“Expecting someone?” Kent finally asked.
“No. Why?”
“You’re glancing at that phone like you’re waiting for it to ring.”
“I didn’t realize…”
“Why don’t you put that away?”
“Oh, I love a man who thinks he can order me around – ha, yes!”
Sasha slipped the phone into her purse and finished the appetizer.
“That’s all for me, dahling. You get whatever you want. I’m stuffed.”
“Seriously? You’re not ordering dinner at this awesome place?”
When the waiter came to the table, Sasha ordered a bottle of the finest Champagne, and Kent ordered prime rib. As she polished off most of the champagne, she talked non-stop about her modeling career. She pulled her phone out and scrolled through various photos of her on magazine covers. Kent tried to figure out why she felt she had to impress him.
At one point, she waved a gentleman in a dark suit toward them. He took her iPhone and snapped a few photos. Kent smiled and went along with it all, wondering if he’d appear in the newspaper or something. He hoped not. Kent listened intently as he sliced a piece of the tender beef and placed it into his mouth. Sasha never stopped talking. He was hungry and finished every morsel without uttering anything more than, uh-huh, mmm, and nodding. Occasionally, he’d chuckle, if appropriate.
Sasha’s life had been a whirlwind of adventure. She wasn’t shy about naming the famous men she’d slept with or the wild parties she’d attended. Her biggest thrill was flying to St. Bart’s to stay on a yacht with some movie star. Kent didn’t even know who he was, but pretended to be awestruck.
After the meal, Sasha wanted to go for a swim. It was a warm night and Kent imagined a walk along the coast in front of the massive hotel and a quick dip in the ocean could be refreshing.
“Oh, no, dahling – I meant a swim in the pool – here!”
“Well, I didn’t bring any swim trunks.”
“I’ll get some for you. Do you really need them?”
Sasha’s eyes were full of mischief.
“Yes, I think I need them.”
The waiter returned to the table and Sasha sent a text on her phone and glanced up at Kent.
“Your swim trunks are being delivered to the penthouse right now. I ordered large. You look like a good-sized guy. By the time we get up there, we can change.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Kent was amazed how Sasha dominated everything – the meal, the conversation, and what would happen later. He wondered about that. In the elevator going up, small beads of sweat began to form on his upper lip.
Sasha clung to him in the small space, her hands traveled over his chest and arms, then lower to his rear. He watched in the mirror as she placed her fingers just beneath his crotch and he tried to suppress his instinctive reaction. Uh oh.
“Very nice, Kent. You work out. I can tell.”
Kent slipped away from her long enough to enter his side of the suite and he checked the adjoining door to make sure it was locked. He slid the deadbolt. For the first time in his life, he was afraid of a woman. He couldn’t ever let anyone know about this. He’d never live it down. As he removed the suit and put the swim trunks on. He imagined how his buddies in his unit would laugh their asses off if they ever found out he had a date with a super-model and was terrified of her.
A tap on the door brought him out of his self-pitying reverie. It was Sasha, wearing a one-piece swimsuit that crisscrossed her breasts and barely covered her nipples and crotch. Usually, that would be his focus, but instead he became aware of how incredibly thin she was. He stared for a moment, as he secured a long towel around his waist covering his prosthetic. He wondered if she’d noticed yet, but decided it was no big deal. She was so self-absorbed she might not even notice. He forced a smile as she swirled a sheer piece of fabric around her and pranced to the elevator, turning to make sure he was watching. Kent nodded attentively. She was lovely, gaunt but mesmerizing in a cat-like sort of way.
In the pool zone, they were alone except for the occasional passerby. As 10:00 PM approached, they had the area to themselves. Sasha appeared to be an excellent swimmer. He watched her do a couple of laps and felt awkward when his towel hit the floor. He stood there for a full minute as Sasha’s eyes travelled over him. He knew she was taking in every inch of his body, including the prosthetic. He noticed she’d stopped swimming in the pool and thought he saw her jaw drop. He had to detach the prosthetic to get into the pool to swim. He sat on the edge of the pool, removed it, then slipped beneath the cool water. Part of his physical therapy had been spent in the water, so he was proficient as a swimmer.
“Oh dahling, I’m sorry…” Sasha stammered.
“No, I’m the one that’s sorry, I can’t wear my daily prosthetic in the water. I don’t want to damage it, considering it costs the same as a sports car. I have a waterproof leg that I use for water activities like wading in the water at a beach, canoeing, boating, or at the water park.
At the pool, I use it to get into the showers and walk on the pool deck. I don't use it for swimming in a pool because it creates drag and, believe it or not, a prosthetic leg often floats. I do use it for swimming in the ocean or lake, because I need to be able to walk out or walk back in.”
Although she was listening, Kent realized he was probably boring her to death. He sensed he wasn’t measuring up to Sasha’s past suitors, literally as well as figuratively.
She came up to him in the water and touched his arm.
“I’m sorry, Kent. I didn’t know.”
“How could you? The charity program didn’t give you an accurate description of me. There should’ve been a disclaimer – he’s missing half a leg, oh yes – and that left foot. No worries. I can do just about anything, despite my injury.”
“Yes, I’ll bet you can. Show me.”
Her fingers were in his wet hair and she pulled him close to her in the water. At first, Kent thought she was just hugging him. But, Sasha’s lips were on his in a hot second and her legs wrapped around his waist. They were buoyant in the water and Kent responded. For a few minutes, there was silence, except for the water moving through the pool filter and some strange background music. Sasha knew how to kiss, that’s for sure. Her lips parted and her tongue met his with a frenzy. Sensing an odd twinge of disappointment, Kent involuntarily pulled away.
“I’m sorry, are you okay?” Sasha muttered.
“I’m good…I mean, that was good. I wanted to swim laps with you. I watched you a moment ago, you have good form.”
“So, you want to swim laps?”
“Let’s do it. On your mark, get set – go!”
He hoped she didn’t feel awkward when he pulled away from her kiss. It’s just that he felt odd with his tongue in someone’s mouth he hardly knew. His mind instantly wandered to kissing Paige a couple of nights before, how different those two kisses were.
It might’ve been a mistake to challenge Sasha, Kent realized, after she had already appeared to be an excellent swimmer. But, what the hell. He had some tension to burn off, and swimming was a good way to do it. While he plowed through the water, his thoughts were consumed with Paige. What was she doing tonight?
Into the third lap, he noticed something happened to Sasha. She was moaning and holding onto the side of the pool. Kent swam to her immediately.
“Argh! There’s a cramp in my leg – it feels like a vice grip!” she sputtered.
He reached around and lifted her onto the pool deck, then pulled himself out and began massaging her leg. As his hands worked over her calf muscle in his attempt to stop the pain, he finally felt her leg soften. Then he heard her exhale. Her breathing seemed labored and he reached his towel on the pool deck and wrapped her in it.
“I’m fine. Really. Just a cramp.” Sasha shivered.
He reached for his prosthetic and secured it. “I understand. I get those too, especially when I’m dehydrated.”
Once Sasha was back to normal,
Kent helped her up.
The same gentleman in a black suit appeared with Sasha’s iPhone.
“You wanted a photo, Madame?”
After she collected herself, a few photos were taken and Kent wondered if they might be for publicity. He was sure she planned to put him on her social media page. He cringed at the thought. He hoped she wouldn’t write some pitiful caption about her experience with a wounded marine.
Wrapped in his towel, Sasha stood in front of him.
“You’re a beautiful man.” Her hands were taking inventory again.
“You’re a beautiful woman.”
He could think of nothing else to say as she caressed his chest, waist, and moved her hand inside the waist of his swim trunks.
“Come. We need a nightcap. We can have it in the room. Maybe some dessert, too, eh?”
Sasha’s smile was tinged with naughtiness. The ride up in the elevator was wild. Sasha took his hands and placed them on her ass. Kent caught a glimpse of their reflection in the mirrored wall of the elevator. She had no butt, to speak of. He wondered how much she weighed and guessed she was 110 pounds at most. Her lips were on his neck. She nibbled his earlobe as her long fingernail traced the tattoos on his chest.
Once they reached the top floor, the doors parted and Sasha swiped the card to get in.
“I’ll order room service, something yummy for dessert.”
Kent walked toward his side of the suite.
“I’ll get cleaned up. I’m sure I smell like chlorine.”
He swiped his key and entered the separate part of the suite which was designated as his. Oh god. How was he going to avoid Sasha’s advances? That was the only thing he could think of now. He couldn’t feign sickness. She’d just watched him swim laps in the pool. She wanted him and he just couldn’t go further than kissing her. And, with Sasha, that wasn’t possible. She was a dominatrix if he’d ever seen one – and, come to think of it, he’d probably never seen a real one like her.
In the shower, he kept thinking of Paige. What would she think of him spending a night with Sasha? She’d assume he’d had sex with her just like any other person would. He just couldn’t do it. He had to be honest. As he toweled off, he pulled on an old T-shirt and jeans he’d brought for the ride home.
When he entered the living room, Sasha had a silver tray filled with sweets.
“Come, dahling. Let me feed you something wonderful.”
Kent sat on the sofa for a moment as he watched Sasha inhale several bite-sized desserts. What they were, he had no clue.
“Sasha, I’ve had a really great time with you tonight…”
“Ah, yes, the night is still young, my handsome marine.”
“I know it is. But, it’s midnight – and, I don’t know how to say this…”
“Well, dahling, just say it…”
CHAPTER 11
When Paige got home she immediately noticed the porch had been sanded and painted and the yard work done to perfection. No doubt, Kent stopped by and spent a long time there. Her phone buzzed with a text from Sadie. I’ll bring Justin home if you’re there. Paige responded, thanks, yes.
Even though it was later than usual, she glanced down to see if McCabe was on his porch, and he was. She was exhausted and needed a shower but Paige walked down to see how he was doing.
“Hey, come on up here and take a seat.”
Paige thought he’d just awakened from a nap. His hair was askew and he had a cup of coffee in his hand.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Paige kicked her shoes off and put her dogs up on the railing. “Feels good right now, doing this.”
“You did a great job on that auction, Paige.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I mean really – a tremendous job. The VFW will now be remodeled and completely paid for, thanks to you.”
“Wasn’t just me. Others did their part, too. People like Kent. Look how he stepped up to help.”
Just saying his name made her heart ache. She knew he was in the clutches of Sasha for the night and he’d probably never be the same.
“He’s the type that steps up when needed. He’s a good boy. Well, he’s not a boy any more – even though I still call him squirt. He’s a man – a damned good man.”
“He reminds me of you, Gramps.”
“Probably – heh yeah – I had him up here just about every summer since he was four years old. Took him fishing and camping. He loved that stuff. Yeah, those were the days…I’m real proud of him.”
“You should be, he’s wonderful. He painted my whole back porch today. Did it right, too. Sanded it all down, must’ve taken him hours. Then he trimmed all the trees and overgrown stuff in my yard. My goodness, it looks like a new place.”
“Yeah. He was almost late for that date with the lady, what’s her name again?”
“Sasha.”
“Yup. That’s her. He didn’t seem too keen about it, though.”
“Hmm. Really?”
“Yeah, he’s not into all that fancy stuff. You know, dressing up and expensive food. Kent is just Kent. No frills, he wears his heart right there on his sleeve. Kid’s been through a lot. Wanted to make his daddy proud. Like that would ever happen. Daddy’s too wrapped up in his own ego to recognize greatness right before his eyes. But, I’m impressed, and I told him so. Damned proud of Kent. Yes, I am. So are all the guys at the VFW. They love him.”
“He’s amazing.” Paige found herself uttering the words.
“Nothing like his daddy. He’s like his mother – sweet and gentle and kind, if he likes ya.”
“And, if he doesn’t like ya?”
“Well, he’s honest enough to say so. He’s not the type to come right out and hurt people’s feelings – but, he tells the truth. Like this Sasha girl – I know he was nervous about going out with her tonight.”
“Really?”
“I’m just about to place an order for pizza, you want your usual?”
Paige marveled at the man sitting beside her wearing suspenders. “Yes, I’d love my usual, please.”
An hour into her pizza, Sadie drove by and waved with Justin and Thor in her vehicle. She parked in Paige’s driveway and walked down to the porch.
“Good evening.” Paige nodded and pointed to the pizza, “Want some?”
“We just had dinner, but thanks. Hey, good news. Justin passed the test we talked about.”
Paige stopped chewing and swallowed hard. Her heart felt like it had stopped beating for a moment.
“The test we talked about.”
“Yes. It’s official. I’m ruling out ADHD. I think you can wean him off the meds. Counseling will help him – with the right person. I’ll set that up.” Sadie stood on the porch steps with a big, wide grin.
Justin was standing behind her with his hands on his hips, smiling. “Yeah, with the right counselor…”
Paige stood and Justin ran to her – she couldn’t stop hugging him and didn’t want him to see the tears trickling down her face. A mixture of emotion flooded her – happiness, relief, regret, and sadness. Why had she listened to the so-called experts when her gut told her there was nothing wrong with her son? Taking him out of the classroom, punishing him, the medications, were all for naught. Meanwhile, Justin had developed the lowest self-esteem on the planet. How could she have been so naïve?
That night when she tucked Justin into bed, she realized he was outgrowing the clothing he was wearing. He was maturing before her eyes and she wondered where time had gone. He read a book to her and her mind wandered to Kent. She wondered if his date with Sasha was coming to an end. Or, was he kissing her now?
“Hey, mom.” Justin whispered. “What’re you thinking?”
“Oh, just happy about you. No more medication. I’ll get you back into your classroom at school. I need your full cooperation, however. You know what I mean? Counseling is a must. But I think we can work with this.”
“You know what I was thinking?”
“No. What?”
“I was thinking about Kent and how I want to be like him someday, even though he had half his leg blown off. He’s tough and smart. He can do anything. And, he’s really nice to me.”
“Yes. He is tough and smart…and nice.”
“You like him, mom?”
“Sure, I do.”
“I mean – would you kiss him – if he wanted to kiss you?”
“Whatever made you ask that?” She tousled his hair. “The only guy I’m kissing right now is you. Now go to sleep.”
Paige planted a kiss on her son’s forehead. Damn, he was perceptive. As she walked barefoot down the staircase, she imagined what it might be like to have a man around the house to help. Then, a feeling of dread swept over her. There was the chance that Sasha and Kent could become an item. Her stomach hurt when that thought rolled into her mind. And, there was the harsh reality that unless she won the lotto, there was no way she could continue living in the old Greek Revival farmhouse. She loved it the first moment she laid eyes upon the place, but it needed the touch of a carpenter, someone with skills. Jeremy had promised to fix it up when they first moved in, but somehow alcohol and gambling took priority over everything else, except bedding strange women. Oh, he was the trifecta of bad habits.
She fingered the photo album in the bookcase and hesitated. But, couldn’t seem to stop herself as she slipped the album onto her lap and opened it to a random page – it just happened to be a picture of her with Jeremy at a party. He was drunk and Paige’s smile was not genuine. She closed the album, wanting to forget all the turmoil, the arguments, the hurt feelings. But, having a child with a man you now despised was more painful than she could have imagined. It wasn’t so much that Jeremy cheated Paige out of happiness, it was what he did to Justin that hurt her the most. Time to pack these unhappy memories away from her and Justin. She found a cardboard box and filled it with the photo albums. Then taped them securely. Time to move on.
She curled up on the sofa and turned the television on for background noise. Thor made his way upstairs to sleep on Justin’s bed. It was lonely living by herself like this, night after night. She hated her job, envied her friends, and felt she’d let down her son. She was discarded by a drunken fool. What would Kent with want her anyway? She had stretch marks on her belly and mom boobs, and her rear end was getting bigger from sitting at a desk all day. She promised herself she’d get a membership at the gym…soon…if she could afford it. Who the hell had time to work out every day? Oh right, people like Sasha.
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