Holding Onto Kinsley

by Elisa Leigh

  “He wanted to control my life and how I lived it. I was not allowed to work, except for the charity committees my mother and I were on. I had to dress a certain way and wear my hair how he stipulated. The use of any perfume could only be what he picked for me. There was not an aspect of my life he did not control.”

  “That’s no way to live Sweetheart. I cannot imagine how hard that must have been for you.”

  “I hated it! Sometimes I would ‘act out’ to get a rise out of him. It sounds childish I know, but it was my way of saying fuck you to the man who held all the cards.”

  “What changed? Why did you leave?”

  “I came home early from one of the committee meetings because I wasn’t feeling well. I found him in our bed with another woman, who I knew from the charity. He didn’t even realize I was there but instead kept bouncing her on top of him. She saw me and smiled at me like she had every right to be there. Like she had been there many times.” She shakes her head as if she’s living it all again in her mind.

  “There were so many emotions going through me, but I did not do a thing. I left as if I was never there and went to my mothers, hoping she would see this marriage was never going to work. Of course, she told me it was my fault, and I needed to figure it out.

  My father, who I was not close to seemed to feel for me and let me stay the night. Liam blew up my phone hours later when I never showed up. I think one of my parents reached out to him because he finally texted me demanding I come home the next day ready to be the good wife he expects.

  I did go home. I packed everything that mattered to me and emptied the accounts I had access to. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get me my Jeep. I drove a few states over and stopped at this little bed and breakfast. There was this woman there who was my mother’s age. She treated me better in the day I was there than my mother ever had, proving to me there was nothing worth staying for.

  I had a lot to think about. I took the night to run through my options and wonder what I should do. I knew Liam was involved in a business that wasn’t legal and he could be dangerous. Getting gone and staying gone was my only option. I convinced myself he wouldn’t care I left him since he already had someone else.”

  “Did he ever hurt you? Did he put his hands on you I mean?”

  Her soft hands squeeze my shoulders and then she starts to rub them down my chest. I grab her small hands in mine, stopping her so she’ll answer me. Peering up at me, she shrugs her shoulder. “Liam never laid a finger on me in anger Maverick. His words were mean enough to cause damage, but he never hit me.”

  Hatred for this man and her family consume me. How could they let this happen to their daughter? I want to destroy their lives and make them hurt, so they know what she felt like. The need to tear them apart, until there is nothing left but ashes continues to build in me.

  I have to know the end and how she got here. “Finish it, Kinsley,” I order in as calm a voice as I can say.

  “Becca happened to call me that night. She had been calling for a few days, and when she sets her mind on something, the woman is relentless. I finally answered because I was feeling guilty for ignoring her calls. I did not want to drag her in to my mess, but she insisted on knowing what was going on.

  She had never liked Liam to begin with, the little she knew about him. Once I graduated and was home, he did not want her calling. The asshole even looked over my call log to make sure I wasn’t speaking to her. Becca said that if I weren’t in Lynchburg in a few days, she would be coming after me to drag me there herself.”

  “She seems like she will keep Griffin on his toes,” I smirk knowing it is going to be fun to watch.

  “Becca is stubborn,” Kinsley says laughing. “Anyway, I drove down the next day and have been here ever since. Becca and her family helped me change my name and became the family I never had.”

  I kiss her forehead, thankful she shared herself with me. There’s more though, and I need the rest. “Tell me about Sadie and his role in her life.”

  She sighs and tries to get off my lap. I know she is trying to put distance between us, but I will not have it. I hold her still and keep my eyes on her until she relents and tells me what I need to know.

  “I found out I was pregnant about a month after getting to Lynchburg. The divorce papers had already been sent, and I was waiting for him to sign them. I wanted to be done with that part of my life. I know it makes me a bad person, but I am not sorry for what I did.”

  “Liam will not be a part of my daughter’s life. I did not put him on the birth certificate, and as far as I am concerned, he does not deserve to be on it. When she gets older and wants to know about the man, who did his part in making her. I will tell her, but not until then, nope!”

  “So, he doesn’t know about Sadie?”

  “He could now that Mike has seen her. She looks a lot like me, and it is not hard to miss the resemblance. He will probably tell Liam. He said he had been looking for me since I left.”

  “Did he ever sign the divorce papers?” I ask, needing to know.

  She nods. “A month before Sadie was born he finally signed and sent the papers to my lawyer to file. I thought he gave up on us being together after that.”

  I start rubbing her back, and she leans into me, cuddling her body into my chest and her head on my shoulder. Eventually, her soft snores reach my ears, and I know I should go put her down. I hold her a while longer happy to have her in my arms.

  It doesn’t help with her hot center placed perfectly over my aching dick. When I stand to carry her to her room, it slides over me, and we both moan. I would never take advantage of her, but I thoroughly enjoy the feel of her pussy rubbing on my dick with every step I take to her bed. By the time I lay her down and cover her up, cum is leaking inside my pants.

  Retreating to my room, I close the door and lean against it pulling my hard dick into my hands. Like the dirty man I am, I stand there stroking myself to her image. Remembering the way her pussy felt rubbing against me and minutes later I come shouting her name. I wonder how long it’s going to take until I can stop wasting my seed and fill her full of it.

  After cleaning up, I go to bed and lay awake for a while, writing an email to Samson about what she told me. At least the parts we didn’t already know. I give him a list of things I need him to take care of over the next few days, while we’re here and tell him to keep me updated on anything that happens. Putting my phone down, I finally go to sleep.

  Thirteen

  Kinsley

  Sadie wakes up at her usual time wanting her snuggles and momma time. I find her clothes and the diaper bag in the room we are in and change her. We walk to the kitchen to find her bottles and formula are already set out on the counter. Damn, I wish I had thought to bring her high chair. I usually sit her in it while I make her bottle and food, but there is nowhere to put her down safely.

  I am about to start attempting to make her bottle when the warmth of Maverick’s firm chest is flush against my back, and his hands are against the counter trapping me in. He places soft kisses on my neck before whispering in my ear. “Good morning Sweetheart.”

  Sadie is staring up at the man, who begins tickling her feet and gives him all of her best smiles. “Good morning to you too Angel.” He says to my daughter in a tone I’ve never heard from him before. If I were not already gone over this man that would have done it.

  “Here, I’ll hold her while you make the bottle. I’d offer to do it, but honestly, you will probably do a better job than I can. I’ll order a highchair for her. That way it will not be a problem when I’m not here.”

  Maverick lifts Sadie up and over my head making her giggle. “That’s my Angel baby. How did you sleep?” He asks, talking to her.

  She starts telling him about her night, and he keeps replying back to her. Those two are so freaking cute together. I love that he acts like he can understand all her baby babbles.

  When I’ve finished making her bottle I go to grab my daughter
and Maverick gives me puppy dog eyes. “Can I feed her?” Who could say no to that? I can’t.

  “You want to feed her?” Stunned he seems to be all in with her as he is with me. Who is this man and why am I just now meeting him?

  He reaches for the bottle and gives it to Sadie who makes him hold it for her. That girl is playing it up big time. “You know she can hold it herself.” I laugh.

  Maverick only winks at me and walks to the other side of the room, where there’s a sliding glass door. I follow him out onto a deck facing the mountains. “Dear God in heaven Maverick. This view is beyond words.”

  “One of the reasons I bought it, Sweetheart. I am happy you love it as much as I do. I want to spend a lot more time here. Come sit with us?”

  I look behind me and see he is sitting in a two-seater rocking chair with Sadie in his arms. My daughter might want Maverick as much as I do. Judging by the way she is holding onto his arm and staring at him as he feeds her. “I think you have an admirer.”

  “Just one?”

  I grin. “Maybe two?”

  “How do I turn that into a definite two?” He asks.

  I bite my lip and notice his eyes zoom in on my mouth and his expression changes. “I’m not giving up on you, Kinsley. I know it’s fast, but you are it for me. Give me a chance.”

  “Okay Maverick. You get one chance. I do not know if my heart can survive even that if you break it.”

  “You will never have to find out.” He says as he seals his promise with a kiss.

  “Tell me I’m not dreaming, and this will work out.”

  “It will more than work out love.” He says in a gruff voice.

  “I didn't mean to say that out loud. All my thoughts rush out when you are around. I better be careful.”

  He smiles warmly. “Nah, I love knowing everything. It’s the best way to keep you happy.”

  When Sadie starts to whine, we both look down to find her staring at us. She has never been this needy before, and I cannot decide if it is because she wants my attention or his.

  Kissing my daughter on her head, I stand to go inside. “Where are you going?” Maverick asks, stopping me with his hand on my arm.

  “I need coffee. Would you like a cup?”

  He’s torn between handing Sadie to me so he can make it and feeding her. “I don’t mind Mav, promise.”

  “Thank you. I take my coffee black.”

  I nod and without thinking lean over and place a kiss on his lips, before walking inside and smiling. For the first time in years, I am completely happy.

  Fourteen

  Maverick

  We spend the next couple of days safe in the cabin getting to know each other. I have gotten a few kisses since that first morning, but nothing more than a peck. Kinsley is sweet and timid, but I see a fire building inside her. It is one I have been too happy to keep stroking. My innocent touches are nothing of the kind. I’ve been dying to explore her tan skin and taste how sweet she is in other places besides her lips.

  I work on and off from here. But, I am finding it takes longer because I keep looking over at my girls playing and spending time together. You can see how much Kinsley loves her daughter by the time she spends with her. In the short time, we have been here I have watched her play, read her books, and even paint her nails.

  We got into an argument over the last one, when I was concerned about the paint getting in Sadie’s mouth. With her hands on her hips, she firmly told me she found a polish that is safe and would never put her daughter in danger. She got a long kiss for that one, and I have learned not to question her. Even though I still researched it when she wasn’t looking.

  It’s Wednesday afternoon, and we are lying outside on a blanket in the shade. Sadie is napping on my chest and Kinsley in my arms. Sadie is nothing short of amazing, and I already consider her mine. Life could not get any better than it is right now. Last night when Kinsley said she’d love to go for a hike sometime, I suggested we go on a picnic today. She happily accepted.

  “I hate that we have to go back. It has been so nice getting to relax. Thank you Maverick.”

  “Why do we have to go back?” I ask, seriously considering moving us up here for good.

  She rolls onto her side and leans her head on her hand, staring down at me. “We have to go back to the real world. I know you’ve been working from here, but I’m sure they need you back in your office. And I need to get back to my job. I hate that I have already missed a couple of shifts. Momma J has been good to me, and I will not take advantage of that.”

  I place Sadie on her belly between us, letting her finish her nap and roll to my side, facing her. “We still haven’t found out where Mike is. My guy in Connecticut says he can’t find your ex either. The last thing I want is either of them showing up with you and Sadie alone at your place.”

  When she goes to argue, I add “What is Becca going to be able to do? She is as tiny as you are. I am not leaving you and Sadie alone. Plus, I doubt Griffin is going to let Becca out of his house now that he finally has her where he wants her.” She smiles, knowing I’m right about that.

  “Well, what do you think we should do? As much as I want to, we can’t stay here forever.”

  “I might have a solution, but I didn’t want to tell you until it was a done deal.”

  She raises her eyebrow at me, and I continue, worried how she might take this. “I planned on doing this myself before that guy showed up at your place. Samson has been going for me instead. He has checked out a few properties that I found. There are two I like, and I was wondering if you would look at the pictures with me.” I ask.

  “I’m sorry. Did you just say you are trying to buy a house?”

  I nod, and she considers this. “When did you decide to buy one?”

  “I told Samson Saturday morning to set up a meeting with my realtor. I put my condo up for sale and started looking at houses in Lynchburg.”

  “What is wrong with your condo?”

  “It’s no place for a family Kinsley. Honestly, I hated living there, but I wasn’t home often. It was fine before, but now that you and Sadie are in my life I cannot fathom being there anymore. It’s cold and dark to your warmth and light.”

  Kinsley sits up and looks anywhere but at me. “Just ask love. I know where your mind went.”

  “There were a lot of women, before me? You stayed at their places a lot?”

  I sit up for this conversation hating that it needs to happen but knowing it’s necessary. “Any woman who is not you is too many. There have been other women in the past, but not in a while. It has been close to a year since I’ve been with someone else. When there was an event this year that I couldn’t get out of, I went alone or brought my parents. Kinsley, when I said I haven’t been to my condo much it’s because I’m either working or at my parent’s home. My things are there. I sleep and then leave, that’s all. I promise.”

  “I hate to say this, but I assume you have been tested?” She asks.

  “I have always worn a condom, and even then I was getting tested regularly. I had a physical last month where I was tested again. I can show you the results before we decide to take our relationship in that direction.”

  “I believe you Mav. I was tested too when I was pregnant. Who knows how many people he cheated on me with. The results came back negative for anything and needless to say I was relieved.”

  “Are you on birth control?” I blurt out.

  Her cheeks tinge red, and I love that I put it there. “No. I do not like the idea of putting hormones into my body. Plus I did not think there would be anyone for a long time.” She winks at me, the temptress.

  “Back on topic love. When we get back to the cabin, I want you to look at the two places and tell me which one you like. I can put in a bid, and hopefully, we can move in soon.”

  “Are you asking me to move in with you?” She asks nervously.

  I smile at her sheepishly. “I didn’t ask you, did I?”

  She shake
s her head with a smile on her face. “You rarely do.”

  “Well, what do you think?”

  “It is a big step Maverick. You have been living this for four days, but Sadie is not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. She gets in her moods and so do I. You ready to live with all of this for the foreseeable future?”

  “Might as well get used to it Kinsley. There is no other future without my girls in it.”

  She stands and pulls me to my feet. “Well let’s go then.” Picking the napping beauty up from the blanket, I help her into the contraption that Kinsley has around her front. Whoever thought up that invention is a genius.

  Fifteen

  Kinsley

  As soon as we get back to the cabin, I lay Sadie down for the rest of her nap and meet Maverick in the living room, where he has his laptop set up on the coffee table. I move to sit beside him, but he has other ideas and pulls me onto his lap. He then reaches for his computer and shows me the first one, but I hate it. “What do you think?” I ask, not wanting to disappoint him.

  “I’d say you hate it, so I don’t like it.”

  “How do you know I don’t like it?”

  “Sweetheart, what you like and don’t like is very important to me.” He says close to my ear, sucking my earlobe into his mouth and biting down. A shiver runs down my spine, and my pussy clenches in need.

  “I’m glad.” I moan as his free hand roams under my shirt, rubbing my skin higher, but not quite where I want him.

  “Here’s the other house I liked. It is a bit further out from town than the last one, but not too far. It sits on ten acres, and there is not another neighbor around for a few miles.”

  He doesn’t stop teasing me, while he shows me pictures of the house I’m falling in love with. It is a five bedroom, three and a half bath home with plenty of living space and a huge open kitchen. There is even an office he points out, where he can work from when he doesn’t want to go into the office.

  Setting the computer on the table he pulls out his phone. “She likes the property on Lake Haven Drive. Add 10 percent to the asking price. I want this done tomorrow.”