“So you would have never entertained the thought of leaving him even though you’re in love with someone else?” It became crystal clear why Eve and I couldn’t have moved beyond a fling. I would have been pissed if I allowed myself to fall for her and she refused to leave Palmer.
“You. I’m in love with you. And no, I won’t leave my husband. We believe in keeping a strong, rich family history. Divorce isn’t a part of that.”
“But you’re not a Moreau anymore, Eve. You’re a Palmer,” I pointed out.
“I still have Moreau blood running through my veins and my father would disown me if I went against my family’s rules. He hates Raymond but I made the choice to marry him and so I must remain married,” she said before polishing off the rest of her wine. “That’s why you were so refreshing. I’ve cheated on Raymond before but nothing like what I felt when I was with you.” She reached out to touch the side of my face.
“You could break the cycle, Eve. You don’t have to stay married to someone you don’t love because your father says so. You’re a grown woman,” I encouraged. It was fucked up that she felt like she was stuck in a loveless marriage because that’s the way her family wanted it.
“My parents will cut me and Raymond off if I decide to leave. It’s too messy to be worth it. Besides, the guy I want is in love with someone else. What does it matter? Raymond isn’t horrible. He’s just shallow and selfish. It could be worse.”
“Damn, Eve. Marriage shouldn’t be summed up in such an anti-climactic statement. It could be worse?” I shook my head and pushed out a slow breath. “Look, I hope you find someone that gives you the courage to stand up and leave your marriage. It’s not going to be me but someone will come along to show you how love should feel.” I stood up and moved to the doorway.
“Matthew, can you do me a favor?” Eve stood and walked over to me. “Can you keep the keys? Just in case you change your mind one day. That house has been on the market for years. Nobody is looking to buy a mansion right now. Daddy said that if nobody buys it in the next year, he’ll have it turned into another community club.” I didn’t know how to feel about the house I’d grown so fond of turning into a club for rich people.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Eve,” I said, handing her the keys.
“Just…do it for me,” she pled.
“I’m with someone else. You saw her right? Short, with curly hair, crazy as fuck?” I chuckled.
“She’s beautiful and…young.” Her eyes were accusatory and raised my hackles.
“She’s legal,” I snapped.
“I was just pointing it out. I’m not trying to step on her toes. I don’t like drama. I just want you to know the house is open to you until they turn it into something else. I’ll come whenever you call, Matthew.”
“Thank you for that. I won’t be calling though.” I rubbed her shoulder and gave her a polite smile. “I’ll see you around, Eve.” I turned to walk down the hall and I didn’t turn back when I heard Eve break down sobbing. I knew she wanted me to comfort her and if I did she would turn it into an attempt to fuck me. I wasn’t falling for that shit.
Honestly, Krissy had me shook. I didn’t know where her little ass would pop out. She was short and feisty and I knew her bite matched her bark. It was in my best interest to get my ass home.
**
When I walked through the doors after the forever-long trek to get to the mansion, I smelled food and I heard laughter. I dropped my keys in the bowl Krissy set out on the bench in the mudroom and walked into the kitchen here the sounds were coming from.
Krissy was at the stove cooking and Roman and Zuri were at the table, knocking back sodas and talking. Warmth covered me and I couldn’t help smiling. “Hey, Papi!” Krissy rushed into my arms with a hot spatula in her hands that I avoided. I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her lips.
“What’s going on?” I smiled looking at her then at our friends.
“Riri asked if we were up for company, so I told her and Roman to come over. I knew you’d be back soon.”
“Okay, but what’s up with the food?” I asked pointing toward the stove. We agreed we wouldn’t cook because we didn’t want to use up too much electricity and send up red flags.
“I know. I was hungry and Riri brought over stuff for lasagna,” Krissy pouted. Her lips were irresistible. They were so plump and glossy. I leaned in and pulled one into my mouth while she giggled in my arms. “Matt…” she whispered, gesturing to Rome and Zuri.
“Shit. Right. What’s up, yall? Thanks for coming by.” I slapped hands with Rome and hugged Zuri.
“God, I thought we were bad,” Zuri muttered, leaning into Roman.
“You two don’t get to say shit about anything. You’re always all over each other,” I countered. I walked over to the stove and leaned into the pot of sauce Krissy had on the burner.
“That smells amazing, Krissy,” I said against her neck. I kissed her cheek and grabbed a soda from the fridge. It felt good seeing our friends. I didn’t want to ruin the moment by talking about Eve or what she said about the fate of our house. I wanted to hang out and enjoy good company and good food.
Turns out Krissy could cook her ass off and that was a lot of ass so she was amazing in the kitchen. Like I needed another reason to fall harder.
After Rome and Zuri left, I cleaned the kitchen while Krissy went into the bedroom and checked in with her parents. When I was done with the dishes, my phone rang with a call from Liam. I pressed the green button and held the phone to my ear.
“What’s up little bro?”
“I’m at your house and you’re not here. What’s up? I thought you were giving me one last revision before I hit send on this thing.”
“Shit. I’m sorry. I got caught up,” I chuckled.
“You’re with thick Krissy aren’t you?” He had a smile in his voice and I wanted to knock it off his fucking face.
“Liam,” I warned.
“Sorry, bro. Look, I’ll come to you. I just want to hit send before I get nervous again. Fuck that shit. I’m going for it,” he declared with pride. I smiled a little and rattled off the address to the mansion before I thought about what I was doing.
He would have to drive through the gates and check-in.
Whenever Rome and Zuri came over, they checked in for Krissy’s house. I had an arrangement with the dickhead security but Liam didn’t know anyone in the Moreau Estates. I tried to call him back but he didn’t answer.
Fuck.
I walked into the bedroom just as Krissy was ending the call with her parents and she frowned at me. “What’s wrong, Matt?”
“I told Liam to come over and I didn’t think to tell him where to check-in,” I said anxiously.
“Tell him to check in at the clubhouse. It’s still early enough.” She checked the time then held out her hand for my phone. I handed it over and watched as she sent my brother a text. Once she was done, she smiled up at me.
“I get to meet Liam? How fun?” She hopped up and draped her arms over my shoulders. In one motion, I lifted her up in the air and she locked her thick legs around my middle.
“Put on clothes,” I warned. She was lounging around the house in a pair of cotton shorts and a vintage Gucci sweatshirt that bared her flat stomach. I wanted every inch of her covered if my little brother was going to be around. He was a dog in every sense.
“I have on clothes,” she frowned.
“More clothes. Liam is a fucking creep.”
“Oh, so he’s like you, Mr. Wilmore?” She bit my bottom lip and I laughed a little.
“Watch that little sassy ass mouth, Krissy.”
“Or what?” She tilted her head from side to side and I carried her to the bed then dropped her. It didn’t take much to pin her down on her stomach. I gave her a spanking, bringing my hand down on her ass over and over until I saw the outline of my fingers on her honey skin.
“Ouch!” She whined.
“Oh, you don’t have anythin
g smart to say?”
“I’m sorry, Jesus!” She fussed, trying to wiggle free. I let her up and she folded her arms across her chest.
“I told you, someone should have spanked you when you were younger,” I laughed.
“I’m going to hurt you later. Wait until Liam is gone.” She narrowed her pale brown gaze and aimed it right at me. It pinned me to my spot. Not because she had an attitude but because I couldn’t stop wondering what our kids would look like one day.
Kids.
I was thinking about kids with Krissy. The thought was sobering and it made me realize how much I loved her. Seeing a little boy or little girl with sandy brown hair and honey eyes would be enough to make my life.
“You’re thinking about how much you love me, aren’t you?” She asked with an arrogant smirk.
“Nah,” I lied. I couldn’t hide my smile though. She knew me well. “Put on some damn pants, woman.”
“I had this on around Riri and Roman and you said nothing.”
“Roman is a respectable man who’s in love with a wonderful girl. He didn’t bat an eye at all the ass you’re carrying in those shorts. Liam is a different story.”
“Okay, okay. Leggings. Is that better?” She pulled off the cotton shorts she was wearing and I watched her wiggle into a pair of gray leggings. Definitely not better. We stood in the bedroom, fussing back and forth until the doorbell rang.
I looked at Krissy and she smirked, folding her arms. “Go get the door, Matt.” I glared at her before going to meet my brother.
“What’s up, bro?” I slapped hands with him and he looked at me then looked at the foyer.
“What’s up with you is the real question. Whose house is this? Is this where thick Krissy lives?” I threw a punch that hit him in the chest and he frowned at me.
“I told you about calling her that, man.”
“Okay, fuck,” he grumbled, rubbing the sore spot.
“Thick Krissy? Is that my nickname in your head?” I looked over my shoulder to see Krissy walking toward us. Those leggings were going to get her fucked once Liam left.
I watched my little brother’s green eyes light up when he saw Krissy. He shook her hand and introduced himself without drooling. Shocker. Maybe he had the capacity to be a decent human being. “I’m sorry, Krissy. I was being a man. Not an excuse. Just an explanation.”
“And here I was thinking you’d be some kind of creep with frat boy mentality,” Krissy smiled.
“Oh shit, is that what Matt has been telling you?” Liam shot me a look and I shrugged.
“You’re a creep. Had to let her know up front,” I said.
“I am. And you’re gorgeous, Krissy but I’m kinda talking to someone. So I can’t objectify you like I normally would.” Liam looked at me and I turned the corners of my lips down.
“You’re talking to someone? I need to know more about that.” I aimed a finger at him and said, “Also, you need to pull into the garage so your car can’t be seen if security drives by.”
“Yeah, security around here is petty,” Krissy muttered. “I’ll go get you guys a beer and some leftover lasagna.”
“I’m not hungry, baby girl.” I kissed her temple and squeezed her side before she went into the kitchen. Liam broke into a grin the moment she was out of sight.
“You’re so fucking in love. It’s giving me a goddamn toothache, Matt. Shit.”
“Fuck you. Pull into the garage.” I shoved him toward the door and went into the kitchen with Krissy. I watched her for a little while moving around and heating up food. The jiggle of her ass was serious.
I couldn’t help the way my hands rubbed and gripped her behind. She giggled and pushed it back on me, rubbing against my dick. I started to rise for her immediately. She controlled my body in ways I wasn’t even used to. “Down, boy,” I said glancing at my crotch. Krissy laughed and shook her head.
“Later,” she assured me. When I saw her yawn, I knew that was bullshit though. I was going to have to wake her up with dick.
After Liam ate and got to know Krissy for a while, we all went into the den and I looked over his resume one last fucking time. Krissy’s head was in my lap while she scrolled through her phone lazily, barely awake.
“It looks good, Liam. Finally ready to send.” I stroked Krissy’s hair and looked down at her. I grabbed her phone right before it dropped on her damn face. She was out like a light.
“I know. I guess I just wanted you to watch me submit it. You’ve been on me about this job for the longest time and…I wanted you to know I wasn’t going to sabotage it this time.” I was impressed with my little brother. I didn’t know who the girl was in his life but I had a strong feeling she was the reason he was finally making moves.
“So, who is she?” I smiled.
“What? Oh…yeah. Remember our neighbor Madison?” He smiled.
“Yeah, the cute little girl that used to bother us all the time,” I nodded fondly.
“She’s not little anymore.” Liam pulled up her Instagram and showed me pictures of how she’d grown. Her mocha skin was amazing and so was her body. She definitely wasn’t little anymore.
“Uh, Liam…” I said, clearing my throat. “Is that a wedding ring?” I pointed out in one of her pictures. “Is that her kid?” I jerked my gaze to his and he chuckled sheepishly.
“Yeah, she’s kind of married with a kid.”
“What the fuck? Jesus…” I rubbed my forehead and groaned.
“I know. I know. It’s just a fling,” he assured me.
“Yeah…okay. I just got out of a fling with a married woman and it’s not worth it, bro. I’m telling you. Cut that shit off now. She’s not going to leave her family,” I griped.
“Okay, okay. Enough about Maddie. You wanted to know, so I told you.” He grabbed my computer and glanced at me. “You know, Chevron has several petroleum engineering jobs available.”
“I know,” I muttered. I’d stalked their job openings ever since Krissy pointed out that I was being like my little brother and self-sabotaging by not trying for a new job.
“Just saying, Matt.” I watched with pride as my irresponsible, freeloading little brother hit send on his first real attempt at getting a job and smiled. Then, I looked at Krissy asleep in my lap and swallowed back the huge feeling that was consuming me.
I needed to do whatever I could to keep her and let her know how much I loved her and valued what we had together. She was getting ready to graduate in four months and start college in the fall. She already decided she wanted to go to school in-state because there was an excellent fashion arts program at the college she selected.
Krissy had her shit together.
I had to match her drive.
“Hey, Liam.” I pulled my eyes away from Krissy for a moment to look at my brother.
“What’s up?”
“You think it’s stupid to risk everything to take a chance?” Liam rolled the thought around in his head for a few moments then shook his head.
“Nah, I don’t. I think that’s what you’re doing right now with Krissy. You know her parents aren’t going to agree. You know you could lose your job and never teach again too. You’re risking it though,” he pointed out.
“Yeah, you’re right.” I rubbed my chin and looked down at Krissy again. “I’m going to take another risk. This one is much more calculated though,” I told him, determination lacing my words.
**
KRISSY
I missed Matt.
I missed him in the pit of my soul.
It had only been two days since I saw him but still.
“Well, look at the stranger in my house,” Dad chuckled, sitting beside me in the den. “What’s wrong? Did Zuri get tired of looking at your face or did you decide to stop running from your mother and me?”
“I decided I might as well show my face in my own home at some point,” I sighed.
“Well, good. Now we can have a discussion. I told your mother I wasn’t going to let you keep
running from it. You’ve been avoiding us for long enough. We know you overheard our conversation, mija,” he told me.
“Yeah, I figured,” I cut the TV off and turned to face him completely. “You could have sent me a text telling me your friend was the new head of Moreau security.”
“I could have. You took it upon yourself not to answer my calls and only respond to your mother though. I figured you’d find out on your own.”
“So you were being petty. Got it.” My lips were pressed into a line as I regarded him.
“Krissy, watch it. I’m trying to get on board with giving you more freedom since you’re eighteen but I won’t have you talking to me crazy.” He stood and I remembered how tall he was. “Your mother will be home in a little while. I want to see you in my office and we’ll all have a talk about things. Sound good?”
“Not really, but sure. Let’s pretend like it is,” I huffed. Dad glared at me before leaving the den but I didn’t care. He was cheating on my mother.
Could I even really call what Dad was doing cheating if he wasn’t with Mom? I was so confused and I hated it. Maybe talking to my parents wasn’t a bad idea. I had some things to get off my chest.
**
As strange as it felt sitting in my dad’s office, looking from him to my mother, readying myself to talk about their marital status, it felt good to be in the same room with them. Avoidance really didn’t solve anything even though it felt good to hide away with Matt. My entire body thrummed with electricity when I thought about him.
“Krissy, your mom and I wanna talk about what you overheard,” Dad began.
“What exactly did you hear, Bella?” mom asked.
“I heard enough to know that you two aren’t together and you’re getting a divorce once I graduate. Is that about the gist of it?” My defenses were a mile-high even though I didn’t mean for them to be.
Mom and Dad shared a look then nodded. “That’s the gist of it,” Mom said.
“We didn’t want to put an extra burden on you during senior year, sweetheart. It wasn’t because we were trying to be secretive,” Dad explained.
The Moreau Estates Page 18