I didn’t drink coffee so I knew he’d been here, left and come back.
“Good morning,” he said in the most hoarse, sexiest voice known to woman, blowing in the cup.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror across the room and my God, was it scary.
“Mr. Scott. What are you doing here?”
He swaggered toward me with a crooked smile.
“Doc, you weren’t calling me Mr. Scott last night.”
My cheeks heated with his closer presence and the words he spoke.
“This is beyond inappropriate. You cannot be here. Please tell me what happened.”
His smile broadened. “Which is it, Doc? Stay and explain or leave.”
Snapping my fingers, I said, “Tell me.”
“Well, we went at it for hours. You told me I was the best sex you’ve ever had. Begged me to move in…so, here I am.”
I swatted at him, as wave of nausea swarmed over me. “You’re a pig. I don’t feel violated so you must have the smallest junk known to man.”
He took a sip of his coffee and peered over the top of the cup. “Sweetheart, if I nailed you last night, you wouldn’t be walking this morning.”
“Mr. Scott. Over confidence is a way of compensating for lack of something. It’s not suited to you.”
“Sure makes you curious though, doesn’t it?” He grinned and it nearly made my toes curl.
“Just tell me what happened and why you’re here.”
“You got pretty sauced. Got a little upset at Winks. I went back to where I knew you parked. Your friends let you off and I didn’t think you should be driving.”
I glanced at my bandaged hand, then held it up. “Is this your handiwork?”
“You fell. Landed on a piece of glass. I cleaned it up. Not a big deal.”
“Thank you. And my attire is thanks to you?” Blood rushed to my face and I had to look away from his damn hot body.
“Some more of my handiwork.”
I opened the fridge for a bottle of water. Not only had I not brushed my teeth but my saliva glands seem to have shut down completely.
What the hell? My fridge was full. Orange juice, butter, eggs, bacon, cheese.
“Did you do this?” I asked, spinning on my bare feet, making me woozy.
He gave me a hesitant nod.
“Why?” I asked.
“You had nothing in there. Nothing in your cupboards, either.”
My cupboards? I flung open one of the four cupboards and they were filled with boxes and cans.
“What? Why?”
“You needed food. I was hungry. You need to eat. You’re skinny.”
“Mr. Scott. It’s time for you to go. I don’t know if you think buying me this stuff or you bringing me home will get you out of therapy sooner or not…but I promise you that it won’t. Ninety days. I have a job to do, and while I thank you for the things you’ve done, we have to keep our boundaries.” I grabbed a grocery sack and began filling it with the items he’d bought.
His body stiffened as his smile faded.
“Knock it off. I’m not taking that stuff.”
“Yes. You are!”
“The hell I am.”
He started taking stuff out of the bags I’d just packed.
“Stop! Just go!”
“It’s OK. I don’t expect a thank you. But I think I liked you better drunk, Doc.” He walked about six steps, then tossed my phone at me. “I put my number in your phone just in case you need a ride home someday and your so-called friends drop you off drunk. See you Monday.”
When he closed the door behind him, I hurried to the window to watch him leave. His ass fit in the loose jeans just perfectly and those damn biker boots or work boots or whatever they were…sexy as hell. His burnt orange T-shirt that read Harley Davidson Key West on the back set off his tan skin and brown hair.
The thought of terminating the therapeutic process with him lingered in the back of my head. I would give it through next week and see if he opened up at all. He’d acted like a perfect gentleman, or so it appeared, through the night and had gone above and beyond by buying groceries. But he was a bouncer. He couldn’t afford to do that. I should have forced him to take the things with him.
The bright sunshine hurt my eyes and I squinted just in time to see him glance at my window and see me standing there. Embarrassed to be staring, I shot him a nervous smile. And, of course, he winked.
Chapter 11—Kieran
Once I got back to the condo, I crashed in my recliner. My ass was beat. Yet while staring blankly at the ceiling fan, my thoughts kicked back and forth between her father abusing her and her lacy red panties. Jesus…when I pulled her jeans off last night, I wanted nothing more than to sneak a peek…but I didn’t—which honestly surprised the shit out of me as I lay there.
I couldn’t help but wonder when she’d put those red suckers on yesterday. In the morning, which meant she had them on during our appointment, or before she went out? And if she changed, did she do it for the douche bag? He was not at all her type. But if he had been, would she have fucked him on the first date?
As my eyelids grew heavy, I visualized her standing in front of me with the panties on, her legs somewhat spread, inviting me in. Somewhere my thoughts shifted to what in the hell the girl ate. Outside of ramen noodles, tomato soup, some mac and cheese and milk, she had nothing. That might explain her weight or lack of…but why?
My phone buzzed, bringing me out of my sleep haze. A big piece of me hoped it was her but when I looked at my screen, Joe reminded me of dinner at their house. My thumbs hovered over the reply button, wanting to bail, but something inside me said don’t. After a long sigh, I shagged my ass up and headed to the shower. I needed to head to Winks.
An hour later, I parked at the bar. I don’t know why I found myself checking my phone for texts more often. I’d programmed her number into mine, too, but I’ll be damned if I was going to text her. Not yet.
Todd and Wink were sitting at the bar when I walked in. Both of them glanced my way, then grinned at each other as they lifted their pint for a drink.
“How’s therapy?” Wink asked, heavy on the sarcasm, and they both chuckled.
“How about you both suck my dick.”
Wink grabbed a clean glass, filled it with my usual and slid it over to me.
“You give good head, Wink,” I joked, referring to the two-inch white foam on the beer.
“Did she?” Todd chimed in.
I shrugged, sipping the beer.
They eyeballed each other again.
“What’s your fuckin’ problem?” I asked as they giggled like little girls.
“Easy, K. I was just telling Wink that this was the second time that I’ve helped you. That’s all. Told him about bringing you the helmet. Then told him about picking you up at her place last night then dropping you back off at her office so you could get your bike. What the hell is up with where she lives?”
“I don’t know yet. Poor is the only thing I can figure out. Had no food. Her car was a piece of shit.”
“Was?” Todd asked with brows raised high.
“I bought her a new one. She was missing appointments and I need off this pretrial bullshit.” I hit the bar with my fist.
The uproar of laughter echoing in the empty bar irritated the hell out of me. After chugging half my beer, I grabbed my keys and started walking for the door.
“Kieran!” Wink shouted.
I stopped but didn’t turn.
“You’ve never given two shits about a woman. They’ve stood in the rain to talk to you and never got a second glance or a tissue. Now you’re buying a car. Reserving seats, buying drinks and taking her home?”
“It’s a means to an end, Wink. She’s my therapist. That’s it.”
“Well, I’ve got five hundred on it,” Todd said, slapping the bar.
I didn’t need a damn dime. My parents were loaded. But when a guy lays down a bet, you take it. So, I spun around to accep
t that challenge.
“Five hundred on what exactly?” I asked, glaring at my lifelong friend.
Wink pulled out his wallet, clearly wanting in on the action.
“I’ve got five hundred that says you hit that ass within two weeks.”
I’d walked away from half a beer. That was dumb. Never, never leave beer in your glass. They stayed silent as I made my way back to the bar, finished the thick lager and met their gaze.
“I’ll see your five hundred and raise you five. But just let me clarify…If I don’t sleep with her in 14 days from today…I win? Correct?”
Wink and Todd glanced at each other, grinned and said in sync, “We are all in.”
“Well, hell. This is going to be the easiest money I’ve ever made,” I said and walked out.
****
Dinner was great and the conversation was even better. As I pushed away from the table to breathe, I realized it felt good…natural being here with both Joe and Vivian. The guilt I’d carried the past two years seemed to subside. The planet of regret that had been heavy on my shoulders slowly began to slip away.
After a delicious slice of homemade cherry pie, Joe sat across from me at the head of the table, eyes trained on me.
“What’s on your mind, Joe?”
“A couple of things. How’s therapy?” He took a drink from his glass then added, “ What did she say about the car?”
I shrugged. “She didn’t know that it was me and therapy is…tolerable.”
“When do you go again?”
“Monday. I do two days a week.”
He nodded. “Good. You seem more peaceful.”
“I’m not sure about that. But I’ve not gotten in a fight either. Except with her. She’s about as infuriating as they come.”
Joe smiled.
“I talked to the board.”
My back stiffened at those words. I wasn’t prepared to face the board of my father’s company.
“Why?”
“Kieran. Hear me out. I know you like working at that bar but part of the problem is being around all that alcohol and the women. But Walt…”
“Walt’s a dick, Joe. You know it and I know it. The people at Winks, they had my back. Walt was the first to attack.”
Joe nodded. “I understand, I do, but Kieran. You have the majority. A spot on the board. An owner. A career. Let’s try it. Even if it’s part-time.”
I laid the cloth napkin next to my plate and stood, walking over to Vivian. I kissed the top of her head.
“Thank you for dinner. It felt nice being here.” I placed a hand over my heart. “You remembered cherry pie was my favorite.”
Vivian smiled and patted my other hand on her shoulder.
“Please come back,” she said, her eyes pleading.
“I will. I promise and I’m sorry for being gone for so long. Joe, I’ll think about what you said.”
“That’s all I ask,” Joe replied.
Chapter 12—Megan
My phone dinged and my eyes sprang open. I glanced at my phone—a text from Ruthie.
What the hell Meg? Is Kieran your dirty little secret?
I smiled.
What are you talking about???????? Send
HELLO! The freakishly hot ass stud muffin who couldn’t take his eyes off of u last night.
My phone buzzed again. The same guy who got us into WINKS!
My phone buzzed again. The same guy who bought all of our drinks.
Couldn’t take his eyes off of me? What was she talking about?
Ruthie! He’s a client! And that is me breaking complete confidentiality! Send
Client? Whatev… He wants your goods. Who wouldn’t you skinny little bitch. BTW…lucas wants to see you again.
Lucas? Blah!
I’m out. Not my type. Sorry Send
Yeah compared to Special K, I wouldn’t either. You could see his package in his jeans!
You’re disgusting! Send
Next ‘therapy’ session…check it out. You’ll tell him to get a new therapist!
I am way more ethical than that!! Later Send
As I finished my bottle of water the phone dinged again. The screen lit up with a text from ‘Sexiest man alive.’
How’s my therapist’s head? Still hanging?
Kieran!!! My eyes nearly bulged out of my head and my heart literally skipped a beat. Romance novels talked about hearts skipping a beat all the time…but mine seriously did!
I don’t provide therapy to Gerard Butler. So I’m a bit confused. Send
I chewed the hell out of my lip while I waited.
Look Freud. Think sexiest client you do give therapy to.
An uncontrollable grin spread to my cheeks.
Oh hey Dale. How did you know I was hungover? Send
Dale was my dorky supervisor. After I hit send, I sat waiting… impatiently… anxiously…for his next text. Nothing. For a full twenty minutes while checking my phone every thirty seconds, I contemplated texting back to let him know I was kidding. To inform him that he was indeed the sexiest man alive in my book. But, my annoyingly ethical conscience said don’t. Looks like I’d be waiting till Monday.
Monday, the rain was coming down in sheets. An umbrella was useless because the harsh wind blew it in from the side. By the time I made it into the office, I was drenched and what little makeup I wore was smudged.
I knew Kieran would already be in the lobby waiting for me, and I found myself giddy with anticipation. After fixing myself the best I could, I headed out to get him. When I rounded the corner, the lobby was empty. Hmmmm. It was only a little after 4. Infuriatingly, disappointment slowly spread through my body. I didn’t want to be this disappointed with him not showing. No matter how hard I tried to get lost in chrono notes or reading, I caught myself glancing at the clock way too often. He never showed by the time I left work two hours later.
By 9:30 that evening, I couldn’t get my mind off Kieran. He was a no show/no call. All I had to do was let Joe know and he’d issue a warrant. That was protocol. But there was something gnawing at me…something that troubled me. Was something wrong? Had he been hurt? I didn’t care that I wore my ratty jeans and T-shirt without a bra; I threw on my flip-flops, jumped in my car and decided I was driving to Winks.
****
Shit! I wasn’t expecting a line to get in, especially in this never-ending rain. I parked exactly where it said DO NOT PARK and sprinted to the door. When I stopped running, I came face to face with the freakishly hot guy who had brought me the motorcycle helmet that night.
“Hey,” I said, already drenched from the downpour.
“You can’t park there.”
“Please. I need to see Kieran, just for a minute.”
A slight smile touched his lips.
“He’s not working tonight,” the hot guy said. I spotted an Oregon Duck tattoo on his wrist. Go Ducks.
I pointed at Kieran’s Harley parked beneath the overhang next to another bike. “Please,” I begged.
“I told you he’s not working,” the guy laughed.
My nostrils flared in anger. “But he’s here?”
“Kieran?” the guy said into a little wire by his hand.
“Yeah, he’s here, which also means he’s been drinking. You don’t want to know a drinking Kieran.”
“Look, I don’t give a rat’s ass if he’s been drinking or not. You let me in or I’m having him arrested,” I threatened, with rain dripping off my nose and my clothes clinging to every inch of me.
“Kieran, you got company,” he said into the wire again, this time chuckling.
“Todd! He’s out back. He can’t hear you!” some guy yelled from inside.
The moment I heard those words I whizzed past Todd into the bar and straight for the exit in the back.
I glanced back at Todd as he shouted into his wire, “Get Kieran now!”
Chapter 13—Kieran
I was about a sheet and a half to the wind…not a full three but working on it. Ni
kki had been eye-fucking me from across the room all night. And the more I drank, the better she looked. I hated fake tits but still my fingers pinched her nipples as she unbuttoned my 501’s. The exaggerated moan annoyed the fuck out of me. Want to know what else annoyed the fuck out of me? Doc. Not even a phone call to see if I was OK. Not a goddamn text. Nothing.
“Kiss me,” the blonde in front of me requested.
“No,” I answered bluntly.
“Kieran, kiss me!” she demanded pulling my neck.
I ducked around her hand that held my neck.
“I said no. Why don’t you just suck my dick,” I spat, about as coldhearted as I could. There was not one false pretense with this girl for exactly what this was or what it was going to be.
She giggled, oblivious, as she dropped to her knees. What was it with girls that would give it up behind a bar?
My mind lingered on the ginger who thought I was neither hot nor worthy. There was barely a thank you for the food I’d bought the other morning. Then a simple text to see how she’s feeling, and she jacks me around. Who was Dale anyway? And why the hell did I feel guilty for having some girl on her knees in front of me?
“Kieran!” Wink shouted, and my neck spun to see him hustling toward me.
Nikki stood never even getting started.
“She’s here.” Wink glared at me and at Nikki’s unbuttoned blouse. “Are you kidding me? Knock this shit off, now,” he said angrily.
“Ow!”
I spun the opposite direction the instant the cry of pain reached my ears. Doc had plummeted straight to her ass and was still sliding because she was drenched. Completely soaked. She looked like a wet baby Irish setter.
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