Cabin Fever

by Shani Greene-Dowdell et al.

  “I’m nervous, Collin.”

  My lips melted against her matte pink lips. “Don’t be.”

  Harry halted outside the elevator in the parking garage.

  “I’ll call you when Kara’s on her way down.”

  He nodded.

  I assisted Kara out of the car. We rode the elevator up to my office floor.

  She took a deep breath and clutched my hand before the elevator doors slid open.

  We strolled through the cubicles. My heart beat thudded my chest. I’d never dated a woman. It was a foreign act.

  “Hello, Mr. Daughtry,” one by one they chimed.

  I greeted them in route to my office.

  “Hello Ruby.” We halted at her desk.

  She rose, then scurried toward us. “It’s so good to see you, Mr. Daughtry. This must be Ms. Riley.”

  She wrapped her arms around Kara. “Nice to meet you.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”

  Ruby stepped back. A smile was plastered across her brown face.

  “Mr. Daughtry has never brought a woman to the office. God, you’re beautiful.”

  She blushed. “Please call me Kara.”

  “Ok. I was instructed to help you find new dresses. If it’s all right, I can come by around nine in the morning?”

  Kara released my hand. “Yes, that’s fine. Can you ensure there’s a mix of casual wear too?”

  “Absolutely.” She winked.

  I felt eyes burning a hole in my back.

  “Is Bryce in yet?”

  She glanced at her watch. “He should arrive in five minutes.”

  “Ask him to step into my office once he gets in.”

  “Will do.”

  I led Kara into my office.

  “What a view.” She gravitated to the floor to ceiling window.

  Kara tugged at the diamond studded earrings. My arms wrapped around her waist and my chin rested on top of her head.

  “You don’t like the earrings?”

  “Collin, I told you I love them. They’re just so expensive. Sterling silver earrings would have been fine. I’m afraid I’ll lose them.”

  “Kara, don’t worry about it.”

  “Ok.” She turned in my arms. “We didn’t make love this morning.” Her eyes searched mine.

  “I’m trying to have some sort of self-control.”

  She laughed and her head fell against my chest. “I think we’re screwed. Stroking your cock this morning crossed my mind.”

  My lips tipped up at one end. “That would have been perfect.” I pointed over my shoulder toward my desk.

  “I’d be happy to lay you across my desk and watch my cock slide in and out of that good fucking pussy.” My lips fell against hers.

  “I want that, Collin,” she murmured.

  Heavy knuckles fell upon the open door. “I see you’re back.”

  Shit, Bryce had perfect timing.

  I turned, releasing Kara.

  “Bryce, what’s up, brother?”

  He threw his arms around me. “You tell me.” He stepped back.

  “This must be Kara.” Bryson grinned from ear to ear as he stretched his hand out toward her.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” His eyes roved over her body.

  “You’re not his normal type. No offense.”

  She slipped her hair over her shoulder. “None taken.”

  “Bryce, chill,” I grimaced.

  “Not used to wearing stilettos, huh?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “No, I’m not.”

  “It shows. Pretty sure you want to toss them across the room. He set you up real nice. Christian Louboutin’s. You look much different. In the photos you wore ski pants and a bulky coat. Probably never wore a dress either. Collin, downgraded from Hollywood chicks to Alaskan cabin sluts.”

  My blood was burning through my veins. I grabbed his collar and shoved him against the wall. “Motherfucker, I don’t give a shit how long we’ve been best friends.”

  “Collin, stop,” Kara pleaded.

  “She’s my future wife, you fucking bastard. You will respect her. I don’t give a shit about the skanks I fucked in the past. She ain’t none of them. And damn sure won’t ever be shared. My woman has more class than any of them. Let me know if you want us to part ways in this business venture.”

  Kara yanked my arm. I glanced at my hands wrapped around his neck. A comical smile covered his lips. I released him.

  He fell back against the wall, gripping his neck, coughing. I didn’t even realize his perfect blond hair shook loose.

  “Fuck you, Bryce. You’re a disrespectful bastard.”

  He slid the back of his hand across his bloody lip. “Dude, I had no idea you were pussy whipped.”

  I lunged at him again. Kara stepped between us.

  “Babe, move out of the way.”

  “I can’t come between you two.”

  My hand slid over my moussed hair. “Kara, it’s ok. We just need to handle the disagreement like men. Step out of the way, baby.”

  “No.”

  I grabbed her by her waist, pulling her against my chest.

  “Get the fuck out, Bryce. Clearly, you have a problem with me, but you verbally attacked her.”

  He stalked closer, smoothing a hand over his blond hair.

  “You were gone for over a month. What happened to two weeks, Collin?”

  I shook my head. “Like I said, you are taking your anger out on her. She has nothing to do with our friendship or business.”

  “Bull shit,” he roared.

  “She has everything to do with it. You went on vacation and came back with a mail-order bride.”

  “That’s it.” I picked Kara up and placed her to the side.

  I lunged toward him, slamming my fist into his jaw. “How fucking dare, you.”

  He jabbed his fist into my face once, missing the second time. Next thing I knew Harry pried us a part.

  “That’s enough,” he growled.

  “Harry, I’d like to leave.” Kara swiped at the tears.

  He shook his head at me. “Right away, Ms. Kara.”

  I stalked toward her. Harry placed his hand up. “With all due respect, Mr. Daughtry, give her space.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  KARA

  Wringing my shaky hands, I stared out the tinted window. Warm tears flowed down my perfectly made-up face. I liked the salty tears drenching my lips.

  I had no idea his friend would degrade me. Talk about me as if I were less than nothing. He knew nothing about me. My father ran his own business. I wanted for nothing. I didn’t have any debt. My home and truck were paid in full. Yes, I was a daddy’s girl. He never wanted me to worry about a thing in life. All the ritzy bullshit Collin had was nice, but none of it made me want to stay in California. I was only in this new place because of my man. The man I loved with all of my heart. I hated flying, but I was willing to hop on a plane and accompany Collin on his business trips because he asked. Because he needed me there.

  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Was Collin just like Bryce? How would I know? Collin and I only knew each other a little over a month.

  Why couldn’t his friend be happy for us? I knew why. He was a jealous bastard. I didn’t want to come between them, and now I had.

  “Ms. Kara, we’ll arrive at the beach soon. You can take your shoes off and let your toes run through the sand. I hope it will bring a sense of calmness.” He smiled through the rearview mirror.

  I blew my nose. “Thank you, Harry. I’m so happy you were there. Me too. I’ve never seen Collin behave that way.”

  “I have in my hometown. He fought four guys over me.”

  “He’s truly in love with you. Looks like he’ll do anything to protect you. His next obstacle is his father. Excuse my language. He’s an asshole with old money. He’ll make it difficult for Collin to marry you.”

  I held my head high. “Holding Collin’s hand, I will stand right
by his side. He apparently knew his family and friends would behave this way. Maybe that’s why he asked me to believe in him and not leave. Why me, though? He could have any woman he wants.”

  “Ms. Kara, the only people who really know and care about him are his mother, me, and you. Bryson only cares about himself and bedding down chicks. He and Collin hung out at his mansion and partied often. Now that’s come to an end, I doubt Collin realized he was ready to settle down. Not until he met you. Can you imagine dating a person who tells you what you want to hear or only wants to hang out with you, because you’re rich, handsome, and popular?”

  “That’s sad. Harry, what if we’re out and Collin gets into an altercation?”

  “That’s why I was hired. To protect him. I am also his bodyguard.”

  I exhaled.

  He smiled. “You don’t have to worry about a thing. Anyone approaches you and or Collin, I’ll shut it down.”

  I sank into the plush leather seat. “Good.”

  Harry was an attractive man. Angular jaw, crow’s feet at the edges of his eyes. His green eyes sparkled when he mentioned the beach. Maybe he loved the water. Or the view of the sunset, something Collin and I enjoyed. Along with ice fishing.

  Not sure what we’d love here other than the food. We needed to get out more. He tried persuading me to leave the house. The only thing I was interested in doing in Collin’s spare time was riding his cock. Yup, staring in his eyes and taking every inch of him was the fucking bomb. Nope, sex wasn’t at all overrated. It was mind-blowing. I was a nympho, I laughed inside.

  Harry rolled to a stop. “Ms. Kara, if you’d like to purchase a pair of flip flops you can do so right there.” He pointed to my right.

  “Ok. I’ll be right back. I don’t want to carry these shoes on the beach.”

  “No problem.”

  I climbed out of the car. Strolling past a shop, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. Who was she? Wow, she’s classy. I kind of like her. I smiled.

  Entering the shop, my fingers fell over sea shell bracelets and necklaces. It was a cute little shop. Ten minutes later, the warm sand ran through my toes. “Ouch.”

  I peeked under my foot. A fucking seashell. The sun heated my back. Thank goodness I purchased the straw hat. It protected my head and neck from the sun. Pressing the hat lower on my head, my eyes fell on the street dancers, then the tiny restaurant. The smell of grilled hot dogs filled the air. I licked my lips as my stomach grumbled under my other hand. I’d make my way over there soon.

  Harry didn’t leave. He leaned against the Bentley, watching my every move. I felt safe in a town unknown to me. A place where I didn’t have any family and friends. My cell rang again for the tenth time. It was Collin. I didn’t answer. This was time out for me to think.

  I planted my clutch and ass in the sand. The whooshing blue waves crashed a red buoy in the distance. It was beautiful. At home this time of year, daylight only lasted for about eight hours. In the summer we had twenty hours of daylight. Not sure if Collin could adjust to long hours of daylight. Yet, here I was adjusting for him.

  How long could I realistically live here? I already missed my dad and my friends. The L.A. scene was quickly growing on me, though.

  After light shopping at the market, I soaked in a tub of luxurious silky bubbles for an hour. It hit me for the first time I didn’t hold a job. Sure, there were activities I could engross myself in while Collin was at work. And soon I would.

  Collin said most times after work he relaxed at the bar with Bryson. I told him to continue his normal routine minus the extra-curricular activities with the women. Well, that was before their fight. Wearing only a short white dress, I strolled into the kitchen and began preparing dinner for two. Before arriving home this afternoon, I texted Collin and told him I was fine and he could stop worrying.

  I opened a bottle of white wine, poured myself a glass, left the salmon simmering in the oven, then I sauntered onto the beautiful rooftop. It was my little hideaway from the world. A woman sun bathed on the rooftop across the way. She couldn’t see me because of the tinted, see-through wall surrounding the roof. Collin said it was a privacy wall. I sipped the chardonnay. The sweet hints of peaches and citrus zest danced on my tongue.

  “Kara, Kara,” I heard in the distance.

  “I’m outside,” I yelled out.

  Reclined in the gray lounge chair, my skin sucked up the sun rays.

  He unbuttoned his gray suit jacket and sat facing me on the matching chair at my side. He reached between his long legs and caressed my thigh. “We should talk.” His brown eyes were hidden behind the mirrored aviators.

  “We should. Collin, did you know your friend would berate me?”

  “I knew he wasn’t happy I wasn’t returning alone. Why Bryce would call you a mail-order bride was beyond me…fuck, I want to bash his face in again just thinking about it,” he growled.

  “Collin, he doesn’t know me─”

  “Kara─.” His brows rose over his sunglasses.

  I raised my hand. “He doesn’t know me. There are women who take advantage of men. I am not one of those women.”

  “Kara, fuck him. He was out of line. We’ve been best friends since we were kids. He should have given me the benefit of the doubt. He wasn’t compassionate at all. How could he insult you without engaging in a simple conversation? We’ll run our business, but we aren’t friends anymore.”

  “You two were bachelors for years. It may take time for him to adjust to the new change in your life.”

  Collin rubbed his brow. “Still no excuse to blatantly disrespect you.”

  “Who else will be unhappy about our relationship?” I slipped the sunglasses off his face.

  “Dinner smells good,” he said, evading the question.

  “Collin, answer the question.”

  “Maybe my father.”

  I swung my legs toward him. “We’ll get through it, Collin.”

  He leaned over, peeking under my dress. “Why aren’t you wearing panties?”

  I placed his sunglasses in his inside jacket pocket. “Because I didn’t wear them around my house after a shower or bath. You said this was my home, too, right?”

  I stood and tilted my head.

  His brows jumped. “Yeah, baby of course.” His big, strong hands pushed my dress above my waist. Collin’s lips pressed against my hairy mound.

  I massaged his shoulders. “Collin, I need to check on the salmon,” I breathed.

  His tongue slipped between my lips as he gripped my ass harder.

  “Collin, you’re torturing me.”

  His brown eyes sparkled. “I love torturing you. The couple of times you sat around your house without your panties, I thought it was because you wanted me to suck your pussy until you came hard in my mouth.”

  My fingers slid through his silky moussed brown hair. “Both,” I whimpered.

  “Open your legs, Kara.” His lids lowered.

  I did as I was told.

  “You taste so good, my rugged princess.”

  The oven beeped. “Collin, the…food.”

  He sucked my clit, and my body quaked.

  Collin wouldn’t let up until every nerve ending in my body erupted with pleasure.

  “Oh fuck. I’m coming,” I screamed at the top of my lungs.

  He groaned and growled against my pussy, dragging out my delicious orgasm. My fingers clawed at his back.

  “Mine always, Kara.” He lifted his head and flashed a devilish smile. His clean-shaven face glistened. He wore my cum on his face proudly.

  “Collin, take me to the kitchen, before our food burns.”

  He retrieved his cell from his pocket, then pressed a button. “Stove off,” he stated into the phone.

  My jaw slacked. “Really?”

  “We talked about all the items the remote controlled. I’ll download the app on your phone too.” He stood, taking me with him. His strong arms cradled me close. “Tonight, we’re going out. I’ll selec
t a dress I’d like to see on this hot body.”

  “That means stilettos,” I smacked my lips.

  “Yup.”

  My nose fell into the crook of his neck. His woodsy cologne made my pussy ache. Collin was my wet dream come to life. I was a lucky woman.

  ~

  The spaghetti strap silver dress hugged the curves that had been hidden away for months under flannel, jeans, and thick coats.

  Long spiral curls dipped down my back.

  My legs rested in his lap in the back seat of the Bentley. He caressed my thigh.

  “Who did you play with growing up since you were the only child?”

  “I have lots of cousins who live right here in California. My mother has four brothers and two sisters. So, I was never bored. My cousin Adam lived in Florida. He moved here a few years ago. You’ll meet him soon. My extended family will love you.”

  “Collin, you don’t have to fight everyone who has something negative to say about me.”

  “You’re my woman. Fuck them. They’ll respect you or else.”

  “Collin, we’re an interracial couple. The majority of the world will be against us. They’ll say things like I’m a gold digger. Or, they’ll say we don’t fit together.”

  “Been thinking about this a lot lately, huh?” He peeked at me.

  “No. Before we left Talkeetna, my dad, and I had a talk. He told me the truth, so I’d be prepared for the big ugly world. Was I expecting to be disrespected by your best friend? No.”

  I slipped my finger across his pink lips. “Your tan has deepened since we’ve arrived.”

  “There’s a special place I like to sit on the roof on the weekends. I guess you can say I like to sun bathe just a little.” He winked.

  I chuckled. “Sounds like you missed the sun rays and the heat.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, I did.”

  “We’ve arrived,” Harry stated over the intercom.

  My door opened a minute later. Harry helped me out of the car. “Will you be close by?” I glanced into his green eyes.

  “Yes, I will.”

  Collin stepped behind me. “What are you two talking about?”

  “You, Collin.” I threaded our fingers.

  His brows wrinkled.

  “We can discuss it later.” I grinned.