“Kara said you had something to tell me.”
I removed my coat, then leaned forward. “Yes. I’ve asked Kara to move to L.A. with me. She doesn’t believe I want to be with her long term. I overheard her tell Michelle and Chrissy earlier, she’d only be in L.A. for two weeks. She thinks I’ll change my mind and break up with her. And I suppose she’s trying to save face by telling her friends she’s going on vacation.”
He poured the freshly brewed coffee into a brown mug.
“Kara’s trying to protect her heart. She told me you asked her to move to L.A., but it would be more like a two-week vacation.”
I chuckled, but my heart hurt. It hurt because Kara didn’t believe in us. When we first met, she mentioned all the bachelors flirted with her on their vacation. I wasn’t any of those men. I was her man.
Frank placed the mug in my hand.
“Your daughter isn’t going on vacation, sir. It’s permanent.”
He clutched his mug and sat beside me. “You’ve fallen for her hard, son. I can see it in your eyes you’re in love with her. It worries me how people will react to you and my daughter being together. Will your family accept her? The only reason she didn’t experience that much racism here is because I shut it down. No one will treat my daughter with disrespect. I told her if she doesn’t feel safe in California to call me,” he scowled.
“I understand your concern. Honestly, I don’t care who doesn’t accept us. She’s an extension of me now. We’ve only known each other for two weeks, but it feels like years. They’ve been the best two weeks of my life. One day, I hope to come back here and ask you for her hand in marriage. I know we’re doing things backwards. There’s no way I can be away from her. A long-distance relationship wouldn’t work. She’s concerned I’d fall back to my old ways. I don’t want any doubt in her mind. Kara can visit you anytime she wants. All she has to do is call the pilot. The jet will be fueled up and ready to go.”
He laughed. “You have your own jet? That’s why you didn’t flinch when I mentioned you wrecking my truck.”
“Yeah,” I smiled.
“Son, maybe you should take a page from her book. Take it slow. If your relationship is running smoothly, then give it another two weeks.” He circled his hand.
“You know what I mean?”
Kara was going on a forever vacation with me in California. That was final. “I do. This works two ways. If you’d like a little vacay and want to visit, let Kara know and we’ll send the jet for you.”
He gripped my shoulder. “Thanks.”
I sipped the scalding hot coffee. Pain struck the tip of my tongue.
“Collin, Kara’s safe. You can turn in for the night.”
Staring across the shop, I sighed. “I can stay here.”
“Nope, you have to learn to give Kara her space. She’s a stubborn woman.”
I glanced at him. “You know her best.” My shoulders slouched. I felt defeated. All I wanted was to talk to her. To know we were still ok.
“All right, thanks again for helping me find her.” My smile didn’t quite meet my eyes.
I grabbed my coat and placed the mug on the glass counter. My eyes darted down the hall one last time. She had to come back to me.
∞
Two days had gone by and no Kara. I’d done what her father suggested and gave her space. I was falling apart inside. This was only the second time we’d gone two days without seeing each other. My job required me to travel. How did I think I’d make it without seeing her every day in L.A.? I blew out a breath as I marveled the mountains and trees, awaiting the sunset. I sipped the warm brandy. The liquid burned my throat and chest.
Still couldn’t believe she walked out of the bar without a coat the other night. I wouldn’t even stand on the back deck without a coat in this icy climate.
Guess I’d drink myself into a drunken stupor. This love thing was kicking my ass. This feeling was new. My heart beat a hundred miles a minute all day. It was time to come to terms with reality. She may have changed her mind about moving to L.A. Maybe I should cut my trip short. No, I came here for adventure and that was what I’d get. If it meant touring with Ernie, I’d survive. I’d finish out my vacation.
“Beautiful,” I heard to my left. My heart stopped beating.
“Yeah, it is.”
“I told you this was the best place to watch the sunset.”
“Yup.” I sipped the brandy again.
She stretched her arms out over the wooden banister.
“Thanks for reaching out to my dad, calling my friends, and informing them I was ok.”
“You’re welcome.” I hadn’t looked at her yet. Hearing her voice at that moment was like pouring alcohol on a wound. Guess I was a little bitter. Why did it take her so long to reach out?
“Thanks for stopping by. Have a good evening.” Never laying eyes on her, I stalked toward the door.
“Why are you being so cold?”
“This is what you wanted. You never wanted to return to L.A. with me.” I turned to her, seething.
“Not long term anyway.”
“Collin, you’ve never been in a relationship. And all of a sudden, I am supposed to believe you chose me.” She pointed at her chest.
I hated how her beauty made me fucking weak. The urge to grab her up by her neck, pull her into my arms, and walk into the house weighed on my bones. Plastered against the cabin wall, I’d be so deep inside her. She’d scream so loud her fucking vocal cords would snap. My cock needed to feel her tight walls, clutching it just right.
Collin, walk away from her.
“You love to throw that in my face and tell anyone who’d listen. Shit, you told your friends and your father you were going on vacation. I planned to open my home to you. Listen, you got what you wanted. I’ll return home without you. Because you’re too afraid to take a chance on us. I understand it’s a radical move. Why can’t I fall in love? Is that so unheard of? Bachelors, we only fuck models for the rest of our days. Is that it? Go home, Kara. I’ll ask for Ernie in the morning.” I continued into the house.
Her boots pounded the deck. “No,” I heard at my back. She opened and closed the door. “I’m scared, Collin.” Her hand lightly pressed against my arm. I slipped out of my boots, hung my coat, and marched to the bar.
“And I’m not?”
“You were so confident in your decision. I thought this was what you wanted.”
I filled my mug half way with the warm brandy.
“Persuading you to move to L.A. I thought would take more convincing. You never actually said, you’d move. Yet, when I told you I’d talk to your dad about the move, you never stopped me. Vacation, though?” I shook my head, then sipped the brandy again.
“Collin, you know I want to be with you. I chose you in the bar. Thought if I told everyone I was going on vacation; it would lessen the blow of you crushing my heart. You’ve cracked the shell.”
I peeked at her.
Tears slid down her cheeks. “I would have been a wreck here without you. Yet, I’m afraid to completely let you into my heart. Not sure I’d recover from the break. We don’t know what lies ahead. What if we argue every day? Collin, I long to be with you every minute of every day.”
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her against my chest. “Baby, me too. I love you, Kara.”
“I love you, too,” she sniffled.
“We’ll take things slow on our new journey. Stop telling people you’re going on vacation. Believe in us, Kara. We need to fight to stay together. I understand we’re different.”
She pulled her head off my chest and her big brown eyes met mine. “Yes, I’m from a small town and you’re from a big city. The only thing we have in common is our love of the great outdoors.”
My thumb stroked her cheek. “Kara, we’ll create a list of everything we love and hate, then compare. Even things we like and don’t like about each other. Like your snoring, for instance.” I quirked a brow.
“And you
r snoring,” she grimaced.
“I don’t snore.”
“You do. The women you’ve slept with probably didn’t care to tell you. It was only play time for them.”
I slipped her coat over her shoulders. “You’re probably right.”
“No, I should go.” Her coat rested at the bend of her arms.
“Why?” My lips brushed against hers.
“I, uh, don’t know.” Her palms pressed against my chest.
“You should probably enjoy this time sleeping alone before I move in.”
“So, you don’t want to watch my head disappear between your legs?”
Her eyes slammed shut, and she visibly swallowed. “Of course, I do.” Her lips twisted.
“I’ll be the strong one tonight. I’ll order dinner and we’ll watch a TV show fully clothed. We’re leaving soon, Collin. I can…wait for you to touch me again.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “You’re lying.”
“Trying to take one for the team.”
“No need. You’re staying. I’ll watch you come again and again.”
I raised my hand, wiggling my fingers. “With only these.”
She smiled and pecked my lips. “Ok.”
~
The remainder of my vacation was filled with snowmobiling, zip lining, and more ice fishing. Yup, it was official I’d miss my girlfriend’s little town.
High above the clouds, I enjoyed the view of the clear blue sky.
Kara clutched my hand for dear life. My fingers turned red and purple.
“Sweetheart, try to relax.”
“I can’t.” She stared at the blank TV screen.
“The flight attendant will bring a glass of water and the sedative in just a moment. I’ll play a movie for you.”
“Why did I let you talk me into this?” she scowled.
“Because you love me.” My lips fell upon her temple.
“If I didn’t…”
“I know. Later tonight I’ll give you something that will make it all better.”
Her cheeks turned a deep red hue.
“I’d like that,” she grinned.
The flight attendant approached. “Tamara, please bring Kara a glass of water and a vodka on the rocks for me?”
She glanced between us and her pretty dark brown face lit up. “Absolutely.” She stepped away.
“Do you fly with women?” Kara’s brows wrinkled.
“No.”
“Were they all local?”
“No. When I was out of town, I had sex in hotel suites. Usually, when I’m preparing for an acquisition or merger, that’s my sole focus. Besides, none of those women were my woman. If you’d like to accompany me on trips, you can.”
Her fingers stroked my cheek. “I’ll think about it.”
“Here you are, Ms.─?”
“Kara Riley. But please call me Kara.”
“Pleased to meet you, Kara.” She placed the glass of water in front of Kara, and my drink on my tray table.
“Likewise, Tamara.”
“If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to call.”
Kara nodded.
“What was that?” I peeked at Kara.
“Black girl magic. We acknowledged each other in a sister to sister sort of way. Chrissy and I do it all the time. One of our favorite movies to watch together was Love Jones. The Best Man was another. We didn’t grow up around many black people. The only time we interacted with people like us was when we were in Fairbanks or Anchorage. After school, we watched movies at Chrissy’s or my house. My dad felt it was important that I study black history and be aware of current events that included people of color.”
“Your Dad’s the man.”
“You know it,” she giggled.
I aspired to be a great dad like Mr. Riley. Next time we’re in Talkeetna, I plan to include male bonding time with him.
Kara dozed off five minutes after our conversation. I reclined her plush black leather seat. Shocked would be an understatement of her reaction to the jet. Her jaw was slack until we were wheels up. Then she crushed my hand.
Her friends and family were distraught she was leaving. It warmed my heart how everyone gravitated to Kara. I was the greedy man stealing that precious gem for myself. I was saddened, but had little remorse. She was mine for the taking.
I tamed her with the stroke of my tongue. The second I added the dick to the equation, there would be no turning back. If anyone tried to step between me and Kara, they were in for a rude awakening.
∞
Kara's eyes were fixated on all the tall shiny glass buildings as we drove through downtown Los Angeles. My top lip twitched at the thought of her coming in my mouth. She was my delicacy.
Dressed in a tight pink T-shirt, jeans, and mountain boots, my perfect woman stared at the stars on Hollywood’s walk of fame. For the first time, the tour guide was a tourist. This would be a sight to see.
“Collin, I am hungry.” She never tore her eyes away from the scenery.
“Harry, inform the manager at Lucky’s I’d like a table with a view of the city.”
“Will do, Mr. Daughtry.” My driver dialed the restaurant on speaker.
I leaned into Kara’s ear. “Do you like what you see?”
“Yes, the city is beautiful.”
“After dinner we’ll hit a few dress shops.”
Her head snapped back. “Dresses?”
“Yes. Today, light shopping. Ruby will bring several different racks from high-end designers tomorrow.”
“I feel like. I feel like...” She repeated and her eyes searched the floor of the Tesla Model X for the right words. “Royalty.”
“You are royalty, Kara.”
She didn’t meet my gaze. Instead, her eyes fell back on the sparkling city streets. The lure of the celebrity impersonators and droves of tourists lining the streets kept her interest.
Shit, was this all too much for her already? It was probably best I feed her new clothes in small doses.
Harry rolled to a stop at the curbside of my favorite restaurant. Our doors lifted toward the sky. Kara stepped on to the sidewalk. “How will I ever get used to such luxury?”
I rounded the Tesla and placed my hand on the small of her back. “You will, Kara.” My lips grazed her earlobe.
She giggled. I think she was warming up to the idea only a little.
I turned to my driver. “Harry, return in an hour.”
A smile brightened his tanned face. “Of course. And good to have you back, sir.”
He peeked to my right. “Ms. Kara, enjoy lunch.”
She met his gaze and grinned. “Thank you, I will.”
He attempted to call her Ms. Riley. She insisted he call her by her first name.
The hostess greeted us as we entered, then escorted us to our table by the window. I absolutely forgot I’ve fucked the hostess and a few waitresses. Yup, I know I shouldn’t have shitted where I ate, but late at night after a party they basically crawled into my lap and begged to be fucked. I was a bachelor, after all. Kara knew who I was. There was no way I wouldn’t bring my woman to my favorite restaurant frequently.
“Collin, I mean Mr. Daughtry, it’s always a pleasure to have you at Lucky’s. May I start you out with your usual?”
“Yes, please, Casey.”
She winked at me just as Kara peeked up at her. Kara’s face fell flat.
“I’d like something.” Kara smiled. Bitterness laced her words.
“Yes, what would you like?”
Her jaw tightened. “For you not to flirt with my boyfriend in front of me or ever for that matter.”
Casey’s jaw slacked. “I apologize. I didn’t know he had a girlfriend.”
She raised her hand between them. “Even if he didn’t, and he was on a date with another woman, it’s rude to wink at him like he’s alone. He’s off limits now. Don’t contact him to hook up going forward.”
Casey’s arms crossed her chest. “I wouldn’t contact him.�
��
But you have. I scratched my head.
“Casey, please bring a basket of the butter rolls for my girlfriend, Kara. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Bet she didn’t expect to walk into a mess with any woman I dated, because they were always hook ups. I’d only ever brought my parents here for the occasional lunch or dinner.
“Kara, are you all right?”
“Yes, what’s the usual you order?”
“Red wine and lobster bisque soup as a starter.”
“Sounds delicious.”
I palmed her hand across the table. “Baby, I’ll have her bring you the same. I apologize for the situation with Casey. We’ve hooked up a couple of times.”
She laughed. “It’s ok. Michelle and Chrissy warned me I’d have to make my presence known. They said the women would be like blood suckers trying to suck my man out of my life.”
I slipped into the seat beside her, resting my arm on the back of her chair. “It means so much to me that you’re here.” I held her chin between my thumb and index finger and crushed her soft lips.
Her hand swept along my jawline as she slipped her tongue between my lips. Our tongues tangled, fighting for dominance.
Casey cleared her throat. I was so wrapped up in Kara, I didn’t consider the abundance of customers staring at us. I broke our kiss, reluctantly.
She placed a glass of wine and soup on the table.
“Casey, please bring another lobster bisque for Kara and a bottle of the same red wine.”
Kara’s head dropped on my shoulder and her hand massaged my thigh. Good thing the table blocked my now rock-hard cock. Not sure how I’d make it out the door without the restaurant, witnessing my fucking boner. I wanted to scoop Kara out of the chair and whisk her away. Finally, I’d be completely alone with my woman.
“Sure thing.” She grinned.
“You two look good together.”
“Thank you,” Kara and I stated, respectively.
“You’re welcome. I’ll be right back.” Casey disappeared.
Kara grabbed a roll. “I like you sitting here, opposed to across the table.”
“I love staring into those brown eyes, but I can do that anytime.”
“Yum, this roll is delicious. We need an order to go.”
“Not a problem, baby.”
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