by Becca Taylor
“So what’re the plans for tonight? You still going out with your girl?”
“Yes, Dani, Lexi and Tyler. Aly said Mike was coming along too. My trainer, Logan, is coming.”
“Should I be worried about this guy?”
“Who, Logan?” Laughing, “No, he’s just a friend. Besides, he’s into Dani. That’s the reason I set this up. So they can get to know each other. You know you can come after you are done here.”
“I wish, but I promised Bentley I’d help him install the kitchen cabinets. Payback, since he helped me.”
“Sounds like hours of fun. What time you think you’ll be done?”
“Probably late. His counters are being delivered tomorrow. We should finish up by then. Are we getting together tomorrow?” I was hoping he would ask that.
“Sounds good to me. I think Aly and I are going to go shopping in the afternoon. But I’m free after that.”
“Then why don’t we meet up when you girls are done? The four of us can do something together.” I didn’t want to tell him that Aly and I already had planned what we were doing for the night. It was the reason for our shopping trip. We were on a mission to find killer cowgirl boots.
“We had something planned for the evening already if you guys are game.”
“Oh yeah, what did you have in mind?” His hands are now rubbing up and down my thighs over my skirt. I put my hands over his to stop his groping.
“Line dancing. You up for it, cowboy?” Teasingly, I run my fingers up and down his arms.
“Oh, I’m up for it. You have a bar picked out? Because I know a few spots.” I can totally picture him in tight jeans, a button up shirt, and a ball cap—rockin’ the look of more current country stars, rather than the old-fashioned cowboy hat look.
“Aly found a bar that has dance lessons before the band starts.”
“Sounds good to me, but we don’t need lessons. I can teach you some moves, baby.” I have a feeling he can too.
With plans made for the day, I grab everyone’s breakfast, and kiss my man thoroughly before heading to the office. Breakfast was a hit with everyone. I’m pretty sure it could become a regular occurrence, since I have an in with the owner and all. As I get lost in the mountains of paperwork, organizing the personnel files, who needs to complete tests, upcoming classes . . . yada yada. The intercom on my phone buzzes. Nancy from the reception desk’s voice rings through in her usual charming way. “There is a delivery for you.” Let me clarify. The woman is not charming; she says it more like it was an inconvenience than anything else. I don’t think the woman has been happy a day in her life.
“Thanks Nancy, I’ll be right down.”
For the life of me, I have no idea why Nancy called me down to the front desk to receive the delivery. I was expecting to receive the supplies I ordered, but those deliveries are commonly put directly in the storage area for me to sort out later. When the elevator opens to the first floor, I am greeted with a huge fruit bouquet instead. I sign for the delivery before bringing it to the break room.
Placing it on the table, I read the card. On the card is a drawing of two puzzle pieces, disconnected. One says Katerina, the other says Travis. Beneath the picture, the card is written in Travis’ handwriting.
We fit perfectly together. Without you, I am incomplete.
Just as I toss the card in the garbage, my boss walks in. “Wow, first breakfast and now this? You got yourself one good man.”
I don’t want to say the truth, so I half lie, mixing in some truth. “I bumped into someone from my past, they heard about my promotion. Tell everyone else to help themselves. I’m still full from this morning. If any is left, feel free to take it home.”
Lorraine says, “Katerina, don’t forget you have that leadership conference coming up next week.”
I did completely forget. I had booked it so long ago. “Thanks for the reminder.” If I wasn’t just promoted, I might have skipped it. Now, it is mandatory that I go. I sent Caleb a message about the trip.
Me—I have to go away the end of next week.
It took a little while for him to respond, but I know he is working.
Caleb—What do u mean, go away?
Me—Conference for work. Totally forgot.
Caleb—How long?
Me—Leave Thursday, come back Sunday.
Caleb—Grrr, too long. Guess you can’t come to Rockfest then?
It slipped my mind that Caleb’s band was playing. I was supposed to go. Now I feel even worse about this work trip. One, because I did not want to leave Caleb for a weekend, and two, pissed I will not get to see him play again. Seriously, I needed to start putting things on a calendar.
Me—Sorry, I screwed up. I’ll make it up to you.
Caleb—Make it up how? I think you owe me double now.
Me—Double??
Caleb—One, for ditching me tonight and the second for leaving me next week.
Me—I promise 8. Maybe if you’re good, more than once.
Caleb—What’s 8?
Me—Look it up on when you are alone. You’ll see.
Texting during work is not a smart idea, but it accomplished what I was having a hard time doing. It makes me forget Travis, at least for a little while. The bad news, I am at my desk, praying no one will walk in. My body is flushed head to toe. To ease the ache growing between my legs, I have to keep crossing and uncrossing them, but it is not helping at all. Maybe I should take a lunch break, and go visit Caleb again. I scratch that idea, since I know Caleb is busy with the lunch crowd, and it would not make me look good showing up for a nooner. My phone chimes again.
Caleb—Cancel tonight.
Guess he looked it up.
Me—Sorry, can’t.
Caleb—Growling!
Me—Licking lips.
Caleb—Fuck Kat, I gotta get back. I’ll miss you tonight.
Me—Me too. xx
For the next few hours, I get lost in work. I changed my outfit and met Logan at the bar before anyone showed up. As promised, I told him what happened today at work. I can tell he’s concerned, his brow is furrowed, and arms crossed on his chest.
“Kat, you really should tell Caleb.”
Rethinking my decision of telling Logan. “No, it’s fine. I don’t want to involve him.”
Logan rubs his head in frustration. “This is what, the third or fourth time something has happened? The guy seems a little off to me.”
“I don’t think he would do anything. I just want it to stop. I don’t know how to make him realize it’s really over between us.” I just wanted to blow everything off as coincidence, but I knew he was right.
“You want me to talk to him?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. Maybe I need to talk to him, set him straight.”
I notice Logan’s hands are now in fists, “I don’t think that’s smart. Let me know if you get anything else. We’ll figure it out, but if you see him anywhere and you are alone, you walk away. Go somewhere that people are around. I don’t want you alone with him again. Record the conversation if he harasses you in any way, save all texts he sends. Can you do that?”
Now he has freaked me out. “I don’t think he will do anything, but ok. Why are you so worried?”
“My sister had a little issue with an ex. Not quite as nice as yours. We didn’t know what was happening, until I got a call she was in the hospital. Black eye, bruised ribs, and broken arm—I don’t want that to be you.”
I grab his hands in mine. “He’s not violent. I promise. I’m sorry that happened to her. Is she ok now?”
He smiles, “She’s better than good. It was a few years ago. She’s married with a new baby boy. But she still has a restraining order in place. From what we know, he moved after doing his time in jail. That’s why I want you to document everything. Just in case you have to go that route. If you won’t tell Caleb, you have to tell me. I’m not happy you aren’t telling him though. She didn’t tell us until it was almost too late. Unblock his
number so you can keep a record of him calling or messaging you. I know I sound a little crazy, but I just want to protect you because I didn’t get to protect her.” Squeezing his hands, I promised I would do everything he said. I unblocked Travis later that night, but didn’t hear anything. I felt hopeful, that maybe he finally moved on. It would make my life that much easier not having to deal with him.
When everyone arrives, we drop the conversation. Logan and Dani hit it off right from the start. So well in fact, that they stayed after the rest of us called it a night.
Katerina
THE BRUTAL WORKOUTS that Logan has put me through have been paying off. The scale doesn’t reflect the work I am putting in, but my clothes are looser, making me feel much more confident. I sense shopping will become an addiction. As I look in the triple mirror at the country wear store, I notice I’m standing taller. My waist is trimmer, giving me more of an hourglass shape than before. After turning around, I even notice my butt is looking cuter.
Just as I am staring at said ass, Aly walks out in her outfit. She whistles at me, “Girl, you look amazing.”
Her whistle draws my head up to see my smokin’ hot best friend wearing short shorts, a medal-medallion style belt, and a white, low cut lacey top. She chose a more classic cowgirl boot while mine is more a motorcycle style. “That outfit is perfect, Aly. Mike is going to flip out if he sees you dressed like that around the boys.”
Shrugging her shoulders, “Who cares? I like it. What about you? You think Cal will be ok with you dressed in that?”
Looking in the mirror, I have a small moment of self-doubt, but I lock it back up. “Why, is it too slutty cowgirl?” The worn denim skirt is short, but I will not flash anyone if I bend over. I actually bend over to double check and Aly laughs. I went with a western plaid shirt that ties at the waist, giving a little peek-a-boo of my navel area and newly pierced belly button. Got that done at the beginning of the week, another thing Logan’s workouts helped with. My stomach was flatter than ever; I even had some definition for first time in my life. To top it off, I found a kick ass wide leather belt with a butterfly on it that matches the butterflies on the boots.
Have I mentioned I love butterflies? Butterflies mean change to me, growth. I was even considering a new tattoo, on either my rib or arm, one that I could add to. A vine with flowers, then add a butterfly for each milestone in my life. Maybe, someday, one for my future husband and children. Caleb pops in my head at that moment. Too soon for those kind of thoughts, Kat.
Aly snaps me out of my thoughts, “No girl, you’re just the right amount of slut. What I meant, is he going to be okay fighting off the guys that will be lined up to two-step with you!”
She’s one to talk. Aly has never realized that she has the girl next door look down to a T. Long blonde hair, blue eyes, perfect button nose, cupid shaped lips. The girl needs to wake up and look in the mirror. She is a guy’s fantasy come true. “I think you have it the wrong way. The way your booty looks in those shorts, Bentley will have to protect your ass.” That sends us both into hysterics.
Just before maxing out our credit cards, I need to hit one more store. What goes good with a new outfit or two? Something to go under those outfits. I may have officially broke the bank with some new bra and panty sets. They’re sexier than anything I’ve ever bought before. I love my boy shorts, but these are lacy and show a lot more in the derrière. Up top, the girls will be lifted and separated.
“Now you are just trying to give Caleb a heart attack.” Aly says as I hand my card over to the salesgirl.
“Hopefully not a heart attack, maybe just a good electric jolt.”
After shopping for hours, we pick up some lunch. Since we know the boys have been working all morning, we order something for them. After a long, hard day of physical labor, there’s nothing like a big juicy burger, fries and a chocolate shake to wash it all down. Of course, Aly and I go for the much healthier option of salad. Loaded with fried chicken strips and creamy dressing, we like to pretend it’s healthy.
When we walk upstairs to Bentley’s house, the sight that greets us takes me back. I almost dropped the shakes I was carrying. In the kitchen stood two hot guys, shirtless, tool belts riding low on their hips. They are lifting the last cabinet in place. If you’ve never had the privilege of seeing such a site, I suggest you look it up on the Internet and watch it in slow motion, multiple times. It’s that good.
“Holy fuck!” That was not me, it was Aly. She tries to cover her outburst, following it with, “I mean, this place looks great guys.” She holds up the food in her hands. “We brought you guys lunch.”
Bentley replies to both of us, using our childhood nickname. “Like what you see, Aly Kat?”
Yes, we do like what we see! Aly answers for us. “Gorgeous. The kitchen is gorgeous.” After finishing securing the cabinet in its place, they wash their hands. We all head downstairs to Aly’s to eat, since there is no table at Bentleys.
The boys take in the many shopping bags in the living room. Caleb tries to sneak a peek, but I catch him in time. “No peeking, babe. It’s a surprise.”
He taps my ass playfully, “I hope it’s for tonight. I can’t wait to show you off, and make all the guys at the bar jealous of me.”
After finishing lunch and kicking the boys out, Aly and I go about getting ready. Just we are finishing applying our makeup, we hear them come in the front door. In unison, we yell that we will be out in a minute. After putting on our boots and hats, we are good and ready to do a little dancing.
Aly leaves the room first, with me following close behind. “Fuck me.” That was Bentley’s reaction to seeing Aly’s attire for the evening. At the same time, he slaps Caleb’s arm so he looks up. Seeing his adam’s apple moving as he swallows, I see his hands clenched at his sides.
Bentley speaks again, “Ladies, I think you might get us in trouble tonight. You two are a cowboy’s fantasy.”
Aly does a little spin. “You boys approve then?” When Mike’s not around, I notice a different personality on Aly. She’s much more outgoing, fun and even a little flirty. I like this Aly.
We take in the sight of our dates for the evening. They are dressed as I expected, but turned up a dial. Both are in well-worn jeans that show off their ass-ets. Where Bentley is just wearing a classic black button up shirt, Caleb’s got a black tank with a blue plaid shirt unbuttoned rolled up at the sleeves. The words arm porn pop in my head. And I can make out every ripple of his abs in the shirt. The man looks just as good dressed as he does without clothes. They both wear Converse sneakers, not boots, ball caps, not cowboy hats. Hot. Perfect.
Looking Caleb over again head to toe, I really must conclude he is one fine male. “You guys look good. Ready to go?” I ask as I toss my ID and some cash in the pocket of my skirt. Bentley and Aly lead the way, Caleb follows behind. He still has not said a word, which is unusual for him.
Just before I start down the steps, he grabs my arm, spinning me around, leaning me against the railing. Running his hand around the back of my skirt, he snakes it underneath. He hisses in a breath, as he feels my bare ass. I’m not commando. I just chose my new panties that give a little peep show. “How do you expect me to dance tonight with you looking like this? All I’m going to think about is bending you over the bar, taking you right there in front of everyone.”
Now it’s my turn to breathe deep, more like pant and drool, at the thought. “I think you can handle it. You’re a big boy.”
Once again, he slaps my ass. Caleb sure does this a lot. To me, he is claiming me as his without words. And I like that. “You better get your ass in the truck before I do it right here, on the deck. You look beautiful tonight. More than beautiful. You knocked the wind out of me, and my sail is definitely up.” He winks as we both start towards the truck.
“Mission accomplished then.” I wanted him to be proud to be seen with me, and I think I did that tonight.
We took Caleb’s truck since there was enough room for
everyone. The whole drive to the bar, his hand was on my thigh, his thumb drawing slow circles on my skin. I love that he is always touching me. It’s nothing big, but it’s another thing he does that has a large impact.
When we arrive at the bar, the place is already packed. Caleb helps me out of the truck before Bentley exits helping Aly. Caleb puts his arm on the small of my back. Wrapping my arm around his back, I place my hand in his back pocket. “You do not leave my side tonight. Both of you girls stay by us.”
I look up at him, questioning, “Is this place that dangerous or something?”
Bentley laughs from behind us, “Not really. Just two hot women, liquor, and horny men aren’t always the best combination. We don’t need to end the night going all cowboy bar fight on anyone.”
Looking back at him, I need to know, “What is a cowboy bar fight? And how is that different than other bar fights?”
Thinking about it for a second, “It’s the kind that starts with lots of punches, but ends up with furniture tossed into the game, chairs broken and teeth being spit on the floor.”
Now Aly laughs, “Since you both have such nice smiles, we wouldn’t want that. But you boys need to stick by us too. Kat and I don’t need to go all hair pulling, scratching, and slam some chick’s face on the table to protect you. You do know women can fight worse than men, right?”
Now we are all laughing at that imagery. “That’s settled then. We all stick together.” Bentley says as he throws his arm over Aly’s shoulder. “But I’d like to see that sometime. It would be pretty hot.” She slaps his chest.
Once we’re inside, before we can even get a drink, the dance instructor calls everyone to the floor. My nerves almost get the best of me. I’ve never been good at the couples dancing thing. Aly and I had already secretly watched some “how-to” videos, not wanting to look like complete fools. But the lessons at the bar were easy to follow. We learned a basic two-step, the tush push, the cowboy boogie and even the wobble, country style. Some people were much more advanced, but either way I didn’t think I’d make a complete idiot of myself. Check, learn to line dance.