Eden
MY DAD PICKED UP ALEC thirty minutes ago, and I’ve been running around the house like a crazy person in attempt to clean it up ever since.
Not that I intend to invite Kash in–it’s definitely too soon for that–but it’s the first time in weeks that I’ve had a few moments to get some work done, without Alec zooming around the house like a madman, wanting me to play with him.
I love that kid with everything in me, he’s the very reason I breathe, but I’ve never met a messier or more energetic child in my life.
He definitely takes after his father when it comes to both of those qualities and needless to say, it’s exhausting sometimes.
I have to admit that the idea of Kash taking me out tonight–and wanting to take care of me–sounds like a dream come true right now.
I’m so used to taking care of everyone in my life, and putting myself last, that maybe he’s right. I deserve just one night to have someone else take care of me for once.
Maybe I just want a chance to know what that feels like and I have a feeling that Kash is the perfect guy for just that.
I’m lost in my thoughts, just getting ready to bend down and pick up a stray sock, when the living room door opens to someone letting themselves inside.
My chest immediately tightens with stress, because I know without a doubt that it’s Knight letting himself inside, without permission, as usual.
Out of all the nights he chooses to randomly stop in and most likely cause trouble, why tonight?
Damn you, Knight for ruining everything.
“Alec,” he yells, while walking through the living room. “Come here, buddy. I got you something.”
Shaking my head, I step into the living room and watch as he drops his jacket on the couch. “He’s not here. And can you please start knocking? You don’t live here anymore. Remember?”
Just as I think he’s about to yell at me for Alec not being here, he tosses a small package onto the couch and pulls some flowers out from behind his back.
My stomach instantly twists into knots as his sad eyes meet mine. I automatically know where this is headed. He’s good at playing people and making them feel bad for him.
Well not me. Not anymore.
“What are you doing?” Not wanting to deal with the little breakdown that I know is coming, I back up and run my hands over my face. “I can’t do this again. Not tonight, Knight. Please don’t.”
He flashes me that smile that I once found charming and holds the flower arrangement out to me. “Come on, Eden. Don’t you stand there and fucking tell me you don’t miss me, baby? We both know that’s a big lie.”
When I still refuse to grab for the flowers, he finally sets them down on the counter himself, before walking over to stand behind me.
My body stiffens from the feel of his arms wrapping around me from behind. Nothing about this feels right or good. “I didn’t like seeing you with another man, Eden,” he whispers against my ear. “You’ve been mine since high school. You’re still mine. Never forget that.”
“No . . . No, I’m not.” With force, I break my way out of his arms and point at the door. “I’m not doing this with you. Leave. Please, just leave.”
“Come on . . .” Not giving up, he comes back at me, pulling me into his huge arms again. The feel of his lips against my neck has me feeling sick. Who knows how many women those lips have been on. “Alec isn’t here. It’s just the two of us so stop putting on that tough show and pretending you don’t still think about me.”
“Knight . . .” I grip his arm and pull it down as he reaches up to grip my breasts. I hate the feeling of him touching me sexually. Makes me want to throw up. “It’s not a damn show, asshole. I don’t want you anymore so stop.”
“What the fuck!” he screams, while pushing me away from him. “Who was that guy at the club then? Are you fucking him? Don’t fucking lie to me either because you know I’ll find out the truth.”
“He hasn’t been around Alec and that’s all you need to know. The rest isn’t your damn business.” I point at the door again, making it as clearly as I can that I want him gone. “Now go. Now.”
“Have you fucked him?” he questions again. “I’m not leaving until you answer my damn question and we both know it.”
“No! I’m not sleeping with anyone. Now go.”
“Fine.” He smirks, going back to the cocky asshole I’ve learned to hate so much. “I have shit to do anyway, but don’t think for one second that I won’t be back for you and Alec. You’re still my family. This new guy has another thing coming if he thinks he can steal you guys from me.”
“Just go,” I growl out. “Right now. Get out.”
Relief washes through me as he turns around and leaves, without further argument.
With him, you never know what to expect.
If he’s in a certain mood, then nothing you can say or do can get him to go away, but luckily, he probably has one of his sluts waiting on him.
I mean, what is Knight without his group of desperate women up his ass, looking to get laid by a somewhat known fighter?
This is not the night to deal with this mess.
Knight is the last person I want around tonight, before seeing Kash. Not to mention that he should be here any second now for our date and they could’ve bumped into each other.
Having them here at the same time would’ve been bad news for sure.
After seeing what they’re both capable of, with no one here to stop them, who knows what could’ve went down.
Just as I get a second to catch my breath and recover from Knight’s little unexpected visit, the sound of Kash pulling into the driveway has my stomach filling up with butterflies.
I need this date more than ever now. Anything to get the bad taste of Knight out of my mouth and to forget about him touching me.
I find myself smiling as I look through the screen door to see Kash running up to the porch, tossing a baseball up and down in his hand.
He’s looking so damn handsome tonight, dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a fitted button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows.
The sexy smile on his face and the way his eyes look me over with admiration has my heart going crazy with excitement.
“Are we playing ball tonight?” I nod at the ball in his hand. “It’s been a while since I’ve played with someone over the age of five.”
“Me too.” He smirks and tosses the ball up once more, before catching it and holding it out to me as I step outside. “I brought it for your son, but I’d be down to play anything you want, Eden. Just as long as I get to take care of you afterward.”
“Is that so?” I take the ball from his hand with a smile. “Happen to have an extra ball in that truck of yours?”
He laughs as if it’s a silly question. “Oh of course. Never leave home without some.”
“I think I might like you even more now.” I toss the ball up and catch it, feeling pretty damn enthusiastic about playing ball with Kash. It’s a beautiful night to be outside. “I’ll put this inside for Alec.”
Kash’s eyes widen, but quickly goes back to normal as if I was just imagining it.
Who knows . . . maybe I was. It’s been a long day.
“That’s a good name.” He smiles. “So much better than Bob, George, or Kenneth. For a bit there, I was worried for your son’s reputation.”
Laughing, I push his chest, my eyes widening when it doesn’t even cause him to budge. He’s rock solid. Even harder than Knight. “Someone spend a lot of time at the gym or is that just from all that erotic dancing and stage humping you do?”
“Both.” He flashes me the sexiest grin and reaches behind me to open the screen door. “Toss that inside so I can have fun with you.”
Keeping my eyes on him, I toss the ball inside and watch as he locks the door and closes it for me.
“Where are we going?”
He opens the door to his huge truck and boosts me up by my ass, making my heart jump from the firmness of his touch. “To play baseball, of course. And if you’re lucky . . . to get a naked massage from me later.”
His face stays serious as he leans across me to buckle my seatbelt.
“What makes you think I want a naked massage from you?”
He’s still leaning across me, his minty breath hitting my lips, as he speaks. “Are you saying you don’t?”
He smirks, when I don’t respond, as if he already knew what the answer would be. “I thought so.”
With that, he closes the door and hops into the driver side, a satisfied smile on his face as he drives off.
Oddly enough, that has me smiling too.
I like Kash. I really, really do . . .