Arranged Love

by Lacey Wolfe

  Ryan’s hand grazed her knee under the table. Turning her attention toward him, she smiled.

  “You two are so cute!” Mrs. Newell gushed.

  “They are,” her mother agreed.

  “I’m glad to hear you both feel that way, because Kayla and I have an announcement.”

  “We do?” This was news to her.

  “Yes, sweetie pie, we do.”

  Kayla held her breath. Had he taken her that seriously earlier, to the point he was going to tell them all they were getting married? “Do you think we should wait?”

  He chuckled. “No, this is the perfect timing.”

  “Tell us,” her mother said.

  “Things have been progressing quickly for us, and we’ve decided to move in together.”

  Wait? What!

  “Is that a good idea? You two aren’t even engaged.” Her father didn’t look happy.

  “I think it might be going in that direction.” Ryan squeezed her leg. “Kayla’s resisting a bit.”

  Oh, she was going to kill him later. They wouldn’t be having wild sex, instead she’d be driving around looking for a place to dump his body.

  “She should be. After all, marriage is a big deal,” her father said.

  “You’re right, sir. But I don’t plan on letting her go.”

  “I think this is wonderful. Besides, Bob, that’s what young kids do nowadays. They play house first. Just don’t have a baby before marriage.” Mrs. Newell took a bite of a mozzarella stick.

  At least she knew kids weren’t a part of this equation.

  Ryan continued to rub Kayla’s leg, moving farther up. Any other time she might have gotten excited, but with their parents sitting there, and the bombshell he’d just dropped, she wasn’t interested. She pushed his hand away and then stood.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

  She departed to the bathroom. After a few moments of composing herself, she was ready to go back out there. She plastered a smile on her face. For now, she’d pretend to be happy, but later, Ryan was going to get an earful. There was no way in hell they were moving in together.

  * * * *

  Kayla thought she was going to die. She’d been on the elliptical for forty-five minutes now. She’d climbed on it, put her ear buds in, and ran until she didn’t feel frustrated anymore. It had taken that long before her stress finally began to melt away.

  Ryan knew she wasn’t happy. She didn’t want to move out of her place. He’d gladly offered to move into hers. He was making it way too hard to stay mad at him. He’d sworn up and down they wouldn’t see much of one another, but if they were going to do this relationship thing, they should just do it.

  Hell, she was just getting used to the idea of being in a loveless commitment to him. Now they’d be living together. She had to put a stop to this and quick. Or at least slow it down. Sure, she knew he was a scientist and had met his family. But in all reality, she didn’t know a whole heck of a lot. What did he like to eat? What as his favorite color? How could she live with someone if she didn’t know them?

  The stress returned and she began pumping her legs faster again, but it didn’t last long. Exhaustion took over and she was now ready to lay flat on her back and rest. She pressed the cool down button. Taking deep breaths, her heartbeat began to return to normal. Five minutes later, she made her way through the gym toward the open area to stretch.

  “You’re here early this morning.” Abbie walked up to her.

  “Yeah, I’ve got too much to do today. I was going to text you and see if you wanted to meet me, but I thought it might be too early.”

  Abbie smiled. “You probably should’ve. How long were you on there?”

  “Longer than I anticipated.”

  She laughed. “Everything okay?”

  Kayla leaned forward, grabbing the arches of her feet. “Yeah, just trying to wrap my head around this relationship with Ryan. He wants to move in.”

  “What!” Abbie stared at her with a look of shock.

  “That’s what I thought.” Kayla returned to a sitting position, leaning back on her hands.

  “Weren’t you going to end things?”

  “Yeah, but then I thought it made sense. But I’m not sure I’m ready to move in with him.”

  “Then don’t.” Abbie’s tone was harsh. Kayla wasn’t sure what had gotten into her friend.

  “It’s not that simple. He told both sets of parents we were. I objected about moving in with him, but he’s fine coming to my place.”

  “This isn’t a good idea. You need to put a stop to it.”

  “Wow. You okay?”

  “I don’t want to see you get hurt, and that’s what it’s going to lead to—you with a broken heart.”

  It was best to drop the subject. “Anyway, how are you?”

  “Don’t change the subject because you don’t like what I’m saying,” Abbie snapped.

  Kayla stole a glance at her watch then got up. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to run. Have a good workout.”

  Kayla walked away as quickly as possible. Her friendship with Abbie was taking a turn for the worse and she couldn’t understand why. How could someone care that much how involved she got with Ryan?

  Chapter 11

  Kayla,

  I know you aren’t crazy about the idea of us moving in together. I hated how we left things last night, but if you’d just hear me out, I think it would all work out. We’d hardly see each other. I practically live at my job. And hey, we’d be splitting the rent cost. More money in each of our pockets. That’s a perk, right?

  -R

  Ryan sent the email. He had a meeting he needed to go to, but since he was the one heading it, he was pretty sure he was going to cancel it. Having Kayla upset at him was really taking a toll on him. She hadn’t been happy about the dinner to begin with. But he hadn’t thought she’d get so upset about his announcing they were moving in together.

  His email dinged.

  I see the perks, Ryan. The point of the matter is: YOU SHOULD HAVE TALKED TO ME FIRST.

  -K

  She was right. But when they’d been in the hallway before dinner, he thought she’d be okay with it. She was so hot and cold. He couldn’t ever figure her out.

  You’re right. I should’ve. I promise not to make any more big decisions about us without consulting with you first. Now will you please stop being mad at me?

  -R

  As he waited on her reply, he sent out a quick email stating the meeting was canceled and he’d be in touch to let them know when it would be rescheduled. He needed to be in the lab anyway. He was close to a breakthrough. He had two elements he wanted to test together to see if his theory was right.

  A ding alerted him that he had a new email.

  If you could see me, I’m sticking my tongue out at you. If we’re doing this whole relationship thing, you’d better wine and dine me with an apology.

  -K

  Ryan laughed. He’d contact her again later. She still needed a little time to calm down, but he was certain he could win her over.

  * * * *

  Aside from a morning email chat, Ryan had left Kayla alone the rest of the day. Which had been good. She’d finally met her deadline. Now to hope that, with all the time she spent on the edits, the author didn’t return them an hour later, making her feel like the days she spent on the book had been for nothing.

  Her next task was writing an article for USA Today. She’d been honored when they’d contacted her. One of the authors she’d been working with had recently become a best seller and for whatever reason, it had landed her an article. Maybe she’d get a little more work as well. She was doing okay, but more money was always a plus.

  She sighed, thinking about Ryan’s point. Living together meant they would share the rent and bills. She had a credit card she was having a hard time paying off. Ryan moving in with her would put more money in her pocket, and she’d be able to pay the balance down quicker. But was it a good
idea?

  She thought back to her friend Abbie and the way she’d reacted. Even her father hadn’t seemed happy about it. Was there something she wasn’t seeing? Obviously she could understand where her dad was coming from, but why was her friend so adamant that she was making a mistake? In fact, thinking back to the last few conversations with Abbie, she hadn’t been a supporter of the relationship with Ryan at all.

  Maybe it was time to cut ties with Abbie. Easier said than done since they went to the same gym. But aside from that, they didn’t have anything else in common. Perhaps Kayla would begin going to the gym in the evenings instead of the mornings for a while.

  Bunny hopped over and nibbled on Kayla’s big toe. She lifted her foot quickly and the rabbit stared up at her. She reached down and scratched behind Bunny’s big, floppy ears. Crap, had she been so caught up in her own life that she’d forgotten to feed the rabbit? A glance over toward the bowl in the cage confirmed it was empty.

  “Sorry, Bunny.” Kayla went into the kitchen and opened the cabinet. She got the food out and stopped by the fridge for a carrot.

  She placed the carrot in front of Bunny then filled the bowl. She probably needed to change the litter box as well. As she reached inside the cage to pick it up, she heard someone knock on her door. Setting the plastic box back down, she went over to see who was there.

  She peered through the peephole. Ryan stood there with a red box and roses.

  As she opened the door, she said, “What do you have there?”

  “My apology that I hope wines and dines you.”

  She giggled. “Flowers and…” She leaned forward to get a better look. It wasn’t chocolates.

  Ryan brushed past her. She followed him in.

  “What’s that smell?” he asked.

  “Bad smell? Probably Bunny’s litter box. It needs to be changed, which I was about to do when you showed up.”

  “It can wait. I want to give you your gift.” He held the red box out.

  She took it from him, realizing it was wrapping paper. “What is it?”

  “Open it! If I wanted you to know I wouldn’t have wrapped it.”

  Slowly she pulled the paper back to reveal a black velvet box. It wasn’t the size of a ring, but more the size of a bracelet perhaps. “You shouldn’t have.”

  “Don’t tell me that until you’ve opened it.”

  She dropped the red paper to the floor and opened the box. She covered her mouth with her free hand to suppress her laugh. Inside the box sat a bracelet. A silver chain with a half-broken heart on it. The world best was in capital letters across it.

  “Well.” He stared at her, waiting.

  “Is this a best friend charm bracelet?”

  He held up his arm and she caught sight of the other half on his wrist. She couldn’t hold back any longer, she burst out laughing. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “What? I thought you were my best friend.”

  She removed the bracelet from the box and held it up. “Best friends who fuck?”

  “Don’t be so crude.” He took the bracelet from her and clasped it on her wrist. “We’re partners.”

  “Ryan—”

  “Will you please stop being mad at me? Best friends forgive each other.” He grinned. “And you are wearing the matching bracelet.”

  This man was making her heart swoon. “I should kill you. You’re not forgiven.”

  He reached out and tugged her to him. “I can make you forget with my lips and tongue.”

  “I don’t have sex when I’m mad.”

  “I don’t want to have sex.”

  She gulped and felt the moisture between her legs.

  “I want to kiss and lick a certain part of your body.”

  She shook her head. “I’ll still be mad at you.”

  He picked her up and carried her through her house to her bedroom. After he laid her on the bed, she dropped the box she’d held in her hand on the floor.

  “I’ll just be using you for pleasure,” Kayla said.

  “Use me, please. But I promise you, when I get through, you won’t be angry with me. I can’t stand you being upset with me.”

  Did he really care? She hadn’t thought it bothered him that much.

  Ryan grabbed hold of the tiny cotton shorts she wore, pulling them down along with her panties. He pushed her legs wide open and licked his lips.

  She had a feeling that he was right, that when he was done, she’d no longer be mad at him.

  * * * *

  Ryan sat in his office the next morning, feeling much more relaxed. Kayla was speaking to him again, just as he knew she would. In fact, they’d played much of the night. He’d hated dragging himself out of her bed to return home and shower. The sooner he could get moved in, the better. Thankfully, she had warmed up to the idea.

  As he licked circles around her clit, he pulled back and gently blew.

  “If we live together, this can be a daily thing,” he said.

  “I can’t think right now.” She panted.

  Sucking the sensitive nub back into his mouth, he inserted two fingers into her very wet opening. Moving his mouth away, he concentrated on finding the spot that would send her over the edge. He curled his fingers and found the spongy skin.

  “That’s it! Oh God!”

  “Tell me you forgive me, Kayla, and I’ll give you just what you want.”

  “Fuck , I forgive you.”

  He picked up the pace, letting the tip of his finger rub against her g-spot. A moment later, she exploded and he’d been forgiven.

  Life was really beginning to look good. It seemed like Kayla was the key to his happiness. He toyed with the charm on his wrist. He knew it had been a cheesy thing, but the smile and laughter from her made it worth it.

  Ryan opened his email to reschedule the meeting he’d canceled yesterday when a light tapping sounded on the glass behind him. He spun around in his chair to see the woman he hoped he’d never see again—Abbie. Why wouldn’t she just go away?

  Sighing loudly, he straightened his lab coat and went over to open the door. “What do you want?”

  “Is that the way to greet someone? I know your mother taught you better.” She pushed past him into his office.

  He closed the door and leaned against the wall.

  Abbie sat down in his chair, leaned back, and crossed her legs. A devious smile crossed her face. “Have you given much thought to us?”

  “Are you hard of hearing?”

  “No. I just know what I want and I’m willing to do whatever I have to do to get it.”

  “I’m going to call security. This is getting ridiculous. You’re the one who wasn’t happy with me. Why the sudden need to have me back?”

  “I made a mistake. Besides, you haven’t moved on anyway.”

  “You’re wrong. I’m moving in with someone.”

  Abbie laughed. “For how long?”

  Ryan walked across his office and grabbed the phone on his desk. Abbie moved quick, pushing his hand down on the phone, not allowing him to pick up the receiver. Of course, he could outpower her, but he was shocked at how she was acting.

  “Ryan, I’m tired of asking. I have information you don’t think I have.”

  He released the phone and she let go of him. Crossing his arms, he asked, “Oh yeah, and what is it?”

  “Your twit of a girlfriend has been buddy-buddy with me.”

  Kayla and Abbie know each other?

  “The funny part is she just doesn’t know it.”

  He was really confused now. “What do you think you know?”

  “It’s fake. Your relationship.”

  Ryan was the one to laugh now. “It isn’t fake. She’s the one I’ll be going home to. The one I’ll be climbing in bed with at night. Each morning before work, I’ll kiss her goodbye. She is the one I’ll walk down the aisle with and pledge my life to. How is it fake?”

  Abbie was no longer smiling. “So you’re actually going to do it? You’re going to marry
a woman you don’t love?”

  Deep down Ryan couldn’t answer the question. Not because he didn’t want to hurt Abbie, but he couldn’t agree about the love part. Something inside of him twisted and turned at the thought of love and Kayla. Not a bad feeling, but one he’d never experienced before. He was beginning to think he’d only lusted with Abbie.

  “My life is none of your business. I don’t know why you can’t get that through your head. It’s time for you to move on and leave me and Kayla alone.”

  “What if I tell your parents? They’ll be heartbroken that you’d do this to them.”

  “Damn it, Abbie. I don’t give a fuck what you do. You’re not going to blackmail me. Got it? Now get the hell out of here.”

  The color drained from her face. She stood slowly and walked toward the door. She turned and looked at him. “I never meant to hurt you. I’m sorry. Maybe I’m going about this wrong, but I don’t know how else to make you see what I feel for you. How right we are for each other.”

  Ryan felt like asking if she was obsessed much, but knew the words would be unkind and weren’t needed at this point. So he didn’t say anything, just waited on her to leave. A few moments later, the sadness left her face and the anger returned. She flung the door open and stomped out.

  Ryan was pretty sure this wasn’t the last of Abbie. He needed to send Kayla an email and warn her.

  “Hey, everything okay?” Max asked, leaning in the doorway.

  “Yeah. For now.”

  “When are we doing that meeting? John and I are free.”

  Ryan sighed. “Let’s go ahead and get it done. I might take the day off after.”