“I’ve got a few weeks. She’s not going to kick me out like my mom did.” I shrugged and looked up at him. “Why?”
“I don’t want to get your hopes up here, but I might have an extra room at my place. Technically, it’s not my place, so I have to check with my buddy Gabe.” Harlan nodded as he spoke.
“Really?” I blinked in surprise. “That would be amazing. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything yet—like I said, I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I know we haven’t seen each other in a long time, but I know what kind of place you’ll be able to afford on a waitress' salary. It won’t be the best neighborhood by any means.” Harlan finally reached for his drink and took a sip.
Harlan was right. I knew it was going to be a struggle to find a place, and even if I picked up a second job, rent was out of control in the better neighborhoods. Most of the ones that were borderline affordable even had a waiting list. I didn’t want to be a burden to Harlan, but I definitely needed somewhere to stay. I couldn’t get the dirty thoughts out of my head when I looked at him, and I knew living in the same house was going to be fairly torturous, but it also might lead to something else. The fantasy I played out in my head when I was alone in Abby’s apartment the night before might just become reality.
It’s foolish to consider that, right? I don’t want to get my heart broken again, but he’s so fucking irresistible.
Chapter Five
Harlan
I couldn’t help but worry about Kacey when I heard how bad things truly were. I didn’t know how I would have handled it if I went through a breakup like she dealt with when I was her age. I barely maintained my sanity as it was, and I could see myself going down the same dark path she went down if I was in her shoes. I wanted to wrap my arms around her and tell her things would get better, but I had no way to guarantee that. She was on a spiral that would lead her into the abyss if she didn’t find a way out soon. I hoped Gabe would be receptive to the idea of letting her stay with us. If nothing else, I could make sure she didn’t wake up in the hospital or do something incredibly stupid before she saw the light again.
“Wow, you have been busy while I’ve been away.” Gabe chuckled when I told him about Kacey. “I leave you alone for a few days and you get a girlfriend.”
“She’s not my girlfriend.” I scoffed and shook my head. “I’ve known her since she was a kid. I just feel bad for her.”
“Is she hot?” Gabe narrowed his eyes and grinned.
“Hotter than any of the girls you’ve brought back—not that I’m complaining.” I walked over and took a seat on the couch. “So, what do you think? There’s plenty of room.”
“You had me at hot.” Gabe sat down across from me and nodded. “So, like—is she off limits? Is this someone you want to try and date seriously, or do we get to share her?”
“I’m not saying she’s off limits, exactly. I don’t know.” I exhaled sharply. “She used to have a crush on me when she was younger. Obviously, I wasn’t interested back
then.”
“But now?” Gabe tilted his head to the side and grinned again.
“She’s pretty fucking hot, even if she is young enough to be our daughter.” I leaned back and let my head rest against the couch cushion. “I don’t think I could get involved with someone like that. It would complicated as fuck. What would we talk about?”
“If she’s hot, you don’t do much talking.” Gabe chuckled and smacked his lips together.
“It’s a damn good thing you’ve never tried to have a serious relationship with anyone.” I rolled my eyes and sighed.
“So, final verdict man. This is your call. If you tell me she’s off limits, I won’t even look at her.” Gabe folded his arms across his chest and lifted his eyebrows inquisitively.
“No, she’s not off limits.” I shrugged and shook my head.
My attraction to Kacey got stronger after seeing her for the second time, but I couldn’t bring myself to make a move. The little girl she used to be was replaced by a woman that needed my help. That was my primary focus. The devil on my shoulder wanted more, and I knew it would be damn near impossible to keep my hands off her once she moved in. I was dancing with temptation and trouble at the same time. The primal lust fought against my primal need to protect her. I knew Gabe would have the same desires and I wasn’t going to compete with him for Kacey. He had been more than generous with the girls he brought home and claiming the first one I brought home for myself would have been a dick move.
“Hey, Kacey?” I walked out on the deck and put the phone to my ear. “I talked with Gabe, and he says you can stay with us.”
“Seriously? Oh my god, that’s amazing!” There was a lot of excitement in Kacey’s voice when she spoke.
“When do you want to move in? We could come get your stuff this weekend.” I leaned against the rail and stared down at the pool.
“Yeah, actually—that would be great.” Her tone echoed even more excitement.
“Great! I’ll see you then.” I hung up on the phone and walked back into the house.
Chapter Six
Gabe