“Damien didn’t want to tell me and I get why, but I already knew. It hurts, but what else is she going to do for money out there.”
“So that’s it? You’re fine with her prostituting?” Sometimes Andy was stupid-stubborn.
“No, but I’m pretty sure she’s not doing that. I know she’s dancing and while I don’t like it, it makes her feel in control and I can’t take that away from her. Her entire life was about people controlling her and making choices for her. Can you really blame a girl for bucking authority? Running away? All she ever wanted was a fresh start.”
“I couldn’t do that.” I huffed. Clearly this was the conversation to nowhere with him and why we were more like oil and water than blood.
“I know, that’s why I’m asking you to not look her up, to not try to find things out. I’ve got Jason on it and that’s all I need right now.” He mentioned the detective and I made a note to look him up also.
“Mom would fucking freak.”
“This is also why we’re not telling her. This is my business and my shit with Sierra.” Andy wiped down the bar like this nothing but a normal conversation.
“So hands off?”
“One hundred percent.”
I glared at him.
“Please.” He said.
It galled me to let this go. Andy didn’t ask me for anything and as much as I hated giving him this when I knew I could do a better job than this Jason guy, I gave it to him.
“I hate this.”
Andy clapped me on the back.
“I know you do, but I know you’re the best man next to dad. Besides, you got the girl. Enjoy it and don’t fuck it up.”
“Ah geez. Quit pulling the fucking dad card, you asshole.” We shared a good laugh and I let it go for now. I had dates to plan and a girl to see if she let me.
18
Kiara
David Easton was determined to get what he wanted which seemed a lot like me, naked or some variation of. He waltzed into my house with a sack of groceries smelling like he just showered and my panties were on a crash course to a monsoon season.
In the last two weeks we worked through an October heatwave between the sheets amidst prime pumpkin season and the turning of leaves. Something my leggings and boots appreciated deeply.
“What’s that?” I pointed at the bag attempting to keep my cool without fanning myself in his presence while he unloaded salad mixings and steaks.
“Something for later.” He mused making grand gestures in filling my refrigerator when I wanted him filling other things first. I guess we were doing this now after all. Awkward flirty subtext conversation amidst thick slabs of protein.
“Staying for dinner?” I probed leaning against my counter wondering where this was going. I didn’t have objections per say, but the man had better start cooking or commencing having his way with me.
“More like starting with dessert.” He put down the last of the groceries and eyed me up like he hadn’t eaten in weeks. He eyes and body stalked me like a starving lion anticipating the lunge and pounce on his prey.
“David.” I put my knife down cutting the veggies I’d been prepping anyway when he walked in.
He smiled. “Kiara.”
“David.” I warned. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t be in the mood to be chased but he was persistent and convinced me easily.
“Kiara.” David followed my name up by stalking me around my kitchen. I could have backed away, but who were we kidding, I wanted this as much as he did.
“What are you doing?” I demanded again watching the glint in his eyes and the way he licked his lips giving me a once over. I wasn’t a piece of meat, but you’d never know by the hungry look in his eyes.
“I told you, baby. Dessert. First. Life is too short to wait for the good things and I want you now.”