Too Good

by Kayla Carson

  “Those shorts look like a fucking thong Harper.” I said just as coolly.

  “If you really want me to change that bad, then I will OK?”

  This was too easy. Yeah she enjoyed my dominant behavior, but she also stood her ground when she knew I was being unreasonable. Not that I thought I was however. I glanced at her questioningly, rubbing my thumb under my chin in thought. “You're changing?” I asked with skepticism.

  “Yep.” She answered sweetly.

  “What's the catch?”

  “No catch. You're right.”

  “Come again? Can I get that in writing?”

  “Asshole.” She muttered under her breath, as I watched her ass sway all the way up the stairs to our bedroom. The shorts really were too short, I could see her amazing ass cheeks barely peeking out of the bottom, every time she lifted one of her legs. It was something to be admired, but it wasn't meant for any one else.

  When she came back down a few minutes later, she had indeed changed her clothes. The shorts were longer, but the top was much shorter, as in barely there. I opened my mouth to say something, but she held her hand up stopping me. “It's a bathing suit top. I'm putting my tank top over it dad.”

  I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Fine.” I said, draining the rest of my cup, and using my legs to pull myself over to the sink.

  “Fine?” She asked, warily.

  “I just worry about you. With everything you've been through, you're just starting to feel confident in yourself, in your body. I don't want some jackass ogling you, and making you feel uncomfortable.”

  Her expression softened, and she grabbed the tee shirt I'd set out on the table for myself. Instead of bringing it over, as I thought she would, she slipped it over her own head instead. “You don't fool me with that cocky attitude Cole Stephens, but don't worry, I won't let it slip that you're a big softy.” She came to stand beside me then, bending down to kiss me. “I love you.”

  “I love you too Sweetheart.”

  I really was turning into a fucking pussy. The realization reminded me that I needed to call my boss. Harper filled him in on the accident, but I wanted to let him know I'd be back to work as soon as I was able. I wasn't worried about losing my job, but I needed him to know that I had every intention of returning. After seeing Harper off, I grabbed my phone from the kitchen table, and gave him a call. He answered on the first ring, happy to hear from me. He told me to take all the time I needed, and that's when I made my next call.

  Chapter 9

  Wes, and Jake arrived at my place an hour after I called them, and for once I was grateful to see their ugly mugs. I knew Wes had gone through the files on that flash drive already, I would have. What we needed now was to discuss what he found. He already knew everything about me, but I was still nervous. What if there was something in there about my part in Zoe's kidnapping? I knew he'd never forgive me if there was.

  I left the door unlocked, so they could just come right in. When they rounded the corner, I was waiting at the kitchen table for them, my wheel chair in the corner. I was tired of the damn thing. I could tell by the look on my brother's face that he was pissed, but I ignored it. I slid my laptop towards him, and he reluctantly sat down. “Well?” I asked.

  He pulled the flash drive from his pocket, and inserted it into the laptop. “She has files on everyone. Judges, police officers, government officials, you name it. From what I gather, they were all her clients at some point in time, and she kept blackmail folders on them in case she ever got into trouble.”

  “Why come after the flash drive now? Why not send someone when she originally got arrested? Why do any time at all?” I asked.

  “She was protecting Robert Drake.” Jake chimed in, sliding a folder over to me.

  I opened it up, shocked at its contents. There were dozens of photos of the two together. Laughing, smiling, hugging, kissing, all in different locations. There were even some lewd photos. “He was her fall guy, I don't understand?”

  “He was released days after she was arrested, but it never made the news.”

  “So how'd you find these photos? They look recent?”

  Wes laughed. “Have you met Jake?” He asked sarcastically. “This guy can find anything about anyone.”

  “I just have a lot of friends.” Jake said, modestly.

  “Do we know where Drake is now?” I asked.

  “No. These were taken a few weeks ago.”

  “A few weeks ago? Were you planning on telling me you were looking for her?”

  “She kidnapped my wife Cole, why the fuck wouldn't we be looking for her? And look what the crazy bitch just did to you. She could have killed you!” Wes said, standing with anger. “The fucking cops can't find her, I thought maybe someone Jake knew could.”

  “You're right.” I said, placing my head in my hands, and taking a deep breath. “Look, while you're both here, and I'm injured, I need to tell you something.” I decided that it was time to come clean.

  Jake, and Wes exchanged looks of confusion, before returning their attention back to me. It was now or never, and I much rather would have waited until never. Maybe I should wait until Harper's home, they won't kill me in front of her. Maybe. I opened my mouth, but I couldn't get the words to come out. How could I tell Zoe's husband, and brother, that I practically handed her over to Vanessa?

  “Cole?” Wes asked, breaking me away from my thoughts. “What is it?”

  “It was my fault. Zoe being kidnapped, was all my fault.”

  “What are you saying? You helped save her Cole, how is Vanessa going off the rails your fault?”

  “Let me get this out.” I sighed, closing my eyes, searching for the courage I needed. “The night I met Vanessa at the bar, we were getting to know each other. I told her I had a brother, and then I told her about Zoe. Where she worked, the kind of car she drove, details that at the time I didn't think were important. I'm the reason she was able to get to Zoe.”

  I sat there in silence waiting for one of them to get up and toss the table, scream, yell, something, but nothing happened. I thought about speaking again, but Jake placed his hand over my wrist, stopping me. “I can't speak for Wes, but I'm only grateful that you saved her. You had no way of knowing who Vanessa was, or that she had some kind of vendetta.”

  “You've done a lot of stupid shit Cole, but you saved all of our asses in that house. It doesn't matter how we got there, it matters that when I needed you, you were there.”

  “I really thought you guys would hate me when I told you.”

  “Look, we've got more important problems right now. Vanessa's on the loose, with Robert Drake, and a cool million you had stashed in your damn apartment. Let's focus on that, as far as I'm concerned, Zoe can kick your ass later.”

  “Fair enough.” I said, scratching my head in thought. “So? When are we handing this information over to the police?”

  “I don't think we can.”

  “What do you mean you don't think we can?”

  “If we give this flash drive to the police they'll know everything. Your past, mine, the money you took from Vanessa. We can't risk that.”

  “So alter it.”

  “Any good tech guy can retrieve deleted files from a flash drive, and considering the kinds of tech guys the police use, they'd know it was tampered with the minute they plugged it in.” Jake said.

  “So what are we supposed to do now?”

  Jake stood, running his hands through his hair. “I'm going to go to the police station. I'll tell them I was worried about my sister's safety, so I hired a PI. I'll turn over the photos of Vanessa, and Robert Drake, maybe that will help them with some kind of lead.”

  “And in the meantime?” I asked.

  “We keep our guards up.” Wes said. “And it wouldn't be a bad idea to hire a body guard for Harper.”

  “I've already mentioned it to her, but she's being pretty stubborn about it.”

  “Well don't let her be.”

 
“Yeah? And how does that work with Zoe?”

  Jake laughed, and Wes flipped him off. “Just figure it out.” He said, with annoyance. “You need anything before we take off?”

  “Not unless you brought beer. It seems Harper cleaned out the fridge.”

  “You shouldn't be drinking anyway, you've got a damn concussion.”

  Jake laughed again, only pissing Wes off more. “Do you ever know when to shut the fuck up brother?”

  “Quit acting like a fucking idiot, and I'd have no reason to laugh.”

  “If you girls are done arguing, I'd like to get back to some peace and quiet before Harper gets home.”

  “I'm telling her you said that.” Wes said, standing and placing the flash drive back into his pocket.

  “Fuck you.”

  “You're not my type princess.” He winked, blowing me a kiss.

  “Get the fuck out of here!”

  “Later man.”

  “Later.”

  Chapter 10

  It had been four days since Harper quit her job at Lily's, and she was driving me insane with her constant fussing. I was getting around well without the wheel chair, but my headaches were still pretty consistent. I was going in for a check up today, and because my vision was still pretty blurry, I couldn't drive. Harper insisted on taking me, and I'd agreed, as long as she agreed to check out some listings for her new flower shop.

  She needed to get back to work just as much as I did, and I hoped that after my appointment today I'd be in the clear. We arrived right on time, and when the doc saw me walking in, rather than being rolled in he smiled.

  “Glad to see you up on your feet Mr. Stephens.”

  “Good to be up.” I said.

  “I just want to run a few tests, check your eyesight, and make sure everything's healing properly. It shouldn't take too long. Any plans for this beautiful day?”

  “Realty shopping.”

  “A new home?”

  “No, a new store front. Harper's opening her own flower shop.”

  “Well, congratulations on the new venture!”

  “Thanks.” She said shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “No reason to by shy about it dear, I bet you'll be the prettiest little flower shop owner in California. I'd buy flowers from you any time.”

  “Are you hitting on my girlfriend right now?” I asked, in disbelief.

  “My apologizes, I assumed she was your sister.”

  “We're leaving.”

  “Mr. Stephens, you need to be checked-”

  “Harper. Now.” I said, standing and reaching for her hand. She took it willingly, as I led us both out of the hospital, and back to her car. I mumbled, and muttered the whole way. “Can you believe that asshole?” I asked. “He's lucky I didn't knock his ass out. My sister? He treated me the entire time I was hospitalized, he knew damn well you weren't my sister. Unprofessional piece of-”

  Harper's hands found either side of my face, effectively stopping my rant. She smiled up at me with her big blue eyes, and stood up on her tip toes to kiss me softly. “You don't have to see him Cole, but you do need to be seen.” I started to object, but she kissed me again. “Please.”

  Resting my forehead on hers, I let out long sigh. “Alright Sweetheart.”

  After getting the all clear from a different doctor, I was told I could return to work in seven days. I'd already missed five, but my boss was understanding. I even made sure to mention the prom, and the doc said as long as I wasn't head banging, It would be fine to attend. I knew Harper would secretly be upset if we didn't go, it was her first prom after all, and I wanted to be the one she experienced it with.

  We were on our way to the Realtor's office, when I got a text from Wes asking how my appointment went. I filled him in, and tossed my phone back into my pocket, not wanting to be disturbed while we were talking with the agent. Harper entered the building first, and I followed close behind her, adjusting my sunglasses. I was still pretty sensitive to the sunlight, so I wore them a lot now. Harper said it was sexy, but it just reminded me of that song about wearing sunglasses at night.

  “Ms. Blue!” What a pleasure it is to finally meet you. Mrs. Granger has said so many good things about you.”

  “Really?” I asked, “Like what?”

  “Oh, uh, you know-” She stammered.

  Harper rolled her eyes, playfully smacking me on the arm. “Don't mind him.” She said. “He's just here so I've got something pretty to look at.”

  “Excuse me.” I said, grabbing Harper by the wrist, and calmly pulling her through the nearest door.

  “Cole!” She squealed, as I pushed her against the wall, using my body to cage hers. “What are you doing?” She gasped, her eyes growing wide.

  “Teaching you a lesson.” I growled, grabbing her free wrist with my other hand, and bringing them both up above her head. I could feel her heart racing against mine, and I smiled, leaning down to capture her lips. I bit her bottom lip, and she moaned into my mouth. “That smart mouth of yours is always getting you into trouble Sweetheart.” I whispered, as I dipped my head down to her neck, and nipped her there.

  “Cole.” She breathed out, barely audible.

  A sharp double knock from the other side of the door, made her jump. I laughed, as I released her wrists, and kissed the tip of her nose. “We'll finish this later.”

  I opened the door, just as Ms. Shaw, the Realtor was about to knock again. She glanced past me, her cheeks heating when she realized what she'd interrupted. “I have a list of properties ready, whenever you'd like to leave.” She said, awkwardly.

  “Thank you.” Harper said, quietly from behind me, her embarrassment on full display.

  When Ms. Shaw turned to walk away, Harper brushed past me, whispering. “I hate you.” As she went. I couldn't help but laugh, I loved seeing her flustered. I decided I'd be on my best behavior for the rest of our property search, in hopes that we'd actually find something. I really did want her to find her store front, but I couldn't pass up the chance to heat her cheeks.

  We looked at six different buildings, and told Ms. Shaw we'd be in touch. I knew Harper had a favorite in mind, but she wanted to bring all the information home so we could go over it together. We drove back in silence, the long day making me realize how tired I was. I was getting around better, but I still felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck when I pushed too hard. The cool central air felt amazing when we finally entered the house, and I plopped down onto the couch with a grateful sigh.

  “You alright?” Harper asked, with amusement.

  “Starving.”

  “I'll order pizza.”

  “Perfect.”

  “Are you capable of speaking more than one word?” She teased, dialing the number for pizza delivery.

  When she finished placing the order, I gave her a reply. “Get that smart mouth over here, and sit down.”

  She laughed, tossing her phone onto the couch, and sliding in beside me. “What did you think of the properties?”

  “Which one did you like?”

  “I asked you first.”

  “It's your shop Harper, I want to know which one you liked.”

  “The third one. It was older than the rest, but I think that's what gave it it's charm. The crown molding, and original wood trim around the windows. It was beautiful.”

  “There's your answer then. Are you ready to make an offer?”

  “What about inspections, and researching the location?”

  “The properties have already been inspected, that's what Ms. Shaw told us, and as for the location, it's right next to a very popular restaurant, and minutes from the beach, you couldn't do much better. Especially if someone forgets to buy flowers for his date.”

  “Which happens more than you think.” She teased.

  “One time!” I laughed. “Am I ever going to live that down?”

  “What was that about? At the Realtor's office?” She asked, suddenly switching gears.

&nb
sp; “What do you mean?”

  “You know what I mean Cole.” She said, shifting in my arms to face me. “I know you're getting impatient.”

  “Sweetheart, I was just having a little fun with you.” I said, brushing my hand over her cheek. “I happen to like making you blush.”

  “Aren't you tired of waiting for me to get my shit together?”

  “Do I look like an unsatisfied man?” I asked, raising my eyebrows up, and down.

  “I'm being serious.”

  “So am I. If I wasn't happy, I wouldn't be here Harper. So stop second guessing everything, and just enjoy being happy for once.”

  “You make it sound so easy.”

  “It is that easy Sweetheart.” I said, pulling her back into me. “Now, tell me more about this pizza you ordered.”

  Chapter 11

  We spent the night, laying in bed, eating pizza, and watching Netflix. I was grateful to be able to be back in our bedroom upstairs, instead of the downstairs guest room. I was still having headaches, but they were at least bearable. I wanted to get back to work, sitting around the house “taking it easy” wasn't as easy as it sounded, especially when Harper wasn't home to distract me. She left early this morning, to help Zoe with decorations again, so I decided I was going to get out of this damn house.

  I couldn't drive yet, because I was still having dizzy spells, so I decided to take a walk on the beach instead. I kicked my shoes off on the back deck, and put my keys, and cellphone into my shorts pockets. Taking a deep breath, I looked out across the ocean, admiring the view. It was early yet, so the beach was pretty empty, not that it ever got too crowded. It was one of the perks of living directly on the beach, privacy.

  I was walking for around ten minutes, when my phone rang. It was a number I didn't recognize, so I let it go to voicemail. A few seconds later, the same number called again. After the fourth time, I decided to pick it up. Stopping in my tracks, I hit accept. “Hello?”

  “Glad to see you're up and walking. I heard you took quite the blow to your head.”

  “Vanessa.” I said, the anger rising in my voice. I spun in a slow circle, squinting my eyes in the sun. She was here, I just didn't know where. I used my search as a distraction, to hit the record button on my phone. I doubted she'd say anything about where she was, but it was worth a shot.