing to my favorite Heart song, If Looks Could Kill. I love the whole album but that one just hits all the right buttons for me. I mean, she catches her boyfriend cheating and sends that guy packing. She is wicked.

  Not that I have a boyfriend or ever have. The only thing I have is a dweeb who keeps picking on me. If only he wasn’t my best friend’s older brother. Marie is my girl for sure. But her brother is just a huge spazz.

  I sigh and slip the panties up the mannequin’s legs and lift them all the way up her skinny hips. I wish I was as skinny as the mannequins. Not me though. I’ve got hips too wide for my body and an ass that is bodacious at best. Bigger than the moon at worst. I hear it both ways.

  I belt out the lyrics to the song daydreaming about my first boyfriend. I hope I get one someday. My lips twitch with a little smirk. Hell, I would settle for a date. I’ve never even had that.

  My mama got sick when I was in junior high and all the sudden I found myself always having to come home to take care of her. Dad worked extra hours to try and keep up with her hospital bills but it was hopeless.

  She got so sick. But she never acted sick. She let me have my best friend, Marie over and we used to watch Growing Pains and Facts of Life with her in the room chuckling over something Blair or Tootie said until she started coughing and it reminded me that she wasn’t well.

  At her funeral I stood alone by my father until Marie stepped up to hold my hand. I couldn’t even acknowledge it though. I was numb. Michael came home to help his sister help me. He was already away at college. Business administration.

  He was a nerd in school and still irritates me no end. I jump when a loud yell brings me back to the store.

  “Hey, Jilly Bean! What the hell’s with the loud music? Can’t you play something decent if you’re gonna belt out tunes in the dark?”

  “It’s not dark, Michael. Jeez, why can’t you leave me the hell alone, dweeb!” His sparkling green eyes run up and down my body and I feel that sizzle on my skin again. I don’t know what’s wrong with me but since he started working at the Galleria I’ve felt something different. Something that scares the hell out of me. Marie is my best friend and if there’s one thing I know, I can’t date her brother. Especially since I can barely stand to be in the same space as him. “What do you consider good music?” I ask, curious in spite of myself.

  “Ratt or Billy Idol or something like that. Maybe Whitesnake. Depending.” He shrugs and I try not to notice how broad his shoulders are but my breathing picks up.

  Dammit! “Of course you’d like screeching hair bands. I bet you like heavy metal too!” I smile sardonically.

  He wraps a big hand around the metal gate pulled down over the entrance to the store. “Yeah, I do. Love it, in fact.”

  I roll my eyes and go back to work, muttering. “Of course you do.”

  He grins cheekily and blows me a kiss that makes my breath stall in my chest. “I’d be happy to let you teach me all about your preferences, Jilly Bean. Name the date and I’ll take you out. You can tell me all about everything you like.”

  “Not gonna happen, Michael.” I glare at him and saunter up to the gate. I don’t know why but I want to be closer to him. I can feel those eyes of his locked on me, never looking away for even a second. I get close enough that he can touch me. And he does!

  He reaches his hand through the steel barrier and grabs hold of mine. I stop breathing and my eyes freeze on his, widening. Little electric sparks dance under my skin where he touches me.

  “Why won’t you give me a chance, Jillian?” His smooth, husky voice has shivers running up and down my body and a pull in my belly that I’ve never felt before.

  I yank my hand away from him. “No. I-I can’t. What would Marie think?” I hold my hand against my chest and I can see the quick spark of something dark in his eyes. Dark and dangerous to my peace of mind.

  “I tell you what. You wanna make a bet, Jilly?”

  I stare at him, confused by the change of topic. “What do you mean? What kind of bet?”

  He leans his shoulder against the grate and looks away from me, thinking. I have a feeling that it’s all for show. I think he knows exactly what he’s doing. A bubble of unease sits in my belly, making me feel like I’m at the top of a rollercoaster getting ready to drop like a stone.

  His tanned hand comes up to rub along his jaw and my belly tightens again when I hear a subtle rasp from his five o’ clock shadow. Michael’s one of those guys that has a shadow right after he’s shaved. And from the tug in my pussy I think that I like it. I like it all, dammit!

  “How about your store against mine? Whichever store has the most sales this month, the manager is the winner and gets to claim a dare. And bragging rights.”

  My nerves jump and I feel a door closing me in. “No way am I going in to some bet with no idea what the bet is going to be.”

  A sly grin tilts his full lips. “Sweetheart, I’ll be happy to tell you what my dare is gonna be if I win. And I will win.”

  I snort, my hackles rising. “You’re full of it, Michael. Our store is going into their busy season. It’s coming up on summer and all the ladies want new clothes before they take trips.”

  He nods, not even surprised or worried. “I know that. It’s our busy season too. More camping trips and summer sports going on brings in a lot of sales. I’m pretty sure I can beat you, little girl.”

  I stiffen, glaring at him. “Stop calling me that. I’m not your girl at all, dweeb!”

  He throws his head back and laughs, his dark chocolate hair shining in the overhead lights. His tanned throat works and I’m staring at it like I can’t look away. He’s so damn masculine. So tempt
ing.

  And so wrong for me.

  “Whatever you think, Jilly Bean. But what about the bet?”

  I shrug, feigning a confidence that I’m not feeling. “You haven’t said what the bet is?”

  He turns to face me head-on and there’s that sparkle of lust in his emerald eyes again. I struggle to keep my game face on. But the words that fall out of his lips drives all thought out of my head.

  “I want a shot, Jillian. I want a date. Hell, I want three dates. I think that’s fair.”

  I shake my head, my long golden curls dancing in the scrunchie that’s holding it out of my face while I work. Long strands whip my cheeks. “No way, no how. I’m not going out with you even once. Let alone three times.”

  A sly grin quirks his lips and a triumphant sparkle dances in his gemstone eyes. “Chicken? I never figured you for a chicken, Jilly Bean.”

  I know he’s baiting me just like he always does but I can’t stop the words that shoot out. “Fine!” I holler, throwing my hands up in the air, exasperated. “I’ll take your stupid bet because I’m not gonna lose, Michael.”

  “Good. Shake on it.” He holds his hand through the bars. I reach out and tentatively wrap my fingers around his strong, long fingers.

  It’s like sparks shoot through my body and my eyes fly up to his. I jerk my hand back and cradle it to my chest. His eyes follow the movement and he licks his lips.

  “You didn’t ask me what I want if I win,” I challenge.

  “Doesn’t matter cause you’re gonna lose, little girl.” And with that parting shot he saunters off, whistling.

  “Oh, maybe you could get some of those new lavender panties you were wrestling with. You’d look damn good in those!” he chuckles.

  “Aargh!” I scream and stalk off.

  But worry nudges at my mind all day. I can’t lose this bet because I swear if I have even one date with Michael, I’m not sure I’ll be able to control myself. I can picture him kissing me goodnight and tugging me into his long, lean body and shudders plague me all day. All it took was one touch and fireworks blew up everywhere he touched. If he kisses me…? I think I’ll explode.

  Chapter Two: Michael

  ∞∞∞

  I whistle as I get the displays set up. We’ve got new camping gear and the kids’ products for softball and baseball season are in. I know we’re going to be swamped with parents buying their kids spring and summer sports gear soon. This time of year is our blowout season. Along with Christmas.

  I grin to myself. That’s why I picked now to challenge Jillian’s pride. She loves that shop and I love my job as well. Her entrance is only one door down from ours and across the way so I can watch her all day. Which I do.

  Even now I can see her pulling the gate up. Her golden curls are pulled up in a cute little ponytail and she’s wearing a frilly, lacy top, lace leggings and a lavender skirt that hugs her wide hips like a caress. My dick stirs in my pale jeans and I have to shift a little to keep from losing my mind.

  I wanted my sister’s best friend since I came home when she was sixteen. But I was so much older than her. But now she’s twenty-seven and I’m thirty-two. Granted, I could have made my move sooner. But I was working my way up in the store. I knew Jillian was the woman I intended to marry and have a family with. I needed to make sure I could take care of her right.

  She’s my woman. Even my sister doesn’t know how often I’ve fantasized about her buddy. All those sexy, frilly little outfits? It’s like waving a red flag in front of a bull. My body rages out of control every time I see her. My dick stiffens again when I see her talking to a customer and she’s showing her a matching bra and panties set in a soft purple lace that she’d look so fucking good in.

  The fact that she works in a lingerie store is a bit of a turn-on for me but then again I think it would be for most men.

  I see her lead the woman back to the cash register in the back of the store and I lose sight of her for a few minutes.

  “Dude, you need to get with that girl. Maybe then you’ll quit daydreaming all day long.”

  I turn and grin at my best friend, Matt. “Dude. I’ve set my plan in motion.”

  His dark eyes widen. “Dude, what did you do?”

  “Remember me telling you about the bet?”

  He nods.

  “I got her to do it.”

  “Shit, dude! Doesn’t she know this is our busiest time of the year!” he chuckles.

  “Of course not! And I wasn’t about to tell her either!”

  “Dude, that is so wrong.”

  I shrug, unconcerned. “I’m gonna win and that’s all I’m worried about. We have that sale coming next week on the softball and baseball shoes and equipment too. We’re gonna clean up.”

  His eyes study me. “You don’t think you’re being a little unfair to her. Our price point is higher and it’s our busiest season. She’s toast no matter what she does.”

  “All’s fair in love and war, man.” I feel a little bit of shame but I shove it aside. I want that girl and she won’t give me the time of day for some reason. So I’m gonna fight a little dirty. But I’m fighting for us. For our future. For the sexy little woman that’s got me so tied up in knots I spend half my days staring across the mall and watching her.

  She comes back into view and I feel that flare of lust and love that always happens when I see her. It stiffens my resolve.

  Matt shrugs and walks off to set up the display for the new tent that just came in. “Whatever, man. Just don’t be surprised when this all blows up in your face.” His warning falls on deaf ears.

  I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win my girl. Even directly go against what my sister begged me a long time ago.

  Marie knew that I liked her friend. She doesn’t realize how much but she knew. I still remember the day she sat me down and her soft eyes closed.

  “Stop it, Michael. Don’t you dare try to make time with Jillian. I will kill you if you hurt her.”

  “I’m not going to hurt her,” I groaned.

  “Yeah, because you’re gonna stay away from her.” She stood up and her slim hand touched my shoulder.

  “Just leave her be, Michael. There are all kinds of girls out there that would love to get with a good-looking guy like you. Leave my friend alone.”

  I nodded but I knew even then I had no intention of just letting Jillian go. I was the man for her.

  She was mine.

  And if it hurt my sister? Well, eventually she’d get over it. Maybe when we had our first baby. Babies fix everything right?

  I nod my head and get back to work but all day I watch Jillian out of the corner of my eye, my heart sinking to my toes when I see a good-looking preppy guy in one of those shirts with the alligators on it heading into Sexy NIghts.

  “What the fuck does he want,” I grumble under my breath.

  Matt walks up behind me. “Looks like he wants the same thing you do. Jillian.” His smirk makes me want to slug him but instead I toss the package of gloves I was unpacking to him and bolt out the door.

  It takes me just seconds to get across the mall and into Jillian’s store. Just in time to see the guy run a finger down Jillian’s bare arm. I see red. Who the hell does this guy think he is touching my wife?

  She smiles at him but it seems a little forced to me.

  “Dude, she’s not for sale. Maybe you could back the hell up!” I growl, stalking up and pulling Jillian out of his reach and behind me.

  Jillian peeks out and groans, “Michael, it’s alright. He’s looking for some stuff for his wife.”

  I shoot her a glare. “Then what the hell’s he doing touching you, little girl?”

  I whip my head around to glare at him. He lifts his hands, palms up. “Sorry, man. I’m not married. I was just trying to get her attention. Thought maybe she’d like to go out.”

  Jillian steps around me her pale blue eyes flashing. “What the heck kind of girl do you think I am? You think that I’ll go out with a guy
who was talking about his wife?”

  I chuckle and tug her back into me until her backside is cradled against my front. I suck in a breath, feeling my dick jump. “I think you miscalculated a little with your plan, man. No girl wants to go out with a married man. Especially this one.” I rest my head on the top of Jillian’s head while I feel her quivering in my arms. I would like to think it’s a reaction to my touch but I think this time it’s anger.

  “Dude, I wouldn’t go out with you if you were the last man on earth,” she hollers. I want to cheer her on but instead I just tug her closer to me. I wrap my arms around her soft middle and feel her quick intake of breath.

  I nod my head to the entrance. “I’d hit the road, dude. She’s not interested.”

  “Sorry, man. I didn’t know she was taken.”

  Jillian growls and lunges at him. I laugh and pull her back, holding her soft body tight. So tight that I can feel every single hitched breath. Feel the diamond points of her nipples pressing against her soft shirt.

  The guy’s eyes drift down and now I want to punch him. I growl, “dude…just get out. Before I let her loose to kick your ass!”

  He flinches and then scuttles out the doorway. “You alright, little girl?”

  “Th-that asshole,” she sputters, incoherent with rage. I let her loose and she paces back and forth, her pale blue eyes flashing with fire, trembling with rage. Her cheeks flush pink and her pretty pink lips part, sparkling with pink gloss that’s just begging me to kiss her.

  I yank her around and slam my lips down on hers. My head spins and it’s like it’s every single fantasy I’ve had come to life.

  Her lips part on a moan and my tongue dives inside, washing over the sides of her mouth, slithering over her teeth and dancing with her tongue until I’m panting for breath and shaking with need. She tastes like strawberries and cream. Like the sweetest candy I’ve ever tasted.