by Kat Addams
She pulled back, gasping for air. “Wow! That … you … Weston Banks. Where did you learn to kiss like that? You’ve been hiding that from me all along?”
“I feel … close to you. And when I feel close to someone, I turn on my smooth moves.” I winked.
“Close to me, eh? Your fake fiancée. Good. I’m feeling close to you too.” Her eyes darted toward the exit.
“Oh, yeah?” I asked, coming in for another kiss.
“Yeah,” she muttered into my mouth.
I pulled back, out of breath and ready to take her to the next level.
“My tongue isn’t only good for kissing. I’d love to twirl it around that clit of yours. I bet your pussy tastes like candy … or cream pies.”
“Oh. Wow. Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” Nikki’s eyes bulged.
“Fuck it. I will.” I scooped her up into my arms and tossed her back onto the bed.
“Weston!” She feigned shock. “Did you at least lock the door?”
I turned to lock the door quicker than I’d ever done anything in my life. With one stealth motion, the door was locked, and I was on top of my fake bride.
“This is how I feel. I like you, and I’ve wanted to do this since I saw you dance on that stage. You said you wanted to get closer in the shower. This is a better idea.” I kissed my way down her chest, circling her navel with my lips before lifting her dress.
She arched her back and moaned, not saying a word. I took her silence as a green light.
I slid my finger under her panties and tugged, gently kissing her skin. I nipped, nibbled, and caressed the skin just above her slit, making her buck against my face. I wanted her to beg for it. I needed her to beg—
“Knock, knock!” Ma called from outside the door.
My dick shriveled back into hiding.
Nikki’s fist clenched the bedsheets. “Fuck!”
“It’s okay. Another time,” I growled, pushing myself off the bed. I unlocked the door and stepped out before shutting it and hoping she hadn’t noticed Nikki in the bed.
“Your dad needs help with something or other out there. I think it’s the fireworks station. Anyway, he asked me to get you,” Ma said.
I nodded and followed her down the stairs, giving up on ever getting laid by the famous Crystal Cream Pie. Already, our fake engagement was coming to an end soon, and I’d not once gotten to fuck my fiancée.
I spent the next several hours with my dad and the vendors working at our event. While I sweated my itchy balls off, my brother was never even in sight. I loaded chairs into the back of my dad’s pickup truck and slammed it shut.
“Hey, Dad, did you know Ma is more than just a ma?” I asked.
“What do you mean, son?” My dad climbed into the pickup and started the engine. It roared to life.
I always knew my father was home when our walls vibrated with his exhaust. All of the Banks men had a thing for cars.
“I guess she wasn’t feeling valued or something. I don’t know. She spouted off today about how she had built the business and stuff.”
“She’s absolutely right. I couldn’t have done any of this without your mama. What set her off?”
“Kristy said business stuff was men’s work.”
“Phew, boy! Did she now? Ha-ha!” Dad slapped his knees. “Your mom might look like a ’50s-era housewife, but that’s because she plays that part well. She has a side she’s hidden from you boys. Always told me she had to be in mom mode around y’all. Men’s work … I can’t believe she said that!” He laughed, rubbing his hand across his face.
“So, Ma’s life doesn’t revolve around Wes and me and you.”
“Oh no, it does. It always has and always will. She’s a special one. Balances it all. It’s gotten to her a few times throughout the years. I have to dial up my work when that happens. But that’s Jean. She would never call business men’s work, no matter that she was always behind the scenes. She did most of the business stuff, to be honest with you. While I was out and about, getting financial resources, she was building it up.”
“Why didn’t I ever know this? I feel like my whole life has been a lie. I’ve had an amazing life. I’ve learned that now. But I don’t want it at the expense of Ma’s sanity.”
“She gave up a big part of herself to be a mom. But you never knew that, did ya? She loves you. Just don’t discount her work. I bet Kristy learned that quick. Besides, that ain’t going nowhere. I’m not even sure Kristy is Wes’s real fiancée.”
I swallowed hard and stared out the window. “What makes you say that?”
“She just seems fake, is all. But your woman—that Nikki is something else! Reminds me of your ma when she was that age.”
“Really? You think so? She’s been good for me, and I love her so much,” I said, feeling a knot in the pit of my stomach. It was halfway true. I hadn’t been in love in ages, but I was falling for Nikki—and fast.
“You make a fine couple. Good enough to carry on the Banks name, I do believe. And you know, I’m looking to retire soon. Hoped to get one of my two buffoon sons to carry on with things. You seem like the more likely of the two to have a good head on your shoulders. What do you say?”
I blinked, slowly going over his words in my head and making sure I’d heard them right.
“Are you asking if I want to be the new big man in charge of Westworld?”
“Your brother is going to have a fit, but where is he now? He doesn’t show up and work as you do. And Ma has high hopes for those grandbabies. Told me last night she can’t wait for the wedding. Didn’t know why y’all was keeping the date a secret. You might want to tell her that. I’ll get with my lawyer and see what needs to be done when I do hand it over. That is, if you accept.”
The guilt that fell on my shoulders weighed them down so much that they sagged heavy below my ears.
“I would love to take over Westworld.” I gritted my teeth. Somehow, I’d thought I would feel better in this moment than I did.
I went about the rest of my day, making myself busy so as not to revel in the guilt I felt over my ma and dad believing I was marrying Nikki. I’d never thought about the repercussions of my decision. I wasn’t one to look ahead into the future, but this time, I’d not been prepared at all. I wanted to confess to everyone that I was a lying dirtbag, but I didn’t wish to drag Nikki into my drama. She didn’t deserve it.
I watched her as she helped my ma set out her pies and adjust the table settings. Both Nikki and Ma laughed and danced around to the band warming up, and Ma even introduced her to the guests rolling in. Meanwhile, Kristy and Wes were attached to my dad at the hip. From Ma’s rant earlier, I now knew that my mother was the one to win over in this business deal. She was the backbone. Wes was so oblivious to anyone but himself that he couldn’t see that.
While he and his bullshit fiancée schmoozed my dad, Nikki had already won over my ma. But I knew by that look on her face that she wasn’t even pretending anymore. Her wide smile and genuine laughter let me know that she was enjoying herself.
I grabbed a glass of sweet tea from the catering table and sat down at a table in the corner of the tent, drowning my guilt in a sugary drink that wasn’t doing the trick. I needed a Shizzle Sauce cocktail now more than ever.
“I love her. I really, really love her, Weston. You did good, my boy,” Ma whispered, setting a plate of food down in front of me.
“Oh, hey, Ma! I was watching you both earlier. It seems like you two were hitting it off. That’s great!” My voice trailed off.
“She is something else; that’s for sure! The total package. I’m going to want that wedding date before you leave the farm. I’ve got some stuff up my sleeve for it. Oh, and did your dad talk with you yet? About Westworld?”
I swallowed a lump in my throat. “He did. Asked if I was ready to take it on.”
“And are you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good! You know your father and I will still be working with you
on it too. Don’t stress out about it. We believe in you and know you’d not let us down.” She patted my shoulder before heading back off toward the guests.
I pushed the food around on my plate before giving up on eating and settling back into my chair, fanning myself. The outdoor air conditioners placed around the tent weren’t doing jack shit for my body. My blood pressure had skyrocketed through the roof by the time Nikki sat down next to me.
“Hey, stranger! Where have you been hiding? Left your bride all by her lonesome!” Nikki scooted her chair next to mine and swiped an olive from my plate.
“I got the offer. My dad told me I could have Westworld.” I sighed.
“That’s wonderful news!” Nikki grabbed the sides of my face and pulled me in for a big smack on the lips. “That means, our plan worked!”
“Yep.”
“What’s wrong?”
“They love you. Everyone loves you. I didn’t think this through. I’m going to break their hearts. Especially Ma’s. She is head over heels for you.”
“I’m head over heels for her too. She is an amazing woman. I don’t want to let her down either. I … like her. Sure do wish my mom had been as caring and loving as she is! Whoever you marry will be lucky to have her as a mother-in-law. I thought, when I came here, she would be stiff and uptight, and she is, but your mama has a side to her that she’s slowly been able to let out.”
“I think it’s because of you. I’ve never seen her like this. Look at her.” I nodded toward my mom, who tossed her head backward, laughing with the band setting up onstage.
“How so?”
“I don’t know. I guess you make her comfortable enough to tell her secrets. I knew she wasn’t a Stepford mom ever since I found those dragon dildos. But I had no idea she was Jean—as horrible as that sounds. I never looked at my mom other than a mom. I’m an ass.”
“You’re not an ass. You’re opening your eyes. No one has ever helped you see that, and you’ve been in a damn bubble—a comfy, cozy bubble where all is right in family and life. I get it. I would have been there too. But I’ve seen some shit, and I was forced to expand my views. I’m a better person for it, and maybe that is my path in life. Opening everyone’s eyes. Spreading kindness and awareness around so others can pass on help where needed.”
“You’re amazing at that. I’ve been thinking about it. I think I’d like you to take me to the cottage sometime. I want to volunteer. Maybe even take some of the kids out here to the farm and show them how it all works. I think Ma would love it too.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up.
“Really.” I smiled.
She scooted next to me and rested her head on my shoulder.
“This is the life,” she sighed as we watched the guests laughing and enjoying themselves around us.
I nodded, kissing her hairline as she melted into me. She felt like part of the family. I closed my eyes for a split second, willing it so.
“Look at you two lovebirds!” Wes sneered, pausing to stop at our table.
Kristy’s eyes darted around the room before settling on Nikki.
“You know, I’ve been trying to put my finger on where I know you from. You look so familiar. I kept racking my brain, trying to figure it out. But after that cream-pie comment in the kitchen, things just clicked. I’ve seen you at work, Crystal.” Kristy smirked.
The hairs on the back of my neck bristled as my grip on Nikki tightened.
Nikki sat up, straightening her back. She stared into Kristy’s eyes, causing Kristy to take a step back. “The Steamy Clam is my side job. Next time you’re in there, you should stop and say hi.”
“Oh, I don’t go to those places.” Kristy shivered. “I had a delivery there once. That was the first and last time I was in there.”
“Is that so?” Nikki shifted in her chair. “Hmm. Delivery? I don’t believe I ever even asked you what you do.”
“I work for Pepe’s.” She grinned.
“Pepe’s?” I asked.
“Yes, Pepe’s. The taco place with the most amazing tacos ever!” Wes said, eyeballing Nikki.
“The taco place! Oh! I thought it was called Pee-Pee’s. Certainly should be. Those tacos don’t have shit on The Pink Taco Truck. Just saying.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Pee-Pee’s!” Nikki laughed. “I love it. They are some pretty good tacos! But I have to admit, I’m partial to The Pink Taco Truck!”
“Of course. Those women do seem more … your type.” Kristy’s nose crinkled.
Nikki started to rise in her seat, but I gripped her tighter, holding her down.
“I’m sorry, what was that? What do you mean, those women are my type? Have you met any of those women?” Nikki’s nose flared.
“No, and I don’t want to. I’ve seen them. All tattoos, loud, mouthy, obnoxious. Dirty.” Kristy tilted her head to the side and tapped her finger to her chin, as if trying to think of more ways to insult my fake bride.
“Wow, Wes! You sure did pick a bitch to settle down with. Let me guess. Is it that dying hyena laugh that won you over or the icy-cold cunt?” Nikki said, standing up. I couldn’t keep her down any longer.
I rose to my feet behind her.
“Whoa! Control your woman, Weston.” Wes stepped back, pulling Kristy with him.
“Control? Control?” Nikki laughed a laugh that I’d only heard in the movies by a supervillain.
My asshole clenched as I looked from my brother and his fiancée to Nikki and back. I was prepared to jump in, but at this point, I wasn’t sure if Nikki would like that. I had a feeling she wanted to handle things herself. I put my palm on her lower back, only letting her know I was here, behind her all the way.
“Come on, Wes. It’s not worth it. The deal will be off once your ma finds out her precious, future daughter-in-law is a stripper anyway.” Kristy smiled, tugging Wes away before we could respond.
“He knows. He knows I’ve got Westworld, and he is building his case,” I said, putting my arms around Nikki. Her body shook. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry you had to deal with that.”
“I’m okay. I didn’t want to make a scene, but damn, I wanted to knock that bitch out. How dare she talk about DTF! I mean, fuck. We are dirty but not dirty as in disgusting. Who the hell does she think she is?”
“She looks familiar to me, but she’s a nobody. That’s who. And she works at Pee-Pee’s tacos. That says more of her than anything. Those tacos are nasty!”
“I’m sorry, Weston. I don’t know how to do damage control on this one. I’ll do my best. Who I am … what I do … that might ruin your chances of getting Westworld now. I don’t think your ma will be thrilled about my secret life. Maybe we can tie it in with the breakup or something. Like I lied to you. Just blame it on me. All of it. I’m so damn sorry.” She sat back down in her chair and folded her arms across her chest.
I plopped down beside her, resting my hands on her knees. “Hey. Don’t be sorry. If things don’t work out, it wasn’t meant to be.”
“But this is what I’m here for. I’m here to help you get what you want. This was a business deal, remember? I failed on my part.”
“No, you didn’t. I got Westworld. They must know it, and they’re probably grasping at straws to change my parents’ minds. We’ll figure it out. And even if we don’t, I’m glad I made this business deal with you. Like we talked about earlier, you’ve opened my eyes. I already feel like a better man because of you. Also, you’re hot as fuck, and I got to stick my tongue in your mouth. It’s still a winning situation for me, no matter the outcome.”
“You’re one in a million, Weston—and Dan,” she said, tugging at my beard and pulling me in for a kiss.
NINE
Nikki
I crawled into bed, more mentally exhausted than anything. I hadn’t even enjoyed the fireworks because of the guilt I felt for Weston and his family. Not only was I about to fail him at our business arrangement because of my reputation, but I would also hurt his mother, who, in the sho
rt amount of time I’d been here, I had grown close to. Weston and I hadn’t discussed any more of the drama tonight. I wore my heart on my sleeve, and the sadness that fell on me like a heavy blanket carried over to him as well.
He had tried to cheer me up throughout the night, but my heart was already broken. I worried that I’d fucked up, and I was not the type of person who handled failure very well. I worked my ass off at my jobs. I wasn’t even worried about the money and paying off my debts at this point. All I wanted was to see Weston and his family happy—and maybe for that bitch Kristy to be trampled by Bessie.
I twirled my mother’s ring on my finger, whispering a quick prayer to whoever would listen, “Please help me figure out a way not to let Weston and his family down. Please help the DTF girls. Please help the cottage children. Please save the world. Amen.”
I pulled the blankets up around my neck and curled up on my side.
The door slowly creaked open.
“Nikki?” Weston called.
“Weston? I thought I’d locked that door!” I whispered back.
“You did. I’m sorry. I picked it.”
“You can pick locks?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. That’s a little out of character, but I think I like it,” I called out into the dark, my eyes adjusting to him as he quietly shut the door.
“Can we talk?”
“Sure. Come on in.” I threw back the covers and let him slide in next to me. “I’m assuming this is the damage control talk. You know … I was thinking—” I started.
Weston pressed his lips into mine and crawled on top, straddling me. Dan brushed against my chin, sending tingles—really, really good tingles—down my body and out my toes.
“Shh … I need to know my wife.”