She drove like a madwoman, and I didn’t want to get into an accident with her.
“Still afraid of my driving?” she teased as she kept one hand on the steering wheel, and the other patted her hair into place.
“I’m not afraid. I’m just wary,” I explained. “You drive like you’re the road runner, and the Coyote is on your tail.”
“Wile E. Coyote,” she corrected.
“Huh?”
“His name is Wile E. Coyote. The cartoon character who used to chase the road runner.”
“Right. Well, anyways. You could stand to be a bit more cautious,” I responded.
“Sure. Everyone could.”
I sighed as I pressed my fingers to my temples. “You’re not going to, are you?”
“See? That wasn’t so hard, and you say that women are hard to figure out.” She scoffed as if the idea was ridiculous.
Except, she was wrong.
It wasn’t that women were hard to figure out. It’s just that, in my experience, they tended to be indecisive about a lot of things, and I got that it was because most of them were overthinkers, but sometimes, it didn’t make it any less frustrating.
On the other hand, I’d known Charity for years, and living with her had taught me a thing or two about her, so that’s why I knew her that well.
“Besides, you gotta live dangerously every once in a while,” she commented as she flashed me a quick grin before turning her attention back to the road.
“I don’t think you’re applying that concept correctly. It doesn’t include driving. That’s just endangering your life,,” I pointed out, matter of factly.
“You say potato, I say po-tah-to.” She waved my protest away as she pulled up onto a street lined with cars. “There’s a lot of traffic here.”
“Yeah, isn’t that the street with the fancy restaurant, the Italian one? I don’t remember what it’s called.”
“Tuscany,” she responded automatically as the car slowly inched forward.
“Are you going to be able to find a spot to park, or do you need some help?”
“Oh, no, you don’t need to worry about that,” she assured me, distractedly.
Before I could ask what she meant, I opened my car door, and she practically shoving me out the car. I nearly stumbled forward and caught myself at the last second.
“What the--?” The door slammed shut behind me, and I felt confused. Suddenly, I spotted Kaitlyn dressed in a beautiful dark blue dress with her hair made up in waves. She handed the valet her keys, and she smiled warmly when she spotted him.
I walked over to where she stood. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same question.”
We both heard the squeal of tires as Charity sped off, leaving us behind.
“I think she just rode off into the sunset,” Kaitlyn exclaimed, in surprise, amusement lacing her tone. “I think we’ve been set up.”
15
Kaitlyn
Okay, how did I not see this coming?
I can usually smell a plot a mile away, and my instincts are usually pretty spot on when it came to things like this. I had no idea what it was.
It was like a detector.
And the needle veered wildly and teetered when Charity invited me out to dinner with her new beau. I should’ve seen it coming, but I was too occupied with thoughts about my client and how to win her over.
Thankfully, I was able to land the account with that high-profile client, and I was celebrating when I remembered that Charity was expecting me. For one brief, wild moment I considered not going.
What was the worst that could happen?
She would pout, and sulk then eventually drop it and try again. Charity didn’t seem like the type to hold a grudge, and I picked up my phone then hesitated.
I hadn’t said yes, but she did mention that she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
What would I say?
A work emergency? She’d see right through that.
I could say that I wasn’t feeling well.
Being pregnant did make me more tired than usual, so that excuse wasn’t entirely untrue, and I’m sure she would be sympathetic.
I was standing in the middle of my apartment, my bare feet sinking into the carpet, some stained t-shirt and old sweatpants on as my cat slept a few feet away snoring softly as I stared at my phone.
If I didn’t go through with it, then what would I do? Order food and watch TV?
Suddenly that thought seemed depressing, and I didn’t want to do it.
It was appealing a few minutes ago, but when I weighed it against going out, I realized I wanted to be out and about.
Charity may a bit too clingy for my taste, but she was a good person, and she was fun.
I liked fun people.
Once upon a time, Charity and I might have been super close because our personalities were similar.
Well, she was a bit more flamboyant with her style, but beyond that, we had a lot in common.
Finally, I glanced over at my cat who hadn’t moved except for the slight twitching of his hands, and I sighed.
What did I have to lose?
I ran my hands through my hair and decided to just go with it and see what happened.
At the very least, I would have a nice night out.
My phone buzzed with an incoming text from Charity, who sent me the location to the restaurant we were going to. It was a tad fancy, so I decided to pamper myself by doing my hair and nails.
I scratched behind my cat’s ears, and he purred in response.
“Don’t wait up for me,” I said, jokingly. “And don’t invite any of your cat friends over. Last time, you had quite the party, and I said nothing, but I won’t let it slide if you do it again.”
I smacked myself on the forehead as I realized I was talking to a cat. I didn’t want to end up as the eccentric cat lady who owned way too many cats with odd names, who chased people away, and who’s cats were her most prized possessions.
It was an old joke at the expense of spinsters, and I was about to have a kid, so I wasn’t sure if that particularly applied, but once my child moved out, I could turn into one of them.
It wasn’t an exclusive club, and there was no age limit after all.
I shuddered at the thought.
I liked cat ladies, but that didn’t mean I wanted to be one.
Hastily, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. As soon as I was in the car and heading towards my destination, I felt better.
I needed a night to get my mind off things. I desperately wanted some alcohol in my system to ease some of the tension, but I knew I couldn’t while Bean was inside of me.
“I have to keep you healthy,” I said, out loud. “Although mommy could really use a drink.”
Or two.
It felt strange to refer to myself as a mommy. I was the furthest thing from maternal as you could possibly get, but it felt natural to say it.
Not only that, but it felt good.
That surge of protectiveness and love I felt yesterday still steadily pumped through my veins, and I had a feeling it was here to stay.
I frowned as I pulled up to the side of the road, switched my blinker on and picked up my phone. My GPS froze, and I had no idea where it was trying to take me, so I kept tapping the phone to get it to reroute, but it wasn’t doing anything.
It just lay inert as I poked it furiously and glared it.
“Come on, you stupid phone,” I muttered. “I’m hungry, so can you just start up already?”
Nothing happened. All I got in return was silence.
“Siri, open Google maps.”
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” the automated voice responded.
I sighed. “Open Google maps.”
I said each word clearly and separately in order to avoid any confusion, and I waited, as patiently as I could for it to heed my request.
“Opening aerobics app,” she responded, sounding pleased with herself
as music began to blare through my speakers.
I groaned as a choked laugh escaped my lips. “No, no, not the aerobics app. Google maps.”
“Searching the web for things that flap.”
“Okay, okay, stop,” I conceded as I shook my head. “Just restart the phone.”
I expected her to utter other crazy nonsense, but instead Siri did as she was told. Surprising me once again.
That was the thing about smart technology.
Sure, it was innovative and everything, but there were times when it didn’t feel smart. Actually, that was pretty much all the time.
I’m sure it worked fine in the beginning, but all those accents, and the speed with which people spoke probably confused the poor app, so something short circuited.
I don’t think the developers knew this would happen. They couldn’t possibly have anticipated this.
Nobody could’ve.
I looked around to see if I could recognize the street while I waited for the phone to reboot. After what seemed like an eternity, it started back up, and it immediately got me back in the right direction.
There was a lot of traffic as I pulled up, so I decided to pull up to the door and have someone park the car for me.
It was obvious I wasn’t going to be able to find a place on my own.
The car crawled forward as I glanced down at my clothes and wondered if perhaps they were inappropriate considering I was expecting.
Besides, it was a lot less revealing than other things I wore in the past. Just because I was expecting didn’t mean I had to give up my fashion sense. And, my stomach wasn’t showing yet, so I wanted to take the chance before it did.
It was a low-cut V-neck dress that showed off cleavage and was slightly tight from the top. It cinched at the waist then flowed down afterwards. The color was a beautiful midnight blue that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it.
I ran my hands over the dress as I pulled up to the front and switched off the ignition. A man dressed in a uniform hurried towards me, and I gave him a bright smile.
“Hi, I know it’s crowded today, but can you help me park my car?”
“Of course, Miss” He held out his hands expectantly, and I gave him the keys. I spotted a familiar flash of blond hair, and when I looked up, I was surprised to find Dean standing a few feet away and staring at me.
My heart did a tiny somersault at the sight of him, and my grip on my purse tightened. I was feeling nervous for some strange reason.
Dean had the strangest effect on my nerves.
I couldn’t pinpoint it, and it bugged me to no end.
He had a slightly dazed look on his face as if he didn’t expect to see me there, and I was sure I had a similar expression.
Charity said that it was her and her new flavor of the month. I didn’t recall her mentioning that Dean would be joining us? Or did she, and I simply tuned her out?
If I had to venture a guess, I’d say not.
If the look on Dean’s face was anything to go by that is.
Obviously, I smiled warmly when Dean’s eyes connected with mine, and I slowly walked towards him, and we both laughed as we watched Charity’s tires make a loud screeching noise.
“I thought the man and woman were supposed to ride off into the sunset,” he commented, wryly. “This is unexpected.”
“Charity is all about plot twists,” I responded, blithely. “She’s your roommate. I thought you knew her better than this.”
“I got roped into this. I didn’t even know we were going out. She practically forced me out of the shower to get dressed,” he said, defensively.
“Well, she stalked me at a café where I was supposed to be meeting a client,” I retorted. “So, beat that.”
“At least she didn’t see you naked,” he said, as he grimaced. “Believe me, I don’t think that’s something either of us can forget anytime soon. I’m sure she wants to gauge her eyes out by now.”
I crossed my arms over my chest as I grinned. “I guess you beat me there. The only thing she did was nag till I said yes, and when I almost didn’t come, she threatened me.”
Dean threw his head back and laughed. A rich, throaty laugh that sent tingles through me. “Yeah, that sounds like Charity. If I’d known she was going to rope you into this, I would’ve warned you.”
“Likewise,” I agreed as we stood awkwardly to the side with people filing in on either side of us.
Charity was a schemer.
Plain and simple.
We were played.
Like a fiddle.
I’m pretty sure her middle name was Schemer, and how did Dean not see this coming?
I narrowed my gaze playfully. “Okay, now wait. I don’t know Charity well enough, so I don’t feel too bad about being duped, but how did she pull one over on you?”
He shrugged. “I have no idea. I’m a lot better at sniffing out her schemes than this, but what can I say? This time, she was good, and I was hungry.”
As if on cue, both of our stomachs growled in response, and we smiled like a couple of embarrassed teenagers out on their first date.
What the hell was the matter with me?
I didn’t get all tongue tied and gooey eyed around guys. I was a strong and sexy woman who went for what she wanted.
“Well, we’re both dressed up.” She gestured to their outfits, noting that he looked especially handsome in his button-down shirt and slacks. “And since there’s a meal waiting for us on the other side of this, we might as well make the most of it. What do you say?”
Dean blinked before a slow smile spread across his features. “Yeah, that’s a great idea.”
I offer my arm to Dean, and he stared at in surprise as if unsure what to do with it, a brief flicker of suspicion passed across his face and then he just looked happy.
He smoothly tucked my arm into the crook of his elbow and steered us towards the door. He rattled off his name, and we were immediately shown to a private booth in the corner.
16
Dean
I groaned as I brought my hand up to my forehead.
I mumbled a curse under my breath when I heard a phone go off somewhere in the distance, and I fumbled around for my phone. When my hand connected with something solid, I yelped and dragged my hand away.
I pried one eye open, and my unfamiliar surroundings began to take shape. I must’ve had a lot to drink last night because I actually dreamt that the ice around Kaitlyn’s heart thawed, and we had a great dinner followed by amazing sex.
I frowned as I realized that I didn’t recognize my surroundings, so I carefully sat up in bed and looked around.
Yup, I was not hungover.
This was, most definitely, not my apartment.
The roof of my mouth felt dry as I smacked my lips together and tried to wrack my brain. I turned on my side, and my eyes grew wide when I found myself facing a sleeping Kaitlyn.
Holy shit.
So, I didn’t dream up the whole thing.
My imagination wasn’t that good anyways.
She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping. Her mouth wasn’t curled into a sardonic grin, and her eyes didn’t have shutters behind them. In her sleep, she looked youthful and peaceful.
Quietly, I allowed myself a rare moment where I could study the details of her face as the details of last night came pouring back.
Her hair fanned out on the pillow beneath her, the way she seemed attuned to my movements, and the little noises she was making.
I could already feel myself growing hard just thinking about it, so I immediately halted that train of thought. We couldn’t go down that road again. Not yet, at least.
We needed to talk, and maybe after last night, she would finally be willing to clear the air, and discuss the elephant in the room.
God, she was beautiful.
Kaitlyn stirred in her sleep, and a sigh escaped her lips as she burrowed deeper into the pillow and mumbled something under her breath.
I felt li
ke a teenager back in high school as I slowly peeled back the covers and stood up, careful not to make any noise. I didn’t want to wake her up.
I couldn’t believe she was still here and hadn’t run away yet. I blinked rapidly, but Kaitlyn was still there.
I smiled as I tiptoed to the bathroom and gently shut the door behind me. I didn’t know my way around her apartment that well, but I was sure she wouldn’t mind if I used her shower.
I smelled like sweat, and I needed to get that smell off me before work. Plus, it gave me something to do till she woke up.
I turned the knob for the hot water and patiently waited for it to heat up before I stepped in. I felt my muscles relax as I yielded to the power of hot water, wincing slightly as it poured down my back.
I twisted around slightly to look at my back and shook my head as I caught sight of her handiwork.
No doubt, Kaitlyn was a beast in bed.
Yet another thing I liked about her.
It made me want her even more.
It was just hard to reconcile that with a woman whose only consistency was that she was hot and cold all the time. Rivulets of water slid down my body as I stepped out and wrapped a towel around my waist.
I shook my head from side to side causing drops of water to scatter all over the bathroom. I wiped the steam off the mirror and poured some toothpaste onto my finger. I used my index finger and thumb to brush my teeth.
When I was done, I took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door.
My heart took a nosedive all the way down to my feet when I saw the empty bed. My eyes scanned the room for a note or something to explain where she went, but there was nothing there.
Aside from the crumbled sheets, it was like she was never there to begin with even though this was her apartment. I exhaled as I picked up my pants and folded them over my arm as I looked around for my shirt.
Damn.
I’d forgotten that she tore this shirt too. I’d have to make do with one of her shirts. I looked around till I found an old shirt that was entirely too big for her and fit me perfectly.
I had a change of clothes in the office anyways, so I would simply change when I got there and give Charity the shirt, so she could give it back to her.
A Baby for the Vet (Boys of Rockford Series Book 4) Page 11