“I don’t give my respect easily, Mr. Hawkes.”
“Masaun, please. I know you don’t, which means when I earn it, I’ll value the honor.”
The older man, who held no strong resemblance to Kindle at all, except in his pride and mannerisms, stared at Masaun as if measuring the substance of man he was. Not dissuaded, he held the older man’s gaze unwaveringly.
With a sharp nod, the college Provost rose and moved around the desk as he extended his hand to Masaun. “I can admire a man that doesn’t shy away from difficult confrontations.”
Standing up, Masaun claimed the handshake offered. “We both love Kindle.”
“I’m beginning to see that. Does she know how you feel?”
“Not yet. However, I plan to rectify that soon. I’d appreciate if you didn’t share the information.”
Patting him on the shoulder, Mr. Langston said, “It’s not my style to ruin a man’s proclamation of affection.”
“Good to know,” Masaun said as they parted. “Thanks for your time, Mr. Langston. I’ll let you get back to work.”
The older man walked with him to the door and took hold of the handle to open it, but paused, “Call me Reese. If you’re making plans to be my son-in-law, why wait to put away formalities.”
“Reese it will be.” Masaun walked out, nodding at the secretary and the work study student in the outer office. Soon he was on his way down the corridor toward the parking lot.
His cell rang. Pulling it out of his pocket, he checked the display screen before answering. “Hello, mom.”
“Hi, sweetheart, how are my two boys? I can’t reach that baby boy of mine until after sundown.”
“Sweet has always been a night owl.” Debra Hawkes’ sweet voice always made him smile. “We’re well. How are you and dad?”
“I’m fine. Your father...”
His feet halted as concern spread in his heart. ‘What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing health-wise. It’s your father and his projects. You know how he gets and now he’s decided the deck needs to be redone.” She sighed. “There’s a mess everywhere and I know it will cost us a fortune if we have to call in the professionals.”
Continuing on his way, he said, “How about I come for a day to help out?”
“Oh, Masaun. I knew twenty-three hours of delivery room labor would pay off.”
CHAPTER seventeen
Kindle’s feet froze as she came around the corner from the staff parking lot and saw Masaun standing a few feet from The Provost’s door. Her father’s office.
Even just getting glimpse of his side profile, she knew it was him. No one else caused her heart to immediately kick up to speed and her body to tingle. She watched him talk on his cell phone and smile as he rounded the corner toward the temporary guest parking area.
She knew Masaun was aware her father worked at the college. Over the weeks they were together, they’d shared a lot of things. So, this sixty mile trip wasn’t by accident.
What was he doing here? Did dad call him for a chat?
Even if her father hadn’t come out and spoken with her about the news report, she would not put it past her father to contact Masaun and attempt to send the Dom packing. The thought of the two formidable males squaring it off make her pulse race.
Masaun hadn’t called her again, so he could not have been searching for her. Hell, she hadn’t called him yet either, even after telling Emmalee last night that she would take the plunge and put herself out there. Tell Masaun how she felt. Her plans had not changed, but the last thing she wanted was to have that conversation before her father’s office. Tomorrow would be soon enough.
A few moments later, after speaking to Sherri, her father’s receptionist, and meeting Abbey, the new school year’s work study student, Kindle entered her father’s office. “Hi, Dad.”
Studying some print out on his desk, her father glanced up, appearing shocked to see her. “Kin?” Recovering, he smiled and rose.
Feeling like a little girl in his strong bear hug, she kissed his cheek.
“You’re here early.” He stepped back and glanced down at his watch. “I didn’t expect you until much later tonight.”
“I know. But I took off early from work to have dinner with my father.” Her leaving at two had shocked her staff, but telling them she would be ending her career at the CA office had knocked them all out of their chairs.
Chris had pulled her aside and told her whatever she decided to do next to count him in. She was humbled that the twenty-six year old researcher had let her know that if she went to another practice, he wanted her to consider a spot for him. She let him know that it was very likely she would not be able to pay him what he made working for the city. He’d assured her it would be worth the pay cut. They left the conversation there, without her giving him a definite answer.
Hell, she was still trying to fill in the answers for herself.
Her father was frowning at her, but didn’t lecture her about her career responsibilities, instead he said, “That’s great. I just need to take care of a few things. Can you wait for about thirty minutes?”
“Our reservation at Aberdeen Barn isn’t for another hour.” She followed him toward his desk and took the vacant seat as he sat back in his. Her mind could not help but wonder if Masaun had occupied the same seat moments before.
Her father was quickly immersed back in whatever he had been working on when she walked in. Not wanting to disturb him, she sat quietly and mulled over the decision about her own career she needed to make.
The time in her father’s office reminded her of when she was younger and he’d be doing business at his home office and she’d curled up with a book or her own homework behind him on the small couch he had put in there for her. She and her father didn’t have amusement park or family vacation memories, but she never doubted his love and commitment to her. Unlike her mother.
Thirty minutes later, her father rose with a stack of papers. “I believe everything else will keep until tomorrow.”
She didn’t attempt to remind her father that tomorrow was Saturday and the college wasn’t even open. Because she knew he’d still come into work. She’d learned to work a seven day work week from him. Years of keeping that kind of schedule was part of the reason her father was on hypertension medication.
Standing herself, she faced her father. “Dad, I’m resigning from the CA office.”
He stopped before the door, still standing open as it had been when she entered.
“I want to be shocked, but somewhere in my heart I feel like I saw this coming.” Sighing, he glanced at her.
She had prepared herself for his disappointed stare. However, the look in his chocolate brown eyes was more acquiescent.
“I know my decision disappoints you.”
Straightening, he turned to her. “Does your decision have to do with any shame from the news report? You stepped down out of fear of someone else winning over you?”
Insulted, she stepped back, but kept her voice low, mindful of the open door. “No, Dad. I know how it may look, but trust me when I say that newspaper article has nothing to do with my choice. And I don’t have any embarrassment about my relationship with Masaun. I saw him leaving your office.” She stared up at him. “Are you humiliated by my activities?”
Taking hold of her shoulder with his free hand, he gave her a direct stare. “You’re a grown woman. A woman who has made a father proud in many ways. I may not understand anything about you and Masaun Hawkes, but I know I raised a smart and self-assured person. I have to trust your ability to live your own life. Don’t live it for me.”
Unable to restrain herself, she threw her arms around her father’s shoulders. “Thanks, D-Dad.”
“I love you, Kindle.” He squeezed her against his wide chest.
Twin tears came out of her eyes and ran down her cheeks. “I love you. Thanks for everything all through my life.”
Kissing her on the side of her forehead, he moved awa
y and pulled a handkerchief from his suit coat pocket. “Now, let’s get to dinner so you can tell me what you plan to do with the rest of your life.”
“I’ll do that.” She took the white linen and wiped her face. “You have some explaining to do as well.”
Both his brows went up. “About what?”
“Mom showed up at my door yesterday.”
He groaned.
“Guess I’m not the only one that will be on the hot seat, tonight.” She walked past him through the door.
“I still get dessert, right?” He followed after her.
~YH~
The store was quiet when Kindle walked in. The smell of chocolate and candied treats filled the air. The bell had chimed, but no one had come to the front of the place yet, so she walked over to the few freshly made chocolates that were still in the display case. It was late Saturday afternoon, and she knew they would close soon. It had been the reason she chose to show up at this time.
“Welcome to Decadent Treats.”
Turning at the sound of the male voice, she saw a man coming from the back carrying a tray, designed to fill with hand-crafted candy. The man was as tall as Masaun, the same thick brown hair, except his was longer where Masaun’s was tapered. Masaun’s uniform consisted of slacks, a tie, and a dress shirt while this man wore jeans and a polo style shirt. No one had to tell her that this was Sweet, Masaun’s brother. The younger man had the same commanding presence.
“Hello. I’m looking for Masaun Hawkes.”
The man set the tray on the down on the counter then came toward her. “Kindle Langston.”
It wasn’t a question, but Kindle still replied. “I am. Sweet, I presume?”
“Depends who’s asking.” Standing before her, he nodded. “I finally get the pleasure of meeting the woman that has my brother all tied up in knots.”
“Guilty…I think.” She held her hand out.
Taking it in a firm, but gentle grasp, he shook it and released her. “It is a definite.”
The man’s features were set in a serious mask. No smile greeted her as he spoke. He reminded her of when she first met Masaun—too stoic for his own good.
“It’s nice to meet you.” She didn’t want to debate her impact on Masaun’s emotions. “I came by because I thought it was Masaun’s Saturday to work.” She shifted her gaze toward the back hall, hoping to see Masaun coming through it. “I must have got it wrong.”
“Normally, it would have been his day to work but he went out of town for a couple of days.”
That caught her off guard. “Oh. Is everything all right?” She probably had no right to ask, but the only thing she knew that would take Masaun out of the area was his parents in Florida.
“Great. He just went to help my father with some home repairs. He’ll be back tomorrow evening.”
Now that she had other aspects of her life in order, she was anxious to talk to Masaun. With him out of town, she would be on hold for another twenty-four hours. Her mind was spinning with ideas of how to present herself, to prove to him that she was ready to make their relationship permanent. She had not learned a lot about why Masaun went to see her father, but father did say that Masaun cared a lot about her. That knowledge had given her hope. She hadn’t blown her chances with him by her silence.
“Well, it was good to meet you. I hope this will not be the last.”
“Doubtful, if I know my brother.”
“Thanks.” She started toward the door.
“Kindle. I’m closing up in a few minutes, what do you say to me buying you a cup of coffee?”
She eyed him.
He folded his arms over his chest. “Look, I have some time before I head to The Dollhouse. If you’re not doing anything, it would give us a chance to talk.”
If he’d smiled, even a little, it would have made her feel a little more at ease. But, she also couldn’t deny the opportunity to gain an ally in her corner to win over Masaun. A plan began to formulate in her mind. “I’d like that.”
“Good.” He lowered his arms and reached for the empty plastic container.
“On one condition.”
Arching a brow, he pinned her with a look. “A submissive that negotiates. Hm, interesting.”
“What can I say, I’m a lawyer.” She smiled.
~YH~
“Kindle, I need to talk with you.” Masaun sighed. He was thoroughly frustrated as he pulled into the driveway at his house. “I think a little over a week is long enough to give you time. You’re warned, Song Sparrow, if I don’t hear from you tonight, your ass will pay the price.”
Pushing the call disconnect button on his steering wheel, he shut off his car. He decided to leave it in the driveway instead of parking in the garage. He’d give Kindle a couple hours to contact him or he was going to her house. If she wasn’t there, he would try her job and/or call Razor and have him ask Emmalee where Kindle was. Her best friend would know.
Grabbing his cell phone and carryon luggage from the seat beside him, he got out. He’d enjoyed the day with his parents, but now that he was back, he was ready to get things back on track with Kindle.
Frustrated, he went inside his house and tossed his keys onto the coffee table. He’d had a big breakfast with his parents, but now it was early evening and he considered what to eat for dinner.
His brother came to mind. It had been a while since they spent their day off together. Pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, he called Sweet.
“Hell, big brother, what’s going on? You home yet?”
“Yeah, just walked in.”
“How’d it go?” He could hear the television in the background, so Sweet was home.
“We got the deck put back together. Not sure what dad was originally trying to do.”
“Considering he was never the handyman type, there’s no telling. I’m sure mom is glad you came to the rescue.”
“She was pleased with the result.” Masaun decided to take his suitcase up and unpack the things. “I made dad promise to call a repair company next time…every time.”
“Bet that went over well,” Sweet grumbled.
Taking the stairs two at a time, Masaun said, “Hell, we both got our stubbornness from him, so you know it didn’t. But, he agreed anyway.” At the top, he turned to the master suite. “What about dinner?”
Sweet paused. “When?”
Masaun frowned and entered his darkened room. “Tonight.”
“Tonight?” Sweet repeated as if he didn’t understand the question.
“Yes.” Not needing any illumination to find the lamp on his night stand, he headed to it. “You have an issue with having a meal—”
The words died on his lips as a scent caressed his nose—warm and floral. He froze, because there was only one thing in his life that smelled so sweet and intoxicating.
“Masaun…?”
“Hold on a second.” Setting the small case on the floor slowly, he reached out to the lamp and clicked it on. “Oh, shit.”
“Hello, Dom Hawk.”
Right in the center of his bed was Kindle. She was bound by her hand to his headboard and her long, lithe body was nude with the exception of the Red Hots in her lap covering her sex.
Speechless, Masaun stared at her.
“Welcome home, big brother. I believe your submissive has some things she’d like to discuss with you. Talk to you tomorrow.” Sweet spoke in his ear then ended the call.
His brother’s words answered the question of ‘how Kindle got into his house’.
“Are you angry that I’m here?”
“Did my brother see you like this?” Masaun had never been a possessive man. Hell, most of the time he placed his past subs on public display in the middle of The Dollhouse during impact play, but Kindle wasn’t just any submissive to him.
Her golden-brown gaze met his. “No, Sir. He unlocked your house and let me in, but Lolli met us here and helped me get into position for you.”
He let the air slowly out that wa
s burning his lungs. Not trusting himself to touch her, he kept his distance. “To answer your question, no I’m not angry. But, I am a little pissed.”
Rolling her bottom lip in, she turned away.
“Song Sparrow, look at me.”
Obeying his command, she gazed at him again.
“Do you understand how scared I was that something would happen to you when you shot out of that parking lot like the gates of hell had opened up and something was chasing you?”
“I’m sorry, Sir. I didn’t know what to do. I just knew I had to get out of there. Away from the reporter.”
“I don’t want your sorry. I need your trust.” He shoved his hands through his hair. He still recalled that night and how his heart had raced and anxiety shook him to the core when she wouldn’t listen to him. He’d been sick until he saw her car parked safely at her condo.
“I do trust you,” she pleaded.
“Now. While you’re lying on my bed, it is easy to say it. But, what happens the next time a nosey reporter gets too close to you…our lifestyle. Then what?”
“I will stand behind you Sir. Trust you to protect me.”
He shook his head. He wanted to believe her, deep in his heart he wanted to accept her words as truth. But, he held back. Firefly had professed she wanted to be with him and wanted what they shared, only leave without a backward glance. Kindle had done the same thing that night.
“I wish I could have faith in that.” He turned and moved toward the end of the bed. There was an ache in his chest that was growing by the second as he started to understand that this could be it for them. “There’s every possibility you’re going to be the CA next year. That means more cases, more attention from the public eye. You’ve worked hard for that, Kindle, and you deserve your time in the limelight.”
There was silence behind him. He was sure she was trying to figure out how she could get herself released from the cuffs and walk away.
He exhaled and attempted to push that pain away. This moment had always been inevitable. “If your car is not here, I’ll drive you home.” He turned to the bed, moving for the headboard.
Red Hots Page 26