“Um, okay.” Cassie looks confused.
“I have a huge, and I mean huge, opportunity for you. It will blow this business out of the water. It’s the biggest shoot ever for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I need someone to take the shots and edit them for the Carson Lee campaign and who else would I choose but my dearest friend.” I silently pray that she will say yes.
“Kinley, I take wedding and baby photos. Nothing qualifies me to do a professional shoot like that.”
“Well,” I use my best smile on her, “technically, Carson Lee is a big ass baby, so what’s the difference?”
Cassie giggles. “I’m sorry. I can’t do it. I wouldn’t do it justice.”
“Okay, first, you’re amazing and the best in all of Alabama. Second, think of the money and the fact that you’re helping me out. Please don’t make me beg. This skirt is super tight and my Spanx may bust if I bend down.”
“How much money?”
I knew I could sway her. I clap excitedly and hug her. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I keep repeating to her.
“Yeah, yeah.” She tries to be mean about it, but she’s smiling brightly. Cassie knows this is big for her too.
I tell her that I will send her all the details, and I head back out. I need to think about a campaign, something that will fit Carson and LSMP. I go down the block to the nearest Starbucks and order the most caffeinated drink they have. I lay out a fresh piece of paper and open my laptop.
Okay, let’s think about this from all directions. First, the clothes. They are for people who want to be comfortable but still fashionable. Second, Carson. I instantly groan. Mr. Bad-boy himself. All I really know about him is he’s an ass and sleeps with anything that stands still for three minutes.
I tap my nail on the side of the coffee cup. That might work. The lightbulb goes off. Maybe Carson’s bad-boy side is what we need to show. What girl doesn’t love a bad boy, and what boy doesn’t want to be one? I begin scribbling down all my ideas, scrolling through most of the clothes that are already approved for the fall line.
I’m so wrapped up in my ideas, I barely hear my phone going off. When I look at the display, I see the one word that I didn’t want to see at this moment.
“Hi, Mama.”
“Kinley, please explain to me why your father and I are sitting in this restaurant and you’re not here?”
Shit. “Mama, I got caught up at the office, but I’m on my way.” I lie to her, because I sure as hell wasn’t going to tell her I forgot. I’m not stupid.
“Fine. I can see this career choice is making you forget your parents.” She hangs up.
Well, this is going to be a great dinner tonight.
~
“Daddy.” I smile at the one that I know will always be there for me. I hug him tightly.
“Be careful, Kinley. Your mama is on the war path.”
I sigh as I drop into the chair. “Great.”
“Well, I figure I would warn you because you know how she is, but she means well.”
I give my dad a sad smile. “I know.”
At that moment, my mother sits back down, giving me a glare. “Kinley, I’m glad you could grace us with your presence.”
“I’m very sorry, Mama. It won’t happen again.” I need to butter her up or this is going to be a night from hell.
She doesn’t say anything but looks at the menu. Daddy pats my hand and winks. As we decide on what to order, Mama goes into a long story of some neighbor whose daughter is pregnant and how great it would be if she had grandchildren. I hang my head and pretend that I’m studying the menu. When, in reality, I want to yell and tell her that she’ll never get grandkids if she keeps nagging me about it.
Mama has been this way since Elliott asked me to marry him. She had my wedding planned in a matter of days. At the time, it seemed like a great idea. Marriage, careers, a house, and we did love each other. Until I started staying at work more, and we grew apart.
Yes, I put my career first and that was wrong. But I’m happy now and I know that Elliott will find someone.
“Well, if it isn’t Kinley Wright?”
“Oh no,” the words escape me the moment I hear my name. I look up and give Carson Lee a face of disgust. “Birmingham isn’t as big as it used to be,” I mumble.
“Oh now, Kinley.” Carson almost pouts at me.
“Go away.”
“Kinley,” Mama hisses at me. “Don’t be rude.”
“Now, Kinley, you didn’t tell me you had a younger sister.” Carson charms my mama into giggles. “I’m Carson Lee.”
“Well, aren’t you just precious. I’m Kinley’s mama, Ruby Wright.” She gingerly shakes his hand. “And this is my husband, Perry Wright.” Carson also shakes his hand.
“Very nice to meet you both. I’m sure Kinley has talked non-stop to you about me already-”
“Will you shut up and go away?” I cut him off in mid sentence.
“Kinley,” it’s my dad this time that stops me from cussing him out. “Mr. Lee, would you like to join us?”
“No, he wouldn’t,” I almost yell. “I’m sure he has several dates for this evening that he needs to attend to.”
“Actually, I would love to join you. I don’t have any plans.” He sits right next to me.
I can’t believe my day. First, my boss and now this. Thankfully, the waiter comes back, and we all order. Of course, I request another bottle of wine because I need it.
“Carson, what do you do for a living?” Mama starts in. I knew that would happen.
“I’m a professional hockey player for the Alabama Blacksmiths, ma’am.” Carson’s voice is polite, almost kind. He’s never this nice. He’s lying through the caps on his teeth.
Daddy snaps his fingers. “That’s how I know you! You’ve been having a good season.”
“Thank you. I wish Kinley knew that much about me at least.” He eyes me.
“I know that much.” I sneer at him.
“Carson, where are you from? You sound like a yankee.” Mama smiles at him. I know that look. It means she’s going to measure him up like a hunter preparing to shoot his bow.
“That I am. I’m originally from Michigan.”
Mama continues her CIA-like questioning. “Are your parents still there? Or have they moved down here to be closer to you?”
“They’re still up there.” Carson looks unsure by his answer, but it’s possible he’s been drinking.
“Do you see them often? I know hockey people travel a lot.”
Hockey people? Even I know that they’re called players.
“I see them when I can.”
The waiter brings our drinks, and I notice Carson takes a large gulp.
“I’m sure Carson doesn’t want to discuss his life and family.” I’m trying to save him, and myself, from all of this.
“Oh, Carson, you don’t mind, do you?” Mama turns on her charms and I know that it’s going to work on him. “It’s just harmless questions.”
“No, ma’am, I don’t.” I knew it. “Most people don’t take the time to ask me those questions, so it’s refreshing.”
I roll my eyes, lean in close to him and whisper, “The only questions you usually get are: do you have a condom, and are these clean sheets?”
He turns his head and lightly speaks close to my ear. “That’s not true, Kinley. They usually ask me how many orgasms can they expect or they ask if my dick really is as big as they’ve heard.”
Oh, he thinks he’s going to embarrass me. “Well, I’ve heard penile implants are very popular now-a-days.” I notice his mouth drops a little, and he smirks at me.
He’s about to say something, but Mama cuts him off. “Kinley, it’s not nice to whisper in front of people” She pulls her attention back to my unwanted guest. “Now, Carson, are you married? Kids?”
“I’m sure there are pending DNA tests on that last one, Mama,” I smart off again.
Carson doesn’t even acknow
ledge me. “I’m single, Mrs. Wright.”
Mama’s eyes grow wide with excitement. “I’m sure you’re aware that our dear, sweet Kinley is recently divorced.”
“Divorced? Why would anyone leave a girl as sweet as you, Kinley?”
Daddy chuckles. He knows that sweet isn’t the best way to describe me. I’m not mean, but I’m a tiny bit hardheaded. However, Carson’s statement makes me roll my eyes. “Thanks for that, Mama. And it’s a long, very boring story, Carson.”
Mom waves her hand away. “It’s a short story and Carson, she really is a good girl. She just prefers to be more career-oriented.” She uses a rude tone with that last part of the sentence.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m the same way. Everyone has their own goals and dreams and the right to follow them.” He looks over to me. He’s being sincere, but I don’t fall under his charm.
“I guess. Now, Carson, do you do well at this hockey-thing you play at?” Mama looks a little confused by her question.
Daddy laughs harder. “Forgive her, Carson, she isn’t a hockey fan. We’re more of a football family.”
“Oh yes, Kinley has already proven that to me. But I’m very good, Mrs. Wright. It’s why your daughter chose to work with me. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
“Ha!” I bark out quickly. “I was given an assignment. It’s not like I asked to work with you.”
Mama cut me her meanest look. “Kinley, don’t be rude. We didn’t raise you this way. Carson is trying to pay you a nice compliment, and you’re acting as if he’s dirt. You should apologize.”
My mouth drops. Like I would ever do that, but Mama is still giving me the look, and I know what it means. “Sorry, Carson,” I hiss at him.
“You’re forgiven.” He smiles.
I’ve never been so thankful to see the food arrive. I know that the conversation will die down. At least, I pray that it will. I don’t know how many more questions Mama has in her.
During the dinner, Daddy and Carson have a discussion about hockey, and I actually remembered a few things and learn a couple of others.
I keep thinking about the bad-boy campaign. Will it upset Carson’s family? Well, probably not since I’m sure they know how he is.
The waiter brings the bill, and Carson quickly snatches it up and pays for dinner. Daddy protests, but Carson smiles his charm at my daddy and says it’s his pleasure.
The four of us walk out together, and my parent’s car is out front. We say our goodbyes and Mama tells Carson not to be a stranger.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
I hug my parents and try to dodge Carson and head to my car. He easily catches up with me.
“I can’t believe you stayed through the entire dinner. Didn’t you have anything better to do or someone to do?”
“Are you offering, sweetheart?”
I stop and stare at him. Is he serious?
“Absolutely not. You’re not my type.”
I continue to my car and use my remote to unlock it. I whip open the door, but before I can get in, Carson blocks my path.
“Do you have a type or do you automatically say no to everyone? You’re too focused on your career, right? Too focused to get laid?”
I take a small step back. How can he say something like that? That’s low. He’s not too far off base, but it stings my heart a little. “I got married young, okay?” I don’t know why I said it or why I continue. “I made a mistake. And you don’t need to worry about with who or when I have sex. Be sure to look for our meetings that will be coming up soon.”
I push past him, get in my car, and drive away.
Chapter Six
Carson
The last thing I was expecting to do when I made my last comment to Kinley was hit a nerve, but I did. Her relationship status is a touchy subject, I guess. I was honestly just trying to tease her and piss her off. That’s why I approached her and that’s why I stayed for dinner. I told her she’d see the jerk soon, so sooner rather than later, right? Meetings with her should be really fun.
I was beyond relieved when the dinner was finally over, though. Her mother was strangely, politely nosy. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was trying to be charismatic with them, largely to annoy Kinley, I would feel bad about lying to them about my parents and visiting them. I don’t have a family and haven’t for a long time, but I can only imagine the questions Mrs. Wright would fire at me had I been honest.
The best part of the meal, I think, was my little side conversation with Kinley. Having someone not impressed or someone who disapproves with my habits isn’t new. However, having someone so openly blunt about it is. The only other person who does that is Mike and he’s nicer about it.
Tonight, I’m going home alone. The reminder of my family or lack thereof puts me in no mood to deal with company, even for sex. I walk into the large, quiet house. My keys make a loud clinking sound as I drop them onto the glass table by the door. The emptiness seems so vast. It’s annoying. Maybe I should have gone to the bar. I go to my bedroom to change, being careful not to aggravate the fresh tattoo on my arm. It’s mixed in with everything else already there, but it has a soft, cursive-like font that simply reads Gracie. Once I finish changing, I lay down on the couch, turning on the TV.
The house seems too big for me. Maybe I should get a dog. Nah, the damn thing would probably run away or die on me. I don’t want to have to deal with that. My grandmother used to tell me that I’d share my life with someone, that I’d want to. I called bullshit then and still do. The only part of her ramblings that really stuck with me, that I remember and follow, is that I should be happy.
Sitting on the couch in my house with me, myself, and I, I realize I can’t get any happier than this.
~
I tilt my head at the screen of my laptop. There’s an email from Kinley, telling me when the initial meeting is. A small grin rises as I read the very end of her message:
Do not be late. Or I’ll make sure everyone knows just how small your penis is.
I click reply:
No one would believe you. They all know better. I can’t make the meeting, by the way.
That ought to piss her off, especially when she finds out I’m lying. Within two minutes, my phone is ringing.
“Well, hello, sweetheart.” If my smile gets any bigger, it’ll jump off my face.
“Don’t sweetheart me. What do you mean you can’t make it? Do you not understand what a contract means?” She’s livid. It’s way too much fun to piss her off.
“Actually, if you remember correctly, you pushed me into signing the contract right away, so I only glanced over it.”
“Carson, Mike looked over them, so don’t play me like I’m some dumb blonde that falls at your feet. You need to be at this meeting. We need to go over the campaign.” Her voice is stern and adamant. I should probably let her know before she blows a gasket.
“Calm down, sweetheart. You’re getting yourself worked up over nothing. I was messing with you. The time for the meeting is fine. However, I do need to ask for a favor.”
“Oh my word, I’m not giving you any sexual favors,” she says it like it would actually be a bad thing.
“I wouldn’t need to ask for that. I need you to come over to the house. I have practice, and then I’m meeting someone to go over some work I’m doing to my house. So, I would really appreciate it if you would meet me here,” I tell her as sincerely as I can possibly manage.
She’s quiet for a moment before agreeing. “Well, okay. I need your address or should I backtrack the trail of tears that leave your house nightly?” And there’s the Kinley I know.
“No one leaves this house as anything other than extremely satisfied. But I’ll email you the address.”
We hang up and I do as I said I would. After practice, Elliott is coming over so he can get his ass started on what I’m hiring him for. I really hope he doesn’t come armed with more jokes. The image of Kinley laying into him like she does to me ha
s me nearly dying in laughter. I could picture him with a deer in the headlights look.
Practice seems to pass by extra slowly today even though we’re working hard. It runs a little late, so I decide to shower at home. Then I’ll for sure be there when Elliott arrives and then Kinley. I take a quick one and just as I wrap a towel around my waist, I hear the doorbell ring.
I open it to Kinley, surprised to see her in fitting jeans and a low cut shirt. She loves to show off what she’s got and it’s not a bad sight. Her mouth parts as she takes in the fact that I still have drops of water on my bare torso and only a towel wrapped around my waist. Her eyes leisurely look over me and nearly glaze over with desire.
Leaning against the doorframe, I grin. “You’re early. Eager to see me? You can look all you want, sweetheart, but you might want to come inside first.”
She glares before stepping into my home.
Chapter Seven
Kinley
Holy shit.
I thought all the times I’d seen him without his shirts were photoshopped. Well, I’m wrong because he’s real. Really real. Now I can take in his left arm’s full sleeve tattoo. At the top is a large Stanley Cup with a few players around it. Down his arm are a set of hockey sticks, a puck, the Alabama Blacksmiths logo, a goalie mask, and several dates that I don’t know what they mean. Then there is a fresh tattoo on his forearm with the name Gracie.
His mom?
Or sister?
“We need to get to business, Carson.” I rush out and hope that I’m not drooling over his gorgeous body. “That’s why I’m early. I know the playoffs are going to start soon, and I want everything nailed down before the summer.”
“The reason I gave you a time was because I knew when I would be ready, you know.”
“Well, go get ready.”
“Want to watch? I know it’s only a towel, but I could still give a good strip tease.”
“Carson, I just ate. I’m in no mood to puke. Thanks.”
“Suit yourself. My other meeting hasn’t even happened, by the way. You can wait in the kitchen.” We walk into the kitchen just as the doorbell rings. “Let me get that first.” I’m sure it’s some chick coming over to do whatever he does with them.
Finding Carson Lee (Oh Captan, My Captain #3) Page 3