by Dawn Martens
“So, Nik, is your mum hot?” James asks, waggling his eyebrows sleazily.
“Ugh! You pig!” I hiss at him as I throw my shoe, just missing his head.
“Kade needs to know what you're going to look like in twenty years or so. He might change his mind about your long term potential,” he taunts.
Kade squeezes my hand. “Trust me, I’ll still want you,” he assures me after James’s comment.
He better. My mum is pretty hot anyway, so if they're judging me by her, then they're in for a treat.
We pull up to the house, and I notice Layla and Chase made it there before us. How the hell did they manage that? We left before they did.
We get out of the Hummer, and James comes up behind me and whispers in my ear, “Better not be running into any of my exes this time," in a dry tone.
I laugh, thinking back on when we were at Layla’s parents for a BBQ, and he ran into his ex-Sasha. Sasha is Layla’s cousin and it was awkward as hell. I think she and I are a little alike in some ways, so we clash. We got into a fight once, and it was a pretty dirty one. I left with a few bald spots and she had a black eye. Good times.
We head inside and I call out, “Yo, Mum, the bitch is back.”
Mum comes rushing out of the kitchen and greets us all and hugs everyone.
She makes it to Kade. “I see my daughter has good taste! You’re so hot!”
Someone kill me now! Everyone is chuckling. I don’t see what's funny. Then mother dearest says, “I’m sure you’re impressive all over too, if you get my drift,” She add, with a wink for good measure.
Oh my god… I’m going to kill her.
“Mum!” I know I’m totally blushing right now. Kade, James, and Chase are full out laughing. Doubling over. Fuck. Layla looks embarrassed for me, her face slightly flushed. God, I don’t think this can get any worse. Then again, it’s my mum, so it probably can.
We all make our way to the kitchen and help mum put all the food on the table. Dad comes home just as we're done, and as always, he goes to mum first. He practically makes out with her in front of everyone. Fuck, come on, really. When I’m about to yell out ‘get a room’ he lets go of mum and comes and gives me a hug. I introduce everyone and dad shakes Kade, James and Chase’s hands and kisses Layla on the cheek in greeting.
We’re enjoying the meal, chatting amongst ourselves when my dad addresses Kade. “So, Kade, you must be the reason Nicole is in such good spirits lately,” he says.
“Oh yes, she is so much happier now. You must be taking good care of her, getting her to release all that tension. She can be a little uptight sometimes,” my mother adds casually.
Layla starts to choke on her food. Chase and James are staring down at their plates, trying not to laugh and failing, and Kade is just sitting there, unabashed, looking proud of himself. Ugh, does anything embarrass this man?
“Mum!” I protest. I narrow my eyes when I see my own father’s lip twitching. Oh, come on!
“What, sweetie?” she asks, confused. I give her a long suffering sigh.
“So, Layla, how’s your sex life going now that you are pregnant? Oh, I remember when I was pregnant with Nikki, I just couldn’t get enough! Remember, darling? Why, I remember one time we had sex in the bathroom of the doctor’s waiting room!” My mother says, winking at my father.
“You kids just let me know if you need any sex tips, okay. Call me anytime!” she adds cheerfully.
“Someone please kill me!” I groan.
Kade just laughs. “I think I have it under control Mrs. Heath. But I would love to hear more about your experiences sometime.”
I kick him under the table, hard.
Chapter Thirty One
Club Deception, now known as ‘Steele’, is having a reopening. Kade has been busy the last few days getting everything ready. Layla talked him into hiring Ryder’s band ‘Morning Alliance’ to play, and Kade reluctantly agreed after Chase told him not to upset his pregnant wife. Ever since Ryder and I went on that one date, Ryder has been on Kade’s shit list. You’d think he’d be over it by now.
Because Kade is always so busy, Layla is spending the day at my house, and we’re watching ‘Magic Mike’. Channing Tatum totally has my heart. The man is so fucking hot. Just before his strip scene comes on (my favorite part), Kade, James, and Chase come home, walking into the living area.
“What the fuck are you watching?” Chase growls out, his blue eyes narrowed on the screen. Channing Tatum does that grinding move against the floor, my favorite one. I groan.
Layla doesn’t even answer Chase, her eyes are still glued on Channing’s pelvic region.
“Shh, this is the best part. Kade, you should watch, get some pointers. I have an idea for another bet.” I wink up at him and turn back to watch Channing do his thing.
Layla and I start cheering and cat calling, raving on about Channing . Yes, we are on a first name basis. We hear the men grumbling, jealous.
“I can move better than him!” Kade mumbles. Chase grunts in agreement. Like Neanderthals.
After the movie is over, I look over at Layla. “I need to think of a bet to make with Kade. The loser ends up on the pole. I want to see what Kade can do,” I ponder.
Layla starts laughing, her brown eyes filling with amusement. “How about a cooking bet? Kade can’t cook, so you’d win for sure. You can get your own Magic Mike private show.”
“More like Magic Kade.” I burst out laughing, as does Layla. What can I say? We're easily amused.
“Hey, Kade, let’s make a bet,” I tell him, my game face on.
“What have you got in mind?” Kade asks, game for anything as usual.
“Cook off. Whoever can cook the best dish, wins. Loser has to get on the pole, naked, of course,” I say cockily.
Knowing Kade doesn’t back down from a bet, I know I have him.
He hesitates. “You're fucking sneaky, and you know I can’t cook. Can Layla give me directions?”
“Nope,” Layla says with a smirk before I can tell him.
James and Chase encourage him to do it. Kade caves.
“Fine. You’re on,” he mumbles. “But if I lose, it’s a private dance. I don’t want these assholes seeing it.”
I laugh, nodding in agreement. I should hide a camera like he did with me.
As if sensing my thoughts, Kade pipes up. “Don’t even fucking think about it. I’m going to check beforehand.”
“Prepare to lose, Kade,” I taunt.
I do a small happy dance. Everyone looks at me in various states of amusement. “What? I like my happy dance.” I do it again.
“I’ll be the judge of this bet! We’ll all come over next weekend. Sound good?” Layla says gleefully.
“Sure does. There you go, Kade. Gives you a week to try to learn to cook,” I say, winking at him.
Kade shakes his head at me.
******
My mother is over; she dropped by to bring a few things I needed.
“How are you doing, sweetie? You hardly drop by anymore,” she pouts. She looks adorable sitting on my bed, wearing a knee length skirt and a white blazer jacket. She stopped by on her way to the office.
“I know, Mum, I have work and everything. I’ll try come by this weekend though. We can all go out to dinner, okay?” I offer. I do miss my folks. My mother nods, satisfied. I am her only kid, she must be bored without me in the house. Who knows what they're getting up to alone there? Okay, ew. I cannot believe my mind just went there. I shudder.
She stands up and brushes imaginary lint off her jacket. “I better get to work, sweetie. I’ll see you this weekend. And call me if you need anything. Money, or anything, alright?” she offers kindly. “Also, you have to bring Kade over again, I need some eye candy to look at besides your father. You two still going strong?”
“Okay, and yes, still great.” I tell her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
I’m about to walk her out
the door when I hear Kade call out, “Nikki, I need some attention!” I glance over at Mum and give her a grin.
Suddenly, the door barges open and a very naked, very erect Kade is standing there. Oh, fuck. He needs attention, indeed. I cover my eyes, hoping the scene will disappear.
“Oh, sorry, Mrs. Heath! Nikki, come see me in my room when you’re ready.” And with that, no joke, he walks out, not a care in the world. I bang my head on the wall. I glance over at my mother who is wide eyed, her mouth open in a gasp.
“Well, Nikki. His dick certainly does match the rest of him. He’s big! You did well for yourself,” she splutters out, actually fanning herself with her hand. "You better go take care of him!” She winks as she walks out.
Kill me.
******
After my mother leaves, I walk into Kade’s room.
“Next time, cover up, Kade! What if it was someone else and not my mother? It’s bad enough that it was her!” I put my face in my hands, reliving the moment with horror.
Kade just laughs, capturing my lips in a searing kiss.
“You gonna fix my problem now?” he asks huskily.
“How exactly did you get in this condition?” I banter.
“I woke up,” he purrs into my ear.
I get down to business.
******
A few hours later, I’m getting ready to head out. “Where are you going? I thought you were off today?” Kade asks, scaring me because I didn’t hear him walk in my room.
“Yeah, I am, but I have a doctor’s appointment I gotta get to.” I say, grabbing my purse, and mentally checking off if I have everything I need.
He frowns, looking worried. “Is everything okay?”
I smile and shake my head. “Yes, everything's fine, I'm just due for my shot.”
“Shot? What shot?”
“Birth control, Kade. I get it every three months.”
He relaxes and then asks if he can come with me. I scrunch my nose at him, but then decide to let him tag along. He can keep me company in the waiting room. Sometimes I have to sit there waiting for my doctor for about an hour, and I get bored as hell. Kade gets ready quickly, and we head out.
The receptionist at the doctor's keeps staring at Kade and batting her eyelashes, way to be subtle. I knew I never liked her for a reason. Like I had expected, my doctor is running late and I have to wait. Kade is playing Tetris on his phone, keeping himself amused. I pluck his phone out of his hands, about to steal his game. His phone beeps with a message and I bite my lip. To snoop or not to snoop? My trust issues make me choose the former. I start giggling when I see it’s a photo message from Layla. She has taken a picture of Chase’s Twix stash, which is currently down to one, and has written underneath, ‘You must have a death wish, Kade!’ Looks like Kade has stolen Chase’s chocolate. Again. My mouth gapes wide open when I see Kade pull out a Twix from his pocket and take a massive bite.
“Want some?” he asks, offering me the chocolate.
“No, thanks! I’m not getting my DNA on the evidence,” I joke.
Kade chuckles. “Oh, come on, Chase is all bark and no bite.”
“He’s given you black eyes on various occasions, I’m pretty sure that’s not true,” I mumble.
“Hey! I’ve gotten into it with him, too, don’t make me sound like the pretty boy brother,” he complains. I burst out laughing.
“The pretty boy brother? You think pretty highly of yourself, don’t you?” I scoff.
Kade smirks. “So do you, or you don’t remember this morning?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, my brows furrowing.
“Oh, Kade! Harder! Your cock is so fucking big! Just like that, baby!” he imitates loudly.
“Oh my god! Would you shut up? I’m going to have to change doctors now!” I groan out, a flush working up my neck. I see the receptionist smirk.
“I do not sound like that!” I lie.
“Yes, you do, and you know it. I’m going to record it next time as proof!” he says with a huge grin.
“The fuck you are,” I mumble.
“Kade, you are a god! That one is my favorite,” he keeps going. I punch him in the arm, feeling satisfied when I hear him yelp.
“Miss Heath?” my doctor calls out.
Saved by the doctor.
Chapter Thirty Two
Kade and I are preparing for the cook off. Kade has been practicing all week, and let’s just say he could use a little extra work on his cooking skills. We have everything ready; we're just waiting for everyone to come over. James isn’t home, he’s busy. It sucks being the only person that knows what he’s up to. Well, besides Kade and Chase. They know too, they just don’t know any details. Before he left, he wished us all good luck.
“Nikki, when Kade loses are you going to make him wear a thong?” James taunts.
Before I can reply, Kade is already yelling, “Fuck, no! I am not wearing floss in my ass.”
“You like it when I wear floss in my ass,” I huff at him.
Chase and Layla arrive and we get down to business. Layla looks so uncomfortable, she’s due today, but still no sign of baby. Kade and I had set some ground rules to our bet. It had to be a chicken dish, and we had no more than an hour to cook it. The best tasting one wins. Simple.
“Are you guys ready?” Layla asks. She looks gorgeous in a baby doll yellow dress, showing off her gorgeous baby bump. Her hair is in a long fish braid hanging over her right shoulder.
“I’m ready, are you, Kade?” I ask, flashing him a grin with all teeth. Kade shakes his head at my competitiveness.
“Oh, I’m ready,” he says cockily.
“Well, then. You may start now!” Layla announces.
Game time.
I giggle as I hear Kade mutter a few curses. Who knows what he’s doing over there. I had decided to make a basil and pesto chicken pasta. It’s easy enough and tastes delicious. Chase is also judging the bet to make it fair, so I have to impress both him and Layla. The one hour passes quickly, and I finish with about ten minutes to spare. Kade has made the dish he’s been practicing all week, which is baked chicken with mashed potatoes and salad. Sounds easy enough, right? I glance over and I must admit, his dish turned out way better than I had imagined. It looks and smells pretty damn good. I glance up to see Kade grinning at me evilly. I gulp. Oh, hell, I should know by now never to underestimate Kade.
Both Layla and Chase look comically surprised when they see Kade’s masterpiece. They both sample mine before tasting Kade’s. After a team meeting, they approach us. I’m actually nervous. Not that dancing on the pole is a big deal for me- been there and done that. It’s just that I really want Kade to lose this bet, and I thought it was a sure thing. Oh, not to mention the bragging rights.
“Okay, so they were both really good. Kade, you seriously surprised us!” Layla says, giving him a hug, looking proud.
“Hey, whose side are you on?” I hiss at her.
“Just softening the blow. Nikki wins,” she announces. I cheer!
“What? Why?” Kade demands, affronted.
“Kade, yours tasted good, I mean the spices and everything you used was perfect and the chicken was perfectly tender and everything,” Layla rambles.
“Why don’t you taste it, Kade?” Chase cuts in, gesturing to the plate. Kade digs in straight away and takes a huge bite. I see his eyes widen.
“Fucking salt!” he hisses, throwing down his fork. We all burst out laughing. He added too much salt, again.
So I win, but only by the tiniest bit. That was a seriously close call.
“Kade might have won if it wasn’t for the salt,” Chase tells me.
I huff. “I still won!” So ha!
I do a little victory dance.
Kade slaps my ass.
“Ouch!”
“No one likes a bragger,” he pouts.
“You ready to wear that thong?” I taunt.
When h
e charges at me playfully, I run.
Chapter Thirty Three
Layla is over today so we can plan her baby shower. We were going to wait until the baby showed up so we can give people a better date, but she’s overdue now by two days. She went to get checked out yesterday, but was told everything was fine. If the baby didn’t come within the week she’d be induced, so we’re planning the shower for tomorrow night, unless, of course, she has the baby. Kade, James, and Chase all went off somewhere the moment they heard the words ‘baby shower’. We're writing down the names of everyone we need to invite, chatting as we do so.
“You won’t believe what happened to me yesterday,” Layla says with a gasp.
“What?” I ask.
“Aubrey,” is all she says.
“What about Aubrey? Don’t tell me that bitch is still around,” I say heatedly.
“No, she’s leaving to go back to the States this weekend. But she came to the house yesterday to apologize,” Layla says, her brown eyes wide.
“Was Chase there?”
“No, he was out. She said she waited until he was gone before she came up. And surprisingly she seemed genuinely sorry. I didn’t know what to say, hell, I'm still in shock. She even hugged me before she left. I didn’t hug her back, it was weird. But when she left she was in tears, I had no idea what to do.”
“I hate Aubrey, that bitch was nasty to you guys,” I say adamantly.
“Yeah, she was, but in her own way she really loved Chase,” Layla says softly.
“So, do you forgive her?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
She nods yes. And there we have it people. Layla, she forgives everyone, no matter how ugly they are to her.
“Chase was pissed, though. I told him about her visit when he came home, and he was mad at me.” She shakes her head. “All because I even opened the door. I explained to him she was genuine in her apology, and that she was leaving this weekend to go home. He thought I was crazy when I said I forgave her. We started arguing a bit, and then he accidentally let something slip. I was so pissed that he kept this from me.”