Creative Casanova: A Hero Club Novel

by K. Street

  “Get a room,” Ryder taunted.

  Kendall’s cheeks were flushed when she and Carter separated.

  “I should probably go make the taco dip. Presley, would you like to join me? I can make you a caipirinha. Or I have sangria chilling in the fridge.”

  Her friendly nature put me at ease, and who was I to turn down sangria?

  “Yes, please.”

  Kendall reached for the platter of treats. “Grab your stuff, and I’ll show you where to put it.”

  I glanced at Ryder as I reached for the bags. His dimpled grin caused my belly to swoop.

  “Ryder, there is bottled water and pop in the cooler,” Kendall informed him.

  “Thanks,” Ryder said.

  I followed Kendall to the glass French doors. She turned the knob, and just before she stepped inside, she tossed a look over her shoulder at the men.

  Kendall made a V with her index and middle fingers, pointed to her eyes, and then flicked her wrist to the guys. “You two, behave.”

  “Always,” they said in unison.

  “And, Kendall?” Ryder’s gaze settled on her.

  “Yeah?”

  “Don’t be filling Presley’s head with stories unless they make me look good.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Kendall’s tone teased.

  The two of us were smiling as we entered the spacious kitchen.

  Tall white cabinets stretched to the ceiling. Stainless steel appliances, light-gray marble countertops, and stark white glossy flooring made the room feel bright and airy. Little pops of turquoise gave the area an added punch of color and personality.

  “Your kitchen is beautiful.”

  “Thanks.” She flashed an appreciative smile. “Do you like to cook?”

  “I’m not really great at the whole cooking thing—beyond the basics anyway.” Which I’d mostly learned from my slew of nannies or on my own through a whole lot of trial and error, but I kept that to myself. “I do love to bake though.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind when the holiday cookie exchange rolls around.” She set the platter next to a tray of brownies on the counter. “What would you like first? The drink or the grand tour?”

  Since I had to use the bathroom, I said, “The grand tour. If you don’t mind.”

  “Right this way.”

  Huge picture windows and a mostly open layout made the house feel much larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside.

  We stepped into the living space. The coastal-blue striped area rug and light-sandstone sectional, heaped with nearly a dozen throw pillows, created a seaside oasis vibe. A big-screen television was mounted above the mantel-less fireplace, which was surrounded by white built-in bookcases.

  I pointed to a metal sculpture on one of the shelves. “Is that the Sydney Opera House?”

  “It is.” Kendall grinned. “The piece is a DeLuca original.”

  I stepped closer, inspecting the miniature replica. The curves of the metal. The attention to detail. It was unbelievable.

  “Carter wanted to do something special for me for our anniversary last year. He told Ryder what he had in mind, and Ryder ran with the idea.”

  “It’s beautiful. He’s incredibly talented.”

  “Ryder’s also a great guy.”

  “I’m starting to see that.”

  The more time we spent together, the more I wanted to be around him. Ryder had so many layers. Layers I wanted to slowly peel back one by one until he trusted me with all his secrets and scars. Until I was deep enough to be the salve for his wounded soul.

  After Kendall finished the tour, I dropped my bag along with the one Ryder had packed for him and Zeke in the Jack and Jill bathroom. Once I took care of business, I rejoined Kendall and the boys in Brucey’s room.

  “Do you boys want to go in the pool?” Kendall asked them.

  Zeke and Brucey looked at each other.

  “Do you wanna go swimmin’?” Brucey asked Zeke.

  “Do you?”

  “Sure.”

  “Okay. Let’s go.”

  They abandoned the Marvel action figures they had been playing with and leaped up from the floor.

  Kendall pulled out one of Brucey’s dresser drawers and passed him a pair of trunks.

  I wandered back into the bathroom and retrieved Zeke’s swim trunks from the bag.

  “Here you go, sweet boy.”

  He took them from me. “Thanks, Presley.”

  We left the boys to change clothes and headed into the kitchen.

  “Can I help you with anything?” I offered.

  “You can keep me company.” She motioned to one of the barstools at the island. “What would you like to drink?”

  “Sangria would be amazing.”

  “You got it.” She retrieved the pitcher from the fridge and a ladle from one of the drawers.

  Kendall gripped a Solo cup in one hand and the pitcher in the other. She was mid-pour when the boys ran through the kitchen.

  Without looking up from her task, she spoke firmly, “Boys, stop running in the house.”

  “Okay,” they yelled and ran out the door that led to the pool, leaving it wide open.

  Kendall set the pitcher on the counter and marched over to shut the door. “What is it about kids and their inability to close doors?”

  I knew her question was rhetorical and didn’t require an answer.

  She ladled fruit into the cup and passed it to me before making a drink for herself.

  “Ryder tells me you’re a teacher. What grade?”

  “Kindergarten.”

  Her expression was hopeful. “Will you be working at Emerald Shores or Oceanside Elementary?”

  “Oceanside.”

  A look of relief washed over her face. “We’re zoned for Oceanside. I’ve got to admit, I’ve sort of been a nervous wreck. The idea of sending my little boy off to kindergarten all day is a little terrifying. He went to pre-K, but it was a half-day program. I know he’ll be fine, but it will be nice to have someone on the inside.”

  I held up three fingers. “I promise to look out for Brucey and Zeke.”

  She eyed me. “Were you even a Girl Scout?”

  “I was. For a couple years. Carla, one of my nannies, was a troop leader. I was totally in it for the Thin Mints though.”

  “Presley, you and I are going to be great friends.”

  “Good. Because I could use one.” I shrugged. “Where I’m from, it’s about who you know, who your parents are, and the diversity of your family’s portfolio. My whole life, I’ve been the square peg they kept trying to fit in a round hole.”

  “We have more in common than you think,” Kendall admitted. She lifted her red plastic cup. “I’d like to propose a toast.”

  I raised my own cup.

  “To new friends and living our best life.”

  “Cheers to that.” I tapped my cup to hers.

  Sixteen

  Ryder

  I am in this so fucking deep.

  That was my solitary thought as I eyed Presley from across the Clynes’ pool deck.

  More guests had arrived, and Presley now stood in a semicircle of women, head tossed back in laughter. Her sexy, elongated neck on display. I zeroed in on the sensual hollow dip at the base of her throat. Thoughts of trailing my tongue over that very spot filled my head.

  Kendall waved her dainty hand in front of my face.

  “Sorry. Did you say something?” My gaze flitted to hers before returning to Presley.

  “I asked if you wanted me to make Zeke a plate.” She grinned.

  “Nah. Thanks though. I’ll get it.”

  Kendall’s stare drifted to Presley before returning to me. “Ryder DeLuca, I do believe you’re smitten.”

  “Smitten?” Enamored is more like it. “Your Texas is showing,” I teased.

  “Oh hush. And don’t even try to deny it.” She glanced in Presley’s direction. “I think she’s perfect for you, and I like her too. So, don’t go screwing th
is up.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

  “I’m serious, DeLuca. As much as I love the residents at Silver Shores, it’d be nice to have a friend who wasn’t old enough to be my grandma.”

  “I don’t intend to mess it up. Not if I can help it.”

  “Well, just see to it that you don’t,” she warned and then strolled away.

  I crossed to the edge of the pool, where Zeke was playing with Brucey and a handful of other kids.

  “Zeke.”

  He glanced up and immediately closed his eyes.

  I moved a few inches to block the sun. When my shadow fell across his face, he opened his eyes.

  “Are you hungry?” I asked him.

  “Not yet.”

  He was too busy playing to focus on food.

  “All right. Come find me when you’re ready to eat.”

  “Okay.”

  I joined the buffet line, grabbing two plates.

  Burgers, hot dogs, chips, taco dip, and every topping and condiment you could possibly want had been arranged on a long banquet table.

  I filled two plates with food and strode over to Presley’s little group.

  Presley beamed when she saw me approach. The way she looked at me had my heart doing weird shit.

  “Good afternoon, ladies.” I sidled up to Presley.

  Familiar faces smiled my way. I recognized a few of the moms whose kids had been in Zeke’s preschool class, though I didn’t recall all their names.

  Then, there was Abby. Her husband, Rob, had worked alongside my dad as an aircraft mechanic.

  “Ryder, it’s so good to see you.” Abby gave me a quick hug. “It’s been too long.”

  “Hey, Abby. How’ve you been?”

  “Good. We’re good. How are you?” Her tone held a hint of sadness even though it had been a few years.

  “Well. Thanks for asking. Is Rob here?”

  Abby pointed to the pool.

  It didn’t take long for me to spot him in the water playing with the kids. Abby and Rob had triplets who were a year older than Zeke. Cutest little shits, but damn, they were holy terrors.

  “He’s taking one for the team. Thank God. Because Mama needs a break and all the wine.”

  The women laughed, nodding their heads in agreement.

  I leaned in close to Presley. “Want to join me?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Ladies, if you’ll excuse us.” I flashed my dimples.

  Presley glanced around the small group. “It was lovely to meet all of you.”

  Together, we headed to the other side of the deck and found two vacant seats next to each other at the end of a table, facing the pool. Presley chose one of the open chairs and sat.

  I set the plates down and dropped onto the seat beside her.

  “Thanks. This looks amazing.” She gestured to the food.

  “I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I grabbed a little bit of everything.” I stood up again. “I forgot to grab drinks. What can I get you?”

  “Water is fine.”

  I made my way over to the drinks and grabbed a couple of bottles of water from the cooler and some condiment packets along with napkins. I checked on Zeke and then returned to Presley’s side.

  I emptied my hands and resumed my seat. “Are you having a good time?”

  “I am. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “Thanks for coming with us.” I tipped my head toward the group of women Presley had been talking to. “Looks like you made some friends.”

  “Yeah. They seem really nice. Though after listening to a few of their tales regarding their children, I’m equally excited and terrified for the start of the new school year.”

  “You’ll do great.” I leaned in close. “And on the bright side, Abby’s kids will be in first grade. You dodged a bullet.”

  Presley grinned. “That bad, huh?”

  “Did she tell you about the haircuts the triplets gave each other last summer?”

  “No, but most kids cut their own hair at some point. It couldn’t have been that bad.”

  “They used clippers. Not just on each other. The family poodle sported a reverse mohawk for a few days until Abby got her into the groomer.”

  She stifled a laugh. “Oh my gosh. Please tell me you’re kidding.”

  “Not even a little. That story is just the tip of the iceberg. The kids were in the same summer program last year, and instead of the triplets painting their art project, they painted each other and then proceeded to roll across the tile.”

  “Poor Abby. No wonder she’s guzzling wine.” Presley twisted the cap from her water and took a drink before setting it back on the table.

  I popped a chip into my mouth. “Did you have a nice chat with Kendall?” I asked, changing the subject.

  “I did. She is the sweetest. We’ve already made plans to get together for a girls’ day soon.”

  “See, I told you that you had nothing to worry about.”

  Presley scooped some taco dip onto a chip, bringing it to her lips but pausing before she put it in her mouth. “Kendall showed me the sculpture you made. Of the Sydney Opera House.”

  “Yeah?”

  “It’s beautiful and so intricate.” Her eyes filled with adoration. “You’re sort of amazing.”

  I leaned a little closer to her. “I like where this is going. Tell me more.” I stole the chip from her hand and popped it into my mouth.

  “Hey.”

  I snagged another chip, raking it through the dip, and then held it to her mouth.

  The feel of Presley’s lips brushing my fingertips went straight to my cock.

  She moaned as the flavors hit her tongue. The sweet sound tested my resolve.

  I reached for my bottle of water, needing something to do with my hands before I ravaged her in front of all these people.

  After guzzling half the liquid, I set the bottle on the table and then shifted my gaze back to Presley.

  “What were we talking about?” I tapped my chin. “Ah, yes. I believe you were telling me how amazing I am.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Careful, DeLuca. I’m not sure there’s enough room out here”—she drew a slow circle in the air with her finger—“for you and your ego.”

  “Is that so?” My hand gripped her thigh as I leaned in close to her, speaking against the shell of her ear, “Do you have any idea what I want to do to that smart mouth?”

  Presley sucked in a breath.

  I nipped her earlobe.

  “Ryder.” My name fell from her lips, caught somewhere between a sigh and a moan.

  A small, wet hand tapped me on the shoulder, dragging my attention from the gorgeous woman next to me.

  I turned to my little brother. “What’s up, bud?”

  “I’m hungry.” Water dripped from Zeke’s hair.

  “All right.”

  Presley was already on her feet. “Why don’t you eat? I’ll make him a plate.” She smiled down at Zeke, holding out her palm. “Come on, kiddo. You can show me what you want.”

  Before I could protest, they strode away, hand in hand.

  Presley grabbed a paper plate, and the two of them began moving along the makeshift buffet table. I observed their interaction. Presley asking Zeke what he wanted and him answering with a nod or shake of his head.

  Then, they moved over to the cooler. Presley lifted the lid with her free hand, so Zeke could peer inside.

  He bent, retrieving a Capri Sun.

  She closed the cooler lid and then smoothed Zeke’s still-damp hair from his forehead. The gentleness in her simple action and the genuine smile she gave him in return caused my chest to tighten.

  I saw how my little brother was with Presley and how she was with him. She had this softness about her.

  I’d thought by not getting involved with anyone, I was shielding Zeke from more pain. From additional heartache and loss when he had already lost so much.

  But what if my best intentions were to his detr
iment?

  The need to be everything to Zeke—parent, brother, friend, protector—was an obsession driven by guilt. Zeke had been far too little to remember, but the memory was impossible for me to forget. I couldn’t take back the words I had once screamed in the depths of my soul. The same words I’d shouted at a toddler in a moment of anger and frustration.

  I picked the sippy cup up from the floor for the third time and slammed it on the tray of his high chair. “Stop throwing it and drink it.”

  “No.” He swung his arm out and sent the cup soaring.

  “Fine. Suit yourself.”

  I did my damnedest to ignore the kid as he kicked his feet against the plastic footrest. It had been less than a week since the funeral, and everything was a fucking mess.

  I finished cutting up his cooled chicken nuggets, halved a couple of tater tots, and set the plate in front of him. “Eat.”

  “I no want it.”

  Ignoring him, I moved back to the counter. Just as I started to dish up my dinner, Zeke sent his plate flying across the kitchen and started screaming.

  I quickly turned around, knocking the tumbler of water to the floor. Glass shattered against the tiles.

  Zeke shrieked louder, kicking his feet harder.

  “Damn it!”

  I stepped around the glass and maneuvered the high chair a few feet away before I unlatched the tray and freed Zeke from its confines. The kid could fucking starve for all I cared.

  He flailed in my arms and threw himself backward.

  “That is enough,” I yelled.

  Which only fueled his tantrum.

  Zeke screamed in my face, and then the little shit grabbed my cheeks, digging his nails into my skin.

  “Motherfucker.” I peeled his hands away, dropping him to the floor.

  “I want Mama!” he demanded with such vehemence that his whole body shook.

  “You know what, kid? So do I. Do you think I asked for this? Do you think I want to be here?” I yelled. “Being saddled with you isn’t exactly what I wanted either. But our parents are fucking dead, and there isn’t a damn thing either one of us can do about it.”

  I picked him up, carried him into his room, dumped him on the floor, and left him there.

  I needed a minute. One fucking minute before I completely lost my shit and put a hole through the damn wall. So, I locked myself in the bathroom.