“I know, and I’m not saying that at some point you won’t get a phone call from me asking for help, but I need to at least try.”
“Okay. I’m real proud of you for attempting this on your own, McKenzie.”
Not only did I appreciate his words, but I was satisfied about answering the way I had. I might not have a plan, but at least I was no longer traveling down the path of least resistance. “That means a lot.”
“When are you telling your mother?”
And, poof, bravery had left the building. “Probably when I come out the weekend of the baptism.”
“Okay, but do me a favor and go easy on her with it. Tell her how much you love her while emphasizing that you need to live your own life. Love you, kid.”
“Love you, too.”
Hanging up the phone, I sat there looking at it for the longest time, trying not to dwell on my dad’s deflection of my question about him and my mom. It wasn’t a good sign. Also, his last few words left me feeling uneasy. There was definitely something he wasn’t telling me. I also wondered if I’d be able to do it face to face with my mother without backing down. But anything less seemed like a big fat chicken move. Was there a hallmark card for real sorry I disappointed you with my college choices, but at least I don’t do heroin?
Twenty minutes later the sound of footsteps on the stairs leading up to my floor gave me hope the management company had finally sent someone. I stood up, feeling stiff from sitting against my door for the last hour and a little sick to my stomach from my Hostess feeding frenzy. Spotting Colby with my suitcase in hand was both a surprise and a relief, but I doubted very much the latter had anything to do with my keys.
“What are you doing out here?” he asked, his expression conveying confusion over seeing me outside my door.
“My keys were in my suitcase.” I took it from his hand, unzipped the side pocket, and took them out to unlock the door.
“So you were going to spend the night on your doorstep rather than call me to get them?” His voice was laced with irritation.
I opened the door and turned, facing him. “Oh, no, you don’t. You do not get to be mad at me right now.”
“The hell I don’t when you’re so stubborn you’d rather—”
His voice was rising, and I was well aware that there were three other apartments on my floor. “Shh—We are not fighting out here with my neighbors hearing every word.”
“Fine, then I’m coming inside.”
“No, you’re not. We can talk tomorrow. Thanks for the keys. And for your information, I was waiting on the management company. Guess you saved them a trip.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked, and we stood in a face-off. He finally broke it by stepping within inches of me. “I’m torn between wanting to fuck you senseless or kiss you breathless. Take your pick, Kenz, but I’m not going anywhere.”
My treacherous body shivered in response. “I told you not to come over tonight.”
He crowded me in through my door, his hands framing my face, eyes intensely locked on mine. Once inside, his foot kicked the door shut behind us. “I think me not listening to you right now is the least of my screw-ups today. So I’ll take my chances. And I’d kind of hoped your temper would’ve lessened by now.”
“I still want to whack-a-mole your pretty-boy face, so it’s not quite there yet.”
His lips twitched, as he fought a smile. “You love my PDG way too much to take a chance at ruining it.”
I lifted my chin, determined not to let his charm distract me from what had made me angry in the first place. “I’m not done with being mad.”
He swallowed hard and murmured, “I know.”
From there, his mouth crashed down, and my body took over as I put all of my pent-up frustration into the kiss, leaving us both breathless. We didn’t bother with the steps it would’ve taken to move us into the bedroom; instead, he undid his slacks, flipped up my skirt, and pushed inside of me within minutes on the living room floor.
***
“You’re vibrating,” I commented dryly while we lay post-floor-sex catching our breath.
He fumbled with the back pocket of his trousers, which had ended up around his ankles. “My phone. Sorry, I have to take this,” he muttered, glancing at the display and then answering it. He spoke tersely in what I assumed was a business call.
I took the opportunity to stand up and walk into my bathroom. Turning on the shower, I stripped down, stepping in once it turned warm enough. I was surprised that by the time I’d rinsed Colby hadn’t joined me. When I stepped out, however, he greeted me with an open dry towel. “Thanks.”
He looked anxious standing there in the small space of my bathroom. “I have to travel to London tomorrow for business. I’ll be gone a couple days.”
“Oh.” I hated the idea of him leaving when we were in this weird place.
“I’m sorry for earlier, Kenz. I panicked when it came to introducing you to someone who knew Josh now that we’re together. I never should’ve dismissed you like that. After you left, I made it clear that her behavior towards you was unacceptable.”
“You didn’t have to do it on my behalf.”
“I would’ve told her the same if she’d spoken to anyone like she did, but I couldn’t do it in front of you because she’s an employee and I’m her boss. And there really was a legal issue with one of our vendors on a production site which required a video conference; otherwise, I would’ve been here sooner.”
I walked past him into the bedroom, absorbing his words, and then realized my real issue with the whole scene centered around one question. Facing him, I had to ask, “Are we ever telling our families about us?”
Pure panic showed on his face before he could hide it.
“Guess I have my answer,” I mumbled, turning away in search of clothes.
“No, you don’t.” He moved me towards him, his hands on my hips, dipping his head down so that we were eye to eye. “Look, I’d be lying if I said that telling them wouldn’t complicate things. I was hoping for a longer period of time where we could be together before bringing other people into the mix. My brother and I aren’t exactly getting along at the moment. But if it comes down to a choice of losing you or telling both him and Brian right now, then I’ll get on the plane tonight to go see them.”
Sincerity showed in his eyes, and I knew he meant it. “Why would you have to get on a plane?”
“Because this isn’t a conversation to have over a phone, especially with your brother. You have to understand that neither of them, justifiably, will be happy to hear that we’re together.”
“It might be weird at first, but what in the world would they have against it? I’m hardly a child, and it’s not as though Josh’s wife isn’t quite a bit younger than he is, too. He’d have no room to talk. And you didn’t make the first move. Hell, I did.”
He exhaled harshly. “The problem is none of those things.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask what it was, but then the obvious hit me. It was his reputation. Suddenly, I was a lot more sympathetic. In my heart, I knew that he wasn’t giving them enough credit for being able to accept he’d changed, however I had to respect that he was still nervous about their reactions. Telling them we were four weeks into a relationship wasn’t exactly inspiring; but if it were months, maybe it would seem more believable that he was a different man now.
“I wasn’t thinking about how that scenario might go down or how the timing might be important.”
He let out a sigh of relief. “So we’re okay not letting them know for now?”
The more I thought about it, the more I realized having our families’ commentary on something this new to the both of us might make things harder—not that anything they could say would make a difference in how I felt about him.
“Yes. But for the sake of Judy’s health and well-being, I should probably steer clear of your office going forward.”
He took the towel from my hands, letting it drop to my
feet. Stepping closer, his voice dropped an octave near my ear. “Oh, I think your point was made with your quip about her first impressions being for shit.”
“Good,” I muttered, my body in full anticipation mode with the huskiness in his tone.
“And since neither of us would’ve thought twice about spending time together back when we were only friends, I still want you to be able to come to my office. Matter of fact; I’d love it if you met me for lunch tomorrow before I need to fly out.”
He knelt down in front of me, his face in line with my center. When he looked up, it was all I could do not to shove his head between my legs.
“Okay.” I swallowed hard feeling his breath on me intimately. “Uh, what are you doing?”
He leaned forward, inhaling my scent. “Trying to gauge if you’re still mad.” He swiped his tongue over my clit. “Because I didn’t like how it felt when you left upset earlier.” A finger made its way inside of me. “And I want to be sure we’re all right before I fly so far away from you.” He nibbled lightly, nuzzling my thighs apart further.
A whimper fell from my lips in response. My eyes clenched shut as his mouth sucked on my clit and white heat coursed through my entire body while my hands threaded in his hair, pushing him into me. I could feel his fingers work their magic in tempo with his expert tongue. As the orgasm consumed me, I threw my head back in pleasure, incoherent words involuntarily coming from my mouth.
He continued to devour me without any pause until I came hard against his face with such ferocity my knees nearly buckled, and I barely registered being carried to my bed.
“Someone is pretty good with their apologies,” I murmured, still trembling with the aftershocks.
He trailed kisses up the length of my thoroughly sated body until his face was close to mine. “It’s strategic, really.”
My brow lifted. “Do tell.”
“I figure it’s incentive to have you look forward to me messing up again. I may never be great at relationship stuff, but I think I can nail the apologies.”
“Impressive tactic.” I smiled, running my thumb over his bottom lip.
“Mm, more impressive was the fact that I think your last orgasm took under a minute.”
“Did not.” Did it?
“Why would it bother you if it did?”
“Maybe I don’t want to make it too easy. And it was three minutes, at least.”
He smirked. “Wanna bet?”
“On what?”
“We can see if the next one is under a minute.”
I giggled. “You’re timing it?”
“Of course, and winner chooses the toy from Pleasure Palace.”
“Oh, you’re on.”
He reached over, grabbing my phone to set the timer while I resolved to win the bet. Unfortunately, as soon as he flashed the PDG, I knew I was in trouble.
***
The next morning I prepared to head to the hospital for another round of Elsa and friends singing. It was such a hit with the children that I couldn’t wait to do it again.
Colby had departed for work but had certainly left me with a smile on my face and plenty of memories regarding how I’d happily lost the bet last night. It’s as though he was going for a record or something, and who was I to deny a man his goal?
We made plans to meet for lunch, so we could see one another before he had to fly out for London this evening. My management company finally returned my call and, while their lack of speedy service annoyed me, it did give me a chance to give notice I was moving out in a month. My plan for this week was to start the job hunt. Maybe I could ask someone at the hospital if they had any paid work.
As I was braiding my hair, I heard my phone ring and smiled at the name flashing up. “Hi, Will.” I hadn’t talked to him since New York.
“Hiya, Kenzie, how you going?”
I loved the way Australians greeted people. “Good, thanks. How about you?”
“Great. I’m in LA and wondered if you wanted to get together.”
“Would love to. Matter of fact, what are you doing in an hour?”
***
Not only was Will available to come to the hospital, but he’d managed to recruit two girls who were in town for the same modelling gig. Turns out he made a stunning Prince Charming, and the two women happily donned Cinderella and Snow White garb. Thank goodness for the hospital coordinator who had all of the costumes ready and was thrilled to have more people join us.
“Thanks for inviting us,” Will said, looking excited.
“Thank you for coming. I’m so happy you didn’t have plans and brought friends.” The two women who’d come were gorgeous and genuinely seemed to be happy about spending time with the kids.
“We’re not shooting until this afternoon, so it worked out. You want to join us tonight? We’re checking out a nightclub downtown.”
With Colby flying to London this evening and my foot finally out of a boot, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes. It would be fun to go out dancing. “Sounds great.”
“How are things with the youngest Singer brother, by the way?” he whispered while we waited for everyone to file in.
I smiled. “Better than before. I’ll fill you in later.” Or should I? Will had a friendship with Haylee, who was married to Colby’s brother. But he also seemed to be able to keep a confidence.
Two hours later, after we’d finished with singing and making the rounds with the kids, I could tell by Will’s expression he was struggling. “You okay?”
He nodded, his blue eyes looking heavy. “I’m blown away with the strength of these kids but it’s still incredibly sad.”
I knew the feeling, especially after the first time. “It is, but for these couple hours, you helped place smiles on their faces. Puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?”
“It definitely does. It looks like someone is waiting to talk with you.”
A man I’d never seen before was standing a few feet away. He appeared to be in his fifties and was wearing a suit and tie. When he caught my gaze, he stepped forward. “Do you have a moment, miss?”
“Sure.” I excused myself from Will, promising to meet him later tonight at the club.
***
I was a half hour early when I walked into Colby’s office building. I’d meant to stop home before coming, but I couldn’t contain my news a minute longer and had driven straight over from the hospital. Thankfully, the volunteer coordinator had noticed I was leaving in Elsa attire as I’d been so distracted I’d forgotten to change. Otherwise, I’d have been in full Disney princess regalia.
This time the receptionist didn’t hesitate when I said I was there for Mr. Singer. She called up Rhonda straightaway.
“Hi, my dear,” she greeted me with a smile.
“Sorry I’m a bit early for our lunch.”
She waved me off. “It’s okay. Mr. Singer told me anytime you stop by to bring you back. He’s finishing up an internal meeting any minute, but I’ll order up lunch now and then you can go right in.”
Hearing he’d taken the time to say this to his assistant made me smile. “Sounds good. Can you point me to the ladies’ room in the meantime?”
Once there, I took my hair out of the braid, running my hands through it. I kind of had a beach-tousled look going on. Elsa’s eye makeup, complete with sparkles, made for quite the funny contrast with my jean skirt and sleeveless blouse.
Stepping back out to the waiting area, I saw his office door open with a number of people filing out, including Judy. Her face was priceless when Colby, who was walking them out, lit up with a grin upon seeing me.
“Hey,” he rasped.
“Hi,” I returned, realizing we were being observed. “I’m a little early as I came straight from the hospital.”
“I can see that. How are the kids?” He led me into his office and shut the door behind me. In the next second he had me pressed up against it, kissing me breathless.
When he finally pulled away, I blissfully sighed already
missing his lips. “They were good. And that’s quite the greeting.”
“You were quite the sight with your princess makeup, sexy hair, and this skirt. You came straight from the hospital—everything okay?”
I smiled. “Better than that. After the performance this morning, a man approached asking if he could speak with me. Turns out his nephew is there going through treatment and the uncle works for a record label. They’re looking for a backup singer for a major headliner. He can’t say who, but he wants me to audition.”
His excitement matched mine. “That’s amazing. When’s the try out?”
“He has my contact information, and said most likely in the next three to four weeks. I’m still in shock.” The opportunity had been hard to believe at first, but this could very well be fate. The only problem was it didn’t solve my issue of stage fright.
“I’m not. I’ve heard you sing, and it’s no wonder that someone in the industry who heard you would be interested. I wish I could take you out tonight to celebrate.”
Right, celebrate the fact I may not be able to actually audition. Putting that thought aside, I smiled. “Me, too, but I got to share my news with you first and I do have plans tonight. Will called this morning, and he’s in town which worked out well because he and two of the girls he models with came this morning to the hospital to help volunteer. He was quite the hit dressed as Prince Charming. Anyhow, he invited me out with a group of them tonight to a nightclub.”
His jaw clenched. “So you’re going?”
“Yeah, I thought it might be fun.” Now his eyes had darkened as his muscles tensed. “What’s going on with you right now?”
He swallowed hard. “Nothing I won’t learn to get over.”
Did he still think Will was a threat? “You know we’re only friends right? Although when he asked about you, I wasn’t sure what to say.”
“So what did you tell him?”
“Well, back in New York when we went out for doughnuts…”
“Yeah?”
“I kind of told him that I had feelings for you. I may have even asked him for advice. I realize he’s a friend of Haylee’s—and therefore Josh’s. But I do trust he wouldn’t have said anything. So when he inquired this morning how things were going, I deferred to telling him tonight because you and I had agreed not to say anything.”
Bet Me Something (Something Series Book 3) Page 23