by Kimi Flores
⁂
Leah
I always enjoyed preparing for weddings, but this one was different. If he didn’t take my advice, Stefen would be at the beach wedding with a date. And he and I hadn’t discussed my switching venues.
Melissa wasn’t overly excited about the last minute change. Nonetheless, she was on her way to the vineyard with the rented refrigerated van, along with one of her friends who was getting paid for the day. I loaded up my own van with all the flowers I'd arranged last night for Kendra’s wedding.
The last thing I wanted to do was see Stefen with that raunchy bitch today. She’d undoubtedly be draped all over him.
No matter how painful it was going to be, there was no way I could stay away from this wedding. If he showed up, Stefen would be making the wrong decision, and I needed to be there to keep an eye on him.
When he admitted to being in love with someone, I was sure he was talking about me. Our attraction was palpable. But after reading his closed-off body language, I realized there was a possibility that it could be someone else.
Our conversation at the French restaurant continued to play over and over in my head. He’d talked about being open to marriage. Could he have already been in love at that time, and I was too blind to see it?
My heart still screamed that he was the one. If that was true, I didn’t know what I’d do. Without a doubt, I would love to be the one to keep his mind off anyone else for the rest of our lives.
Suddenly, all of my what ifs took the center stage of my thoughts.
What if we got together, and it didn’t work out? Could I survive another heartbreak? Could I jeopardize losing him forever?
Stop it, Leah. I shook myself out of it. I was making myself crazy over something that wasn’t even a sure thing. He had the opportunity to say that it was me and didn’t. He’d said he’d changed, but after yesterday, I wasn’t so sure.
⁂
Stefen
Why did I let her talk me into this?
I sat at the reception table with the brash, obnoxious woman I’d met yesterday. She had a vulgar mouth, and her loud cackling was a complete turn off. I also wished that Leah would leave because she was keeping my mind elsewhere, causing me to feel even more sick about being here.
When I’d walked into the beach house where the wedding was being held, I wasn’t surprised to still see her there. She gave some lame-ass story about wanting to let Melissa and Zachary have more time together, but I knew better. Zachary had already told me of Melissa’s advances and that he wasn’t interested. Then Ginny had to come up and plant her big lipstick-covered mouth on mine, right in front of Leah. I pushed her off, but not before Leah darted away.
“There are bedrooms upstairs, if you’re ready for me,” Ginny slurred, pushing her red hair over her shoulder. The smell of alcohol on her breath was strong as she ran her hand up my thigh.
Before she could reach her goal, I jumped out of my chair. “I need to hit the restroom.”
“Want me to come?” She fluttered her long fake eyelashes.
Sneering, I said, “No, I think I can handle it myself.”
The tableful of guests watched as she attempted to grab my crotch. “Are you sure you don’t want me to handle it for you?”
I winced, yanking away from her. What was I thinking yesterday? I couldn’t go through with this, especially with her. How had I ever enjoyed women like her before? Now I just wanted to get the hell out.
Excusing myself from the table, I left the back deck where the reception was being held and stepped into the beach club house.
“Having fun?” Leah was fiddling with some of the flowers. She never stayed this late into a reception.
Shaking my head, I admitted, “Not really. I’m heading out now.” I shoved my hands into my pockets.
Still messing with the flowers, she raised her eyebrow. “Alone?”
I looked down at the arrangement she was so interested in. “Yeah, you’re right. This isn’t for me anymore.”
She stood up, beaming like a kid on Christmas. “I’m just about ready to leave myself. Want to watch a movie at home tonight?”
Although I still hadn’t been successful in talking her into moving in with me, I loved when she referred to my place as ‘home’.
Unable to hide my relief, I flashed her a full smile. “That sounds like the best offer I’ve had all night. Let me go to the bathroom, and we’ll leave.”
After using the facilities and washing my hands, I stepped out of the restroom to find Ginny leaning against the wall. “You weren’t about to leave without me, were you?”
“Why would you ask that?” I tried to feign innocence.
Pouting her lips, she pressed her body into me. “I saw you with that florist and thought maybe she offered you something.” She made a sound in the back of her throat as if she was disgusted. “She looks at you like a fucking puppy.”
Glaring at her, I scoffed, “I’m calling it a night, so yeah, I’m leaving without you.”
Completely invading my personal space, Ginny became flush with my body. “Oh, please don’t go. I had such amazing plans for us tonight.”
I raised my hands, stepping back. “I shouldn’t have come. I’m not into this. Could you please move?”
She was undeterred, running both of her hands up and down my thighs. “Oh, please. I’ll do anything you want. No restrictions.”
“Pendeja, he said he wasn’t interested.” Leah appeared from around the corner, and approached with a hell-bent fire in her eyes. “Now get your fucking hands off him so we can leave.”
I squeezed my eyes tight, the moment I heard Leah speak. I wonder how much she heard.
Spinning around, Ginny nearly lost her balance. “Just who the hell do you think you are?” she barked. “You were hired to do the flowers, not to be my date’s bodyguard.”
Leah folded her arms over her chest. “You’re embarrassing yourself. You should go. I’m sure some other guy would be happy to take you up on your offer.”
Ginny’s bloodshot eyes went wide as she struggled for a response. “Why are you even watching us? That’s perverted.”
“Enough.” I stepped toward Leah, my eyes on Ginny. “You need to shut the hell up and walk away. We’re leaving.” I grabbed Leah by the hand, pulling her toward the exit. I’d never seen her get so riled up before, and I wasn’t about to have her lose it—or future business—over my shitty choices.
“Wait, I need to finalize things with the bride.” Leah tried to stop and pull away.
I wasn’t stopping. “If it’s a matter of settling a bill, I’ll pay the damn thing. Let’s go.”
“Stefen, you can’t pay—”
I snapped my head at her. “Not now, Leah. We have to get out of here before this escalates, and your business is dragged through the mud.”
Her free hand flew up to her mouth. “I didn’t think about that.”
I nodded once. Subject closed. “Do you have your stuff?”
“Yes.”
“Give me your keys.”
She handed them over, and I opened her door but didn’t let her go inside just yet. Running my thumb across her cheek, I said, “Thank you for saving me. I’m sorry I put you in that position.”
She looked into my eyes and pleaded, “Please don’t do that again, Stefen. I can’t stomach it. You’re better than that.” Her eyes darted between mine.
“I don’t plan on it,” I muttered, smiling now that I realized where we were headed. “Still up for a fun-filled night on the couch?” If only. I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head. “I mean—watching movies.”
“Sounds good to me.” She grinned. “I’ll follow you.”
I shut her door, and she started up the van as I walked to my own car.
After I pulled onto the road, I went over everything that’d happened. I never wanted to do that to Leah again, but watching her about to fight another girl for me got my blood pumping.
So fucking hot.
Chapter Nineteen
She’s Lucky I Don’t Sleep Naked
Stefen
Thanksgiving was around the corner. Although this year’s get together was going to be at Caleb's house, I offered my own home, as well. Abby, being the amazing host that she was, insisted it be at their place.
With my feet on the coffee table, I looked up from my laptop to find Leah chewing on her lip, scanning through spreadsheets on her own computer. We were spending a quiet afternoon at my house.
“Did you finally make Thanksgiving plans?” I asked, hoping she was going to be with me.
Moving her new reading glasses down to the bridge of her nose, she peeked up. “I thought about going home, but now that everyone else is meeting at Caleb and Abby's, I’m going to see if my family would mind driving up here.” She poked her chin with her index finger. “Abby already asked me to make the turkey.”
I threw my head back, showing my relief. “Thank god! I was afraid we were going to get stuck with that tofu turkey.” We both chuckled.
She pursed her lips. “I’d love to go to Evanwood’s together the next day, since we all refuse to shop on Black Friday.”
Nodding, I was thankful that she was spending her holiday with me. “Sounds good. Do you want me to call Zachary?”
“Sure.” She looked past me almost in a daze.
“Shockingly, both of my parents are planning on coming. They’ll be staying at a hotel, though, I’m sure.” This didn't surprise me in the least. They didn’t want anyone to see them in separate rooms. “It’ll definitely be an interesting holiday.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Bri coming?”
Looking back and forth between her and my computer screen, I confessed, “Yeah. She and my mom don’t have the best relationship, though. So as much of a jerk as it makes me, I’m not telling her my mom is coming. Otherwise, I won’t get to see my sister.”
She rested her chin on the palm of her hands, mulling something over. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” I moved my computer onto the coffee table, pulling both of her feet onto my lap. This was something I did often when we sat next to each other in the living room.
She also put her laptop and glasses to the side. “You don’t talk much about your parents,” she said pointedly. “When you do, it’s not normally something positive. What’s the story?”
I cherished these moments. If anyone else had asked that question, I could imagine closing myself off. With Leah, it was different. I wanted her to know everything, and I loved when she shared things about herself.
Running my hand from the top of her foot to just below the hem of her mid-shin length yoga pants, I shared what I knew about my parent’s lives. “It’s a long story, but basically, from what I’ve learned from other family members, my mom had a rough childhood. I wish I knew all the details, but we never met any of her relatives.” I shrugged. “I guess she finally found hope when she started college, but—and here’s the scandalous part my grandmother shared—she actually fell in love with my uncle first.”
Leah jerked her head back, surprised. “Seriously?”
“Yep.” I nodded. “Somehow my dad ended up with her after my aunt got pregnant with Caleb. Mom’s been on a destructive path for as long as I can remember.”
I was used to this story, but apparently it shocked Leah.
Her mouth gaped open. “Wow, that’s crazy. Your mom was in love with Caleb’s dad? I’d love to know more. What about her and Bri?”
This was the part that actually did break my heart. “Honestly, I don’t understand what my mom’s deal is with Bri. I’ve often wondered if she was jealous, but Mom’s so cold and judgmental. It’s been that way Bri’s whole life. I was there to help her through most of it. But as you know, I didn’t have the healthiest outlook myself.” I raised my shoulder in disdain.
This conversation was getting too heavy. I wanted Leah to know everything, but it was going to take more than one afternoon.
I turned and looked out the huge glass doors, toward the beach. “It's a beautiful day. Wanna go for a run?” Leaning over, I patted her thigh.
It was an abrupt change in conversation, but she seemed to catch my cue.
“Sounds good, I can’t figure out some of the numbers on that damn spreadsheet anyway.” She leaned her head back, covering her forehead with her arm. “I need an accountant.”
“I can take a look if ya like.” I ran my hand up her leg, teasing. “Then when we come back, you can shave these prickly legs. They’re giving my palm a rash.”
She lifted her head and gasped, eyes wide opened.
I laughed out loud.
Picking up a cushion from the couch, she began to hit me over the head.
My laughs continued while I held my arm up in an effort to block the soft blows. “I know it’s no-shave November and all, but I didn’t think that applied to women.”
She scrunched her face and continued her assault. “It’s only a day’s worth, butthead.”
The cushion made contact with my forearm one last time before I grabbed it, yanking it from her hands. We were both laughing as I pulled her down on my lap, but the mood immediately changed.
She was straddling my thighs as we breathed heavily into each other’s faces. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath as I watched the pulse on her neck pick up speed. I touched her waist softly before I realized what I was doing. The things I would love to do to her at this moment.
Definitely a bad idea. As painful as it was, I moved her to the side and slipped off the couch, heading into the kitchen to shake myself out of it.
I paced uncomfortably for a minute, then looked down at my crotch. Shit! Down boy. Think about something gross. I jumped up and down, moving my head from side to side to crack my neck. Um—oh, Old Yeller at the diner. I pictured the cashier with the smoke stained teeth at the small restaurant across from Leah’s shop that I had coffee in that one day.
Okay, it’s working. I breathed in, then out. Old Yeller in a bikini. I shivered, completely repulsed. Okay, I’m good.
Now that I was calm enough to speak, I called out, “You have a bad habit of exercising on an empty stomach. You must be hungry by now.” Because I sure as hell am. “I’ll make you a protein shake before we leave.” I didn’t dare look at her as I gathered the ingredients from the cupboards.
“I had coffee,” she yelled back, but I could still hear the paused breaths within her words.
Refocus, man. “Yeah, but coffee isn’t enough.” I poured strawberries, almond milk, protein powder, and a banana into the blender, turned it on, and got a couple of glasses ready.
I heard her footsteps as she began to climb the stairs. “I’m going to go change. Be down in a minute.”
I cleared my throat. ‘Kay.”
I could use a cold shower right about now.
⁂
Leah
Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday, second only to Christmas. My family was arriving this afternoon, and I was giddy to have them on my side of town. Thankfully, Elena decided to spend the day with one of her friends who was also a newly single parent.
I had gotten into a little tiff with my mom when we made sleeping arrangements for the night, so I was hoping all would be dropped by now. My mom didn't approve of me staying at Stefen's, even if it left the loft above my shop open for her and Sal.
Dani and Bri were also staying at Stefen’s, so I didn’t see what the big deal was. My mom would probably have a shit-fit if she knew how often I did spend the night at his place.
Alone at my home, I’d gotten up early to make the turkeys, hoping I did mom’s recipe justice. They weren’t traditional ‘American’ turkeys, but it was the best I’d ever had. Hopefully, everyone else would agree.
Hearing the knock at my door, I opened it to find my favorite person wearing his fitted dark jeans, grey pullover, and black boots.
“I don’t know why you won’t just use the key I gave you, Stefen.” I s
trolled into my kitchen.
He followed close behind. “What would you do if you were standing in the living room naked, and I walked in on you?”
Die of embarrassment. “Good point.” I nodded once.
I twirled around to find him twitching his lips. His pupil’s looked dilated.
Was he actually picturing it? Oh my.
How much longer were we going to keep playing this game of touching and not touching? I was getting worn out by it.
Looking at his lips, I shook my head to snap out of it. But I couldn’t. The desire between us was palpable. He wanted me, and I definitely wanted him. My hand slowly pushed up his chest where I felt his heart beating erratically. We both stood still.
Stefen moved in closer, holding onto my waist as he pulled my body flush with his. Moving his hand to my face, he rubbed his thumb along my bottom lip. “Leah,” he breathed out asking for permission.
“I feel it, too,” I whispered, blinking rapidly, feeling both fear and longing.
Closing his eyes, he moved his hands to the back of my neck, threading his fingers in my hair as he pulled my head to his chest. Taking quick breaths, he said the words that had already played out in my own thoughts. “We have to talk about this. I’ve been fighting it for a while, and it’s not going away.”
“I know. Can we wait until tonight, please? I don’t want to rush through it and there’s not enough time right now.” I took short, shallow breaths, closing my eyes as I listened to his pounding heartbeat. As much as I wanted him, I couldn’t help the fear I felt.
Holding on even tighter, he grunted, “Okay. Tonight. But you make me wait any longer, and I’m coming after you.”
I nodded in agreement, but didn’t want to let go of him. Peering up through my lashes, I had to say something to get us out of my apartment. “Um, is your arm okay to carry one of the turkeys down?” Then I made the mistake of running my hand down his bicep, which flexed under my touch.
“Yeah. I’m stronger than I look.” His cocky grin appeared.
