by Sandi Lynn
The next morning, I woke up in a bad mood. I didn’t sleep well, and I tossed and turned all night.
“Good morning, Chase.” Lexi smiled brightly.
I glanced at her and walked into my office, throwing my briefcase on the couch. Suddenly, I heard the door shut.
“Okay, what’s going on? Who has your panties in a twist?” Lexi asked as she handed me a cup of coffee.
“Nothing is going on, and no one, as you so eloquently put it, has my panties in a twist.”
“I call bullshit. I’ve known you forever, Chase.”
Suddenly, the door opened, and Steven walked in.
“Not now, Steven,” I spoke as I took a seat in my chair.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Someone has Chase’s panties in a bunch and he won’t tell me who or what happened to put him in such a foul mood this morning.”
“Oh. Is that so? Do tell.” He smiled as he took a seat across from my desk.
I sighed as I leaned back in my chair and looked up at the ceiling.
“It’s Kinsley.”
“Now what happened?” Lexi asked in a monotone voice.
“When I was leaving last night, I saw her in the parking garage and her car wouldn’t start. I called a tow truck and on the way home, we stopped and grabbed some dinner.”
“Let me guess.” Steven grinned. “She refused to have sex with you.”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “No. Sex wasn’t even on the table. She told me about her catching her ex and her best friend in bed and that’s why she moved here so suddenly. I asked her if that was the only reason because it seemed a little unstable.”
“Oh, Chase. You didn’t.”
“You called her unstable?” Steven asked.
“She told me that the only reason I have sex with so many women is because I’m insecure.”
Lexi snorted, and I shot her a dirty look.
“When I debated with her about it, she told me I use sex as a coping mechanism.”
Lexi snorted again, and I pointed my finger at her.
“Then I told her she owed me an apology and she voiced rather loudly that I owed her one, and she refused to apologize.”
“The two of you need to have sex and get it over with,” Steven spoke.
“I’ve never seen you like this before,” Lexi said. “Kinsley is a strong and independent woman. You’re not used to that. All the women you sleep with are airheads.”
“That is not true,” I spoke.
“Yeah, bro. It is,” Steven agreed. “You don’t let women get to you at all, so us having this conversation tells me that you’re afraid of her.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” I chuckled. “Why the fuck would I be afraid of Kinsley?”
“Because you don’t know what to do with her,” Lexi replied. “You’re not used to this kind of challenge. You snap your fingers and women drop to their knees for you. But with Kinsley, you snap your fingers and she runs the other way.”
“She does not, Lexi. Maybe she doesn’t know what to do with me. After all, she’s from a small town with probably no experience at all. Maybe that’s why her boyfriend cheated on her.”
“That’s low, Chase. Even for you.” Lexi’s brows furrowed.
“Yeah. Perhaps it was. I need to get to work and so do the both of you.” I pointed at them.
Chapter 19
Kinsley
Instead of running my usual three miles a day, I ran six. I was up all night, tossing and turning because of that insufferable man named Chase Calloway. I was running from the thoughts in my head about him. Sure, he was sexy, gorgeous, and hot, but he was an asshole who thought he could talk to women any way he wanted to. Maybe he could get away with it with the brainless, low self-esteemed women he fucked on a daily basis, but not with me. Why was it that when I decided to stay away from him, we kept crossing paths?
I was sitting at my desk when Mr. Calloway walked past.
“Good morning, Kinsley. Can I see you in my office for a second?”
“Sure, Mr. Calloway.”
I got up from my seat and followed him into his office.
“How was your dinner last night?” he asked.
“It was fine.”
“And Chase made sure you got home safely?”
“Yes.” I gave him an odd look.
“And everything’s okay?”
“Yes, Mr. Calloway.”
“Okay then. You may go.” He nodded.
I got up from my seat with confusion, and as I headed towards the door, something inside me snapped.
“No!” I abruptly turned around and faced him. “Things are not okay. Your son is an insufferable man. He’s rude, arrogant, thinks he knows everything, and he’s cocky.”
“I won’t disagree.” He smirked. “I take it you and Chase aren’t getting along?”
“Getting along? I can’t even stand to be in the same room with him.”
“Kinsley, I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Did you two sleep together?”
“No! Of course not.”
He sat behind his desk with a confused look on his face.
“If you didn’t sleep together, then where is all this coming from?”
“What do you mean?”
“Usually this type of behavior and animosity comes after the sex with Chase.”
“I did not sleep with your son, Mr. Calloway. He’s just a judgmental asshat.”
“I like that.” He laughed as he pointed to me. “Asshat.”
“He told me that I was unstable, so I told him that he was insecure and that’s why he sleeps around with anyone that has a vagina. I told him he uses sex as a coping mechanism.”
“And what did he say to that?”
“He wasn’t happy about it and reverted the conversation back to me being unstable.”
“You’re far from unstable, Kinsley. Don’t let my son’s words upset you.”
“Trust me, I’m not, and I’m sorry for the rant. It just came out.”
“It’s fine, dear. Don’t give it another thought. I’m always here to listen if you need an ear.”
“Thanks, Mr. Calloway.” I gave him a small smile as I walked out of his office.
Chase
I’d just gotten back from lunch when my father walked into my office and shut the door. I’d been waiting for this all day.
“I’m surprised it took you this long to talk to me,” I spoke.
“About what?” he asked as he took a seat across from my desk.
“About me and Kinsley at dinner last night.”
“Ah, that. Well, you had a reasonable excuse. That was nice of you to help her out with her car. I’m sure she appreciated it.”
“Appreciated it?” I cocked my head. “She didn’t appreciate anything. That woman is insufferable, Dad.”
“I see,” he spoke as he stroked his chin. “Why do you say that?”
“She told me I was insecure and that’s why I sleep around. Like what the hell does she mean by that? She has a smart mouth, that one.” I pointed at him. “Maybe you should call the temp agency and get someone else. I’m surprised you put up with that, Dad.”
“She’s a good temp and I like her a lot. She isn’t going anywhere. In fact, as soon as Audrey comes back to work, I may find Kinsley a permanent position here at Calloway Tech.” He smiled.
“We don’t have any openings.” I narrowed my eye at him.
“It’s my company. I’ll create a position if I have to.”
I took in a deep breath. “It’s half my company too.”
“But I have the majority rule. I have a meeting to get to.” He looked at his watch. “Oh, by the way, I’m having a little get together at the house this Saturday and you’ll be there. Understand?”
“What if I already have plans?”
“Cancel them. Family is more important,” he spoke as he walked out of my office.
I managed not see Kinsley today, which was a good thing because I nee
ded to stop thinking about her and her smart mouth. I finished my work for the day and was in desperate need of a drink and some fun. I needed to go home and change because I was meeting Steven and Alex at Phantom tonight for a guy’s night out. I shut down my computer, grabbed my briefcase, and headed to the parking garage, where I saw Kinsley getting into Lexi’s car. I don’t know why I did it, but I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Carl.
“Hey, Chase, what’s up?”
“Hi, Carl. Do you know when Kinsley’s car is going to be ready?”
“Tomorrow afternoon, it’ll be done.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“No problem, Chase. Take care.”
“You too.”
I was at the club with Steven and Alex, drinking and deciding which beautiful woman I was going to be spending the night with.
“Your days of doing this are going to be coming to an end,” I spoke to Alex.
“Yeah, man, once you’re married, you’re done for,” Steven spoke.
“Nah. Things will change a little bit, but we’ll always have guy night. I’m not giving that up,” Alex said.
“And what about when the babies come?” Steven asked. “You’re going to be expected to stay home every single night.”
“I’m never having kids.” I smiled. “Too much work and too much of a lifestyle change.”
“Yeah. God forbid you think of someone other than yourself.” Alex grinned.
“Damn right! I love my life too much to ever be burdened with a kid and a girlfriend or wife.” I held up my drink.
“Well, we’re having kids. We agreed on two,” Alex spoke. “I can’t wait to be a dad.”
“Good for you, Alex,” I spoke as I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Fatherhood isn’t for everyone.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about Kinsley. Damn it. I pulled my phone from my pocket and decided to send her a text message. Why? I had no clue.
“Hey, I know your car is in the shop still, so I can pick you up tomorrow morning for work.”
Twenty minutes went by and still no response from her. It was nine o’clock and she was probably sleeping since she had no life.
“Hey, Chase?” Alex tapped me on the shoulder. “Isn’t that Kinsley out there on the dance floor?”
“What? Where?”
“Right over there.” He pointed. “In the short black dress dancing with that good-looking guy.” He smirked.
“I’ll be damned. It is her.”
Chapter 20
Chase
I stood there and watched her as she danced in her tiny black dress and stiletto heels. She was sexy as fuck and my cock was starting to get hard. But who the hell was she here with and who the fuck was that guy with his hands on her ass? I scurried over to the dance floor and lightly grabbed hold of her arm with a smile.
“Hello, love. Can I have a word with you?”
“Chase. What the hell are you doing here?” she shouted over the blaring music.
“Excuse us for a moment,” I spoke to the douche-looking guy she was dancing with.
I pulled her over to the corner, where we could attempt to have a conversation.
“What are you doing?” she asked through gritted teeth.
“I should be asking you the same thing, but I see you’re letting your party girl out again.”
“So what? It’s none of your business.”
“But it is when you’re dancing with some douchebag-looking guy and he has his hands all over your ass. You’re my father’s secretary, and somehow, I feel it’s my duty to make sure you’re safe from the could-be rapists, murderers, and kidnappers here in Los Angeles. If something happened to you and I was there, my father would blame me.”
“Oh my God, will you just shut up!”
“Seriously, though, who are you here with?”
“Lexi. I’m here with Lexi. She’s in the bathroom.”
“Oh. Well, I sent you a text message earlier and you didn’t respond.”
“I haven’t checked my phone. Why did you text me?”
“I can pick you up for work in the morning since your car is still in the shop,” I spoke.
“No,” she deadpanned.
“No?” I arched my brow. “How are you getting there?”
“I’ll Uber it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. That costs money. You can ride in with me for free. So put your stubbornness aside because I’m picking you up in the morning.”
“There you are. Hey, Chase.” Lexi smiled as she walked over to us. “What are you doing here?”
“Same thing you are. Having a good time.” I grinned.
“Everything okay?” She looked at Kinsley.
“Of course everything’s okay. I was just telling Kinsley that I’ll pick her up in the morning at eight o’clock for work since her car is still in the shop. Right, Kinsley?”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes.
“Hey, Kinsley, want to finish our dance?” The douche-looking guy walked over.
“She’s done dancing with you. Move along.” I waved my hand.
“And who the fuck are you?” He got in my face.
“The guy who’s going to give you ten seconds to step away before I punch you in the face.”
He put his hands up and took a few steps back, then suddenly lunged at me, hitting me in the eye.
“Shit.”
I raised my fist and punched him square in the jaw, sending him to the ground. Before he had a chance to get up, security came and threw him out of the club.
“Are you okay?” Kinsley asked as she looked at my eye, which was starting to swell.
“Oh. That’s going to look nasty in the morning,” Lexi spoke.
Steven and Alex ran over to where we were standing.
“A little late, guys.” I looked at them.
“Looks like you handled it on your own.” Steven laughed.
“You really should get some ice on that,” Kinsley spoke.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I called Ben and he’s waiting outside for us,” Lexi spoke to Kinsley.
“I’ll drive her home. She’s on my way. It’s out of the way for you and I’m leaving now anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Lexi’s eye narrowed at me.
“Yeah. If it’s okay with Kinsley.”
“It’s fine, and he’s right, I’m on his way home,” she spoke to Lexi.
After we said our goodbyes to Lexi, Steven, and Alex, we left the club and got into my car. My eye was throbbing, and my knuckles were swelling.
“You didn’t have to tell him to move along,” Kinsley spoke.
“Yes, I did. He looked shady.”
She let out a laugh, which made me smile. I pulled up to her apartment building and she told me to come inside.
“You need to get ice on that hand and eye. Come up and let me help you.”
“I’m fine, Kinsley. I’ll do it when I get home.”
“I’m inviting you up to my apartment and you’re turning me down?” She smirked. “Who are you?”
I chuckled as I turned off the engine and followed her up to her apartment.
Chapter 21
Kinsley
As soon as we stepped inside my apartment, I pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and told him to sit down while I went to the freezer and filled two small Ziploc bags with ice.
“This might hurt a little.” I smiled as I put the bag of ice over his eye.
“Ouch.” He flinched.
“Hold that while I tend to your hand.”
I placed the second bag of ice over his swollen knuckles and held it there.
“What’s your dad going to say when he sees you?” I asked.
“The same thing he always does. ‘Get your shit together, son. You’re thirty years old. You’re disgracing the Calloway name.’”
I brought a chair up in front of him and sat down while I kept the ice bag on his hand. Our eyes met, and a feeling washed over me.
“My
dad died of a heroin overdose when I was six and my mother is an alcoholic.”
“Kinsley, you don’t have to—”
“I do. I had to grow up fast. Faster than any child should ever have to. I’d been taking care of her and myself since I was a kid. Not only was she an alcoholic, but she was a stripper, so she worked nights and slept all day. I got myself ready for school, made my own lunch, and got myself on the bus. When I’d come home, she’d already have a few drinks in her and would be passed out on the couch. I’d have to wake her up to get ready for work. We never had any money because once she paid the few bills she had, she’d blow the rest of it on alcohol.”
“Kinsley, I had no idea. Was she ever violent?”
“No.” I gave him a small smile. “She never cared enough to get violent. In fact, she never cared about me period. She forgot about my birthday on several occasions because she was either too drunk or passed out. And when she did remember, she’d throw ten dollars at me and tell me to go buy myself something nice. She even missed my high school graduation because she was too hungover and couldn’t get out of bed. Even though she promised me she’d be there.”
Chase took the bag of ice off his eye and set it on the table.
“Why did you wait so long to leave?”
“It took me years of working to save up enough money. I started working at the antique shop when I was sixteen and I saved every dime I could. After a month of walking to work because I didn’t have any other way of getting there, Mrs. Buckley gave me her husband’s car because she said she it was time to give it away and I could use it.”
“Mrs. Buckley sounds like a very sweet woman.”
“She was.” I smiled. “She was very generous and the kindest person I’d ever met. She wished she could pay me more, but the truth was, the antique shop wasn’t doing that good and she was in a lot of debt. After she passed away, I found I had enough money saved to at least get me here and get a place, and I’d figure out the rest when I got here. But then I met Henry and I had this vision of the two of us living this happy perfect life in California. I wanted him to come with me, but he and his dad owned a roofing company and he couldn’t leave. So, like an idiot, I stayed and ended up working as a waitress in a greasy diner.”
