“See the Kinley I remember never did anything underrated,” Cassie inputs.
“I’m sure whatever Kinley did, she was damn good at it. Blow job shots and all,” I comment before scooping up some more ice cream onto my spoon.
“Carson Lee, you have no idea the tricks I have up my sleeve.” Kinley smiles like she has a secret.
“Too bad they’re going to waste then, huh? There’s a lucky bastard out there waiting for you to show them all to him.” Hell, I kind of want her to show them to me right now.
She smirks, which can’t be good. And my suspicions are confirmed as she says, “And I bet he plays football because I’m not sure a hockey player could handle these curves.”
“You’d be surprised at what a hockey player could handle.”
“Well,” Cassie drags out. “On that note, I’m leaving before my ice cream melts.”
We watch her grab her things and leave us. As the door of the shop swings closed, Kinley giggles. “And you thought I was a prude.”
“I still do. You’re a selective prude, picking and choosing when to be one and when not to be one. I’m surprised I’m even seeing this side of you.”
“Oh, so you don’t think I’m any fun?” Her eyes narrow slightly as if I’ve hit a nerve. “That’s sad, Carson Lee, because I can be a lot of fun. I mean, Peter keeps texting me, wanting to know when I’ll be in his area. Guess he enjoyed my fun.”
This time, I narrow my eyes. What the fuck does Peter have to do with this? “I didn’t say that and Peter’s a dumbass. I wouldn’t wait for a girl to show up near me when I could go to her, especially if I really wanted to see her again.” If I wanted it that badly, I would be on a plane in two seconds flat.
“Have you ever chased a girl before?” She tilts her head a little as she asks me with too much curiosity.
“A few times.” I shrug. “Sex was the only reason it ended up being worth my while, though.”
“You know I never thought I would ask you this, but now I’m seriously wondering the answer, so I’m going to ask.” Kinley takes a deep breath and looks at me with a serious expression. “Have you ever been in love, Carson? Has any girl swept you off your feet?”
I eye her for a moment. “What do you think? Since you believe there’s good somewhere in me, do you think I’ve been in love before?”
“Honestly, no, I don’t think you have been in love yet.” There’s so much conviction in her voice that as she continues, I wish I never asked. “I think you’re waiting for a challenge. See, most girls fall at your feet, and you like the easy lay, but your true love will make you work for it.”
True love? God, this woman is crazy. “Let’s say your silly idea makes sense. If I like an easy lay, then why the hell would I want to work for it, as you say?” This part actually confuses me a little.
Kinley shrugs and answers like it’s obvious. “You’re tired of easy. I mean, we’ve been here almost three whole weeks and you’ve been laid once. Your good side is starting to shine through and you’re looking for her.” She honestly believes the shit spewing from her mouth and she even seems kind of excited by the idea of it.
“Yeah, okay. You need to stop with whatever you’re taking or you need to get on some meds. Plus,” I add. “Even if this woman exists, I don’t want her.”
“Why?” She’s shocked and confused by my declaration, but I don’t know what for. “Why wouldn’t you want her, Carson?”
“Why would I? I’m not like you, sweetheart. I don’t eventually want the settled down lifestyle.” I shake my head at the mere thought of the horror it would be. “No, not happening,” I mutter more to myself than to her.
Kinley frowns, the words seemingly before forced out of her mouth. “I guess…maybe…I’m wrong then. I thought of you differently.” She shrugs. “I guess that’s my mistake.” She fakes a smile. “We should head back to the shoot. Thanks for the ice cream.”
I sigh a long puff of air. “Don’t feel bad because you think I’m better than the ass that I am. It’s good that you see what people could be,” I say, trying to make her feel better.
“I see it in you, Carson,” she tells me adamantly and eagerly. “Stop being fake. If you want to settle down, then do it. I bet you a homemade cherry pie that this time next year, you’re in a serious relationship with a girl you love.” Kinley leans back in h
er seat, looking a bit satisfied.
“The thing is, I’m good at being fake,” I reply in a soft tone before standing. “Let’s go before we’re late. The woman that runs this shindig will start blowing up our phones with emails if we don’t show up on time.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Kinley
“I’m good at being fake.”
Carson’s words keep running through my head. Ever since he was nice to me the day Mama and I got into it, I can’t get him out of my head. I saw a different side of him. I saw the real Carson. The one that everyone doesn’t see.