Only she didn’t.
She let out one loud laugh and then cupped her mouth too, like she couldn’t believe it’d happened either.
“Your dad’s best friend?” she gasped.
“I know!” I wailed. “That’s what makes it so bad. He felt horrible about it the next morning. He couldn’t even look at me, Frank. On the way to the hospital, he called it a mistake and…it kind of hurt my feelings, but deep down I knew it was true. It was a mistake on both our parts, but here’s the kicker.” I held up a hand, like I was holding the power of the universe in my palm. “That’s not the only thing that’s happened between us.”
Her eyes stretched wider. “Wait—there’s more?”
I nodded. “There was one day when my parents were at my dad’s rehab. Cane showed up because he was supposed to be taking my dad to a basketball game.” She nodded, impatiently waiting for the details. “He was sitting in Dad’s recliner, and I went to him and sat on his lap. He was a little more hesitant this time and told me he didn’t want to hurt my feelings again, but I didn’t care. I wanted him so bad that day. I don’t know why. I always get crazy around him, or I act like nothing else matters if we’re alone. So…I pulled his pants down and…gave him a blowjob in the living room.”
“Holy shit, K.J! You are a fucking vixen!” Frankie stood up and held her hands out beside her head, like her mind was blown. Actually, I think she was proud of me for what I’d done. Her smile was bigger and her eyes were wider.
“You aren’t mad that I didn’t tell you?” I asked, standing with her.
“What? No! Fuck no! I’m just glad to know I’m not the only one with a naughty side. You play the good girl role well, my friend.” She grabbed my upper arms. “Seriously, though, you didn’t have to hide shit like that from me. I’m your best friend, K.J. You’re my only real friend. I would never betray you by telling anyone about that.”
“I know…but Cane didn’t want anyone to know, so I kept it to myself. I didn’t want him to lose trust in me.”
“I understand, but from now on, I’m the exception.” She shook her head and stepped back. “Wow. Now I see why you’re so pissed about Kelly being here. I would be too, if I knew he wanted me.”
“Yeah,” I laughed.
“I mean…shit! It’s just crazy! He was kissing you like he…like he fucking owned you, K.J. He was all over you. He can try and deny whatever he wants, but from what I saw, he wants you just as badly as you want him.”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged and sat down on the bed again. “I can’t tell. I mean, he told me he wouldn’t bring Kelly, and he brought her anyway. He told me to break it off with Carl, so I did. He told me to use my lips only for him, so I am, but then he brings her? I don’t get it. He’s so fucking confusing sometimes. The only time he’s not is when it’s just the two of us.”
“Hmm…well, maybe he brought her because he didn’t want what just happened on the balcony to keep happening. And because there would be a huge possibility of the two of you getting caught without someone being in the way. Fuck, if your dad even catches wind of this, he’ll fucking kill him. You do realize that, right?”
“I know, I know! Trust me, I feel bad about it. My parents adore Cane, and if they find out what we did, they’ll flip out. I think that’s why Cane brought her, too. I think he’s trying to escape me, you know? Like he’s trying to have a reason not to be around me. He knows how I feel about her. He’s not an idiot. The sad thing is Kelly is so nice! She’s super sweet, but she has Cane and can do whatever she wants with him publicly or privately, and it makes me hate her.”
“Dude…this is some crazy shit,” she laughed, flopping backwards on the bed. I fell back with her, and we stared up at the vaulted ceiling. “If I were in your shoes, I don’t think I’d be able to hold back either. You see how hot he is? I’d prefer someone as experienced as him to take my V-card. It would make the experience better, unlike my first time.” She looked at me. “Wait…is that what you want?”
I nodded and felt heat rise to my cheeks. “I wouldn’t mind it, but I know he won’t do it.”
“You never know. Maybe there will be another time where you two are alone. You took what you wanted twice before. Why not do it again? From what you’ve told me, he doesn’t seem to be able to resist you.” She sat up, smiling hard. “Isn’t that fucking bizarre to you? That a thirty-five year old CEO of a million-dollar company can’t resist you, an eighteen year old? I would walk around like my shit doesn’t stink every fucking day. Hell, I’d make him my sugar daddy for life. Make him pay for my tuition, my car—every-fucking-thing!”
I busted out laughing, playfully pushing her away and going for my suitcase. “He’s just Cane to me. Not a millionaire CEO.” I shrugged. “Gah, I’m so rattled. I think I need to hit the pool. You joining?”
“You know I’m down. And hey!” Frankie rushed to the area where the kitchenette was. She opened the mini fridge and took out something and then came back. “Look what I took out of my mom’s liquor cabinet.” She held up a glass bottle of clear liquid with a blue label on it.
“Tequila?” I gasped. “Frankie, that shit is going to fuck us up!”
“That’s the point,” she laughed. “We’ll sneak a shot or two and take a swim. It’ll be fun!”
I laughed and shook my head. After that kiss, I needed something to take the edge off. We got dressed in a flash. Afterward, we found plastic cups near the small kitchen area and took two shots of the tequila.
By the time we made it down to the pool, I could feel the alcohol kicking in, swimming through my veins and giving me a slight buzz. Mom and Kelly were sitting in lounge chairs by the gate. Dad and Cane were sitting at the outside bar, watching a soccer game on the TV.
“Taking a swim? That’s fun!” Kelly yelled our way. After what had happened, I decided not to be so much of a bitch to her. I mean, it was clear Cane still wanted me. She may have been in the way, but I had a feeling I was more important to Cane than she was.
“Yeah, it should be!” I smiled at her, and she immediately looked over at Mom with wide eyes, like she couldn’t believe I’d given her such a chipper response. Mom returned the same shocked expression, and they both watched Frankie and me swim for a few seconds before chatting amongst themselves again.
Before I knew it, Kelly and Mom were walking to the pool with their wine glasses in hand. They sat and dropped their feet in the water.
“Girls, what do you think about going on a shopping spree in the morning?” Kelly asked with a bright smile. “On me.”
“Really?” Frankie exclaimed. “On you? Like you’ll be buying whatever we pick out?”
“Mm-hmm.” Kelly pressed her lips around the rim of her glass and sipped it.
“Sure, that sounds fun,” I said, dropping lower so the water could wrap around my shoulders.
“I’m always down for shopping,” Frankie announced, and Mom and Kelly smiled. They sat there for a while, talking and sipping, and then Mom got up, going for their table where the empty wine bottle was.
“Should I grab another?” Mom asked, waving the bottle.
Kelly looked over her shoulder and gave a swift nod. “Yeah. I think I can squeeze in one more.” Kelly got out of the pool and followed Mom to the door. They went inside, and through the window of the kitchen, I could see Mom opening the wide fridge while Kelly rested her elbows on the island counter, like she couldn’t handle another sip. She probably couldn’t, but was trying to wing it to get closer to Mom. Mom was a wine connoisseur through and through.
Frankie swam to the deep end of the pool, and I followed her, plunging beneath the cool water and letting it run through my hair. It felt good on my hot skin. I resurfaced and gripped the cement edge. When I looked toward the bar, I spotted Cane.
Dad was into the game, hardly paying attention to us. Cane had turned halfway, so that he could see both the pool and the game with just a simple turn of the head. He locked eyes with me, his face mellow. I couldn
’t read his expression, but I did take note of the way his eyes lowered to my breasts.
I was wearing my favorite black two-piece bikini. It was the bikini Dad hated. It made my C-cup boobs look bigger, and the bottoms were cinched in the middle so it made my butt look more like a peach.
Water dripped from my hair and landed on my shoulders and lips. Cane watched my mouth again, eyes focused, hungry. He licked his lips once, and when Dad said something, he tore his gaze away, turned around, and focused on the game again.
He took a swift sip from his short glass, probably hoping it would erase the taste of me from his lips.
For me, the taste of his mouth would never be erased. Everything about him was engraved in me, seared deep, and soaked in my blood cells—his touch, his smell, even the taste of his cum.
Everything he’d given me was going to be cherished. I just wished he could say the same.
23
KANDY
Kelly couldn’t help but to try and please everyone.
I realized that as we shopped. It was in her nature, probably twisted into her DNA. She constantly asked if we were okay, if any of us were thirsty or hungry. She’d even asked Frankie if she needed her to come into the fitting room to see if the dresses fit okay, to which Frankie declined while fighting a laugh.
After spending three full hours around Kelly, I felt bad for being such a bitch to her. She only wanted to fit in and be liked. She was trying to understand me, but I hadn’t given her the chance. All because of a man.
I was truly in over my head. It wasn’t like that same man was ever going to call me his girlfriend or make me his wife someday, like he could with Kelly. It wasn’t like Cane had the option to put me on display and show me off to the world. I mean, he did, but neither of us were brave enough to do that. Plus, I loved my parents dearly. The last thing I wanted to do was break their hearts and ruin our bond, as well as their friendship with Cane. Our lives were much more fun with him in it than without.
After our three-hour shopping spree, we were sitting in the food court with bags of various colors surrounding us. When we first arrived, Kelly told us her credit card was loaded and of course Frankie went berserk. I didn’t blame her. Her mom wasn’t exactly the kind of woman to go on a shopping spree. Frankie’s Mom hated malls, and instead would give her money to go alone. Frankie usually ended up going school shopping with Mom and me.
In the food court, Kelly sat across from me, Mom beside me, and Frankie to the left of Kelly. I’d just finished eating a chicken sandwich and cinnamon pretzel. I felt like a pig for being the only one to buy something sweet, but then my best friend spared me my shameful, fat-girl thoughts by saying, “I think I want some ice cream.” She pulled out her wallet and stood. “Anyone else?”
“Oh!” Mom sipped her tea and then nodded, standing with her. “I was eyeing the ice cream, too. I’ll come with you. Kandy, Kelly? You guys want anything?”
“No, I’m okay,” I said.
“I’ll take mint chocolate please.” Kelly started to hand Mom her credit card, but Mom rapidly shook her head and forced her hand back.
“You’ve spent enough today. The least I can do is get you something sweet.” She smiled at Kelly and then took off with Frank.
Then we were alone.
We glanced at each other, giving awkward, lopsided smiles.
“I just wanted to tell you,” Kelly started with laughter in her voice, breaking the ice. “Make sure you tuck the lingerie deep in your suitcase and unpack it as soon as you get home so your dad doesn’t see it.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I will.” Silence surrounded us again. I ran the pad of my finger over a heap of the cinnamon on my tray.
“Did you get all you wanted? We can always do a little more shopping if you want to grab some more—”
“No, Kelly. Seriously. It’s okay.” I gave her a smile. A genuine one. “I have more than enough stuff.” I glanced at the four bags full of clothes by my feet. “Thank you for this. Frankie really appreciates it too.”
She smiled, like her heart was melting in the best way possible from the compliment. “Anytime, Kandy. And hey—” she stretched her arm across the table and placed it on top of mine, “anytime you need a girl to go shopping with, I’m here. I love to shop. It’s all I do. Did Quinton ever tell you that I design houses and offices?”
I shook my head and straightened my back a little more at the mention of his name. “No, he never told me, but I can see you doing something like that.”
“Yep. I’m an interior designer. I’ve designed for all people, but my favorite person that I got to design for is someone you’ll never be able to guess…” She gave a smug smile, waiting for me to guess.
“Who?”
“Adele.” She beamed, and I gasped.
“No way! You know Adele?”
“Yes! I worked on an office for her mother in London for two weeks. She loved it. Couldn’t stop gushing about it. And she was such a lovely woman.”
“Wow—” I had no words. Kelly had met Adele. One of my favorite singers ever. Suddenly I wanted to become her best friend. “That’s so awesome.”
“Yeah. Maybe I’ll have another big job like that, and I’ll be able to send you pictures.” Kelly leaned forward, her hazel eyes a little more serious now. “I really would like us to become friends, Kandy. I don’t want to force it—trust me, I remember what’s it’s like to want my own space as an eighteen-year-old woman—but if you ever need anything, just let me know. Don’t be afraid to ask me.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Kelly. I’ll keep that in mind.”
She returned a soft smile, sitting back and sipping her tea. “Quinton will be happy to know we got along.”
“Quinton.” I laughed.
“What?” she tittered, eyes sparkling.
“You’re the only person I know who calls him that. It’s funny to hear his real name sometimes.”
“Oh!” She laughed, placing her cup down. “Trust me, he hates it, but when I met him, it’s how he introduced himself. Quinton before Cane, so I guess it just kind of stuck with me.” She shrugged and looked sideways, like she was thinking about the first time they met.
Now was my chance to ask. Cane couldn’t stand talking about Kelly with me. The only way I was going to get answers was through the primary source: her.
“How did you guys meet, anyway?” I asked, running my finger over the cinnamon and pretending it was a casual question.
“Oh, gosh.” She sighed and laughed, as if the memory of meeting him would never fade. “Well, I was actually attending a bachelorette party for one of my friends in Charlotte. We went out one night to this club and had a section reserved for us. I had volunteered to get drinks for everyone, so I went to the bar and ordered way too many to carry—but I tried! I probably shouldn’t have, though, because as soon as I turned, I forgot there was a step I had to take down and ended up tripping and dropping every single drink.”
“Oh my gosh,” I gasped, fighting a laugh.
“Yeah! Everyone was just laughing and all the girls came down in their gorgeous bridesmaid outfits, trying to help me clean it up. I mean, there was glass everywhere—all over my shoes, my skirt, my shirt. My shirt was literally soaked by the way, and it was light pink, so my bra was pretty clear for everyone to see. Then, out of nowhere, this guy came up and asked me if I was okay. He was so concerned, and didn’t drop his eyes to my chest like I expected a man to do. He took me to a back office, and at first I freaked out, thinking this guy was trying to do something or come onto me, you know?” Laughing, she says, “I told him that if he was expecting something freaky, he had the wrong fucking idea.”
“Yeah? To Cane?” I giggled.
“Yes, and he immediately told me to relax—that it was his office, and he had an extra shirt hanging up that I could wear. It was a white button-down shirt. He gave it to me and then stepped out of the office to let me change. When I was done, I met him outside the door, and he took me to the bar an
d ordered all the drinks I had requested before, but this time he had someone bring them up to us. I felt horrible about what I’d said to him. He was only trying to help me, you know?
“So I finally chugged down a few drinks because at that point, I needed them, but the whole night, I felt someone watching me, and I just knew it was him. Every time I looked up, I would spot him watching. He played it cool in his own way. He would keep his head bowed, but those eyes would be right on me.”
I tried not to sigh. I knew all about the eyes. That searing hot, hungry glare he gave when he wanted something and was trying to figure out how to get it. He was like a beast trying to catch its prey. Watching. Circling. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the beast finally got its prey, there was no running, no hiding, no denying what would happen. You either craved every single inch of him, down to the cell, or you died trying to pretend you didn’t want anything from him at all.
Cane had that kind of power over women, and he knew it. He knew when to use it and when not to. He’d used it on me many times.
“So by the end of the night, the girls are demanding that I go talk to him and get his number. The bride-to-be was more determined to hook me up than she was about celebrating her upcoming wedding. It was a fun, hilarious, insanely embarrassing night, but if it hadn’t happened, I never would have caught his attention and never would have spoken to him.”
“Wow. That’s nice.” I lowered my gaze. The next question slipped out before I could think to stop it. “Do you love him—I mean, are you in love with him?”
She gave me a puzzled looked, as if she weren’t sure how to answer it. “I…do love him, yes. And I think I’m starting to fall in love with him.” She sighed, and her bangs swayed. “I just…don’t think he feels the same.”
“So why stay with him? Why stay with someone who doesn’t love you back?”
Wanting Mr. Cane Page 14