Damaged Pieces (Cape Isle, #2): A Cape Isle Novel

by Allie Able

  “I know I don’t have to, Katie, but I want to.”

  I dumbly nod my head, because with him this close, I can’t think. He leans down and gently lays his mouth on mine. His lips are warm and soft. I reach my hand up and run it over his scruffy beard. His hand goes to the nape of my neck and he slides it into my hair, pulling me closer to him.

  “The door is open, Nick,” I mumble against his mouth. I do not need Abbi walking in and seeing me in a compromising position with a man. It would only confuse her.

  He grunts and uses his foot to close the door. “How is it that I just saw you last night, but I missed you all day today?”

  I smile, but stay silent. He pushes me up against the closed door and looks down into my eyes. “Did you miss me, kitten?”

  Every hard inch of him is pressed against my body. To someone as small as me, his strength and power should be intimidating or even a little scary, but all it does to me is turn me on. I am at work for Christ’s sake, and my daughter is in the other room, but none of that seems to matter, while I have his body against mine.

  When I don’t answer him, he growls and bends his head, taking my mouth in a deep kiss. He bites down on my lower lip, before swiping his tongue across it to ease the sting. I immediately open my mouth and invite him in. At the first taste of him, I moan. I grip onto his sides and pull him closer and I can feel his hard erection, digging into my stomach.

  He abruptly pulls back and rests his forehead on my shoulder. “Jesus Christ, Katie, if we don’t stop, I’m going to have to fuck you in your office and I don’t think that is really an option right now.”

  Damn, that escalated quickly.

  Chapter Ten

  Nick

  WHEN I DECIDED TO COME down to the clinic, I honestly wasn’t planning on doing that, but she walked in and looked so cute in her scrubs, I couldn’t wait any longer to have her lips against mine. I missed her and it’s been less than 24 hours since I last saw her. She is quickly becoming an addiction. What am I going to do when I go back overseas?

  I pull back from her and look at her flushed face. “Did you miss me, Katie?” I whisper. I don’t know why it’s so important for me to hear her answer, but I need to hear her say it.

  She smiles gently and runs her hand along my jaw. “Yes, I missed you too, Nick.”

  I smile and softly lay my lips against hers, before stepping back. I adjust my cock, that is pressing painfully against my jeans and try to hide the evidence of my arousal. She steps away from the door and runs a hand down her hair. “Did Haden know you came back here?” she asks.

  I shrug my shoulders. “Probably. Why?”

  “No reason. She was acting oddly this morning and then Abbi told your sister that you had dinner with us last night.”

  I cock my head to the side and look at her. “Is that a problem? Are you trying to keep me a secret, Katie?” I joke.

  She rolls her eyes. “No, I just don’t know what we are doing here and I don’t feel like I want to explain it to anyone right now.”

  “We are seeing where this goes and that isn’t anyone’s fucking business. You don’t have to explain anything.”

  “Have you met your sister?” she laughs.

  I smile and nod my head. “Yeah, you’re right. Good luck.”

  Now that I have my body under control, I’m pretty sure I need to leave this office. I can smell her everywhere and it’s driving me crazy. I walk towards the door and turn the knob. I hear her mumble something about nosy sisters, as she follows me to the front of the clinic. Abbi is talking to Haden, when we approach, but she jumps out of her chair when she sees me.

  “Hey, Mr. Nick,” she says, as she hugs me around my stomach.

  I lay my hand on top of her wild red hair and hug her back. How could any man walk away from this? I don’t understand what Katie’s ex was thinking and I never will. Part of me is sad for Katie and Abbi, that they had to be alone for so long, but a bigger part of me is thankful that I get a chance to be with them now.

  “What are you doing here?” she asks, looking up at me. Her eyes, that are the same as her mothers, shine with excitement.

  “Hey, Abbi. I thought I would help you find a kitty.”

  She squeals and hugs me again, before looking over at her mom.

  “Really, Mom? Can I get one today?” she asks.

  Katie smiles at her daughter and nods her head. “You can go look, but I was just telling Nick that I’m not sure how many are in there right now.”

  Abbi smiles wide and grabs my hand. “Come on,” she says tugging me towards the back. I look towards Katie questioningly.

  “You two go ahead. I have an appointment coming in,” she says.

  I nod my head and follow Abbi. She knows right where to go. I hold the door open for her, and follow her inside. I watch as she goes from cage to cage, looking inside at each cat. She finally comes to one that hold four small kittens.

  “Can I get these out, Mr. Nick?”

  “Just call me Nick, sweetie, and yes you can.” I walk over to the cage and pull the handle. I pick one of the kittens up and hand it down to Abbi, before grabbing one for me to hold. This brings back so many memories of my childhood. Lexie and I used to spend a lot of time at the clinic when we were kids. I can remember coming in this room with Lexie and helping her open the cages, so she could pet the cats.

  I watch as Abbi pulls the white fluffy kitten to her chest and pet its head. “She’s so soft.” She smiles down at the cat.

  The one I’m holding begins to purr as I stroke her. “What color cat would you like?”

  She shakes her head. “I don’t care about color. I just want one that will like me.”

  “I’m pretty sure all of them will love you, but I think your mom will kill us both, if we try to take all of them home.”

  She laughs and it sounds so much like her mom. I feel something in my chest move. I look down and notice that the kitten in my hands is almost asleep.

  “This one seems sweet. Do you want to hold her?”

  She smiles and nods. She takes the the kitten from me and hands me the one she was holding.

  “Is my mom your girlfriend?”

  I stop petting the cat and look over at her with wide eyes. “What?”

  She continues rubbing the cats head and seems oblivious to my inner panic. I have no clue how to answer this question. “Is my mom your girlfriend?” she repeats slowly.

  “Um, where did you hear that?” I have no clue how to answer this question, but deflecting seems like the best way to go.

  She shrugs her little shoulders and continues to look down at the cat. “I didn’t hear it anywhere. Mom has never had guys around and I see the way she looks at you.”

  That makes me smile. “Really? How does she look at me?”

  “The same way you have always looked at her.”

  Damn, this kid is perceptive. I don’t know what in the hell to say, but she continues, before I get a chance.

  “She also seems happy around you. I mean, she’s always happy, but its different with you.”

  “Your mom makes a lot of people happy too, Abbi.” There, that seems like a safe answer.

  She looks up at me and I fight the urge to squirm. It’s funny, I am trained to withstand hostage situations, but having a talk with the ten-year-old daughter of the woman I am interested in, makes me nervous as hell. It would be easier if I knew how to answer these questions.

  “Mr. Nick, are you going to leave?” She asks in a small voice.

  Shit. Now I know what’s up with all of the questions. I want to hug her and tell her everything is going to be OK, but I’m not her parent. I am just the guy who is dating her mom. This couldn’t be more fucking frustrating. I need to talk to Katie about my role here. I don’t want to overstep any invisible boundaries, but I also want to reassure Abbi.

  I stand up and go set the kitten back in her cage, and sit next to Abbi.

  “Sweetie, I have to leave in a few weeks, to go back
to work, but I promise you, I will come back. No matter what happens with me and your mom, you and I will always be friends. Okay?”

  She looks unconvinced, but nods her head. “Okay, but I like you and my mom dating.”

  I smile down at her. Who would have thought that the approval of a ten-year-old would feel so good?

  “I want this kitty,” she says, as she cuddles the kitten closer to her face.

  “Good choice. I like this one too,” I respond, petting its head. “What are going to name her?”

  “Marshmallow.”

  “Good name.” I laugh.

  I look up when the door opens and Katie walks in with a smile on her face.

  “Did you find a kitten?”

  “Yep. Mom, meet marshmallow,” Abbi says, holding the kitten up for her mom to see.

  Katie walks over and takes the cat from Abbi. “Nice to meet you, Marshmallow.”

  Abbi laughs and looks over at me. “Can you come to our house for dinner Friday night?”

  “Abigail! Nick probably has plans on Friday night,” Katie says.

  I look over at her and shake my head. “I don’t have plans.”

  “Good, then you can come to dinner,” Abbi says.

  Katie shrugs her shoulders and smiles softly.

  “I would love to have dinner with you, Abbi.”

  She giggles and takes the kitten back from Katie. I’m pretty sure a kid just set me up on a date.

  Chapter Eleven

  Katie

  LIKE MOST WEEKS, THIS ONE flies by and before I know it, it’s Friday. Dr. Sinclaire hasn’t been in the office all week and I have been super busy. Nick came by twice and brought me lunch, but those are the only times I’ve seen him. Abbi asked me on Wednesday if he was still coming to dinner tonight and I assured her that he was.

  Friday’s are usually hectic days for the clinic and today is no different. After I picked Abbi up from school, we came straight back. She has been sitting up front with Haden and petting all of the animals that come in. I look down at my watch and sigh in relief when I see that it’s almost 5:00 pm. I love my job, but I’m ready to prop my feet up and have a glass of wine.

  “That was the last one for the day,” Haden says, walking into the exam room.

  “Awesome. I’m going to get this room cleaned up and then me and Abbi are going to head home.”

  She looks over at me and smiles. “Big plans tonight?”

  I give a her a questioningly look over my shoulder. “What makes you think that?”

  “Abbi told me that Nick was coming over for dinner.”

  I roll my eyes. “That little girl talks to much,” I joke, “And yes, Nick is coming over for dinner. Abbi invited him when he was here the other day.”

  “Hmm,” she hums to herself.

  I shoot her another look out of the corner of my eye. “What was that?”

  She smiles and shakes her head. “Nothing. Y’all have fun!”

  She backs out of the room, with a creepy smile on her face, before I have a chance to respond. I’m too tired to question her weird behavior, so I shake my head and go back to cleaning the exam room.

  Once the room is clean, I grab my purse and walk up front. Abbi is still sitting next to Haden, with Ms. Kitty in her lap.

  “Ready to go, kiddo?” I ask.

  She smiles and nods her head, while handing Ms. Kitty to Haden. “See you Monday, Ms. Haden.”

  “Bye, sweetie. Y’all have a good weekend,” she winks at me.

  “You too, Haden,” I say, holding the door open for Abbi to walk through.

  “Are you okay with Chinese takeout for dinner?” I ask, once we are in the car.

  “Yes, ma’am.” She buckles her seat belt and smiles at me. “Is Mr. Nick still coming to eat with us?”

  “I’m about to call him right now and see.” I scroll down to his name and hold the phone up to my ear. I listen to it ring three times, before I hear his deep voice.

  “Hey, kitten,” Chills run down my spine and I immediately berate myself for my reaction. My daughter is in the back seat for Christsake!

  I clear my throat. “Hey, Nick. I wanted to make sure you were still coming for dinner and to see if Chinese takeout is okay with you? I’m wiped.”

  “Yeah, of course. If you tell me what you want, I’ll pick it up.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know I don’t have to, Katie, I want to,” he chuckles.

  Him picking up the food is such a small gesture, but to me it’s huge. I’m so use to doing everything myself. I can’t remember the last time I let someone else care for me, even something as simple as picking up a to-go order for me and my daughter.

  “Katie?” he questions, his voice soft.

  I clear my throat and rattle off our order. “Thank you,” I say, when I’m finished, my voice betraying my emotions.

  “You’re welcome, kitten. See you in a few minutes,” he replies, before hanging up.

  I pull the phone from the holder and look down at it for a minute, completely lost in thought.

  “Mom,” Abbi says.

  I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and look at her in the rear view mirror. “Yeah, sweetie?”

  “Is Mr. Nick coming to dinner?”

  “Yes. He’s going to pick up dinner and meet us at the house,” I say, putting my phone in my purse and cranking up the car.

  Abbi is silent for a minute, as I navigate out of the parking lot.

  “Is it okay for me to go spend the night at Christy’s house tonight?” she asks.

  I peak at her in the rear view mirror again. “What? We are eating dinner with Nick tonight.”

  “I know, but after dinner can I go?” she asks, looking guilty.

  “Why am I only hearing about this now?” I ask, as I pull down our street.

  She shrugs her shoulders. “She asked me earlier today and I really want to go, but I guess I forgot to ask you, until right now.”

  I park the car in our driveway and turn to look at her. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay home with me for Friday movie night?”

  “Christy said her mom was going to rent a movie.”

  I sigh. When did my baby grow up? This certainly isn’t her first sleepover, but it’s still hard for me when she wants to go spend the night at a friends’ house. “I’ll call Christy’s mom.” I reluctantly concede.

  “Yah!” she exclaims, throwing both hands in the air.

  I laugh and shake my head. We both exit the car and walk inside.

  Right as I’m getting off of the phone with Susie, Christy’s mom, the door bell rings. I lay the phone down on the counter and walk towards the front door. Nick’s smiling face greets me as soon as I open it.

  “Hey,” he says, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

  “Hey, yourself.” I take a step back and indicate for him to walk inside.

  We both walk towards the kitchen and he sets down the bags of food, before pulling me into a hug.

  “How was your day?” he asks, his lips pressed against the top of my head.

  “Long,” I mumble, “How was yours?”

  I feel his lips pull into a smile. “It was good.”

  I hear footsteps coming towards the kitchen and I step out of Nick’s embrace, right as Abbi comes around the corner.

  “Hey, Mr. Nick,” she smiles.

  “Hey, Abbi. Did you have a good day at school?”

  I start fixing our plates, while I listen to Abbi tell Nick all about volcanoes.

  We are almost done eating when the doorbell rings again. Nick looks at me questioningly and Abbi jumps from her seat, running to her room.

  “That will be Susie. Abbi decided that she wanted to go stay at her friend’s house tonight,” I explain, getting up to go answer the door.

  “Hey, Susie,” I smile, opening the door.

  “Hey, Katie,” she smiles.

  “Hi Christy.” I smile down at the adorable little girl. I’ve only met Susie�
��s husband a handful of times, but Christy looks just like her dad. She’s got big blue eyes and dark curly hair.

  “Hi, Ms. Fitzgerald.”

  “Abbi’s in her room getting her bag ready, if you want to go help her.”

  She smiles and nods, as she runs off down the hall to Abbi’s room.

  “Come on in, Susie. We were just finishing dinner,” I say leading her to the dining room.

  “Oh, I hope I didn’t come too early and interrupt. Christy was so excited, I don’t think I could have contained her another second,” she laughs.

  “No, you’re fine. Abbi was excited too and we were almost done anyway.”

  We walk into the dining room and I hear Susie’s take a sharp breath. Maybe I should have told her someone else was here? I didn’t think it would be a big deal, but I look over at her now and her eyes are bulging out of her head, at the sight of Nick sitting at the table.

  “Susie, do you know Nick Sinclaire? Nick this is Susie Presley.”

  Susie seems to shake off her shock and she steps toward Nick, holding out her hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” Her voice has dropped a few octaves and my eyebrows shoot up on my forehead. What in the hell is this?

  Nick stands from the table and meets her hand halfway. “It’s nice to meet you Susie,” he says, giving her a wide smile.

  I swear I hear her sigh at the sight of him, and I have to fight back an eye roll. Susie is in her forties and has been married for over 15 years, but at the sight of Nick she turns into a thirteen-year-old girl. I can’t say I blame her though. Luckily, the girls choose that moment to come rushing into the room.

  “We’re ready!” Christy exclaims, completely oblivious to her mothers swooning. Susie manages to get her shit together and turns to look at her daughter, before looking back over at me.

  “Alright, then. Let’s go girls. Enjoy your night, Katie,” she says, giving me wicked smile and this time I do roll my eyes. I hear Nick chuckling behind me.

  “Come give me a hug, Abbi,” I say, holding my arms open and looking over at my daughter.

  She wraps her arms around my middle and I squeeze her against me. I hate letting her spend the night away from home. Will this ever get any easier? I reluctantly let her go and she runs over to Nick to give him a hug as well.