by Allie York
“You picking up strays now?” My brother laughs.
“She’s not a stray.” I snap then shake my head. “Why am I explaining myself? You married a hitchhiker!” I growl into my phone. A noise from the kitchen makes me keep walking.
“Yeah. She’s the best too.” Ace laughs on the other end. “Roni texted me last night and said you were acting weird about this girl who came in.” I really try to pay attention to my brother, but I can’t. Kat’s in my kitchen, cooking. Not just cooking, but the counter is full of food, ingredients I didn’t know I had, and two plates piled high. Her soft waves turned into damp kinky curls in the shower she must have taken while I slept, and she’s wearing a different set of my boxers with another black shirt. The best part is, she’s dancing. An old radio is on the island and Kat’s swaying her hips, belting out an 80s pop song like she was born to do it. It’s a little off key, but I’m not a singer either. Kat in my kitchen, making me breakfast, is the best thing I’ve ever woken up to.
“Ace, I gotta call you back. Can you have Eden come over this morning and bring a change of clothes? Not maternity clothes.” I hang up without letting him answer. I know he’ll be here as soon as his pregnant wife is up for the day. Hell, she may be up already, and they may be on their way now. Ace showing up sounds like something he’d do after finding out I have a woman here.
I stand back and watch for a second, not able to take my eyes off this sexy as fuck woman dancing and singing in my kitchen. She flips the eggs with an expert flick of the wrist and sways her hips, bobbing her head, singing into the spatula. I lean against the door jam, arms crossed, with the dumbest fucking smile on my face. After a minute, Kat plates the eggs, and drops the pan into the waiting sink. She opens one drawer then closes it only to open the next one and pull out two forks. A bump of her hip closes the drawer, and she picks up both plates, turning to face me. Her eyes go wide, and she almost loses the plates.
“Oh my god! How long have you been there?” Kat’s face turns scarlet, and she looks away from me to the mess in my kitchen.
“A minute.” I reach to turn off the radio and take the plates from her.
“I guess I woke you up being loud.” Kat picks up the two glasses of orange juice and follows me to the living room. I sit, waiting for her to do the same. When she sits on the other side of the couch, I slide toward her.
“My brother called. Woke me up. Damn this looks amazing.” I lean over and kiss her cheek.
Kat looks sheepishly at the food. “Thanks. I thought I could thank you with breakfast, and I’ll clean up the kitchen before I get out of your way.”
I stop with my pancake halfway to my mouth. “You’re leaving?” I look her over and know for damn sure I’m not letting her out in public dressed like that. I know it’s a t-shirt and shorts, but it’s how she wears it, and no one should see her like that but me. Ever.
Kat laughs. “I can’t just stay in your apartment in some strange town. I need to go deal with what I did.”
“What you did? You didn’t do it. Your dick of a fiancé did it and so did your sister. You did what any reasonable person would do and got out of a bad relationship.” I shove the pancake into my mouth and moan. “Damn, darlin’. That is the best pancake I’ve ever had. Don’t tell my mom though.” I laugh and swallow the fluffy, buttery bite.
“I should have been an adult and not stolen his car. I also should have told someone where I was going. I don’t even know where I am.” Kat pushes the food around her plate. “My parents are probably pissed.”
“So, call them and let them know you’re safe, then take some time to figure it out. But don’t you fucking dare go back to that prick.” I growl. The thought of her going back to be with a guy who cheated on her with her sister makes me sick. Then I realize I don’t want her with any guy unless that guy’s me. Only me.
“If I never see Will again, I’ll be happy. I don’t care if he’s my niece or nephew’s dad or not. I never want to see him or speak to him again.” Kat takes an angry bite of egg and chews.
“Did he call?” I look at the phone on the table, screen dark.
“Yeah. Everyone did. I ignored all the calls and turned off the phone. I needed some time without someone contacting me. I think it’s probably about dead anyway. I haven’t charged it since before the wedding prep started.” She goes back to pushing food around her plate.
“You have curls.” I change the subject and pick up a damp corkscrew from her shoulder to pull it straight and watch it bounce back into place.
Kat laughs. “It took hours to get my hair to do the waves, this is what I was born with.” She shrugs, obviously happy with the subject change.
“I love it.” I stroke her cheek, tucking a hair behind her ear and letting my fingers graze her neck on the way down. Kat shivers.
“Thanks.” She hesitates for a second, staring at her plate. “I have no money or place to go. I guess I can have someone come get me and bring me a change of clothes and my purse. I’m not sure what I’ll do after that.”
“I have clothes on the way. I think you’re about the same size as my sister-in-law. They’ll be here later. You have a place to stay as long as you want.” I tip her head up to look into her stormy eyes and swipe the tear that falls.
“Thanks. Wait. You have someone coming here later?” As soon as the words are out of her mouth, a knock comes from the door, and it opens before I can get up.
“Drake Walland, did you cook?” Ace’s wife, Eden, appears, belly first around the corner, and looks from me to Kat and back.
“Hell no. My guest did. Kat, this is Eden. Eden, this is Kat.” I wink at Eden and her hand covers her mouth.
“You are so pretty!” Blurts out and I watch Kat blush. Eden bustles over and my brother appears in the doorway, bacon in hand, smiling like the tall, ginger asshole he is. Eden pulls out a bag and I look away from Ace. “Okay, so as much as Drake would love to keep you locked up wearing his clothes, I brought real stuff. Stand up.” Eden gestures for Kat to stand and she does. “Perfect. When I’m not round,” she pats her belly affectionately, “I’m curvy like you. I’ve got jeans and tops, and we stopped by the store because wearing someone’s panties is gross and Roni said you were in nothing but a wedding dress and heels. But those heels will look so cute with these.” Eden shoves the bag at a wide-eyed Kat. “I miss heels so much.” She sighs. “Go change and we can get this kitchen cleaned while they go downstairs, and I eat all the leftovers.” Eden shoos Kat toward the bedroom, and she goes willingly, eyes wide and shocked. Kat never got a word in once Hurricane Eden walked in.
Chapter Six
Kat
“I really can’t thank you enough.” I feel almost human again in skinny jeans and a cream-colored blouse. Even the bra fits pretty well.
“Not like I need them right now.” Eden pats her round belly. “So.” I hand her a wet skillet and she starts drying. “What’s going on with you and Drake?” The last time I had girl talk, I was with Christine.
“He was nice enough to let me stay here after the disaster that should have been my wedding.” I hand her a spatula.
“If you say so, but he looks at you like… well, I haven’t seen that look on him before.” Eden waves the spatula around, slinging droplets of water all over.
“Drake and Ace look nothing alike.” I change the subject, feeling the heat in my face and the flutters in my stomach. Of course, I’ve fantasized about Drake and me having a whirlwind romance, but it’s not going to happen. He’s being nice. That’s all. Well, that’s not all, but the sex was just two adults needing an outlet.
“Yeah, you noticed. Wait til you meet the parents. Ace looks identical to their dad and Drake is their mom. It’s kind of cute.” Eden smiles at me and I can’t help but smile back. She’s so adorable. Her long dark waves fall down her back and her big green eyes shine with happiness.
“I doubt I’ll meet them, but it’s funny how that happens.” I look away, wiping my hands on a towel. The
fact that I’m so excited about the idea should worry me. I’m not even mad about my wedding anymore. Thoughts about Drake have won out and I’m far more invested in that.
“Oh!” Eden looks up from her phone. “Grab those sexy heels and come on. Ace said to meet him downstairs.” She starts for the door, but I stay put. “Oh. Come on, walk me down. You can give Drake a kiss to get him through his shift.” She winks at me and opens the door. I follow behind, not feeling up to the bar scene at all but also wanting to walk her out. And I might want to see Drake. Maybe. Only a little though. I trail behind Eden through the storeroom, and we push through the door to the bar together. It’s busy, people occupy all the stools except for one next to Ace and Eden hurries to it. I scan the crowd, looking for Drake, and I see him at the far end of the bar taking orders. He looks… yummy. His dark hair is brushed back, jeans fit him just right and that black shirt fits snug around his biceps. I’m on the verge of swooning until I see a woman in a tube top lean over the bar and grab his ass. He turns to give her a look but laughs it off and pours her beer. Having been on the receiving end of unwanted attention, as most females have, I get mad for him. Then the woman reaches for the beer but bypasses his hand to stroke the few days of stubble on his face.
I’ve never understood what people mean when they say blind with rage, or seeing red. Until now. The wave of possessiveness that washes over me is all encompassing. I don’t remember moving across the bar, weaving through people, or making it to her side, but I do. And without my permission, my hand shoots out to grab hers before she can touch his forearm.
“What the fuck?” She jerks away from me, but I hold tight to her arm. “Let me go!”
“Didn’t your momma teach you to keep your hands to yourself and not touch other people’s property?” I say it in my sweetest Nashville accent. I hear Drake chuckle, but don’t look back.
“Excuse me. Bitch, I don’t know who you think you are, but no one touches me.” She twists out of my grip and tosses her brown hair back.
“I’m Kat. And no one touches him.” I point over my shoulder at where I know Drake is hovering.
He leans in, I know he’s there without looking, and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Bout time you made it down, darlin’. Here’s your drink, Michelle.” He slides the glass across to her, staying firmly next to me.
“Are you fucking serious?” Michelle gives me a once over and curls her nose. “When you’re done slumming it, come see me, Daddy.” She winks and reaches past me only to be met with a hard slap to her wrist. “OW!” I have no idea what’s come over me.
“Touch him again and you’ll lose that hand, Michelle.” I grit out her name and narrow my eyes.
“I don’t need this shit.” With that, Michelle whips around, hair flying, and strides off toward a table with three other women. I keep staring her down.
“So, who’s property would I be exactly?” Drake’s voice is husky in my ear, and I spin to see him, afraid to make eye contact. I’ve never acted like that before. Ever.
“I- Uh…” It’s all I can get out before Drake cups the back of my head and pulls me in for a kiss.
“That was sexy as hell. I don’t know a man alive who wouldn’t love for a woman to stake her claim like that. Damn.” He shakes his head. I nibble my bottom lip. “Now, if anyone should be nibbling that lip, it should be me. But not til after we close up.” He winks at me. “Wanna make some money?” I furrow my brows. “Come on. I’ll show you.” Drake lifts the counter to let me behind the bar and I step through into his arms. He gives me a peck on the head, and I swoon. I guess I’m not in trouble for acting like Michelle was trying to steal my bike.
I spend the next few hours learning how to pour beers, mix drinks, run tabs, and how often drunk people spill things. Roni shows me how to toss bottles around and catch them while mixing drinks, but I’m not about to try it. Eden comes to hug me when they leave and tells me to call when I’m ready to go shopping for new clothes. I watch them leave and turn right into a solid chest and a familiar scent.
“Hey.” Drake looks down at me with a smile.
“Hey yourself. Thanks for letting me play bartender.” I yawn and cover it with my hand.
“Who said you’re playing? Get over there and see if the guy at the end needs a refill.” As I walk by, he slaps my ass.
“Didn’t I just threaten to fight a woman who did that to you?” I smirk.
“Yeah. And it was sexy as fuck.” Drake takes my wrist and pulls me close. “The difference is you like it when I slap your ass and I’m gonna prove it later.” He brings my arm up to his lips and kisses the soft underside of my wrist. I make a whimpering sound and turn to putty in his grip. I have no idea if I like having my ass slapped or not, but I have a suspicion that if Drake does it, I’ll love it. I feel the heat creep up my neck to my cheeks and ears.
“Okay.” I mean, what else can I say?
“It bother you that much that she had her hands on me?” Drake’s hand slipped down my wrist to my elbow, and he presses his body flush to mine, a twinkle of mischief in his brown eyes.
“Yeah. I don’t even remember confronting her really. I saw it happening then I was there, ready to hit her. It was weird,” I say honestly.
“And what was your reaction when your sister told you she was having a kid with your fiancé?” His brow arches and it hits me, I was hurt, of course, and mad, but not like when I saw Michelle touching Drake. My face must change, and I look up at him. “That’s what I thought.” He laughs.
“But I don’t even know you,” I protest weakly. What does it even mean that I was ready to get in a physical fight for this man when we just met, but I haven’t even thought of Will until he brought him up?
“We’ll get to know each other plenty later. Refills. Go. That guy at the end looks pissed that we’re over here instead of helping him.” I turn and squint across the bar but with Roni running back and forth, I can’t make him out. Drake tucks a curl behind my ear and studies my hair. “Man, I want my hands in this so bad. It’s so wild, sexy.” He gives it a little tug and steps away from me to adjust his zipper. I can’t help but smile. He’s hard and I did it.
I pout when he points at the man he swears needs a refill, and I scurry off toward the bar. I feel Drake watching me, so put a little extra swing in my step on the way. A whistle makes me look back and he winks before ducking into the back room. I hurry to where the man’s been waiting and slip through the counter to help him. I can feel the color drain from my face when I see him, and my mouth goes dry.
“That was quiet a display over there, Katherine.” Will’s voice makes my skin crawl. Maybe it took me seeing Drake to realize what a creep Will really is.
“Can I get you a refill?” I nod at his empty glass.
“In this dump? No thanks. How the hell did you steal my Bentley and leave it in Hicksville. Have you seen these people? Go get your stuff. We’re leaving.”
Chapter Seven
Drake
As soon as I step out of the back with a fresh bottle of Jack, I know something’s wrong. The guy I sent her to help is waving his arms wildly and obviously pissed. I told her if she needed help to get Roni, but Roni is at the other end, looking from Kat to me and back like she doesn’t know what to do. The guy was a douche when I served him, so I shouldn’t have sent her over there. As soon as the new office building went up down the street, more of his type have come in and acted too good to be in the best bar in Forever. I didn’t recognize him, but he’s probably one of those. I hurry to them and tuck the Jack under my arm before flipping up the counter and sliding behind Kat.
“Problem here?” I ask, resting a hand on her lower back.
“Yeah. We have a problem. That’s my fiancée!” The man stands, making the stool teeter. “What the hell happened to her face? You do that, buddy?” This guy looks like the type to call people buddy. Like I said, fucking douche.
“It seems to me that she’s not your fiancée. Seems like she’s here with me.
” I smirk, putting a hand on Kat’s shoulder.
“Kat. I’m not telling you again, go get in the Bentley.” He looks from me to her. I notice he doesn’t say car, he says Bentley. Which means he’s bragging and that’s fine. He can brag. But no one here is impressed.
“Darlin’, you wanna go with this man?” I look down at her, but she won’t look at me. I take her chin and tip it up gently. I try to make sure my face says that I’m going to take care of it, and she shouldn’t worry.
“No.” She sounds pretty damn sure to me.
“Sounds settled then. You have a good day.” I slip a hand into her back pocket and turn us away from him. “I got you. Don’t worry about it,” I whisper.
“Should have known better than to try to marry a whore.” The former fiancé is about to feel more than the sting of rejection, but before I can deliver, Kat is past me and in his face. Her hand comes across his cheek in a hard crack, and he jerks to the side, his hands coming to his face. I smile.
“You slept with my sister. Not once, but enough to get her pregnant.” Her words are a low growl. “Get. Out. Will.” With both hands planted on the bar, leaning across, Kat looks like a force in glittery heels and matching nails. My cock twitches in appreciation. I have no idea what her plans are, but mine officially include keeping her here with me forever. A man would have to be out of his mind to not lock down a woman who slaps a cheating ex like that.
“You bitch! You hit me!” Will leans menacingly toward Kat. Nate appears in the door, ready to step in. It’s like he can sense something unfolding and is ready to defuse the situation. I shake my head. Nate’s superpower is sensing danger, but if anyone is about to whoop this guy’s ass, it’s me.
I step in and move to the other side of the counter, grabbing his upper arm. “Time for a walk my friend.” I pull, but he tries to jerk out of my grip. I laugh and tighten my hold, narrowing my eyes at him. I have about three inches and twenty pounds of muscle on him. He’d be stupid to fight. When I pull again, he goes willingly, and I let him shake me off while I follow him to the door.
