Chapter Seven
Licorice Pubes and the Tardis
Harlow
“Don’t you think?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, definitely.”
Piper’s lips tipped up as she finished scraping batter out of a mixing bowl before setting it aside. “So yes you think I should just make a giant dick cake with licorice pubes?”
My eyes widened as my jaw dropped. “What?”
“Kidding.” She smiled before turning serious. “No one likes licorice.”
Like the helpful friend I was, I picked up the bowl and started cleaning it.
With my finger.
Salmonella be damned, cake batter is delicious.
After my dramatic and ridiculous exit from the whole scene at Wicked a few nights before, I vowed to avoid Hyde for a century or so.
I lasted three days.
I wasn’t going to let Kase control my life, no matter how much he was trying to. When the last half of my classes got canceled, I was happy to have time to check on Piper and chill for a while.
Though I wasn’t chill so much as on the edge of my seat, ready to flee if I caught even a glimpse of Kase.
Yup, totally showing him who was boss.
“Why are you making a dick cake?” I asked as I scooped up more batter.
“I’m not. You were so zoned out, I wanted to see if you’d notice.”
“Sorry, sorry. I’m just tired.”
Opening the oven, Piper put the cake pan in. As she wiped her hands off, she studied me. “What else is it?”
“Nothing. Just work and school taking up all my time. You know how it is.”
“You’re a bad liar.”
“Yeah, Kase says the same thing.” As soon as the words were out, I wished I could shove them back in my big mouth. I tried to look innocent as Piper narrowed her eyes.
“When did Kase say that?”
“Last time we all hung out, I think.”
“Why did he say it?”
I shrugged. “I don’t remember.”
“Weird. I don’t remember you two talking… ever.” Her brows lowered as she leaned against the counter. “Do you not get along?”
“We don’t not get along,” I evaded.
Though he got me fired, so he’s pretty high up on my ‘Needs a Junk Punch’ list.
She sighed and turned back to her ingredients. After a silent minute, she spoke again, this time quietly. “You’re one of my best friends.”
“You’re one of mine, too,” I said, just as quiet.
“I’m not gonna force you to talk to me. But I’m here for you when you’re ready.”
The weight pressed in again. Only instead of settling on my chest, it felt like it was pushing up my throat. Like if I opened my mouth, everything would come pouring out.
I bit the inside of my cheeks, working to keep it all in.
I’m gonna choke on unspoken words, or open the floodgates and drown.
Either way, I’m screwed.
“Here.” Piper handed me the frosting bowl to clean using my usual method. “So, I saw the cutest bag at Target. It isn’t quite as big as your current one, so you couldn’t live in it or float across the Atlantic. But it was just your style.”
As she began telling me about the bag, which totally sounded killer, I knew she was changing the subject because she was a good friend. She’d made her point and she wasn’t going to push it.
And now I’m choking on the words and guilt.
*******
“We’re going out tonight.”
I hadn’t seen even a hint of golden, tattooed skin or soft, sexy dreads the whole time I was hanging out with Piper. I’d thought I was in the clear.
I should’ve known better.
Without looking up from digging for my keys, I shook my head. “Nope.”
Kase got closer, his body almost touching mine. “Why?”
“I’m busy.”
I don’t care how killer that purse is, I’m not getting it. I need a small one.
“Doing what?”
“Stuff.” I twisted around to glare at him, though he didn’t move away. “You know, like searching for a new job because you’re an asshole.”
Job-hunting was the plan, but I was at a loss. I’d expended my available options, having spent the previous three nights checking out other clubs. I was less than impressed with what I’d found.
Most of them looked like they belonged in between an airport and a charge by the hour motel. The only one that was clean and did good business had an owner that was hot like Lars but acted like Eddie, only worse.
I wasn’t interested in that headache.
Even though I knew I needed to find something, I wasn’t feeling the frantic push I’d expected to. Between the station and school, my time was filled.
The increase in sleep was an added bonus, too.
A big part of me wanted to enjoy a short break. With almost everything I made dancing going straight into the bank, I had more than enough in savings to get by on.
Spending that money, though, meant it wouldn’t be there if I needed it. And since my brain liked to dream up all sorts of what ifs and worst case scenarios, any deductions from those savings would be cause for major panic and stress.
“You’re right,” he admitted. “That was fucked up—”
“Don’t try to charm your way… Wait, what did you say?”
“It shouldn’t have gone down like that. I’m sorry.”
“Then why? You knew I needed that job, Kase.” I lowered my voice. “More than anyone, you knew.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Come out with me tonight and I’ll explain.”
“No.” I put my hands on my hips. “I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me what your problem is.”
“My fuckin’ problem?” he asked, his voice deceptively calm.
“Yeah. You lift me up and carry me out of Wicked, get me fired, and then expect me to just follow you around.”
Leaning in, he held my gaze. His blue eyes were brighter, intense. “Because I couldn’t take another fuckin’ night knowing other men were seeing you like that. Touching you. The shit I saw? The shit I heard? Fuck!” He slammed his hands down on my car, his voice harsh.
I flinched, making him inhale deeply.
Slowly exhaling, some of the tension and anger left his body as he softened his voice. “I wish I could tell you my motives were all selfless, that I was worried about your safety. That you were working yourself too hard. And, yeah, that’s all true. But, bottom fuckin’ line, I couldn’t take another fuckin’ night of that shit. I’ll help you, do whatever I can. But I can’t do that anymore, Harlow. I can’t.”
My mind raced as I tried to play catch-up. He hadn’t given any indication that my job was an issue for him. As much as I hated to admit it, I could see where he was coming from. He was wrong, definitely. If I switched our places, though, I couldn’t say I’d be okay with other women seeing him, let alone him dancing on them.
My stomach clenched and dropped at the thought.
Balls. When did I get so into him?
“I’ll pick you up tonight,” he said.
“I didn’t say yes.”
“You were going to.”
I rolled my eyes. “You have too much confidence.”
“Yeah,” he agreed without hesitation. “What time?”
“What makes you think I want to be around you?”
“‘Cause you’re crazy about me, too.”
“Does it get hard holding that giant, inflated head up? I’ve honestly gotta figure you have insanely high chiropractor bills.”
Kase grinned, bobbing his head around. “They give me a frequent patient discount, so that really saves a lot. Especially when I had to have my shoulder readjusted after lifting your bag.”
“Ha. Ha,” I deadpanned, though I was totally fighting returning his grin.
“You know you wanna see me.”
“What’re the chances you’ll drop it if I say I don’t?” Forcing some distance, I unlocked my door and opened it.
“What’re the chances you wouldn’t be lying?” he shot back.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Honestly,” I started, my tone showing my serious concern, “don’t you ever worry that your inflated ego will cause your head to explode?”
“Hasn’t happened yet.”
“It’s a miracle. Have any medical journals been in contact to study you?”
Kase pushed in closer, his body pressed to mine. Placing his hands on the car roof on either side of me, he leaned his face in close to mine. “How about from now on, anytime I feel my ego getting out of control, I come see you?” He lowered his voice. “Let you take me down a few notches.”
Fighting the trance I was sure he was trying to put me in, I licked my suddenly dry lips.
His gaze flicked down to watch.
“I, uhh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, my voice breathy.
His eyes locked back with mine. “Why not?”
“I don’t have the availability for that kind of time commitment.”
Wrapping his arms around me, Kase held me close as he laughed.
And, stupid me, I let him.
*******
“Low Low! I ran like a million miles today in gym. And I got four books from the library. And I saw some beetles at the playground, but I didn’t scream or touch them. And…” Hadley stopped and looked at me. “Are you going on a date with Kase?”
“Uh, yeah, guess I am.”
“Susie says that girls always dress extra nice when they go on dates and are in love. Are you in love?”
Scooping her up, I buried my head in her neck and blew raspberries. “Only with you.”
Hadley wiggled free. “I told Miss Lennon you were Kase’s a poo.”
“Ipo, Hadley. Ipo.”
“Ohhh.”
Note to self: Text Joss and explain the Kase thing.
Follow-up note to self: Figure out the Kase thing in order to text Joss.
“You’re silly, Big Mouth Freckle Face.”
Hadley's face scrunched up, her little fists going to her hips. “That’s not my name. I just wanted to make Miss Lennon happy.”
“Is she not happy?” I asked, trying to think of when we last chatted.
“She still smiles and is super nice. But she went on vacation last week and now she’s sad. I can tell.”
“How?”
She looked away and pulled at her skirt, a sure sign she was about to lie. “I just know.”
Setting my makeup brush down on my desk, I turned my chair to face her. “Hadley.”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Why not?”
“Because I wasn’t supposed to hear.”
“Were you listening in on other people’s conversations again?”
“Yeah, but not on purpose. She was crying a little and then she told Mrs. Ramos that she’s not getting married anymore.”
My heart sank for Joss. “Are you sure you heard right?”
Hadley nodded. “And she had a ring, it was really small but it still sparkled a little. But now she doesn’t wear it.”
At her words, my sinking heart broke.
Though we weren’t close in high school, everyone, and I mean everyone, knew about her and Peter. Since their second week of junior year, Joss and Peter were the golden couple. When he’d proposed after graduation, no one had been surprised.
People were, however, shocked when they hadn’t marry shortly thereafter.
When I’d found out Hadley was going to be in Joss’ class, I’d expected her to be married with at least one kid. Instead, she’d told me that they hadn’t even set a date.
With Hadley’s eyes still on me, I smiled as best as I could. “Sometimes things like that happen. I’m sure Miss Lennon will be okay.”
“I know. She’s really nice, and the good princess always gets her prince. Like you have Kase!”
The back of my eyes started to burn as I pulled Hadley in for another hug, much to her dismay.
“No more hugging. Can I have some lipstick instead?”
Letting her go, I picked up two different ones. “Pink or shiny?”
“Hmm.” She looked at each one thoroughly before shaking her head. “Red.”
“Got it.” I grabbed the lip stain and put it on her. “Okay, now out. I’ve gotta finish getting ready.”
Hadley looked in the mirror and grinned. “I’m gonna go show Mama my beautiful lips.”
“Is she awake?”
“Uh huh. We’re gonna read a book soon.” With another smile, Hadley sprinted from the room.
“No running inside!” I called after her.
Glancing at the time, I pushed into overdrive.
If there’s one thing I learned as a stripper, it’s how to get ready quickly.
Well, that, and how to do an inverted pole twirl.
Keeping things light, I brushed on a shimmer eyeshadow, adding just a touch of blue in the crease. I lined my upper lid and swept on a couple of coats of mascara.
When I finished, I changed into a blue long sleeve tee. The scoop neck top was extra fitted, ending an inch above the waistband of my dark wash skinny jeans. Out of habit, I reached for a sweater.
As I put it on, I looked down to see the Doctor Who Tardis buttons. I started to take it off, pausing when I realized what I was doing.
If he wants to hang out, I’m gonna be me, in all my nerdy glory.
It’s not like he can judge… He’s got Star Wars dogs.
With that decision made, I kicked off the plain black canvas shoes I usually wore. Instead, I slipped on white ones that were covered in black mustaches.
I was grabbing my bag when I heard my mom.
“Harlow, Kase is here!”
Since I didn’t have the sexy dress and wind machine to look like someone from a cheesy romance movie, I walked quickly down the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I saw Hadley’s books sitting on a step.
“Were you reading on the stairs?” I asked my mom, glaring at her.
A bogus innocent smile pulled at her lips. “It was a comfortable spot.”
Shaking my head, I looked up at Kase. “This is what I have to put up with. Is your mom this nutso, too?”
“Hey, I’m not nuts. We just happened to sit on the steps,” my mom claimed, Hadley giggling by her leg. “I didn’t even know Kase was coming over.”
“Yeah, like Big Mouth Freckle Face didn’t blab.”
“That’s not my name,” Hadley said, laughing harder.
I looked up at Kase pleadingly. “Please tell me you’ve got a crazy mom, too. Misery loves company, right?”
Kase’s face softened, his grin fading to a small smile. “My ma passed away, ipo.”
Grief, embarrassment, and small bit of pity hit me hard and fast.
My mom drove me up the wall, but I couldn’t imagine not having her.
I scrunched up my face. I could feel my blush, which I knew made me look like one big freckle, but I didn’t care. “Balls.”
“Harlow, language.” Mom reached up and patted Kase’s cheek. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“It was a long time ago, Mrs. Ganes.”
“I told you, call me Helena. And, long time or not, the pain of losing someone never totally goes away. It’s been years since the girls and I lost their dad, and I know we all still miss him.” As if she hadn’t dropped a big bombshell, my mom smiled and squeezed Kase’s arm. “But I bet your mom would be so proud of you.”
“Mom.” I tried to pretend everything was fine. “You don’t even know him.”
“I know a good person when I see them. Anywho,” she singsonged, “you two go have a good night. Text me if you aren’t coming home, you know I worry.”
Though I wanted to say something snarky, I could tell she was already pushing herself to be up. “I’ll be home tonight.”
“David’s here and Abbey is coming over early tomorrow. Go have fun, sweet girl.”
Some of the apprehension left me. “Fine, fine. If you insist.” I looked up at Kase. “I get the feeling she’s kicking me out again.”
His lips quirked up. “Yup.” Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he winked at Hadley. “Bye, ladies.”
As we walked to the car, I wasn’t sure how much to say. “Uhh, about your mom—”
“Was over a decade ago, Harlow.”
“I’m still sorry. And I’m sorry I brought it all up—”
“You didn’t know. It’s cool, ipo. Don’t worry, okay?” Kase opened the door for me, shutting it once I was in.
I inhaled deeply, trying to relax as he went to his side.
He got in and started the car. “Do you like Mexican food?”
“Love it.”
“We’ll go eat.” My stomach sank when he looked over and continued. “Then we’ll go back to my place and talk.”
“Yippee,” I muttered, lacking all enthusiasm.
“Or we can just go straight to my place.”
“No, no.” I shook my head. “Dinner sounds great.”
I’m in giant flippin’ trouble.
*******
“Are those phone booth buttons?”
“It’s a Tardis,” I said.
Kase’s brows went together and he shook his head as he drank his beer.
I explained further. “It’s from a British TV show.”
“About a phone booth?”
“It’s kind of a time machine.” At his confused look, I just grinned. “Trust me, it’s awesome.”
“We’ll watch it sometime,” he said.
His quick agreement to check it out made me feel warm and fuzzy, although the tequila was probably helping.
“That’d be cool.”
“What do you do at the station?” he asked, adding to the distinct this-is-totally-a-real-date feel of the night.
Finishing my margarita, I wiped the salt from my lips. “Get coffee and food, run lots errands. Help lug around and set up equipment. I’ve recently taken over stalking social media for stories. Oh, plus hours of fact checking, which, as you can imagine, is incredibly titillating.” I leaned back and stuck my nose in the air, taking on a pretentious tone. “It’s all very exciting and glamorous.”
“That sounds… well, pretty fucking shitty.”
I nodded. “There are times that it sucks. But there are so many things that make it worth it. I don’t think people realize how competitive the news really is. Every station might report the same story, but it’s the first one to break it that gets the glory. When we receive a tip, it gets chaotic.”
I stopped talking as the waitress dropped off my margarita, almost tipping it over in her attempt to not stare at Kase.
Don’t bother. It’s impossible to not get sucked into the view.
Especially the way his light blue tee sets off his eyes. And the way it stretches across his broad chest and thick arms.
Or how thick other parts…
Where was I supposed to be going with this?
“Chaos is good?” Kase asked after I took a much needed drink.
“Very. We can’t just take a tip and run with it. Everyone gets hyper focused, and there’s this huge rush of energy that shoots through the place as we work to piece together the full story. Once that happens, we go live. Like when the ex-senator decided to spread his patriotism all over the state.”
Realizing how much I was talking, I stopped and took another sip, giving Kase the chance to change the subject.
He put his elbows on the table and leaned in, showing his genuine interest. “What about him?”
“Our first tip wasn’t credible. When I vetted her, the senator had a previous restraining order against her. Breaking a story first gets you glory. Breaking a false story gets you fired. But, Mistress Paula, and yes, that is her legal name, got in touch with other former lovers that had plenty of proof. After that, it was sorting it out, authenticating it, and rolling with the clear and concise story.”
“See, that part doesn’t sound too bad.”
“It’s fun, in a manic and high pressure kind of way.”
“Think our definition of fun is very different.” Reaching across the table, his thumb stroked the back of my hand. “Is that why you put up with all of the gofer shit? To be the lead one day?”
“I like the investigating, but I don’t want to do that.”
“You aiming for anchor?”
I shook my head. “You know those fluff pieces? Like, a brave kitten making it across the state or some fundraiser happening at a school?” At Kase’s nod, I shrugged and smiled a little. “That’s what I want to do.”
“Really?”
“I know, my boss thinks I’m settling because I’m afraid to go for the more in demand positions. But it’s what I’ve always wanted. The world is a shitty place. Sick, twisted, fucked up stuff happens day after day, and the news has to cover that. On the flipside, there’s good in the world. And I think people need that daily reminder.”
“That’s—”
Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I laughed nervously. “Anyway, that’s about all I do.”
My change of subject wasn’t subtle, but Kase didn’t push it.
After paying the check, he grabbed my hand, keeping hold of it as we walked to the car.
Nervously, I bit the inside of my cheek.
In all the times we’d hung out, there was a heavy intimacy running between us, though very little happened physically. We hadn’t even kissed. It was easy for my mind to try to twist it, to warp things, but I knew he was attracted to me. I’d felt the evidence of it.
Oh, and what a lovely memory it is.
Still, I wondered, impatiently and often, when he was going to kiss me.
I dragged my thoughts away from his lips as he started driving. “What’ve you been doing at work?”
“A lot of everything. But my recent projects have been mostly airbrush and paint work.”
“Like naked lady titties on the side of a cargo van?”
“With a sick ass dragon and some wizard bolts?” He threw up the horns with his pinky and index finger. “Fuck yeah.”
“You’re kidding… Right?”
“I’ve done it. People go nuts for that shit, conventions and everything. But I do a lot of regular painting and detailing.”
“I didn’t know you were artistic like that.” It was impressive. I couldn’t draw a straight line if I had a ruler and someone started it for me.
“I used to want to be a tattoo artist.”
“Really?”
Stretching his arm out to me, he turned it over. “See the shark?”
Looking closer, I realized that what I’d thought was a random spiky design actually pieced together to become a shark and water. “Yeah.”
“I did that one.”
“Like, you tattooed it on yourself?”
“And a couple on my leg.”
“You actually took a needle to yourself and were able to make that? I can’t even pluck my own eyebrows! As soon as it starts to hurt, I stop.”
Turning his arm back around, he rested it on my thigh. “Mind over matter, baby.”
I felt clammy and woozy at just the mention of needles. “Yeah, it doesn’t matter ‘cause you’re outta your mind.”
His lips tipped up. “There’s that.”
I glanced down at his knuckles where the word ‘make’ was spelled out, one letter on each finger. “Let me see your other hand.”
He switched his driving hand, reaching the other one out so I could see the word ‘nipo’ on those knuckles.
“What do your fingers say?” I asked.
“Well, I haven’t talked to them lately, but usually—”
“The tattoo. What’s it mean?”
“Love.”
“Your hands say ‘make love’?”
“My hands, my brain, my—”
I rolled my eyes. “I mean your tattoos.”
“Make is Hawaiian for death.”
“Oh. That’s pretty badass.” Glancing out the window, I recognized the houses. “We’re almost to my place.”
“Yeah.”
“Cool. I, uhh, didn’t realize the restaurant was that close.” My overactive brain went crazy, trying to analyze everything I’d done and said at dinner that could’ve put him off.
As much as I didn’t want to share, I hadn’t spent the night dreading our talk. Mostly because I hadn’t thought about it. When I was with Kase, everything else faded away.
I forgot.
Somehow knowing what I was thinking, Kase squeezed my leg. “You’re not ready to talk, and I’m not gonna force you. I’ll wait.”
“What if I’m never ready?”
Pulling into my driveway, Kase put the car into park. “I’m a patient man, Harlow.” Before I could respond, he got out and walked around to my side.
He’ll wait.
When he opened the door, I got out, but didn’t start walking. “I had fun tonight.”
“Me too. Free tomorrow night?”
“Yeah,” I whispered, still not moving.
“Good,” he whispered back.
“You’ll wait?” At his nod, I looked him in the eyes. “Why?”
His body pressed in close to mine, pinning me against the car. “I’m done fighting this, and I’m sure as hell not gonna fuck it up by rushing it.”
Not thinking, I went up on my toes and pressed my mouth to his.
After a frozen moment, Kase took over. With one hand on my ass, the other cupping my head, he deepened the kiss.
All thought, all fear, all reason flew from my brain. All I knew was what I felt.
Truly carefree and happy.
I’d wanted Kase for longer than I cared to admit, and was finally letting myself go for it.
Biting his lip, I sucked it in quickly before twirling my tongue with his.
His hand on my ass tightened in response, holding me closer.
At the feel of his hard cock, I moaned into the kiss. Sliding my hand down his back, I lifted his shirt, needing to feel skin against skin.
Before I could, Kase broke the kiss and grabbed my wrist. “You touch me, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
I tried to move my hand again. “I don’t mind.”
“You will if I end up fucking you in my car in your driveway.”
My nipples hardened further, and I lost my breath.
As much as I wanted him, though, he was right.
“Good point,” I agreed, my voice soft and airy. “Especially since we’re likely to shift the car into neutral and roll through the garage door.”
Kase backed away, but his heated expression made it clear it was the last thing he wanted to do. “Go inside, Harlow,” he ordered, his voice a low growl.
Lifting up, I pressed my lips to his again. His beard was scratchy on my face, which I found strangely hot. “Bye.”
“Good night, ipo.”
Oh, it was definitely that.
*******
Kase
Lime, salt, tequila, and her.
Nothing in my life ever tasted so good.
She shocked the fuck out of me when she kissed me, and not just ‘cause initiating the first kiss wasn’t a move chicks normally made.
No, it was ‘cause it was her doing it. The same chick that could be halfway around the world from someone and still need more space.
As I listened to her talk at dinner, her face flushed with excitement, I’d wanted to see how else I could get her to look like that. But when she’d started telling me about what she wanted to do, the difference she wanted to make, I knew I needed to back off.
‘Til she trusted me, ‘til she could tell me why it was so important to her to talk about the good things in the world, I’d wait.
And the dick hardening, sexy as fuck kiss was just one of the many reasons why Harlow was worth it.