Tantrum (Kenshaw Ranch Book 3) by Piper Frost, M. Piper, H.Q. Frost (3)

 

 

My phone rings at ten and I groan, rolling over in bed and reaching across to the nightstand.  

“Yeah?” I grumble, rubbing my eyes.  

“What the hell are you doing? Why do you sound like you're dying?”  

“Who the fuck is this?” I sit up in bed, groaning and stretching.

Fuck, last night was a late one. It turned out to be a good night, but I think I'll regret it today. Late nights at the bar happen all the fuckin' time, but last night was insane for some reason and I didn't get to bed till almost four. Then the whole dreaming about a redheaded girl left me restless the rest of the night. I'm fuckin' tired today.  

“Oh, sorry. It's Jo.” She chuckles. “Brandt's Jo. Don't act like you don't know me.”

I let out a laugh. “Sorry, Jo. You fuckin' woke me up. I'm not a morning person.” I stand and pull on a pair of jeans. “What's up?”

“Are you single?” she asks abruptly.

“Are you drunk?” I pick up a shirt from the floor and smell it, then immediately regret that decision.  

“No.” She laughs again. “I'm trying to get to the point before the kids figure out I'm on the phone and they need something. Do you have kids? Don't have kids if you don't.”

“No. To everything.” I forget the hunt for a shirt and head for the coffee pot. “What do you want? I gotta get the shop opened.”

“Wait…no to you're not single?”

“Uh…yeah. Yes to I'm single. No thanks to the kids.”

“Oh, good. I know a nice girl and I'm trying to set her up with a nice guy. Brandt said you're not a nice guy, but I know you are.” I can hear the grin in her voice.

“Your husband's a smart man.” I scoop the coffee into the maker. “You shoulda listened to him.”

“Come on, Chase.” She huffs. “I know you have it in you to not be a complete dick. We haven't all hung out in years, but I remember you had some decent qualities. So, what do you say?”

“Nice girls and me don't mix, Jo. I'm not a relationship guy. And I'm late opening the shop so if this is over..?”

“Obviously it's not or I woulda hung up!” she snaps. “And that's so fuckin' stupid. I hate when guys say they're not into relationships. Who the fuck is into relationships? It just happens. Don't be a dick and take Brandt's cousin out on an actual fucking date. She keeps hooking up with these young kids, or total douche wads that don't know what a real date is. Besides, Kinlee recommended you too.”

My ears perk up the second she mentions Brandt's cousin. Kaydence. The one girl I've ever not been able to stop thinking about, and the only girl I've ever met that's so out of my league it ain't even funny.  

“You're talking about Kay?” I pause. “Wait, Kinlee told you to call me?” I chuckle. “Pretty desperate, huh?”

She laughs. “Yeah, pretty much. I'm not trying to make a love connection. Honestly, I just want the girl to go out and actually have a nice time with a decent guy. She deserves it. But it sounds like you already know her? How do you know Kaydence?”

“Her winners have been bringing her to the bar for drinks for just about every date she goes on,” I grumble, still annoyed at how affected I am over her poor dating life. “We've gotten to know each other.”

“That's perfect!” she squeals. “Ooo...I wonder.” She stops and I glance at the phone thinking she hung up. “I wonder if you're the tattooed guy she mentioned,” she mutters. “Anyway, so it's a yes then? You'll show up and ask her out? Great! Thanks, Chase. Kids are coming.” The phone hangs up.

What the fuck?  

Jo's tough, but even her attempting to intimidate me still won't get me to show up like a pansy and ask Kay out on a date. I don't even know how to fuckin' take someone out on a date in this town. We'd just end up back at the bar...because there's literally nowhere else to go other than that or the diner. And I refuse to be like the other tools she dates, bringing her to Willies. She's got shitty taste in men.  

I shove my phone into my pocket and, after finally finding a clean shirt, head downstairs to open up the shop. I have a few appointments today and am ready to get through them. I'm anxious to get to my shift at the bar tonight. Lately, as much as I love tattooing, I've been enjoying my time at the bar more than anything. It brings good money and I usually have good company.  

Truth be told, I may be wishing she comes in again tonight. I'm not sure what I'll do if it's with another douche date though. It's painful to be nice to some of those guys, and I'd like to think I've done a pretty decent job at it even though the whole time all I wanted was for her to show up for me. To hang out with me. And I fucking hate that because I'm not the type of guy to want a girl to just hang around.  

The day flies by. My final appointment ends up rescheduling so I can close up shop an hour early and head to the bar. The boys meet me there with pizza before we open and we have a couple beers. This part of being back in town, I fuckin' love. I've missed these assholes.  

“Find any good ass in town lately?” Grant asks, grinning at me after taking a huge bite of pizza.  

“This place is full of the same pussy I was fuckin' years ago. And half of them are married now.” I finish my beer and head to clean up our trash before we open.

“Didn't stop ya in Vegas,” Felder comments, making all of them roar in laughter.

“So fuckin' funny,” I grumble. I wish I wouldn't have told them about it, but they would've found out anyway. I was a fucking YouTube sensation when that surveillance video of me streaking down the street by my boss's house hit the internet. Bare ass and all.

 “Still can't believe a dude that looks like you has a hard time finding pussy. The tattoos alone would get any dude whatever he wants. Girls go ape shit over bad boys like you.”  

The three of us look at him like he's got a screw loose.  

“The hell're you talking about?” I laugh while the other two turn to hysterical laughter. I swear they've only had one…maybe two beers.  

“Seriously!” He waves his arms toward me. “You're the epitome of 'I'll fuck you until you scream your daddy's name', Chase!”  

“No fuckin' daddy jokes. That shit's wrong,” Grant bitches and we all laugh.  

“For the record, I don't have a hard time getting chicks. This town just sucks anymore. And off the record, has marriage turned you onto dudes, Felder? You been checkin' me out?” I grin and laugh when he rolls his eyes.  

“No. But my fucking wife tells me about it all the time. How I need to have more ink like Chase. How I need a haircut like Chase. It's hot to be buff like Chase,” he whines.

“What's your wife's number, I'll show her the good time you obviously can't,” I say, laughing.  

“Fuck you,” he grumbles. “You know what I'm talking about.”

“I do. But it doesn't mean I've found anything worthwhile since I've been back. Not saying I haven't gotten any.” The usual booty calls are always lined up, but they just pass the time. My hand does better work than the whores in this town, but I'm only a man.

I grab our empty beer bottles, taking them to the trash then head into the back to grab the drawer for tonight. It's a slow flow starting off, but soon we're slammed and Felder steps in to help serve since this was unexpected and the other bartender called in to go to the tractor pull.  

“Guys, you can't sit here and take up the bar all night. Go get a fuckin' table,” I tell the boys. Tommy and Grant have been sitting here for over an hour taking up precious space. Space that if it opens up, it'll potentially make me some money.

“Fine,” Grant bitches, pulling himself off the stool. “Bring us another round, would ya?”

“Yes. Fine. Go.” I swipe their empty glasses and head to toss them in the sink when I hear the bells on the door ding. Glancing back, I yell, “Hey, guys, be right with ya.” Then I notice the brilliant red hair on a girl I can't fuckin' get out of my head. Fucking hell. I wipe my hands and walk over to them, eyeing this new 'date' of hers. “What can I get ya?”

“I'll have a Blue Moon,” she says and my eyes go wide that she's changing it up on me. “I figured if I'm the only person in this town drinking the pumpkin ale, it's probably pretty old by now.” She smiles and leans on the bar.

I grin, not telling her I restocked the keg last week just for her.  

“Got it. And for you?” I glance at the guy she walked in with and immediately size him up. Dude can't be more than twenty-one and his facial hair looks like it's barely starting to grow in.  

“Four Buds. I'll be right back.” He touches Kaydence's arm then heads for the bathroom.

“Got another winner there,” I grumble, grabbing the bottles and popping the tops for him. “He's ordering four beers right off the bat, huh?” I give her a cocky smirk. “Must be the red hair.”

“For your info.” She leans in closer and her cleavage becomes more predominant, making it hard for me not to stare at it. “He's just a friend. And the other beers are for my brother and his friends.” She points behind her where her brother's sitting with a few other guys. “No dates tonight. I haven't been on a date since the last one.”

I hate that those words make me happy. But they do. This girl's too nice for someone like me; I need to stop obsessing over her.  

“Well then. I hope you and your friends have fun tonight.” I smile and set her beer in front of her, leaning closer. “This one's on me.” I wink but before she can reply, Tommy slides up to the bar and is almost shoulder to shoulder with Kaydence.  

“Hey there.” I know that smile on his face. “I'm Tommy.”

“Hi!” She turns toward him. “I'm Kaydence.” When she sticks her hand out to shake his, he kisses her fingers.

“Dude,” I blurt, making both their eyes fly to mine. “Don't be lame.” I step back from the bar and rub the back of my neck. “Kay, this here's Tommy. One of my oldest friends in this small ass town.”

“I'm the nice one in our group of friends,” he says, smiling at her again.

That smile I want to only be for me is on her face while she looks at him. “I'm sure you're all nice. Chase is a sweetheart too.”

The guy she walked up with returns, holding out money for me. “Thanks, man,” he says taking his beers. “Come on, Kay.”

“She's not available,” I growl at Tommy when they walk away. “So knock that shit off.”

“Don't look like she's taken,” Tommy says, glancing back at her. “Pretty cute, huh?” He pushes off the bar and heads to her table.  

I spend the next four hours watching my friends take over her table. By the end of the night they're all laughing and acting like the best of friends and I'm just the brooding bartender, upset and jealous that I'm not the one earning those smiles from her. Her laughter's danced through the room multiple times tonight and every time I've looked over, she's been laughing and bright eyed, all for everyone else at the table and not for me. I think I caught her, once, watching me from her seat but the minute I looked she looked away.  

When they head out for the night all I get is a small smile and wave as she follows her brother outside and I'm left with fuckin' Tommy and Grant grinning from ear to ear as they approach the bar.  

“She's hot,” Tommy states like we're all fuckin' blind or something.  

“Shut the fuck up.” I slam the register closed.  

“Can we take turns?” Grant asks.  

“Fuck you two!” I blurt, slamming my fist on the bar, done with watching my friends flirt with the only girl I've really wanted in a long fucking time. Felder left about an hour ago to go home to his wife, but these two fuckers have been all over Kaydence since the moment she walked in.

They both laugh and shake their heads.  

“We're fuckin' with you, Chase. Calm the hell down.” Grant slaps the bar. “That girl couldn't take her eyes off you tonight.”  

“She's sweet.” Tommy says, but I can't stop replaying Grant's words in my head.  

She couldn't take her eyes off me. A grin slips and I turn around so they don't see it.  

“Yeah, well, forget about it. She's too good for me. Good girls and guys like me don't mix.” I wipe down a bottle I've wiped down ten times already.

“She's refreshing. Refreshing is good.” Tommy clears his throat. “We're gonna head out. We still on for our shit this Saturday?” he asks on their way out.  

“Yep,” I yell right before the door closes.  

She couldn't stop looking at me.  

The week's busier than normal, but by Friday afternoon I'm driving out to the ranch for no reason other than I haven't seen Kaydence in a few days and I'm going through withdrawals.  

“Hey, Jo,” I say, hopping out of my truck.

“You actually came dressed for once.” She gestures down to my boots. She always laughs at me when I change into them the second I show up, but this time I actually came prepared.

“Figured I'd plan in advance for once.” I shrug. “How's ranch life?” I glance around, looking for that bright red hair I've come to be incredibly attracted to, but I don't see her anywhere.

“Do you need eggs?”

“Nope.”

“Chicks?” she questions.

“Nah.”

“Hair cut?”

“Do I need one?” I run my hand over my hair. “I thought it looked pretty good.”

“You're almost due for a cut actually. But if you're not here for any of those things, that means you're here for Kay.” A wide grin spreads on her face.

“You think you're smart.” I laugh and start walking away, because if I'm gonna be hanging out on a ranch, it's going to be around Kaydence.

I grew up here. I own the boots, the hat, and the jeans like any other country boy, but that never really was my style. I'm hoping to find Kaydence and have some alone time with her, but Jo follows me out to the barn.  

“She hasn't been out with anyone in awhile. She said some bartender was giving her a hard time about dating too many guys. That wouldn't be you, would it?” She cocks her eyebrow, keeping in step with me.

“I only speak the truth, Jo.” I round the corner of the barn and when I see Kaydence on a horse in the field, a smile immediately lifts my lips. “Found what I'm lookin' for. Thanks for the chat, Jo.”  

She mocks me then says, “Well she's all the way out there and.” She points to a stray horse not far from her. “If you step inside this gate, that horse will trample you if you're walking. That's Surge, and he's a big asshole. Either mount a horse, or move on.”

I smirk at her. “It's been about five years since I've been on a horse.” I glance out at Kaydence but she hasn't noticed me yet.  

“If you yell, Surge will charge this fence. It's either on a horse or you wait. And it could be hours. That girl sits out there being a horse whisperer all day.”

Why am I not surprised? Barely even knowing her, that sounds like something she'd do. Patient and peaceful.

“I guess I don't have a choice, do I?” I sigh. “What horse do I take?”

“I'll get you on Lucky. He's old and calm. Won't kill you,” she promises, heading toward a horse pen. She mounts the saddle on the horse then hands me the reigns. “Don't kill yourself.”

“Har fucking har. This shit's as easy as ridin' a bike.” I try to hop on and in one swoop, I'm flat on my ass, staring up at a horse that just fucking wiggled me off before I could even get up there. Jo's laughing and I'm just happy Kaydence didn't see this. “Not a word,” I growl, giving it another try and this time, making it up and saddled without any mishaps.  

I wasn't lying. Getting back on a horse is just like riding a bike. I'm halfway across the field when Kaydence notices me and waves, a smile lighting up her face.  

“Hey,” I say, slowing Lucky to a stop.

“I didn't know you rode!”

I laugh. “I don't. Never been on a horse a day in my life.”

Her eyes go wide. “You're good! Really good. Not even nervous.”

“I—” I stop, then bust out a laugh. “I'm sorry. I can't lie to you like that.” I shake my head at her. “I used to ride more. Grew up in this place.”

“Oh.” She chuckles and brushes her hair out of her eyes. “What's up? Need eggs?” She grins.

“Nah. I heard you were askin' about me. Thought I'd pay you a visit. Give you your daily dose of Chase.”  

She barks out a laugh, throwing back her head. “You heard that? From who? Not that I'm denying it.”

“A little bird.” I shrug, not wanting to give her friends away. “So this whole horse thing? You just chill with them all day?”

“I love it out here.” She looks around. “Usually I take his saddle off but Surge.” She points to the horse Jo warned me about. “He's feisty today and if I dismount Empress, Surge will charge. Some days I can handle him, but I don't think this is one of those days. So we'll sit out here. It's beautiful and quiet. And I can work on a tan while we graze.” She grins over at me and I take a minute to appreciate that smile. It's been too long since I've seen it and I actually missed it.

“It's definitely beautiful out here,” I murmur, trying to tear my eyes off her but I can't.  

“So are you really here to hang out for a few?”

“I got work in a little bit. Just figured I'd come out to say hi.” All the way out of town and into the country...just to say hi.  

“I'm glad you did.” She pulls the reins to move her horse a little closer.

“Hey, tomorrow night some of us are doing this dumb thing we used to every year the first of October. Haunted house shit. You should come hang with me.”

Without hesitating, she squeals, “Yes! I love haunted houses! What do you guys do?”

“Drunk pumpkin carving then head a few towns over for their haunted houses. The ones here suck ass. Come to think of it, you may not have any fun.” I remember the hard time the guys gave me at the bar the other night and I'm not so sure it's a good idea to bring Kaydence around them.  

“Oh.” She fiddles with her hair. “It sounds like fun. But it's okay if you don't want me to come.” She shrugs and looks over at me, trying to smile but there's a trace of hurt since I seem to be taking back my invitation.

“I want you to come,” I say quickly then grin. I really do want her to come. “I'm workin' the bar tomorrow till six. Why don't you come on up and hang out? We'll head over together.” I want to tell her not to bring any lame dates with her, but something tells me she's not that type of girl.  

“Awesome!” There's a different smile on her face. Maybe excitement, but it's not her normal smile that's always plastered to that pretty face. “I'll see you tomorrow then?”

“Damn.” I laugh, patting Lucky. “She's kickin' us out already, old man!”  

“Oh! No! You don't have to go. I just thought...you said...you can stay. I'd like you to stay. If you want to. I don't know.” A cute laugh gives away her nervousness.

“I'm just fuckin' with ya, Kaydence. I gotta get to work.” I wink at her and pull the reins to get Lucky to start moving again. “Tomorrow,” I say, before taking off back toward the barn. I'd love to be able to stay with her, but I've already come close to putting my foot in my mouth too many times in the last fifteen minutes. Being around this girl makes me want to turn into that dumb, bumbling sap most men turn into around pretty girls.  

“Have a nice day at work. I'll see you tomorrow.” She's still smiling, watching me ride away.  

By the time I get to the barn I've kicked myself mentally about a dozen times for inviting her tomorrow night. Not because I don't want her there, but getting her around my friends might not be the best idea. Granted she's already met them, but I know they didn't behave how they normally would when we're all hanging out.  

“Hey, Jo. Thanks,” I say, hopping off Lucky and pulling the saddle off. “See ya.” I walk past her.  

“Uh, hang on.” She jogs up next to me. “Did you ask her out? Please tell me you asked her out. I'm pretty sure she likes you. She doesn't usually talk about guys, but you've come up a few times.”

“Bye, Jo!” I slide into my truck and slam the door.  

She throws her hands to her hips and I grin at her before she flips me off, then I pull out of the driveway.  

Twenty-four hours has never felt so long before. I've never been this anxious about something before either. I'm nervous. Like I'm sixteen again and about to lose my virginity. And I don't even plan on having sex with her!

“You guys really need to hang out here beforehand?” I ask, scanning the bar for Kaydence.  

“Got nothin' better to do. Plus, it's drunk pumpkin carving. We gotta drink!” Felder boasts, downing a shot. “You're gonna have to catch up, Haring.”  

“I'll get there,” I mutter, my eyes flying to the door and when Kaydence walks in, a smile breaks onto my face.  

“Holy fuck, can you say pussy whipped?” Grant mutters into his beer before she gets to the bar.

“Shut the fuck up,” I growl and both him and Felder laugh. “Hey there, beautiful,” I say, sliding her beer over to her as she approaches the bar. “Your favorite.” I wink and she smiles that beautiful smile, just for me.  

“How long have you had this keg, Chase?” She lifts the beer up, checking for settlement.

“Week, doll. I wouldn't feed you nasty shit.”

“Then don't try his cooking.” Felder laughs at his lame joke. When I throw him a look, he tries his hardest to shut his laughter off but fails miserably.  

“I'm a great cook,” I tell her, grinning.  

“I'd have to try it to believe it.” She smiles at me then turns to Felder. “Hey, you. How's your wife?” She gives him a hug and when she can't see, he smirks over at me.

I lift an eyebrow pissed off he got a hug…and she apparently knows them a little better than I first thought. What the hell did they talk about that night she was in here?  While I was busy doing my job these idiots bombarded her. 

“She's good. Fantastic. This whole pumpkin night's usually been a dude's night in the past otherwise she'd probably come along.” He throws me a sarcastic smile and I roll my eyes. “But we're happy to have you along. Maybe keep Chase in line tonight. Beer and Chase don't go so well. I'll happily not be the one in charge of his vomit tonight.”

“Okay,” I blurt. “You're cut off.” I swipe the beer out from in front of him and everyone laughs. “Kay, I've got about an hour left till we can head out. You good?”

“Yeah. Fine.” She smiles at me then Felder. He gets up to piss and she glances toward him then leans toward the bar, touching my hand. “Hey, I don't want to ruin guy's night.”

My eyes drop to where our skin's connected and her finger is rubbing a miniscule line over mine. I blink a few times, regrouping my bearings. How can one small touch...one small, seemingly meaningless touch, mean so much and feel so good? I clear my throat before moving my eyes up her arm, studying everything I can about her until I finally meet her gaze.  

“You're a hundred times more fun than those jackasses.” I smirk at her giggle and almost grab her hand that's still sitting on top of mine. “In all seriousness, Kaydence, I didn't think it mattered tonight. And I'm a hundred percent certain he's just giving me a hard time. I told him to invite the ball and chain, but somethin' about marriage and misery that go hand in hand, I guess.”  

“Oh, Chase.” She chuckles and removes her hand to grab her beer and take a drink. “That's not true. Something keeps them together, right?”

“Sure.” I nod. “Mortgage. Car payments. Sex.” I grin. “I hear their sex life is pretty epic.”

She throws her head back to laugh. “Well there you go. Must be worth it.”

“Must be worth what?” Felder asks, walking back to the bar to grab his beer.  

“Sex with Janet.” I honestly tell him, making Kay's cheeks turn pink from embarrassment. “Worth keeping the marriage?”  

“You better fuckin' believe it!” After winking at her, he heads over to the table in the corner where the other two guys are.

“I guess good sex really can make a marriage work.” I grin at Kaydence and her pink cheeks. “You eat anything? There's pizza over there, I think.”

“I haven't, and pizza sounds really good. I had a late ride then headed here. Who do I give a few bucks to?”

“Don't sweat it. Grant bought this week and he owes me money anyway.” I wink and nod toward the table. “If you can stand those guys, head on over and I'll come by with more drinks in a few. I need to start wrapping some shit up back here.”

“I like your friends! You work. I'll be waiting.” There's the smile again and she grabs her beer, walking over to the guys. She gives the other two a hug like she did Felder. Where was my fuckin' hug?

By the end of my shift I've watched my friends flirt with her enough to last a lifetime. I've never been on edge as much as I was tonight. I know those guys wouldn't try stealing her away but there's a possibility she'd become more interested in one of them over me. I'd lose my shit if that happened.

We're headed to Tommy's house since it's closest to the highway and we need to make sure we get to the haunted houses before they close. As the four of us head out to the parking lot, I make it a point to stick close to Kaydence and when we make it outside, I lean down as we're walking out. “You're riding with me,” I tell her, not giving the choice of who she'll ride with because I'm sure if they asked her first she'd tell them yes.  

“Good, because Ty dropped me off. He can pick me up though. No big deal.” She smiles and moves closer to me.

“I'll take care of you tonight, doll. We don't need your little brother's help,” I whisper. Being this close to her, with those beautiful green eyes staring up into mine, makes me want to forget this pumpkin night is even happening. My place is about a hundred feet away and I want nothing more than to take her up there and finally spend some quality time, alone, with her.

“You don't need to drive me home though. He really won't mind coming to get me.”

I changed my mind about not planning to have sex with her, and if I have my way tonight she won't be going home.  

“How about we just see where the night goes.” I grin and wink, unlocking my truck and opening the door for her. “Ladies first.” My hand extends to help her in even though it's not necessary, but I've found myself looking for any reason to touch her anymore.  

“Thank you.” She smiles and gets in and I almost hope a kiss will follow but she grins wide and says, “I'm so excited to carve a pumpkin!”

“Yeah, me too,” I close her door and take a deep breath. I'm more excited that she's here tonight and I'm starting to wish that when I asked her to hang out, it was to do something solo. Something more like an actual date. There's something seriously wrong with me. I take my time walking to my side of the truck and after climbing in and buckling up, I smile over at her. “They get kinda crazy with the power tools and these pumpkins. I'm not sure it's what you're expecting.”

Her eyes light up and she laughs excitedly. “I can't wait to see this! Do you do it like that? Cheating?”

“That's not cheating!” I laugh. “It's fucking smart!”

“You'll have to teach me. I'm used to the tiny knife with an orange handle that makes your hand cramp up after so long.” She laughs. “I'm a pretty awesome pumpkin carver.”

“I bet you are.” Without a second thought, I reach across the console and take her hand in mine. Don't fucking ask me why. But when she looks over at me as we're stopped at a red light the smile on her face tells me it wasn't a total jackass move.  

“Is this a date?” she asks quietly, her fingers gripping my hand a little tighter.

Shit, I haven't felt this nervous since I was a kid, and even back then it never felt like this. I've always been sure of myself, why now, as a grown man am I feeling like this? It feels like my heart and stomach are dancing together.  

“Uh...” I pause, furrowing my brows. “Do you want it to be?”

“I wasn't sure you were interested in me like that. I quit the dating scene.” She starts to giggle. “My brother kind of lost it after the last date with that guy, so I cut back on dating.” Her fingers tighten again and I could drive around all night holding hands and talking to this girl. I've never been this sap and I think I need to get my shit together.

“Gerald. Asshat's name was Gerald.” When she gives me a weird look I chuckle. “I don't forget much at all, Kay.” I quietly take a deep breath, pushing aside the nerves.  

“You're nothing like Gerald.” That looks is gone and replaced with the smile I crave.

“Yeah, but every man has their downfalls.” I pause and the cab grows silent until I finally grow the balls I thought I had, and ask, “So you don't want to date anyone? Like, you're off the market? No chance here?”

“Depends what you're trying to gain.” The smile's still on her face but she's looking out the window now.

“More time with a beautiful girl,” I remark, giving her hand a squeeze. “I'm tryin' to not be a pussy and tell you I really fuckin' want this to be a date here, Kaydence. You're making it difficult.”

“Then just say it, Chase.” She giggles. “I want it to be a date. One of many, maybe.”

I smile wide, my heart flipping in my chest. Shit, this is a lot to take in, but I like it. I like this feeling.

“I do too.” I finally feel some ease; I guess just knowing she's into me like this helps kill some nerves. “That is, if you make it out of the haunted house alive tonight.” I waggle my eyebrows at her and she laughs. I fucking love making her laugh.  

The rest of the drive is small talk, which with anyone else would have bored the piss out of me, but with her it's refreshing. And she honestly doesn't have a negative thing to say about anything, which is weird, but again…it's refreshing.  

When we show up, the guys are still downing beers.

“So I had them pick up a pumpkin for you this morning. Don't offer to pay or you'll hurt my feelings.” I walk over to the table and grab us two pumpkins. “You ready for this?”  

“I'm ready.” She bounces and touches my arm. “Thanks for inviting me tonight.”

“Like I said, we'll see how much fun you have after you make it out, hopefully alive.” I grin at her and she slaps my arm. She's too fun to fuck with.  

We take a spot out back. Tommy's back yard is huge so we're able to not fuck up his kitchen. It’s the only part of his remodel that’s done and he’s obsessed with it. I don't get it, it's not like he can even cook.  

“Just so everyone knows, I'm the reigning champion of this here shit show,” I boast, grabbing a scoop of pumpkin guts and tossing it in the trash.

“Why are you the reigning champ?” Kaydence asks, watching me clean out my pumpkin.

“Because these fools have no talent. It's always scary jack-o'-lantern face,” I scoff. “Bitch please.” I grab my glass of whiskey and take another drink then grin at her.  

“I can't wait to see what you all come up with.” She scoops a handful of guts and tosses them toward the trash, getting some on Grant's shoe. “I'm sorry!” she blurts and drops to her knees to immediately clean his shoe and my brows spring upward.

 “Whoa,” I grip her elbow and stand her up. “Man's had worse on his shoe.” I glance at Grant who's grinning at Kaydence. “Right?”  

“Yeah. Sure.” He's still smirking. “I mean, you're more than welcome to get back on your knees however. I'm not stopping you.”  

“Fuck off.” I shove him a step back and glare my warning.

She doesn't say anything, she picks up her beer and takes a few gulps before silently going back to cleaning out her pumpkin.

“Sorry about him,” I mumble. “He's a fucking tool.” Sad thing is, any other girl and I'd probably have been cracking the same type of joke. God, we're dicks.  

“It's okay. He's a funny guy.” She smiles and narrows her eyes at him. “I feel bad for his shoe.”

“Don't. He's fine.” I want to walk over there and punch the smirk off his face, but I don't. I stick to digging these guts out because being with her is better than proving anything to these guys. “You know what you're gonna make?” I ask her after finishing up the inside of my pumpkin.

“Yes, and it's a surprise. You're going to love it.” She grins at me before getting back to work.

“You seem pretty focused over there. Need another beer?” I take a drink and set down my empty glass.  

“Um, sure. Please.” She glances at me but her tongue pops out while she goes back to concentrating on carving.

I head inside to the fridge and almost run into Grant when I round the corner to the kitchen.  

“Hey, fuck's your deal tonight?” he asks, cracking open a can of beer.  

“Don't be a dick to her, alright?” I shake my head and open the fridge, grabbing her another bottle.  

“I was kiddin' around. It's a joke. We always crack stupid jokes.”  

“Yeah, well she's not used to our shit so just...don't.” I grab the bottle of whiskey and move around him.  

“I didn't think you'd claim her that fast!” he yells after me, but I'm already out back.

“Here ya go.” I set the beer in front of her before refilling my glass.

“Thank you,” she says through laughter then points at Tommy and Felder as they go at their pumpkins, meat and guts are flying everywhere. “They're intense!”

“I told you it gets kinda crazy here.” Grabbing the tools I need, I start meticulously planning my carving. “Unlike those two that go at it until they have shapes, I actually care about how mine turns out.” I start the rough outline and just the mere act of doing something more than fucking line work for a tattoo has my nerves calming even more tonight.  

“I'm sure it's going to be awesome. So will theirs. I hope you like mine.” She smirks then her tongue pops out again and she squats to get level with her pumpkin.

“I know I will,” I mutter, watching how goddamned cute she is. She glances over and smiles. I clear my throat then get to work.  

It takes an hour before I'm done, and by the time I'm finished Felder, Tommy, and Grant have all finished off two cases of beer and I know I'll be the one driving to the fucking haunted house after this.  

“Done!” I announce, and they start to clap.  

“Took fuckin' long enough,” Felder bitches. “Let's get this show on the road!”  

I smirk over at Kaydence who's stuck close by since we've started. “Ladies first.” I nod at hers.  

The excitement on her face makes me chuckle and she lights her candle, slowly turning it to face me. It's a hand of cards, a full house to be exact with roses behind it. I know that picture. That's the exact scene I got tattooed on my upper chest when my grandpa died. Well before I even moved to Vegas.  

“Wow,” I whisper, my eyes finding hers finally. “That's my tattoo?”

“Do you like it? I kinda messed up the roses.” She points at them, but I don't see any mess-ups. “I saw it the other day when you wore that blue V-neck that matches your eyes. I love that tattoo.” Her eyes flit to my chest but you can only see the roses that peek out the top of my collar onto my neck.

Grant let's out a low whistle and when I glance over at him, all three of them are looking at us with curious looks on their faces. Tommy's eyebrows are on the top of his fucking forehead and I wish more than anything right now these fuckwads weren't here. I really want to kiss this amazing girl in front of me and I'll be damned if they're going to watch it.  

“That's...wow.” I can't stop smiling and I let out a small chuckle. “Boys? Can you beat it?”

“Nah, bro. I fucked mine up so I went with shapes.” Grant laughs and turns his around and it looks like kid's blocks.

I bark out a laugh and look at the other two. “Guys?”  

“Mine's pretty awesome this year.” Felder turns his around to reveal a heart. One fucking heart.  

“I love them!” Kaydence blurts, but I think they could have thrown shit at theirs and she'd say the same thing. “Yours is abstract, Grant. And I love that heart!”

“Tommy?” I ask, antsy to get this thing over with. I want to smash mine. I don't want her to see it. I want hers to be the best, because in my fucking mind it is.  

“A motherfucking GHOST!” He dramatically spins his around, almost flinging it off the table but catches it. “Whoa, shit. Almost smashed this beaut.”  

“Not too shabby,” I say, finishing off my whiskey for the night.  

“You guys are good at this.” She laughs. “I can't really compete. Let's see yours.” She glances from my pumpkin to my eyes and is grinning so wide it's gotta hurt her face to smile that much.

“I take this shit too seriously.” I shrug and step around the table. “Who's ready to go?”

“Go? Where? Chase, light your pumpkin.” She pushes the lighter toward me.

“Come on, dimwit, we all know yours probably rocks. Just fucking light it.” Grant tosses me a candle and I roll my eyes.  

“It's nothing.” I say. “I wanna get to this haunted house.”

“Hey, no, no.” Kaydence grabs my hand before I can walk away. “You have to share too.” She puts my candle in then tries to light it. “Ouch, shit.” Jerking her hand out, she holds the lighter out to me. “Please light it.”

“Are you okay?” I blurt, taking her hand instead of the lighter and I raise her hand to inspect her fingers.

Her eyes flick to mine and she smiles softly. There's usually a beaming smile on her face that indicates this girl's always happy, but this smile shows more depth to her and also makes my cock stir a little.

With a crinkle to her nose, she nods her head. “Please show me your jack-o'-lantern. I'm sure it's awesome.”

I pause, smirking before pressing my lips to her hand, almost saying 'Fuck it' and kissing her right here in front of the guys, but when one of them clears their throat, I forget about that idea. When I drop her hand she bites her lips and pulls it toward her chest, holding it with her other hand, still waiting for me to light the candle.

I roll my eyes and reach inside, lighting the goddamned thing. “Alright. You guys asked for it.” The work I was so proud of a few minutes ago only makes me mad now. Hers is the best here in my eyes and I don't want them making a big deal over mine.

“Holy shit,” Felder says when I turn it.  

I didn't have a plan when we started this, so when a last minute idea popped into my head, I ran with it. Carved it to look like a skull, pushing its way through a face and it's pretty badass looking but nothing compared to Kaydence's.  

“Can we go now?”

“You.” She stops and grabs my arm, her brows furrowed. “You're an artist.” She looks at the other guys a little confused. “What... Chase, that's amazing. Oh my god.” She squats to get closer to it and starts inspecting. “How'd you do that?”

“This shit's fun for me.” I shrug and rub the back of my neck, shoving a hand in my pocket. “You guys ready to head out?”

“I...can I take a picture? This is.” She stares wide-eyed like it's really the most amazing thing she's ever seen. Grabbing her phone, she snaps a picture. “You're not going to just throw that away, right?”

“It's gonna rot, doll. I do a lot of more permanent art if you ever want to check it out.” I wink at her and nod to the boys. “Tommy over there's sporting a pretty badass tiger on his back from me.”  

“Fuck yes I am!” he boasts, pulling his shirt off and turning around.  

“You tattoo?” she shouts in excitement. “Oh my god. Look at that. You're amazing.” She moves closer to Tommy and her fingers run over his tattoo. My hand in my pocket curls into a fist because she's touching him like that.

“He tattooed an elephant above my dick if you wanna check that one out,” Grant speaks up and she laughs, shaking her head.  

“Dude, come on.” Walking toward them, I grab her hand and pull her back from him. “He's a douche. I'm sorry.”

“He's just kidding.” She turns toward me, almost curled into my chest and she stares up at me. “I had no idea you could draw and create art. That's incredible.”

“You're incredible,” I whisper, ready to go for it until Felder gags from behind me and instead, I roll my eyes.

“Alright, idiots, off to the dungeon!” Tommy yells.  

We all pile into my truck and I make sure Kay's right next to me and not stuck in the back with the two of those goons.  

“Sorry you gotta sit on the hump,” I say, wrapping an arm around her and making sure she's not too close to Tommy in the passenger seat because he wouldn't sit in the back with the other two idiots.

“I'm fine.” When she scoots, her hip touches me. “You guys scared?” She grins back at the other two.  

“Fuck no!” Felder blurts.  

“You been to a haunted house before, Kay?” Grant asks. “Shit gets intense at these.”

“Yes.” She giggles. “I love haunted houses! I love Halloween time. What about you?” Her fingers softly pinch my side. “You scared?”

“More than you know, doll.” I wink at her. “Will you keep me safe?”  

“I'll protect you.” She runs her hand down my thigh, making my dick twitch and her head hits my shoulder for a minute before she sits up and excitedly starts telling us about a haunted house she went to back home.

I hadn't realized she's not from around here, but she moved to this tiny ass town from a couple hundred miles away. The only reason she ended up on the ranch is because she's related to Brandt and I've never loved the Kenshaws more than I do right now. This girl is utterly amazing, and I'm still in shock that she even wants to spend time with someone like me 'cause I'm a cocky asshole and she's a ray of fucking sunshine.  

 

 

Chase finds a spot in the packed field to park and I slide out, grinning when I look over to the flashing lights and hear the screams coming from the massive barn.

“I'm scared!” I grin and grab his arm, moving close. “I can't wait!”

“You can't be scared! You're supposed to keep me safe!” His arm wraps around me and pulls me against his side.

Felder takes off running through the field, cackling at the top of his lungs and I start to laugh, loving how childish and playful they are.  

“He's a fuckin' tool. We'll find him again sometime before we leave,” Grant says then jumps onto Tommy. “Hold me! I'm scared!”  

I laugh and push closer to Chase, happy this night turned out how it did. I've wanted a date with him, but he didn't seem to be interested, but after tonight I think he is. I think he wanted to kiss me back at Tommy's, and I would have let him. It seems like Chase wants me for more than my body. There's just something about the way he looks at me when I'm talking that makes me feel like his endgame isn't only sex. Maybe he'll be the one I prove my brother wrong with.

“I'm scared shitless, but I'll protect you.” I wrap my arms around his waist as we head for the ticket booth.

“Two,” Chase says, pulling his wallet out with his free hand while his arm's still wrapped around me.  

“I can pay for mine.” I look up at him, wondering if he'll kiss me tonight.

I may date a lot, but I'm not easy. I've never full-on kissed a guy on a first date and Chase would be the first I wouldn't deny. The way his hand is holding me close to him like he doesn't want to let go, I'm not sure I would deny him of much tonight.

“This is a date, right?” he whispers, smirking then hands over money. “My pleasure.” While we wait for Tommy and Grant, his other hand wraps around me to pull me closer to him after we're admitted.

I bounce while we wait. “Don't leave me, okay?” I grin, gripping his shirt as nerves and excitement run through me, and not just for the scary attraction we're about to enter.

“Never.” I like the smile on his face, it's not the beautiful one that shows his teeth, but it shows more…protection maybe. He turns me so we're chest to chest and his hands slide down my back, dipping into the back pockets of my jeans while he pulls me against him. “Gonna have a pretty hard time gettin' rid of me tonight.”

“Just tonight?” I tilt my head back to look into his face.

His eyes flick to my lips and his palms give my ass a little squeeze, pulling me close enough that I could easily slid his leg between my thighs and rock until the coiling feeling in my lower body is satisfied.  

“Let's see how you play your cards tonight, huh?” He smirks.  

I roll my eyes with a shake of my head. “Full house. Like my pumpkin.” I turn out of his arms but grab his hand as we move up in line because I need to stop thinking about sex. I'm not easy.

“That's the best thing anyone's ever done, Kay.” He gives my hand a squeeze.  

“I didn't know you're a tattoo artist, Chase. Can you give me a tattoo? I'll pay of course. But do you work in a shop?”

“I own the only shop in town. But you want me to tattoo you?” We're facing each other again and I nod, unable to stop staring at his mouth as his beautiful smile lights his face. “You have any?”

“I have one. On my back.” I pat my shoulder. “But I'd like another. I've had an idea for awhile, but haven't followed through.”

“What're you lookin' for?” We take another step forward in line.  

“I'll show you one day, maybe. Can't really explain it. I'll have to show you what I drew.” Hands grab my sides and someone screams in my ear making me shriek and jump so high I almost jump out of my shoes.

“Mother fucker!” Chase bellows, shoving Felder hard against the fence. “Fuck you, dude,” he growls.

“Chase!” I blurt and rush over to Felder to make sure he's okay. “He was just playing.” I help him up.  

Chase watches me, fists tight at his side until I slide my arm around his waist and he seems to relax a little. Grant and Tommy are still dying laughing behind us while I try to catch my breath through my laughter.

“I'm already freaked out,” I say, unable to stop laughing. “Feel my heart.” I take Chase's hand and put it over the pounding in my chest.

Holding it there, his eyes lock on mine and I get that magical moment I've never had before. For a moment nothing around us exists and I want to kiss him, but he'll have to make the first move. He takes a step closer and his eyes flick to my lips but they drift down to his hand still pressed against my chest and I almost sigh because he's not going to kiss me. Without warning, he leans down and pauses right before his lips touch mine. He's so close I want to crawl out of my skin just to be closer to him because my feet aren't moving me.

He smirks and whispers, “It's pounding even harder now.”

My fingers curl in his shirt, waiting for it but he's not moving while we stare into each other's eyes. I'm not sure if he's waiting on my move, but I'm not like that, and call me old fashioned, but I want to be kissed first.

After another minute of just staring at each other, I whisper, “If you die in there, can I have your pumpkin?” My lips almost brush his while I speak.

He chuckles, and just when I think he's going to pull back, his lips crash to mine and he pulls me against him. I pause for only a split second to let the surprise register, but now I'm wrapping my arms around his neck, sliding my tongue down his. I've never been kissed like this in public, and even Grant and Tommy's distracting noises couldn't make me pull away as we shift and his fist slides into the back of my hair, holding me to him while our tongues gracefully move together. Chase is the first guy in a long time to make me want to give him anything that'll make him stay with me. I'm a lot to take, this I know, because others don't understand my constant happiness and normally it doesn't bother me if they don't. But if Chase were to decide it's obnoxious, I might actually be heartbroken. We don't know each other well, but I know I want to get to know him better than anyone I ever have.

“Hey, you're next.” Tommy shoves us, making us break apart, and we quickly turn, not exchanging words before Chase pulls me into the dark.

I immediately latch onto him and my pounding heart beats faster but I'm not sure if it was the thrill of the kiss or the thrill of the haunted house.

“Chase.” My voice quivers and I start to laugh. “Oh my god, why do I love this so much but I'm so scared?” I get even closer. “I can't see anything.”

“I fuckin' hate this,” he mutters right before something jumps out in front of us. I feel him jolt which makes me scream and he yanks me closer, cursing through his laugh.

Wrapped together, we fumble because we don't want to let go and it's too dark to see anything except flashing lights that further blind us.

“Stop.” I laugh, pushing him to stop and reaching out in the dark, finding the wall to use as a guide. “Chase!” I blurt when I don't feel him close by.

“I'm here.” His breath is warm on my neck and his hands grip my hips, pulling me back against him.  

“The worst part is when—” When someone jumps out and starts up a chainsaw I start to scream, grabbing him and making a run for it until we find another room. There's more visibility but I know someone's going to pop out. We can't stop laughing, and he's holding me tight, but I'm still scared. “Come close. Get close,” I say through laughter and pull him against my back then stop, pressing back against him. “Someone's going to jump out of there. I know it.” I watch a room that has a flashing light and I press my back against him harder as my hands grip his thighs. As my nails nervously scratch over his jeans I feel a twitch against my ass and realize he's getting turned on. I almost step away from him, but I pause. I like it, and I want it. “Are you scared?” I whisper pulling him with me while we slowly walk past the room that has a gory scene amidst the flashing strobe light.

“Not anymore,” he whispers, gripping my hips and pushing himself against me. I almost make a moaning noise, but don't want to give away that I'm getting turned on that he's turned on.

As we make it into another room, the lights go out and the loud screaming starts from somewhere close but I can't ignore his dick against my ass anymore and my heart starts to pound harder as I turn to face him. My right hand reaches for his face, trying to find his lips and when I do, I giggle before pressing my mouth to his. My left hand brazenly slides up the hard length in his jeans and I don't know who's taken control of me, but I've never been more aroused.

“Kay,” he murmurs on my lips and his fingers start to curl, gripping my hips tighter likes he's fighting to remain in control. But I don't want to stay in control. I rarely let loose like this and right now, I want it so bad that the pulsing between my thighs is almost becoming too much. Taking his hand, I slide it under my shirt, encouraging him to do what he wants and his final thread of control snaps. “Fuck,” he groans before his lips slam mine and he spins us, shoving me against a wall, his fist twisting in my hair.  

I pull back to say, “I really like you, Chase,” but dive back for his mouth, giving his hand that's groping my breast a squeeze because I want it harder.

“I really fuckin' like you too, doll.” His lips kiss and suck their way down my neck until he shoves my shirt up, exposing my bra.

The room's pitch black, not even he can see, but he can feel and his mouth bites at the bulge of flesh in my bra. Four fingers slide into the cup of my bra and he pulls downward, freeing my nipple that he then covers with his mouth. When he bites the beaded flesh, I let go of that moan I've been holding back since I felt his dick and it sounds like I need this right now. It accurately portrays what I'm feeling. I need him. The sound of voices invade the room as they get closer and Chase yanks my shirt down and pulls back, but I can't stop now. No one can see us; we can't even see each other.

“Don't stop,” I whisper and my hand grips his dick, stroking him through his jeans.

He slides my back against the wall until we're in a corner obstructed by props, less likely to be found, and I flick the button on his jeans. His lips pause but his panting breaths fan over my mouth, taunting me. When I slowly unzip him, he presses his forehead to mine and a quiet groan slips with the huffing of his chest.

“Kaydence, I...” My hand slides into his boxer-briefs and my fingers grip his hot flesh. “Fuck,” he quietly moans and with a shaking hand I shove at his boxers to free his cock.

Using both hands, I stroke him, biting my lip hard to keep from moaning because there are clueless people in this room, and I don't know why, but it turns me on even more. It takes him a few deep breaths, but soon his hands are at the buckle of my jeans and he's shoving them down to my knees.

“Fuck me,” I whisper against his lips and feel him smile. “In a haunted house full of people, fuck me.” I turn around, pressing my chest against the wall and my ass against his hard dick.

“You sure about this?” he asks, his boot nudging my feet apart as he grabs my hips and spans his fingers to feel my pussy.

“Yes,” I breathe, pressing back against him so he slides between my thighs. A shaky breath and quiet moan exhales from me and my teeth almost chatter because I'm so nervous right now, but I can't deny I'm soaked for him, and I think he can feel that because he starts to slide between my folds. He hasn't even entered me yet, he's just smearing my wetness across his hard cock but it makes me moan louder than I should. One hand releases my hip and he presses it over my mouth. The feel of his inhale as his nose is pressed against my neck at my hair makes me shudder.

“What was that?” someone in this room loudly asks the question about my moan and I can't help but quietly giggle.

When my moan sounded, he stopped sliding through my wetness, but I rock my hips to remind him I'm ready and waiting. Letting go of my mouth, both hands grip tight to my hips again and in one push, he's inside me, plunging deeper every second that passes. Heavy breaths pant in my ear and he keeps his nose pressed into my hair. Our sense of sight is gone but he's using his sense of smell and I don't know why that makes me fall head over heels for him. His cock slides out slowly and his hand comes to rest on the wall next to my head. When he drives it back in, I turn my head and my teeth sink into his arm to keep from screaming for him. After that, he starts to fuck me hard and deep. Luckily the sounds of people screaming in fear drown out the sound of my wetness and our skin meeting each other's.  

I haven't had sex in over a year and that plays a big role in this feeling amazing, but I know Chase is the reason it feels so good and I'm not sure I'll be able to move on.

“God, yes,” I moan, not sure if we're alone, but I don't care right now.

His hand covers my mouth again and he pumps his hips harder, getting deep enough that I know it'll hurt in the morning, but tonight, it feels so good that I slide over him with equal force.

“The fuck they go?” a voice blurts loudly and Chase freezes. That's Felder's voice.

A vibration bounces Chase against my back and I think he's laughing, but he starts pumping in and out of me again, bringing me closer with every stroke  

“They're probably fucking somewhere. Let's get the hell outta here before something jumps out and you piss yourself again,” a different voice, Grant I think, says.

Chase pushes into me hard and his hand on my mouth tightens when he reaches around with his free hand and slides it between my legs to rub my clit. A muffled whimper sounds behind his hand but I can't help it. He's teasing me, not even rubbing me but softly, gently flicking his fingertip over my swollen clit that throbs every time he touches it. My eyelids squeeze tightly together and I cry out another moan, right at the edge of release. My fingers curl around the wrist of the hand covering my mouth and my nails latch on. This flicking game is driving me insane but when he drives into me so deep that I scream his name behind his hand, my body erupts into such intense vibrations of pleasure that I see spots behind my eyelids. I can't control the noises, or the shaking throughout me while he continues to pump, grazing my clit. My mind spins and my belly flips over and over while my orgasm rolls through me like it'll never stop. It feels like my orgasm continues for five minutes, though I know it isn't. The second my body slumps against the wall, physically spent in the pleasure department, Chase grabs my waist. His movement becomes jerky and his breath is ragged in my ear before he thrusts deep one more time, pressing my hips against the wall while he comes. Both his arms slide around me and tug me against him so tight that I can feel his heart beating wildly in his chest. We stand in the dark for a couple of minutes with our pants at our ankles, recollecting ourselves. A group of people squeak and giggle through their fears while they navigate their way out of the room.

“Fuck, Kaydence,” he finally whispers.  

I close my eyes, my cheek pressed against the wall, and take in the feeling of his pounding heart against me until he pulls out. Reaching down, I yank up my pants the second a few people enter the room using their cellphone lights to guide the way. They don't seem to notice us but their lights give me the opportunity to see Chase's face and I'm surprised by what I see. He doesn't look…happy.

When he finally looks at me, I frown. I rarely frown and I don't like the way it feels, but I'm suddenly feeling like a complete whore and I step away from him.

His hand slides across my cheek and to my head to hold me steady while he whispers close to my face, “You deserved more than that.”

The light goes out when the group leaves the room so I grip his shirt tight not wanting him to pull away. He could easily dart out of here and leave me. Not that I think he would but I'm not sure what he's feeling right now.

“Chase,” I whisper and reach up to find his lips.

“I can't fucking say no to you. But you deserved way more out of our first time together.” He pushes his lips to mine and I slide my hands to the back of his neck, kissing him slow and with reverence because I made the choice to do what we did.  

“I wanted that.” I grin against his lips when we stop kissing. “And you can make it up to me… If we ever find our way out of here.” Gripping his hand, we start moving again.  

“I did warn you we may not make it out alive. I wasn't jo—” Someone jumps out and shrieks making Chase jump back. “Fuck!” Hard laughter bellows from him and it makes me start.

I'm laughing so hard it takes me a few minutes to find his hand and start to run. The adrenaline running through my body isn't from the jump scares anymore and I want to get out of here to explore more of Chase. We bump into a wall, trip and fall, walk in a circle twice, and when I see the exit, a chainsaw man starts running toward us. I scream all the way out the exit and don't stop running until we're a few yards from the barn. Tripping over something, I fall to the ground in laughter and can't pull myself up because I'm laughing too hard. This has been my best day since living here and it was thanks to Chase. He scoops me up, laughing as he pushes his lips to mine, but we pull away when Grant finds us.

Finding the other two, they tell us about how they went through twice to find us. I grin over at Chase who winks before pulling me close as we head for his truck. I play clueless and Chase plays innocent while we insist we were trapped in the dark barn, not able to find the exit. The truth of what we did is coating my panties while I clench my muscles, trying to keep it inside me.

When we drop the guys, I use Tommy's bathroom before we grab our pumpkins. The guys beg us to stay and have a few drinks, but thankfully Chase tells them no. Hugging them goodbye, as much as I like his friends, I want to get alone time with Chase for once.

“You want to see the tattoo shop?” Chase asks as we pull away from Tommy's.  

“Yes!” I squeal and glance back at our pumpkins. “I had so much fun tonight.” I wish I was in the middle again, just for an excuse to touch him, but I stay on my side and smile over at him.  

“I almost punched that chainsaw guy.” He laughs. When he stops at a red light, he glances over at me. “Why're you so far away?” Reaching over, he unclicks my seatbelt then grabs my hips and pulls me toward him. “I like you here.”

I lay my head on his shoulder and reach my arm to slide over his stomach while he wraps his arm over my shoulders, driving with one hand. He kisses the top of my head and I close my eyes, wondering what the rest of the night has in store for us. I know I don't want to go home, and hopefully he'll want me to stay. He has to like me or why would he have done what we did in the haunted house?

My brother's words come to mind: “Guys don't give a shit about your feelings. Most guys want one thing and they'll make you believe whatever you have to to get it.”

I know he's not wrong, but I want to think he's not right in this situation. Chase likes me, and this is going to go somewhere.

As he pulls behind the building directly across from the bar he works at, I squeal. “This is it?” My legs bounce in excitement. I get to see his shop and house in the same day!

“This is it. Home sweet home.” He smiles over at me and hops out of the truck, rushing over to my side to help me out.  

“Thank you.” I latch onto his arm and he pulls out his keys.

“Here we are,” he says after opening the front door. “Home's right up those stairs.” He nods to a staircase to the right and makes his way through the shop, flicking on a light in the back. “There's some more of my art if you're interested.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and walks over to me but his eyes stay on a wall covered in art.

I don't hesitate to make my way to the wall and take in how amazing of an artist he actually is. I'm happy he's in this small town, but he could go places with talent like this.

“You are incredible.” I quickly glance at him but lean in to get a closer look at his work.

“Thanks. It's been a while since I've done anything that intricate,” he says about an elaborate tattoo of a tribal design beneath a woman's breasts. He steps closer to my back and presses his lips to my neck. “Stay tonight, Kay,” he whispers, his hands running from my shoulders down to my fingers. Our fingers twist together as he nuzzles his face into my neck. “Please.”  

“I'd love to.” I turn to wrap my arms around him. “You're the best date I've had since being in this town.” Smiling, I kiss his chin. He's my best date ever.

“I was kind of hoping for best date you've ever had.” A dramatic eye roll is followed with a grin and I giggle, about to tell him he is, but he says, “I guess I'll have to work on that for the next time.” Wanting there to be a next time, I don't divulge he's the best date…and best fuck I've ever had. “Come on.” He pulls me through his shop and to the stairs before heading up to his door and turning to look at me. “Uh... Can you count to...thirty? Before coming in?”  

I start to laugh and glance at his door. “Do you need to clean up?”

His eyes go wide. “A little.”  

“I don't mind. I can help you clean if you want. Or if you want, I'll patiently wait. But I really don't mind. I live with Tyler. A mess is clean to him.” I can't stop grinning.  

“Tyler ain't tryin' to impress you, doll. Just... Hold that thought. Thirty. Go!” He pushes inside and shuts the door behind him and I can hear a flurry of movement on the other side of the door.

I really don't mind if it's a mess, I'm just happy to be here with him. And I completely understand an untidy house. He lives alone, freely. I probably wouldn't be cleaning up after myself every time I turned around if I lived alone.

“Done,” he blurts, swinging the door open. “Thirty seconds. Come on in!”

I laugh, following him through the door and grin at his personal space. “I love it. You're very tidy.”

“Don't open that closet,” he says, chuckling and nods to a closet door nearby. “I'm not. It's all a hoax, but I won't let you see that side of me yet.” The smile I'm falling hard for is on his face and I push into his arms. “Feels weird to have someone up here with me.”

“So...you haven't dated much?” I quirk an eyebrow.

“Not since I've been back.” His lips meet my forehead.

“Did you just buy the shop when you came back?” I glance around, not letting him go.

“Yeah. I used to live in this apartment before I left, but a friend took it over. When I came back four years later, the entire building was up for grabs and I had the funds from the gig out in Vegas, so I bought it.” He pulls away and glances around. “Not that impressive.”

“Yes it is,” I insist.

“You want anything to drink?”

“Water?” I take a seat on his lone couch and look around again. I love the art, and I'm assuming he did it himself which makes me love it more.

“It's pretty bare in here,” he yells from the kitchen before returning with two glasses of water. “I'm pretty minimal. Don't like clutter.”  

“It's nice. I like it. Thanks.” I take the glass and sip before leaning forward. “Do you have any siblings?” I smile as he sits next to me, and I wrap my hands around the glass because I don't want to leave a water ring on his table.

“I have a twin.”

“Are you identical? There's another guy out there that looks like you?” I blurt with eyes wide before I start to laugh. “I'm sorry. Is your brother as attractive as you?”

He barks out a laugh mid drink, almost spitting his water out. “My twin sister is a pretty girl, but I like to think I got the better genes.” He smirks at me. “She doesn't live here though. She's in Vegas with her husband and kids.”  

“That's so nice! I hope I can meet her one day. What about your parents? Do they live here?” I stare at his ruggedly handsome face. There is not one ounce of regret in me for what we did tonight. I'd do it again. And again. I'm not only sexually attracted to him, but everything about him intrigues me.

“My mom does.” He nods. “Just on the other side of town. She's happy at least one of her kids lives here again, but I think she secretly wished it was my sister that moved home. My ma's country to the core. Going to the big city to visit her grandkids is stressful on her. And… My dad's been out of the picture since I was a kid. What about you? I know you have a brother. Any other siblings?”

“Yes! Well no.” I clear my throat and sit up straighter. “I mean, not anymore. I had a sister but she passed away.” I smile fondly, thinking about my sister. “And my mom lives two states over. Me and Tyler left home and came here to my uncle Garrison's. He's my dad's brother. But my dad's passed too.” When I smile over at him he's looking at me like he doesn't quite understand me.

“I'm glad you have Tyler. He seems to care a lot about you.” He clears his throat and sets his water glass on the table, sitting back on the couch. “So you're a riding coach? Did you always want to do that?”

“I love horses. I've been riding since I was a little girl. My dad bought us all a horse but Tyler and Andrea didn't really like riding. I love it. I really do. I'm not sure if I've always wanted to do this, but I absolutely love it. What about you? Tattooing.” I look at him wide-eyed. “That's...it's just so cool. You're amazing at drawing, and carving, and tattooing. You're just amazing.” I giggle and feel my cheeks heat up. Even after having sex with him in a very public place, he still makes me nervous.

He laughs and stretches his arm across the back of the couch behind me. “I'm not that amazing. It's almost twenty years of practice. I've been drawing for ages.” He shrugs. “I worked in Vegas for a bit. Had a decent clientele, made good money, and did some beautiful tattoos. I knew I always wanted to do some type of drawing. Tattooing just...fit.”

After setting my glass next to his, I shift to face him. “Why'd you come back? Miss home?”

“Uh...no.” He laughs and rubs his jaw before reaching out and touching my hair at the back of my head. His finger starts to twirl in a curl and I suck my bottom lip into my mouth to keep from squealing in delight. With his eyes trained on his twisting finger, he says, “Nah, I fucked things up. Nowhere else to run, I guess.” His eyes land on mine and it's no secret that he's keeping secrets.

“Are you still running?” I move closer.

“I thought I was.” Moving his hand to my face, his thumb traces my bottom lip. “Not so sure anymore.” His eyes flick to my lips.  

I shift to my knees and trail my fingers over the stubble on his face before sliding them to his hair. “What were you running from?”

He's quiet for a moment, his eyebrows dip and I slide my fingers deeper through his hair. “I fucked my boss's wife.” He chuckles. “Don't judge me, okay? I didn't know who she was. I never fuckin' met her, and I barely knew the guy.”  

I automatically assumed gambling debt. Staring at his defined chin, I want to kiss over his jaw to his ear, but I withhold my desire and ask, “Did he catch you?” I shift back to my ass as desire starts to swirl into something else the more I think about what he said. The feeling it's turning into is jealousy and I don't know why. I've never been a jealous person, and I don't have anything to be jealous about.

“Caught us in bed together. Looking back it's kinda funny. I ran so goddamned fast.” He laughs. “Unfortunately for me, my boss was someone not to fuck with in that city. He had my life ruined in less than twelve hours.”  

“That's...awful for you. And him.” I look away. “And her, probably.” When I look at him again, I grab for my water. “That's a bad situation. I'm glad you got out of it.” Gulping down the water, I think about the good qualities of Chase. That situation doesn't define him.

“Yep. I came back because it's the only place I know. The shop was up for sale when I got here so it all felt right. I wasn't sure if I was gonna stay. There's not much upward movement in this place.” Abruptly ending the conversation, he stands. “I never gave you the tour. You want the tour?”

“Uh, yeah. Sure.” I pop to my feet. “I hope you stay.” The words blurt from my mouth but I try to play it off as less than desperate by acting casual and looking around the apartment.

He takes my hand, giving it a small squeeze, but doesn't comment or bring it up again as he shows me around. “It's not too big, but it's comfortable.” Opening a door to what I'm assuming is his bedroom, he says, “The master suite.” There's laughter in his tone. “Sorry. It's not a suite. It's tiny as fuck.”

“It's homey. Comfortable.” I smile at him and my eyes dart to the bed, but I don't want to seem desperate to get there with him so I keep looking around.  

“The bed's not the most comfortable, but it's tolerable.” He walks farther into the room and glances back at me. “So this is it.” He shrugs.  

I chuckle and glance toward the living room. He's right. There's not much else to his apartment. “The bed can't be that bad. Looks soft.” My fingers rub over the blanket.

“Try it out.” His smirk is dubious and I grin, sitting down.

It's much harder than my bed, but I don't mind. “It's not that bad.” I smooth my hands next to me.

Without warning he slams his lips to mine and I fall back to the bed. His hands land on either side of my head while he devours my mouth and his body hovers over mine. I pull at him, wanting to feel him on me, in me. I want to be sore enough when I walk tomorrow, I think of him and what he did to my body.

“Bed feels a lot better with you in it,” he murmurs on my lips.  

I slide my fingers into his hair and kiss him again, kicking my shoes off before sliding up on the bed and pulling him with me. He tugs at my shirt, only breaking our kiss long enough to pull it over my head. We break again when I pull his shirt up and both of us move at the same time to get to the other's pants. We laugh, our lips still pressed together and I let him go first. I wiggle while he pushes and it's not getting us to where I'm trying to go and we fall into laughter again.

“This will be faster,” I say, panting through my giggles while I quickly stand to shimmy down my jeans.

Before I can turn back around to get into the bed, he grabs my waist and holds me still. He pushes against my back and his lips land on my shoulder, making me exhale loudly while my eyes close.

“Accept what is,” he whispers, then presses his lips to my back. “Let go of what was.” Still holding me captive, his lips find my neck. “Be grateful for what will be.” He pauses and he's no longer kissing me or pressed against my back, but he's still holding me. “It's a beautiful tattoo, Kaydence,” he whispers, finally letting his fingers trail the letters I've been carrying on me for a few years.  

I spin around in his arms and notice he's already gotten his pants off and my mouth dives for his. Sliding my hands into his boxer-briefs, I move downward, pushing them as I go. Once I'm between his legs, I grin up at him and a smile breaks out on his face before he hides behind his hands and his head falls back to the bed.

“You're incredible,” he says through laughter.

As I watch the coffee pot, I think about my pills. I don't have my depression pills. I'll be okay, I just need to remember to take them later. My count is running low and I'll have to tell my mother so she can get me more. As I'm thinking about it, Chase's hand slides around my stomach from behind and I grin. I had snuck out of bed, trying not to wake him, but I needed coffee.

“Good mornin', beautiful,” he murmurs, his lips pressing at the base of my neck as he pulls me back to him. His gravelly morning voice makes goosebumps rain over my body and my smile broadens. “I thought maybe you left.”  

“I wouldn't do that.” I turn in his arms. “I'd never do that to you. I found coffee though.” I grin wider as the pot gurgles and the smell fills his kitchen.

“Any woman that loves coffee as much as me is welcome here.” He presses his lips to my temple and reaches for two cups. “Cream? Sugar?”

“Sugar please. Do you have...food? I can make us something to eat. Toast? Or I'll treat us to breakfast.”

“I'm not letting you buy me breakfast. I have eggs and bacon. And I think I have bread.” He opens a few cupboards and tosses breakfast fixings on the counter. “Glad you assume I don't have any food here, though. I'm not a completely helpless bachelor.” He smacks my ass then reaches around me to set the sugar on the counter.  

“Tyler goes through our food faster than I realize it's gone. I just expect everyone to live like us. Do you mind? If I cook something then?” I grip the refrigerator handle, but wait for his okay.

“Have at it.” He pours his cup of coffee and adds cream to it then walks to the table. “Do you mind if I watch?  I've never had a hot girl make me breakfast before.”

I giggle and look at him. “Just sit right there. I'll get us fed. I just need...a frying...” I open three cupboards, not finding what I need, but the third is a charm. “I'll wash your dishes too. I swear.” I smirk at him. “You mind music?” I hold up my phone. Shaking his head no, he gestures to me so I put on a playlist I've been building for awhile. “Anything you don't like, just change it,” I insist as I set my phone down and get to work on the bacon before I start the eggs. He doesn't complain about my music once, and it makes me wonder if he listens to the same. I don't listen to much country music, not because I don't like it, but I have an eclectic taste of music, and he doesn't seem to mind.

While I make us breakfast, he silently sits at the table, sipping his coffee and watching me. I don't mind, I like it and sometimes a giggle escapes when he catches my eye. The bright apartment, the smell of coffee and breakfast food, and being in Chase's company, all coupled with songs I love make me wiggle while I cook. After setting his plate in front of him, I go hunting for silverware. Topping off his coffee, I hand him the cream then grab my plate and sit across from him.

“Look okay?”

“Looks more than okay, Kaydence,” he says, grinning over his coffee mug. “And by the way, I've never gotten so turned on watching anyone cook before.” He adjusts himself and I giggle. He takes a bite of eggs and the minute it hits his mouth he moans. “Holy shit, she can cook! Thank you.”

“I've been cooking for Tyler since he could eat solids. I used to cook for my sister. She didn't eat much, but I was always making something for us to eat.” I take a bite and smile over at him. “Are these eggs from the farm?”

“Yes, ma'am. They're the only ones I'll eat anymore. If I leave I'm gonna need to start my own chicken farm.” He chuckles.  

I smile and push away the comment of 'if he leaves'. If he leaves, it's because he's supposed to. He can go places with his artistic abilities and if he leaves, he deserves something great. If he leaves...he deserves something great. I blink the thought away and take another bite before smiling at him.

“You alright over there?” He pushes another bite of food in his mouth. “Looks like you're lost in your own mind.”

“No. I'm fine.” I grin. “The eggs are good. The coffee is great. I noticed you buy the expensive stuff you grind yourself.” I chuckle.

“It's fresher when you grind it right before brewing. I take my coffee pretty seriously.” He smiles and stands as he finishes his plate. “You cooked. I clean.”  

“I can appreciate that.” I sip the coffee and when I set my mug down, I stare at him. It's probably strange studying what I can, but he watched me dance around his kitchen while I made breakfast. I watch him until he notices me and pauses. Before he can question, I ask, “What're you doing today? Do you want to go to the orchard with me, Tyler, and Jo's kids? I promised I'd take them. There's a haunted hayride and other things Halloweeny for them to do.”

“I gotta open the shop at noon.” He glances at the clock. “Shit, that's soon! I can get you home real quick. Shit, I'm sorry, Kay.” Approaching me, he wraps his arms around me and the chills that run through my body are unreal. Maybe it's because I've never had this from someone before that I can't get used to it, but I love this feeling. “I would much rather be hanging out with you,” he whispers right before pulling back and pushing his lips to mine.  

“That's okay.” I smile at him and scrub my fingers over his scruff. “I'll have Tyler get me. You go get ready for work.”

“I'm perfectly capable of driving you home. You don't have to call your little brother, you know,” he mumbles, nuzzling my neck and letting his hands roam to my ass. “I really don't want you to leave today.”

“Me either.” I quietly moan while I press against him a little harder. When I feel his dick start to stir in his boxers, I glance at the clock, realizing he doesn't have time for what I want. “Go get ready for work. I'm going to clean up breakfast.” I kiss over his jaw to his lips.

Chase isn't like any of the other guys I've dated. I know people think that all the time, but he is different. He's better. He's the one I'm rooting for in the long run. Don't ask how I know that after just one date either. But I do.

As we step outside, I rub my arms from the cool morning.

“Ah, shit,” Chase mumbles, locking the door behind him. “Here, take my jacket. It's cold as balls out here.” He shrugs his jacket off and puts it over my shoulders, grinning at me. “That's adorable.”  

I smile and put my arms inside the warm sleeves. “It kind of fits.” I grin over at him while folding my arms around me.

“You look good in my coat,” he says, draping his arm over my shoulders and pressing his lips to my head. “It's about two sizes too big, but it fits you just perfect.”  

When we get in his truck, he lifts the armrest so I slide to the middle and rest my hand on his thigh. I'm more comfortable with Chase than I should be after such a short time of intimacy, but I guess I have known him for a little while. When we pull up to the ranch it's kind of bittersweet ending our time together.

“I had a great time, Chase. Thank you.” I kiss his cheek.

“You're talkin' like you're never gonna see me again.” He holds out his hand. “Hand over your phone.”  

“My phone?” I ask, setting it in his palm. Dialing a number, he hits send and his phone starts buzzing from his pocket.  

“Now you have my number. I know you wanted it.” He winks and hands me my phone back. “You better use it.”

I bite my lip, grinning at him before I unbuckle and move for his lips. It was just supposed to be chaste but he feels too good and he knows how to use his hands, so when they slide to my hips and move me to deepen our kiss, I move accordingly.

Pulling away, I giggle. “Bye, Chase. Thanks for the ride.”

“You did more ridin' than I did, doll.”  

While I laugh, my cheeks heat up and I slide out. My eyes hit Brandt's and he's standing on the porch, watching us like the truck is in flames.

Oh great.

“Came by to see if you wanted to have lunch up at the house today before taking the kids to the pumpkin patch.” His eyes won't leave Chase's truck. “You just getting in from yesterday?”

“Um, yeah. How's your morning?” I glance toward Chase's truck.

“With him?” Brandt blurts, walking off the porch toward me. “Your brother know about this?” He watches Chase drive away.  

“My brother?” I keep walking toward the barn. “I don't think so.”

Brandt follows me. “Chase ain't the type of guy you want to be messin' around with, Kay.”

“What? Why? What do you mean?” I glance at him while getting the horse's feed ready.

“He's just not a good guy. Got a temper on him. Made his way around the girls in town before he left for Vegas. Just...don't. Okay?”

I furrow my brows. “No,” mumbles from my mouth and I glance at him.

“No?” He storms over to me. “Date around town all you want, Kay. I've known Chase my entire life. It's never ended well for any girl he's tried dating.”

“Well...that's unfortunate for them.” I smile at him. “I'll be fine.”

He stares at me for a moment then shakes his head. “Yeah, I hope so. Lunch is ready. Come on in and eat. The kids are gettin' antsy.” Before walking away, he pauses, looking back at me. “I'm just lookin' out for you, Kay. If there's one thing you don't need any more of it's drama. I'm just worried that's all you'll get with him.” He walks out before I can say anything and I stare at the food.

Chase is the one I'll prove them wrong with.

 

 

It's been a few days since that night with Kaydence. We've texted pretty much every day since, but our schedules aren't meshing too well so that's been about the extent of it. It's still weird thinking about her this much, but I'm not going to overthink it. She's the breath of fresh air I need in my life. I'm holding on tight for this ride. At least until she realizes she can do way better than me. Maybe not in this town, but the city's not too far for her to meet someone passing through. The ranch gets a lot of visitors.

I'm surprised it's taken Brandt this long to show up here asking about her. When he warned me off after my night with her, it was the first time I've ever seen Brandt get defensive about anything other than his wife and kids. I respect the ties to his cousin and I respect his worry...but it's dumb as fuck.  

“What's this thing you got goin' on with my cousin?” He looks at me through narrowed eyes and I push out a chuckle.  

“She's a nice girl.” Trying to keep my cool, I'm still drying the glass that's been in my hand for about five minutes now.  

“She's too nice for you,” he finally says and I nod.  

“She is.”

I'm not going to fight him on that one. The girl practically shits rainbows. I have yet to see her say something negative about anyone, which is a complete one-eighty of my lifestyle. At least the lifestyle I used to lead in this small hellhole. I shouldn't be pursuing her like I am, but I can't stop. She's a very welcome change.  

“She's had a shit go at life,” he says.

I set the glass down and cock my head at him. “Haven't we all?” Leaning against the bar I ask, “You want to tell me not to date her anymore? Because if so, we're gonna have problems.”  

Kaydence is the first girl I've ever felt this way about. Hell, I'm not sure what half of these feelings I have toward her are. All I know is I'm happy when I'm around her. I can't stop thinking about her. And the sex was off the charts.  

“You're a grown man, Chase. You can do what you want.” He finishes his beer. “Just know, you hurt her at all and you may as well find another place to live. Us small town folk stick together, and word travels fast.” He tosses a ten on the bar.  

“You say it like I didn't fuckin' grow up here, Brandt. I fuckin' know this town more than you. I know what people say. It ain't like I'm datin' my sister or some shit,” I growl. The minute the words come out of my mouth his eyes narrow and jaw sets. “I'd rather not be taking dating advice from you right now.”  

The only thing stopping me from pushing this further, and I fucking would because I haven't fought anyone in a while, is the fact that he's Kay's cousin. Fuck knowing the guy practically my entire life. Brandt Kenshaw's one person I've always respected, but the guy's not showing much respect toward me right now. Reminds me of when we were kids and he went behind my back and fucked my sister, then dropped her for someone a little closer to home.

Knowing what's good for him, he keeps his mouth shut and shakes his head, moving for the exit.  

“Have a good one, Brandt,” I mutter, shoving his money into the register.  

Not minutes after Brandt walks out, leaving me feeling on edge and ready for a battle, the door opens and Kinlee walks in. I sigh, not wanting another confrontation and I really hope that's not what she brought tonight. I can't take another person telling me to stay away from Kaydence.

“Hey, you.” She hops up onto a stool.

“Hey yourself, stranger.” I try to let the comfort that used to surround us take over, but we grew apart. I'd still consider her the closest friend I have from the Kenshaw clan, but even we don't talk that much anymore.

“Who you callin' stranger?” Her eyebrows furrow. “You've been back in this town for how long? And you haven't even thought about stoppin' by to say hi?” She crosses her arms in front of her and I let out a laugh, because even when she's trying to be intimidating she's fuckin' funny as hell.

“Come on, Kinlee, you know things ain't how they used to be.” I don't want to bring up the past because I'm not back here to relive it. We were young and stupid. I let shit go when I left and I grew out of whatever grudges I held, but I'm not about to cause drama where there ain't none.

“Don't be stupid, Chase. We used to be best friends and I barely talk to you anymore.”

I pour her what used to be her favorite beer and she smiles, staring at it before bringing it to her lips.  She visited Vegas once in my entire four years there. One time I saw the girl that I, at one point, thought I could love. The minute I left the suffocation of this small town I realized it wasn't ever like I thought it was. My feelings for her were just me feeling needy. It took me getting my footing in Vegas to realize I lost a really good friend in her over all that shit.

“You've got a toddler, Kin. Your life revolves around diapers and making sure he ain't stickin' his finger in any sockets.”

“Oh trust me, there are literally zero open sockets in that house anymore.” She laughs. “Bo's practically wrapped that place in bubble wrap.”

“He's a good dad.” I lean back and shove my hands in my pockets.

“He's the best,” she whispers. I don't miss her quiet sigh and the way she glances up at me. The look she's giving me says it all, but I'm not about to bring it up. I'm not as stupid as she thinks everyone else in this small town is, and that one time she visited Vegas… Well, I've always been pretty decent at math and my sister's been pregnant a few times so I know how long you carry a baby for… The fact that her son looks a whole lot like Felder…and I know they spent the night together…

“Kin, have you ever told Bo who the dad is?” I whisper.

She looks at me confused and leans back. “I don't know who the dad is,” she insists quietly.

My eyebrows pull up. I'm fairly certain I do. Anyway, that's her cross to bear. I’ve got enough shit in my life to worry about opening up that can of worms in someone else’s. “He's lucky to have you two.” I smile at her.

“Thanks. But I think we're lucky to have him, ya know?”

“Absolutely.” I sigh, running my hand down my face, groaning.

“What's with the stress? This small town gettin' ya down again?”

“Nah, Brandt was just in here giving me hell.”  The words fall from my lips and I immediately see her face light up. “Why do you look so happy about that?”

“I like gossip!” She laughs and I make a face at her. “What? The most adult talk I get during the day is when Bo gets home. I work with kids all day. The twins are out on their own now. And as much as I love my husband, he doesn't gossip. Not sure if you knew that about him or not, but he likes to stick to himself and his family.”

“Oh I know.” I laugh. “Man of little words anymore. I think I've actually seen Bo more than you since I've been back.” I smile at her and the worried expression on her face is pointless. Me and Bo don't have beef anymore.

“So? You're stressed?” she pushes for answers.

“It's nothing, I promise.”

“Brandt’s not one to come into a bar raisin’ hell over nothing.” She cocks an eyebrow at me and I sigh, giving in to her.

“Fine.” I smirk. “I've been talking to his cousin—” Before I can end my sentence, she lets out a squeal of excitement and claps her hands.

“Kaydence!?” she shrieks. “You and Kay!?”

My eyebrows shoot up. “So, you know her.” I can't stop smiling at the look of pure excitement on her face.

“I love her! She's always at the ranch when I take Little Bobby out to play with the kids.”

I smirk. Of course Kinlee spends more time at the ranch than I do. She's always been a part of the inner circle. Hell, look at me. Jealous that I don't spend a lot of time there. On a ranch. In cowboy boots.

Fuck, what's happening to me?

“She does love her some farm life.” I nod, grinning when Kinlee gives me the look like she needs more. “What?”

“You like her? Are you dating her? Why's Brandt so up in arms about it? Do you think you could love her? Ooo, does the carpet match the drapes!?”

I bark out a laugh and grab two shot glasses, filling them before sliding one in front of her. With a shake of her head, she slides it back so I down both then look her in the eyes. “I like her. A lot, I think. I guess you could say we're dating.” I rub the back of my neck. We've only gone out once, and I fucked her the same day, but we've been texting a hell of a lot more than I've ever texted anyone. “Brandt doesn't trust me, apparently. Bad track record and all.” I wink and she rolls her eyes. “And I'm not answering that final question.” I smirk at her and she chuckles, shaking her head.

“Fine, I can respect that. Well I, for one, think you and her are a fantastic idea. She's sweet! And cute! And you need that in your life.”

“She's awesome.” I grab the towel to wipe the bar top down, trying not to give away that the girl drives me crazy in the best way possible.

“So screw Brandt. He's got a stick up his ass.” She chuckles.

“I respect him wanting her safe. I get it. But it doesn't mean he's right.”

“He's not. Trust me. He'll get used to it.” She smiles and stands, not finishing her beer, but she's a busy mom. “I gotta head home. Bo's probably wondering where I am.”

“Glad you stopped in, Kin.” I walk around the bar and hug her, sighing because I miss her friendship, but we've drifted so far apart, it's like we live in two different worlds. We don't though; we live in this small town where it seems like the ranch continues to keep us all tied together somehow.

“Don't be a stranger, Chase.” She walks out the door and I can't help but smile.

She's right, and I fucking know it. Brandt's just looking out for his family. But it doesn't make me any less angry at the way he's trying to handle things.

Willie comes in at about six and takes over for me so I can open the shop. I'd much rather call Kaydence and see what she's up to, but I've got an appointment this evening with a new client and I can't miss it. I don't even fucking know who it is. This new online appointment setter saves me from having to keep someone at the front desk at all times, but it sucks when I'm trying to prepare for someone. I have no clue what this person wants, what to prepare. I got nothin' to go off of.  

The front door bells jingle when I'm in the back checking stock, and when I round the corner a smile immediately come to my lips.  

“Hey there, beautiful.” Kaydence smiles back at me and I walk over to her, immediately pulling her into my arms. Seeing her in person again makes me feel so much different than texting with her. I was starting to think she didn't want another date. “What're you doin' here?”

“Hi, handsome. Miss me?” She pecks my cheek then lowers off her toes.

“Of course.” I take a step back and glance out the door. “I'm supposed to have a client soon. So if they come in you can chill with us. Or head upstairs and wait till I'm finished?”  

“I'm the appointment. I booked the time online.” She grins and glances around, waving at Grant when he walks in the back door.  

“Hey, Kaydence.”

I'm staring at her like she's lost her mind. “You booked online? Why didn't you text me?”

“You're gettin' inked!” Grant boasts. “Can I do it?” His eyes travel her body and I throw an elbow to his gut. “Fuck, it's a fuckin' joke,” he mutters, walking away.  

“Chase, he was kidding.” She frowns, watching Grant walk across the room. “I'm your appointment though. Are you excited?” A smile fills her face again.

“What're you getting?” I ask, shoving aside the jealousy that she didn't just call or text me personally.  

“Remember I told you I drew something up?” She reaches into her purse and pulls out the piece of paper. “This is what I want.” When she hands it over, I glance at her then study the picture.  

“You design this?” I furrow my brows.

I've seen this a few times on other people. I've never actually put it on someone though, and the fact that it's Kaydence I'm about to tattoo this on saddens me. There's swirls and filigree, but in one direction, the script and design spells out the words 'I'm Fine'...but upside down it's designed in a way that spells out the words 'Save Me'. I meet her gaze and she's staring at me.  

“Um, sorta. Not entirely. The designs I did.” She swirls her finger along the twists and turns of the filigree. “But some of it I took from a tattoo that...well.” She starts to chuckle. “Me, my sister, and my brother all went to get tattoos when he turned eighteen and I chickened out. We were all getting the same thing, but I didn't. So now...” Her eyes stay focused on the paper and she nods. “Now I'm ready.” She smiles so innocently up at me, I'm not sure if this is a tribute or a cry for help.

“Cool,” I whisper, my stomach turning. This isn't a design a happy person like her gets. “Come on back, let's get started.” I take her back to the chair and she pulls her shirt over her head.

Immediately, my eyes fly over to Grant who's staring with a smirk that I want to knock off his head. I yank the curtain closed, almost ripping it down I move it so fast, then make a mental note to kick his ass later. She slides her bra strap down and looks at me over her shoulder. My breath hitches while I stare at her because she's goddamned stunning. The sexy as sin body, the innocent expression and big green eyes, the long red hair falling down her pale back. I've inked a fuck ton of chicks, but never someone that makes my stomach flop every time I look at her. What the fuck's wrong with me?  

“Okay,” I breathe. “I've never tried tattooing someone while I was sporting a chub before,” I say, smirking at her and trying to ease the awkwardness. “This should be interesting.”  

She giggles and darts her eyes to my cock briefly before turning her back to the mirror. “Where ever you think it should go. I just want it kind of close to the other. Ya know? Maybe one day I'll cover my back.”

“I got ya, doll. That'd be smokin' if you did.” Her eyes hit mine and I wink before getting the rest of my station set up.

After getting her situated, she lies on the table and I get to work. The design looks amazing on her back and I tie it in with her other script by expanding the filigree to surround the other tattoo that I touch up since I'm already working there. It didn't really need a touch up but I'm a selfish prick and want the work on her body to be from only me. I can't get my mind off the meaning of this tattoo, and I hate that because typically I don't ask details about what I'm working on. They're paying me for it, I'm doing my job, and I don't really care to get to know my clients on a personal level.  

But this is Kaydence.  

“How ya doin'?” I ask, almost done.  

“I'm fine.” She gives me a smile over her shoulder. “Thank you.”

“Plans after this is done?” I'm trying to keep my mind off this tattoo and failing miserably, so maybe small talk will help.  

“No. You?”

“Shop doesn't close till midnight. Maybe you can stick around and make it not so boring around here tonight.” I smirk at her when she turns her head to look at me.  

“I won't be distracting?” The excitement in her voice always catches me off guard. Who can be that excited and positive all the damn time over the smallest of things?

“Not at all. As long as you can put up with Grant.”

“I love Grant.” She chuckles. “He's funny. Reminds me of a friend I used to have back at home.” Her finger starts to twirl in her hair and I blink a few times.

Grant's not funny. Grant's a tool. A pig headed fuck. And jealousy's a fucking bitch.

“Right,” I murmur. “Well, he's one of my closest friends but I won't be offended if you don't want to hang with him. I know how annoying he can get, but he means well. I think, at least.”

“I can fucking hear you!” Grant yells from the other side of the curtain and I laugh.  

“He's fuckin' nosey, too.”  

“I enjoy your company, Grant,” she calls out.

“You can enjoy my company tonight if you want to,” he yells back and I let out a growl.  

“Enough!” I shake my head, hating I'm jealous over my friends. “Kaydence, you,” I say, wiping her finished tattoo off. “Are all finished.” I scoot my stool back and help her to stand. “Take a look.”

I give her a hand mirror so she can see it in the standup and she stares enamored for a few minutes, like she didn't expect it to turn out so well.

“I love it,” she whispers and looks at me. “I love it. Thank you.” She throws her arms around me and hugs me tight.

I have to bite back the questions. Like why do you need this? What the fuck does it mean? Should I be worried about you?  

“Hey, have you had dinner? I can have Grant go grab us something. I'm starved.” I clean up my station while she slowly puts her shirt back on.

“I could eat. You want me to go out and grab us all something?” She straightens her shirt before looking at me.  

“You have a car to go get it?” I ask, smirking because if I know Kaydence she didn't drive herself here.  

“Well, no. But town's not that big. And.” She points to her feet, looking down. “I've got these.”

I laugh, unable to stop thinking she's adorable. I haven't thought anything was adorable since my nieces and nephews were babies. She's a different kind of adorable though. Adorable is a feeling you get toward something that gets you in the feels just by looking at it. I'm so fucked with this girl.

“Doll, you're not walking to get us dinner. It's dark out and the town may be small, but that doesn't guarantee you're safe.” I pull the curtain open and Grant's leaning against the front counter, grinning at us.  

“Burgers?” he asks, holding his hand out for money. “I paid last time.”  

“Burgers good?” I ask her and she's grinning through her nod, making me chuckle. I grab my wallet and shove a few bills in his hand. When he leaves, I smirk at her. “He's a better assistant than tattoo artist,” I joke and she chuckles, lightly hitting my arm before digging in her purse.

With her wallet in her hand, she asks, “What do I owe you?”

I wrap my arms around her and press my lips to her forehead. “You gotta stop. You're hurting my feelings. Put that shit away.” I pull her closer to me, snaking my arms down her back and gripping her ass in my palms.  

“Chase, I'm paying for this tattoo. I'll let go of you buying dinner this time, but what do I owe you for the work?” She starts pulling twenties from her wallet and I walk away.

I sigh and groan. I fucking hate the idea of taking money from this girl. “Kay, you don't have to. Can't we just call it the perks of being my girlfriend?” I shove my hands in my pockets and give her the best, cutest smile I can muster.

Her eyebrows are arched high on her forehead and her lips are parted while she wordlessly stares at me for at least a minute. I like the cute, stunned look on her face, so I don't take it back. “That's a nice perk...of being your... Being...” She blinks away from me. “You want me to be your girlfriend?” Either I shouldn't have said it, or she's fuckin' crazy for thinking I wouldn't want her to be. She's looking at me like I'm insane for saying she's my girlfriend when all I want is to make sure she's mine. Only mine.  

“Is that so hard to believe? That I don't want to share you with anyone else?” My eyebrows dip and I walk over to her, resting my hands on her hips.  

“No!” she blurts and starts to stammer. “No. No, it's fine. It's great actually. No. That's...that's great.” She starts to laugh and drops her heated face to my shoulder. “Oh god, I'm acting so weird,” she mutters before lifting her head, wearing that big smile I love seeing on her. “I'd love to be your girlfriend.”

“You sure about that?” I laugh at her. She's being weird as shit and I'm feeling like maybe she just doesn't want to hurt my feelings by telling me no. “I mean, you can tell me if you don't want to do this exclusively.”  

“No,” she says quietly and her fingers slide up the back of my head as she moves closer. “I want to be with you and only you.” Her lips softly press to mine and when the front door dings, she jumps and pulls back.

My eyes fly to the door and when Sarah walks in I groan inwardly. Fuck my life, this isn't going to end well. Sarah's a town whore, and yeah, I've had a go at her. The worst part is she's a clingy whore and has some stupid ideas in that head of hers.

“Hey, give me a minute,” I mutter while she struts her ass over to the jewelry counter. Looking at Kaydence again, I just want to protect her from Sarah's cattiness which is inevitable with this girl. “You wanna hang out in my place till the food gets here?”  

“Oh, um.” She glances toward Sarah. “Yeah, no, you know what? Actually, um, Tyler's across the street.” She points toward the door. “I could...just go?”

“No,” I blurt too loud, then laugh off the nerves and glance up at Sarah. “Nah, no. Stay with me. Please.” I push my lips to hers, not wanting her to leave. I want to spend the night with her again. “I gotta get to her before she gets pissed.” I smirk at Kaydence and turn to walk to the front of the shop. “What can I do for ya?”

“I need a fill in.” She lifts her arm I've been working on for a few months now, then her eyes go to Kaydence. “It's early. I was kinda hoping I'd beat the other booty calls for the night.” Her gum pops at the same time I see Kaydence look up from her phone.

My stomach plummets. Sarah's going to fuck shit up before it even gets started.  

I glance out the door, hoping to see Grant so he can take this job but he's not coming back for awhile. “I can do a quick fill in.” I clear my throat and glance back at Kaydence. “Got another appointment soon.”  

“Whatever. Let's get done what we can. This shit should have been finished by now.” She walks to my station like she owns the shop.

The entire time I prep Sarah I can feel Kaydence's eyes on me, she's watching us from a stool by the front counter.  

“You keep changing your mind on this part, Sarah. It would be finished if we didn't have to keep tweaking things,” I murmur, getting to work.  

“Who's she.” She nods toward Kaydence. “Never seen her in here before.”

Looking up at Kay sitting quietly across the room, I clear my through. “Kay, this is Sarah,” I say loud enough she can hear me over the tattoo machine and she smiles with a wave, acting like her phone's keeping her busy. “Kaydence is my girlfriend.” The words feel foreign on my tongue. I haven't had a girlfriend in fucking years.

“Hi,” Kaydence says and I smile over at that sweet girl.

“Sarah's a long time client,” I explain, putting my eyes back on Sarah's arm.

“Client,” Sarah snorts and rolls her eyes. “What he doesn't want to tell you is we usually fuck—” She gasps and jerks when I press a little too hard with the machine. “Ow! Fuck, Chase!”

“Sorry,” I mutter, my eyes flicking to Kaydence. She's got a smile on her face, but it's not her real smile. It's that passive aggressive smile that she usually wears and as much as I love looking at her, I hate this smile right now. Sarah's putting thoughts in Kay's head that don't need to be there.

“You okay?” Kaydence asks, now standing in the doorway of my room.

“I don't fuckin' know,” Sarah bitches. “Where you from? I haven't seen you around.”

“I moved to town a few months ago. You have beautiful work.” She points to the sleeve I've been working on for too long.

“Chase's been at it for a while. I know Chase pretty well and I've never seen you around, so you two must have just met.” Sarah looks from me to Kaydence.

“We've known each other a little over a month, but our relationship's new.” I look at Kaydence and that fake smile still persists.  

“I was gonna say.” Sarah grins evilly at Kaydence. “I was just fucking him like a week ago.” She laughs that bitchy laugh I can't stand. Fuck.  

“Sarah, can you knock that shit off? Fuck.” I huff, trying to work the fastest I safely can to get this girl out of here before she scares Kaydence off.  

“It's okay,” Kaydence speaks up. “He was a free man a week ago. No ties to me.” Kaydence turns to walk away and Sarah snickers, not happy that Kay is letting it go.

“And he'll probably be a free man a week from now. Or he'll just do it behind your back. Does she even know you, Chase?” She cackles.

“Fucking Christ, Sarah. You can't walk in here and start shit like that. You want your ink done, shut the fuck up and let me do my j—”

“It's okay, Chase.” I look over at Kaydence and she smiles at me. “I'm going to run across the street. Just text me when...you're free.” She glances at Sarah. “Nice meeting you.” She's already on her way to the front door and I need to let her walk away before Sarah fucks up more than my attitude.

I watch the door close behind her and squeeze my eyes closed. Sarah tries saying something but I hold my hand up, silencing her. “Don't fucking talk to me right now,” I growl, unbelievably pissed.  

I try to refocus on the tattoo, but I can't. All I can think about is what's going through Kaydence's head right now.  

“Food!” Grant bellows, walking through the front door ten minutes later. “Hey, Sarah.” He leans on the doorframe of my station. “I didn't know what to get so I just ordered the gamut from the burger joint across town. Where's Kay?”

“Ms. Goodie Two Shoes left his ass.” Sarah laughs.  

“I said no fucking talking, Sarah.” I set my machine down and stand, walking out of my room before I explode.

Grant follows on my tail. “What happened?” he blurts as I walk to the front of the shop.  

“Sarah went royal bitch on Kay. Kay left, all smiles, and went across the street, probably hanging out with her brother. Can you go make sure she's okay and tell her I'm almost done?”  

Grant blinks a few times before belting out a laugh. “The booty call and the girlfriend not get along?”  

“Fuck off,” I grumble, then storm back to my room to finish this tattoo and get her the hell out of here.   

It feels like Grant's gone a fucking year but when I glance at the clock it's only been five minutes. Sarah's been smacking her gum the entire time and each time she pops a bubble I want to shove the fucking gum down her throat.  

I'm usually not this violent.  

Okay, that's a lie.  

“We can eat!” Grant announce, waltzing through the front door again. My eyes fly to him, noticing Kaydence right behind him and a genuine smile creeps on my face.  

“I'm almost done,” I call out.  

“I'm starving,” Kaydence says to Grant. “Thanks for picking this up.” A second later, her voice is closer. “Hey, you want me to eat upstairs?”

“Uh, no. We've got a small break room you can eat in. Grant will probably eat in there too. And I'm almost finished.”  

“Okay. Looks good,” she says about Sarah's arm.

“Looks good,” Sarah mocks her and rolls her eyes. “You're a fucking idiot. Your fake nice bullshit will only get you so far. Two-faced bitch,” she mumbles.

Before I can say anything, Kaydence blurts, “Chase, I have to go. I'll—you call me tomorrow.”  

“Fuck,” I growl, pushing back my chair, pulling off my gloves as I run after her. “Kaydence, stop,” I blurt right as she has the front door open.  

“I just need to get home. I'm sorry.” She turns back and tries to smile but there's an expression I haven't seen on her face yet and I don't fucking like it. She's…hurt. Why that bitch's words actually cut that deep, I don't know, but I bet it's because Kay was being genuine. She doesn't really say what she doesn't mean. Looking down, she clears her throat and when she lifts her head, she pushes a smile on her face. “I'm just going to go home. I think I'd be more comfortable.” Pecking my cheek, she says, “Night,” then darts across the street and into the bar.

All I can do is stand here and watch her leave, my feet cemented to the fucking floor because I have to respect what she wants to do and if she's more comfortable away from me... Fuck!

Mother fucking Sarah.  

“Fuck!” I scream, and all the anger comes out in one fucking swipe of the front counter, sending everything that was on it crashing to the ground. “Shit!”

This is why I haven't done relationships in years. Because somehow I always fuck shit up. I fucking swore to myself it'd be different, I fucking knew it'd be different with her. Because the way I feel about her is different than it's ever been for any other girl. And now all I feel is white-hot motherfucking rage.  

“Chill out, Chase. God. What the fuck do you like a girl like that for anyway? You two are complete opposites,” Sarah goes on bitching.

“That's why! Because she's goddamned perfect, and I'm not! Because trash like me makes piss poor decisions every day of his life!” I wave my arms at her. “And for once in my life, it's been so fucking amazing being around someone that's just...happy!” As she stares at me with her lip curled, I can't take it anymore. “Get out,” I finally say.  

“What?” She gapes. “Are you fuckin' serious? How about we grab a few beers and you chill out.” She walks toward me.

“I swear to god, Sarah, I've never gotten physical with a fucking girl before but if you don't get the fuck out of this shop right now I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself from throwing you out that door.” I clench my fists at my side, shaking from anger. Anger that I fucking let Sarah go that far because I was too fuckin' stupid to kick her out sooner.

I knew she'd do it too. These are the stupid ideas this girl has in her head. Like she's had me so she feels she has a right to scare off anyone else that wants me. I haven't felt this much rage since Vegas.

“Okay, let's go.” Grant grabs her arms and starts walking her out. “Out you go.” When he shoves her out the door, he locks it behind him then holds up some money. “Kaydence gave me this. It's for her tattoo. I didn't realize what it was for but she asked what her tattoo would normally cost. I'm just realizing now, you probably didn't charge her though.” He crosses toward the counter and starts picking up the mess I made.

I watch him, unable to move because if I do I feel like I'm going to burn shit.  

“Give me the money,” I blurt, shoving my hand out to him.  

“It's in the draw—”

“Give me the fucking money!” I bellow and he chuckles, opening the drawer and dropping the stack of cash in my palm.  

“Maybe you should go upstai—”

“Shut up,” I cut him off then make a beeline for the door.

I have to make this right. I can't let her think I'm okay with the shit Sarah pulled tonight, and by me letting her sit at home alone that's exactly what I'm doing. After checking the empty bar for her, I speed to the ranch, windows down and the fall air whipping my face, trying to cool me off because I'm livid and I can't talk to her this mad. When my truck swings into the driveway of the Kenshaws' house, I kill the lights and hop out. I don't even know where my goddamned girlfriend lives. I know it's on this property, but now I have to go through Brandt to figure out how to get there.  

I knock on his door, praying I'm not waking any of the kids up. He swings the door open almost immediately.  

“Jesus, clothes would be nice,” I blurt, looking away from his shirtless chest.  

“You randomly show up at my door at ten at night and bitch at me about wearing a shirt?” He crosses his arms in front of him. “What do you want, Chase?”  

“I need to know where Kay lives.” I finally look at him again and he looks pissed. “Please, Brandt.”

He takes a deep, hopefully calming, breath and nods across the field. “The house back by the creek. But Chase, if you already fucked things up with her you better start packing your bags.”

Ignoring his comment, I turn and jog back to my truck, flipping him the bird on the way. I know the house he's talking about. His dad built it a while back but I thought for more storage, or even a place for the kids to play. It was like a life-sized dollhouse.  Only makes sense that's where she lives. 

When I pull into her driveway the truck is barely in park before I'm out and knocking on her front door.  

“Kaydence,” I call out, starting to panic that she's already finished with me.

The door whips open only a minute later and her brother's glaring at me with a scowl I want to punch off his face. “What the fuck are you doing?” He sizes me up.

“Where's your sister?” I want to shove past him and storm inside, but he looks like he'd fight me on it and that's the last thing I need tonight, even if I want to really fucking bad.  

“Ever hear of a fucking phone?” He steps out the door onto the porch and closes it behind him.

“Dude, I don't have time for stupid shit. I can come talk to her whenever I want to!” I snap, attempting to walk around him but he moves into my way. “Is she in there?”

“Why don't you get the fuck off my porch? I don't know if you're drunk or high, but how about you try using a phone. Get the fuck off my porch.”

I growl, shoving my hands through my hair. “I'm not leaving this goddamned house until I talk to your sister, Tyler. I'm almost ten years older than you and can snap you in fucking two with one goddamned arm. So you can let me the fuck in this house, or we can do this the hard way. I've had a shit night, don't fuckin' push me.” I'm almost chest to chest with him.  

“I said get the fuck off my porch!” He shoves me down the steps and the second I land on my feet, I go to charge him but the door opens and Kaydence rushes out, grabbing Tyler before I can tackle him.

“What's going on?” she blurts, standing in between us.

“Your brother's lookin' to start a fight,” I say through heavy breaths. I came here to fucking calm myself, but this is making it a hundred times worse.  

“Tyler.” She looks over at him and they exchange some look before he walks back inside, slamming the door behind him. “Chase?” she questions like I'm breaking her damn heart all over again.

“I just need to talk, Kay.” I shake my head. “I had to see you. I had to make sure you're okay. We're okay.” I walk back up on the porch, hesitantly taking steps toward her. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine, Chase,” she claims and moves quickly to stand in front of me. She grabs my arms. “I'm perfectly fine. Why are you so upset?”

“Because Sarah was being a royal cunt to you. And it upset you. And I let it happen then you left and I can't lose you. I just finally got something good in my life, I can't have you running away because of that.” I cup her head in my hands, really needing to kiss her. To know that we're okay.  

She grips my wrists. “She's not a royal...she's not that. A cunt, Chase.” She shakes her head, looking away. “She's just...sad, misunderstood, jealous.” With a shrug, a soft smile lifts her lips. “And we're okay. We're perfect.” Leaning up on her toes, she kisses me softly before landing on flat feet again.

“You're not at all mad about that?” My brows dip as I stare into those beautiful eyes. “What she did was incredibly bitchy. I kicked her out. She didn't get her tattoo done. I don't think I'm going to let her come back either.”  

“Don't lose clients over me.” She chuckles then glances toward the house. “Come in, it's chilly out tonight.” She grips my hand and pulls me to the door and I worry Tyler's going to start shit again, but as we enter he's not around. “You want something? I don't have beer, but maybe some coffee?” She pulls me to the kitchen.

“Water?” I can finally feel my heart slowing down, so coffee probably isn't the best idea right now. With her smile set, she gets me a glass of water. “Thank you.” I take long, deep breaths because I'm still coming down from that. I watch as she fills a glass for herself and turns against the counter, leaning on it. When she smiles at me it's like nothing that happened tonight's even bothered her. “Why'd you let Sarah walk all over you like that?”

Her mouth opens as she stares at me but doesn't say anything for a minute. “It's no big deal. I don't need your friends to like me to be with you. I think her feelings were hurt that you and her...” She glances away and when I remain silent for a few minutes she walks toward me, pushing herself into my lap.  

“Had shitty, meaningless sex? Is that what you're looking for?” My lips lift into a smirk and she rolls her eyes.  

“Yeah.” She stands and crosses her kitchen.

“You gonna get all weird every time we come across a girl I've been with? 'Cause if so, this may not be the right town to start this relationship in.” I raise my eyebrows and stand, crossing the kitchen to be near her, needing to touch her. I slide my arms around her and press my lips to the top of her head.  

“It doesn't bother me, Chase. We've both slept with other people. It's life. I'm not getting weird.”  

I hold her tight against me because she's being weird and she can't seem to stay in one place tonight. I've never had anything like this, with any other human being. The need to make sure she's happy. To make sure she's not just suppressing shit. It's terrifying to think that I care about her this much after just a couple weeks of knowing her.  

“You want to stay over?” she asks, her fingers sliding to the scruff on my face. Her eyes hit mine and I can't say no to this girl. Not that I would even want to.  

“Absolutely,” I whisper, pushing my lips to hers softly. “Hey, you promise if shit ever bothers you, you'd actually talk to me about it, right? I can take it, you know.”

She giggles and pulls away. “Chase, I'm fine, really. Let's move this to my bedroom. I don't want Tyler to come out here.” Taking my hand, she flips off the kitchen light and leads me down a short hall past a closed bedroom door. “The house isn't that big.” Like I said. Life-sized dollhouse. “You just got the whole tour in a few steps.” She chuckles and closes the door behind us before flipping on her bedroom light.

“Small spaces are easier to clean.” I smile at her. “Your positivity is starting to wear off on me.” I laugh. “That bed comfortable?”

“So comfortable,” she boasts and moves my jacket that she took the other day and hasn't given back. Not that I mind. It's kind of fuckin' adorable.

“You enjoying my jacket?” I ask, sitting on her bed. It feels awkward being in here. Like she's hiding me from her brother or something. That better not be the case, because fuck him.  

She grins at me and pulls her sweatshirt off, wearing a tight tank that stops before her navel. “Hmm…I don't know what you're talking about. You want something to eat? Did you eat?”

I laugh off the lie. “I'm good. I lost my appetite earlier and haven't found it since.” My eyes find her nipples and I can't fucking tear them away.  

Her lips pull into a frown and she walks toward me. “I didn't eat either. What would help you find your appetite?” She grins and moves closer, biting her lip.

My hands move on their own accord, gripping her hips then sliding up her sides, under her tank, and stopping just short of her breasts. “I could think of a few things,” I murmur before leaning in and pressing my lips to her stomach.  

Her fingers slide into my hair and she releases a quiet moan that makes me stop. Her brother's room is right next door. I can't fuck her with her brother right next door.

“From here on out you're staying at my place, doll,” I whisper, looking up at her. “More privacy.” Her stomach growls and her eyes go wide, making me laugh.  

“That's embarrassing.” She giggles and covers her stomach. “Stay right here. I'm going to grab us something to eat.” She slips out the door before I can stop her. As soon as the door closes, her purse falls from her small desk and the contents spill out onto the floor.  

“Fuck,” I huff, sliding down to the floor to clean it up for her.

Why the hell do girls keep this much shit in their purses anyway? What the fuck is she doing carrying a ball of yarn around? God, there's so much stuff! I feel like I'm doing something wrong, going through her purse contents like this, but I'm just helping clean this up so she doesn't step on it all when she gets back in. I reach under the bed, because I swear something rolled under there, and my hand lands on a bottle. A pill bottle.  I pull it out, and my eyebrows crease together as soon as I realize what I'm holding isn't a bottle of aspirin.

“What the hell?” I whisper.

Prozac? Why the fuck would she need Prozac? The girl's the happiest person I've ever seen, and she doesn't seem like someone that would need this. Not that there's anything fucking wrong with it, but Kaydence just doesn't strike me as the type. But then my mind flies to her new tattoo. And now I'm worried there's something I need to be asking her. But is that even my fucking place? She'd tell me shit like this if she wanted me to know, right?

I hear her walking down the hall so I hurry to shove everything else in and put the purse back on the desk, making it back to the bed just as she cracks the door open.  

“Hey. That was fast,” I blurt, my eyes flicking to the purse then back to her. “What'd you find?”  

“Jalapeno poppers, milk, and cookies.” Unloading, she starts to laugh. “I'm sorry. I haven't shopped in a few days.”

“This spread is amazing.” I scoot over on the bed for her. “I haven't had milk and cookies in so fucking long. Are these homemade?”  

“If I lie and tell you they are, will it score me some Betty Crocker points?”

I bark out a laugh, shoving a cookie in my mouth. “Sure,” I say with a full mouth, then grin at her.

She brushes her thumb over my lip and smiles. “I'm glad you came tonight.”

“Me too.” When she takes a bite of a popper, cream cheese plops out the end of it and I laugh at her, wiping it off her leg. “I thought I was a pig when I ate,” I say, still laughing because she looks so embarrassed right now it's adorable.  

“The popper came before you.” She gasps at her joke and covers her mouth, dropping back to the bed, laughing her ass off. “I'm sorry. That was awful!” She howls happily and I can't help but smile at her. There's no way this girl's on any type of depression meds. Those can't be hers in that purse and there wasn't a name to prove they are.

“I'm kind of shocked I didn't think of that one.” I lean over her and press my lips to hers. “You taste like poppers.”  

“You taste like cookies. Sweet and spicy go together perfectly.” She smiles, sliding her fingers through my hair.

“Yes we do, don't we.” I murmur, then roll to the side of her and pull her against me, wrapping my arms tight around her. “Yeah, your bed's way more comfortable than mine.”  

“You're welcome in my bed whenever you want.” She kisses my jaw.

It's amazing how all my tension is gone when I'm with her. I was so worked up earlier I convinced myself I was going to end the night in a fight and probably jail. Something that isn't abnormal for me. But somehow this girl managed to bring me off the fucking ledge and turn me into a fucking sap within a matter of an hour. Her fingers swirl in my hair, around and around, lulling me.

“Chase,” she whispers after we lay here a few minutes. I respond with a hum, almost asleep. “Jo and Kinlee are doing a friendsgiving bonfire later this month. You'll be there, right?”

Fuck me. Jo and Kinlee need to stop tryin' to get the group back together. We've all fuckin' grown out of that phase.

“I uh... I think I have to work that day,” I mumble, half asleep.  

“Can you take the day off? So we can go together? I think maybe...” She shifts and is leaning on my chest, grinning at me while I stare at her through cracked eyelids. “Maybe it'd be a good time to let everyone know we're together. Officially? Not an announcement but, you know. We show up together. Stay together.” She pokes the cleft of my chin while grinning down at me.

“Or, better yet, you just come to my apartment that night and we fuck like crazy.” I need to accept the fact that I'm going to end up at this fucking 'friendsgiving' party.

Fuck.  

“We can do that too.” She maneuvers to straddle my hips then she wiggles her ass. “But before that, we hang out with our friends, as a couple.”

I groan, gripping her hips to stop her wiggling on me. “Doll, I'm not fucking you with your brother next door. You're going to have to stop that,” I say before taking a deep breath, because control isn't something I have with her straddling me like this. “You really want me to go to that thing? It's gonna be weird. A bunch of my old friends I rarely talk to tryin' to hold on to their youth.”

“Chase, you can get older and stay friends. It's important to keep the people you care about close.” She moves to lay on top of me, her head resting on my chest. “Don't you think?”

“Absolutely,” I mumble, letting my hand smooth her hair down. “I'll go with you if you let me sleep,” I whisper.  

“I'll let you sleep if you take off your pants. And your shirt. Just get naked.” She giggles, popping the button of my jeans.

“Sleep, Kaydence,” I groan, trying not to laugh at her and trying even harder not to give in to her, which is really goddamned hard.  

“Did you really come here to sleep?” she whispers in my ear before nibbling while her hand starts to stroke my dick.

“Babe,” I blurt, shifting in bed. “I came here to make sure you were okay. To make sure we were okay.” I grip her hand in mine.

“Happiness is a choice. And I choose you. We're perfect, Chase.” Her tongue rims my lips and I groan.

“I'm happy you chose me. But I didn't come here for your brother to listen to us fuck. That shit's not going to happen tonight, especially since he was about to kick my ass when I showed up for even being on this property.”  

“He's not listening. Plus he brings girls here. But.” She plops onto the mattress next to me. “If you came to cuddle.” She wraps her arms around my head and pulls me to her chest, laughing as she smashes my face into her cleavage. “Goodnight.”

I could think of worse ways to fall asleep.