by Kimi Flores
Again, silence. Then my father cleared his throat. “Let me know what you decide about work, and I'll support you. We can open a branch out there, or you can open your own. In the meantime, if you want any contract work now, we've got plenty I can send you.” The deep inhale gave my father away.
I would honor his silent request of not talking about it any further. “That would be great. I've been going out of my mind. The break has been nice, but you know how much I thrive on work. Give me another week and send me what you've got. I’m also going to work on getting my license here in California.”
“I'll get some things sent out to you, and you can start working on them whenever you have time.” The serious business-like demeanor was back.
“Thanks again, Pops.” I smiled before hanging up.
⁂
Leah
I opened my eyes when I heard the bedroom door close. I looked around, suddenly remembering everything. Relieved, I let out a sigh when I saw that he was no longer next to me—or on top of me, radiating his body heat.
He was so hot. Literally, it was like having a polar bear laying on top of you on the hottest day of summer.
I didn’t believe he’d take advantage, but it would’ve been so awkward to face him if we’d woken up together wearing nothing more than our underwear. I got up, made his bed, then headed into my room. After throwing on some casual clothes and putting my long hair in a ponytail, I traipsed down to the kitchen to make breakfast.
I was surprised to find Stefen already in the kitchen, making eggs. He’d just said goodbye to someone on his cell and put it down on the counter.
“Good morning.” I stood by the entryway, my fingers laced in front of me, unsure of how he would be feeling this morning.
Turning to face me, he appeared to be in a great mood. “Good morning. How do you like your eggs?” There was something different in his eyes this morning, and I literally felt my heart skip a beat.
His eyes danced along with his full-mouthed grin. He looked genuinely happy. I was worried for nothing.
“Uh, not burnt,” I teased, nervously pointing to the pan of crackling eggs and bacon.
He quickly flipped the eggs before they had a chance to burn. “I've gotten better at the whole cooking thing. I try not to completely depend on Abby. Poor thing is so sick all the time.”
I pulled up a chair. “By the way, how did your physical therapy go yesterday?” If he was going to avoid the subject of last night, then surely I could. For now, at least.
“It went well. I like the new doctor out here.” A grand smile broke out when he shared the next thing. “I can pick up heavier things now, but as you saw yesterday, I still have a long road ahead of me.” He rotated his shoulder forward and back. The tight undershirt he was wearing gave me a full view of his arm muscles, his shoulders flexing. “I only have one more operation on my eye, and I should be back to normal soon. Out of everyone's hair.”
“That's great, Stefen. I'm so happy for you. But you know you’re not a bother.” I shifted on the seat as I watched him cook in his PJs.
Something else hit me. Now that he was almost fully healed, he wouldn’t need me anymore. Will he want me around at all? Since his back was to me as he plated our food, Stefen didn’t catch me in deep thought.
“I keep hearing that, but I still don't get it. I've never had anyone take care of me unless they were paid to. Abby, Caleb, and you have sacrificed so much to make sure I'm fine.” Turning to face me, he asked, “Why? Why do you do it?”
“It's what people are supposed to do. Help your fellow man and all.” I waved my arms in the air. “We weren't put on this earth to live and survive on our own. We take care of each other. Wouldn't you do the same for any of us?”
He’d changed a lot in the last couple months, but maybe he wouldn’t make that sacrifice.
“Honestly, before all of this happened I would have said 'no way'. I might pay someone, but I wouldn't do it myself. Now? Absolutely.” He placed a plate with eggs and bacon in front of me at the breakfast bar, then joined me with his own.
“I've never known any other way. It's the way things are supposed to be.”
“I'm starting to get that.” Taking a small bite of his food, he glanced over at me while I enjoyed my breakfast. He took a deep breath, then puffed it out before taking another bite.
“Everything all right?” I leaned over my plate and took another bite.
His leg began to bounce, and I knew that as a telltale sign that he was nervous about something. Leaving his fork on his plate, he turned his chair to face me. “I'm just going to say it. I'll probably screw this up because I've never done this before, but—Leah, I'm sorry. Will you forgive me? I was such a prick. I can't believe it myself. You’ve become—important to me, and I just can’t have this between us anymore.” He moved his hands back and forth between us.
I was stunned. This was a completely different, awkward conversation than what I was expecting to have.
He shook his head, looking remorseful, then he chuckled to himself. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Leah, you are the best ‘girl’ friend I’ve ever had.” He separated the words to make sure there was no confusion. “You’re amazing, and I just can't imagine my life without you. There’s no excuse, but honestly, you scared the shit out of me before. As destructive as it was, I acted out the only way I knew how. Can you please forgive me?” He pleaded with his eyes as he reached out for my hands.
I stared at him, not knowing how to react. I was thrilled that he was answering questions that had plagued me for weeks. He did want me around. Now and after he was back to his normal, cocky self.
But the apology? I had no idea how much I’d needed that. How had we gotten this far with no resolution? We’d only swept it under the rug, ignoring the real issue.
“I've already forgiven you, Stefen.” I squeezed his hands. “I don’t need to rehash it all, but you have to hear my side.”
I paused a moment and took a deep breath. “I willingly gave you something that I can never take back, and you broke my heart. I’ve never felt like such trash or so inferior in my life. You knocked my self-confidence down and shattered my spirit.”
He stood up, pulling me with him, engulfing me in his arms. “I’m sorry. I don't deserve your forgiveness. I swear, I’ve never known any other way until I met you. But I've learned. It kills me to see that I’m the source of any of your pain.”
I placed my hand on his chest and pushed away so he could see my face. “I’ve been able to move on, and I’m grateful for the new ‘us’, but please don't take advantage of that. I couldn’t handle a second heartbreak from you.” My eyes started glossing over. I’d never intended on ever sharing this with him.
I pulled away a little more to look deeper into his eyes. “Stefen, I know you’ve changed. I see it.” I moved my eyes back and forth between his.
Since I’m being honest here, I’m gonna let him have all of it.
“When I first met you, I saw this incredible guy lingering inside. You were guarded and yes, arrogant, and also lots of trouble—” he rolled his eyes before I had a chance to continue, “but I could also see that deep down, you weren’t happy.”
He dipped his head, trying to avoid my stare. I wasn’t going to let him feel shitty about this anymore. Holding onto his chin, I raised his head and looked into his eyes again. “Stefen, we all saw it, and don’t even get me started on how much Madison adores you.”
Neither of us could hide our smiles when I mentioned the little girl’s name. “You do deserve my forgiveness, and I agree. Besides Abby, you've become my closest friend. We’ve already had our truce and started over, but just know, when you screw up, I'm that friend that will point it out. I won't let you get away with crap. Deal?” I backed away from his embrace and stuck my hand out to him.
“Deal.” He shook my hand.
“Let's finish eating. This is actually kind of good.” I motioned to my plate with my lips.
> He chuckled and sat back down. “Thanks. I've got some mad skills in the kitchen now.”
I lifted my index finger in the air. “Okay, first 'keep it real' moment, Stefen. That’s what arrogance sounds like.” I pretended to be put off.
He looked panicked for a moment until he caught my smile and relaxed. “So, now that we’re officially friends, how do you feel about going car shopping with me today? I can't keep relying on you guys to cart my ass all over town.”
I looked at him questionably. “Have you decided to finally set roots here in this 'lifeless commonplace'?” I put finger quotes around those last two words, reminding him of what he called Santa Barbara on his last visit.
Raising his eyebrows, he pointed to himself. “If you get to point out when I'm being a jerk,” he flicked his wrist to me, “can I point out when you’re being a brat?”
“Oh Stefen.” I shook my head, chuckling ominously. “I'm always a brat. That's part of my charm.” I smiled smugly and fluttered my eyelashes.
“Keeping it real—that was very bratty and arrogant.” We both laughed.
“I'd love to go car shopping with you, but you know it’s a pretty serious thing.” I took a sip of my drink and continued my snarky comment. “Once you ask someone to car shop with you, help you move, and take you to the airport? You’re bonded for life. So what kind of car are we looking at here?”
“Probably a Porsche Cayenne. I had one in Chicago but didn't drive it much. I really liked it.”
“Of course.” I rolled my eyes. “What is it with you guys and your expensive cars?”
He casually mentioned, “Well, Caleb, Bri, and my grandfather left us each enough money to never have to work a day in our lives, and we’ve always had the best of everything. We love our expensive cars.”
When I frowned at him, he put both hands up like he surrendered. “Dammit. I heard it, too. No need to point it out.”
“Good.” I nodded, satisfied. “Let's get ready to go get your luxury toy.” I started to pick up the dishes when he stopped me and did it himself. Wow. I could get used to this new Stefen.
“Leave in an hour?” He asked.
“Works for me.”
I got up and started to head upstairs when he pointed out, “One of these days, Leah, you will replace that minivan, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.”
Without thinking, I blurted out, “Yeah, when I marry that doctor one day.”
Oh crap! I froze on the stairs. By now, I couldn’t see Ben and my non-relationship lasting long enough to even think about going down that road, but I knew it was a sore subject for Stefen. I didn’t want to leave him on that note.
Peeking over my shoulder was a mistake. His smile had disappeared, and he was looking down at the floor, mouthing profanities to himself.
Deciding to lighten the mood, I made a smartass comment. “I was kidding, Stefen. I warned you that I’m always a brat.”
He snapped out of it quickly, chuckling as he shook his head. “And that’s part of your charm, right?”
“Yep. You know you love it.” I headed up the stairs, leaving him to his mumbled words in the kitchen.
Chapter Sixteen
The Friend Zone
Leah
After an exhausting day of car shopping, Stefen offered to take me someplace nice to thank me for everything. The black V-neck, open-backed dress and matching strappy stilettos I’d picked up from home might’ve been a bit much for dinner, but I loved dressing up.
As I got ready, I thought about how blown away I’d been, watching Stefen in action. He knew how to conduct himself when it came to business and looked downright sexy doing it. Every woman in his office must fall at his feet and give in to his every wish.
I wonder how many of their desires he fulfilled.
Chastising myself, I moved on to another image.
The moment we stepped onto the luxury car lot, everyone practically tripped over each other to serve them. He’d called ahead to arrange a meeting with the manager, rather than have any of the salesmen on the floor attack us like sharks.
Once we were seated in his office, the sales manager tried to push us off and have one of his ‘top guys’, as he called him, help out. Stefen wasn’t going for that. He’d sat back comfortably, his elbows leaning on the armrest of his seat, his leg crossed over the other as he simply asked, “Do you want my business or should we move on to the next lot? It’s all the same to me.”
I’d never seen a grown man jump into action as fast as that manager. It was pretty funny, but my attention had been occupied by the confident man that sat next to me. He explained exactly what he wanted and how much he was willing to pay.
The next thing I knew, Stefen was reading through the paperwork, pointing out and amending all the errors. Moments later, they pulled up with the exact car he wanted. I couldn’t believe it when he handed over his credit card.
Who the hell pays for a car with a credit card?
I leaned over and whispered, “Aren’t you going to test drive it first?”
He smiled. “No need. If there’s something wrong with it, I’ll just bring it back.”
What?
He signed the last piece of paperwork, we got up, and headed out to his new toy. “Here.” He tossed me the keys. “I’ll drive Abby’s car and you take mine.”
I handed them back. “No way. You haven’t even driven it yet.”
Smiling, he grabbed my hand, opened my fingers and placed the keys back in my palm. “I trust you. Remember?”
Damn, that smile of his could melt the panties off a girl.
Who was I to turn him down?
Needing to reel my lustful thoughts in, I tried to be mindful. We were finally in the friend zone, and I needed to stop looking at him like he was the last tamale on the Christmas dinner table. If he was, though, I would willingly wrestle anyone to the ground to get to him.
Ahhh, stop it. Friends. Okay a really smokin' hot friend. But still, just friends, and it’s for the best.
No lustful thoughts, no lustful thoughts, no lustful thoughts, I chanted to myself.
My heels softly clacked as I strutted down the wooden stairs. Stefen was sitting in the living room, scanning through his phone. The smell of his cologne hit me first, tantalizing my senses. My heart rate picked up as I took in the sight of him. As usual, he was gorgeous dressed in his suit, and I was glad I’d decided on this outfit.
Without a doubt, Stefen was one delectable man and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. As silly as it may be, I’d even come to appreciate the way his eye drooped just the slightest bit. It was healing nicely and probably wouldn’t have caught a stranger’s attention, but I loved it.
“Friends, just friends,” I whispered to myself. I made the mistake of taking in what I thought was a deep calming breath, but ended up with a lungful of his sinfully delicious cologne.
His easy going smile and mesmerizing hazel eyes met mine, and I had to fight all the naughty thoughts running through my head.
He grabbed his keys off the table. “Ready?”
To take you upstairs? Um, yes.
I smiled. “Yep. Let’s get out of here.”
⁂
Stefen
Is she trying to give me a damn heart attack with this outfit? That red dress is nothing compared to this one.
I scanned my eyes up Leah’s body, taking in every sensual inch. Her sexy ass, mid-thigh length black dress hugged her curves in all the right ways. The heels she wore emphasized how long and kissably beautiful her tanned legs were.
If she was mine, we wouldn’t be going anywhere tonight. The evening’s feast would be on each other. How Ben could ever leave her side was beyond me.
Clearing my thoughts and throat, I led her out of the house toward my new car. She stepped down the stone stairs to the driveway and my hand twitched, wanting to wander down the thin material of her dress and onto her ass.
How the fuck am I going to get through this evening without touching h
er?
Opening the car door, I held her hand while helping her in. She didn’t have to tell me how much she liked when I did this. The smile on her face said it all. I jogged around the car, then got in and started the ignition.
Discreetly, I adjusted myself before putting my seat belt on and turning to her with a grin. “I hope you like French cuisine.” I handed over my phone to show her the website. “I read about this place online. The restaurant is in an old historic house on a bird sanctuary. It has great reviews.”
She leaned forward and smoothed the material of her dress. “I’ve heard of this place. I don’t know much about French food. I never wanted to try it without someone who knew what to order. My luck, I’d end up with a plate full of snails.” She giggled. “Do you speak French?”
“Oui.” My grin turned into a smirk.
That got her attention. Swiveling, she said, “Oh, say something else.” Subconsciously, she ran her fingertips along the outside of her thigh.
At least, I thought she was doing it without thinking. If I knew for sure that she was purposely teasing me, I would throw all this friend bullshit out and tackle her right here and now.
“Je t'aime de tout mon cœur.” Surprising myself, I spoke the words I would love for her to understand but was thankful that she wouldn’t.
Her chest rose up and down with each breath. “That sounded beautiful. Can you translate?” Her eyes darted back and forth between mine.
Smirking, I breathed out, “Just that I need to stop speaking in French and get us to the damn restaurant.”
We pulled out of the driveway and headed out toward the middle of town. I liked that she was going to experience this for the first time with me. Hopefully it was as good as it sounded.
Ten minutes later, we pulled up to the restaurant, and it looked as quaint and unique as it was described.
Leah's eyes were bright with excitement as she took in the sight of the 1872 French provincial designed home turned restaurant. She reached for my hand as I led her out of the car. I snuck another peek at those legs of hers, then her bright smile as she continued to examine the exterior.
