by Teagan Kade
Mrs. Ainsworth eyes him again, but she can’t ignore him now he’s standing right in front of her.
“Twenty,” she mutters.
Dane pulls his wallet out and takes out a handful of bills, hundreds by the look of it. He hands them to Mrs. Ainsworth. “This enough?”
Mrs. Ainsworth thumbs through the money. “And who the hell are you, huh? Another quick fling?”
Dane looks at me and laughs before turning his attention back to Mrs. Ainsworth. He slips his wallet away. “I’ve already told you, and I’m going to tell you one more thing.”
“What’s that?” she barks.
Dane continues to smirk.
I’m getting nervous.
“The least you could do,” he says, “is have a little, just one iota, of appreciation for the fact Haley is about to go into town and pack supplies. You know, help out the good townspeople while you sit on your fat ass and watch Ricki Lake reruns.”
I’m shocked. No, I’m mortified. After this, Mrs. Ainsworth and Nancy are never going to babysit, let alone speak to me ever again. He’s ruined it all.
I’m about to speak up, apologize profusely, but Mrs. Ainsworth speaks first. “Fine,” she mutters, extending her arms. “I’ll mind him for a few hours while Nancy is out, but that’s all, you understand?”
I pass Andy over with his bag. “Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Ainsworth.”
She closes the door continuing to eye Dane.
I’m also staring at him in quasi-amazement. “I can’t believe you just did that.”
He shrugs like it’s nothing at all. “Believe it.”
I can’t help the irritation seeping into my voice as hard as I’m trying to ward it off. “You could have really…”
“Pissed her off?” Dane laughs.
“I need her from time to time, Dane. It’s hard to find a babysitter in a town like this.”
He slides his hands into his pocket, eyes caught in the crossfire. “Alright, but you’re not a doormat, Haley. You can’t let these people walk all over you.”
“I don’t,” I protest.
He raises an eyebrow, tilting his head. “You sure about that?”
I know he’s right. I just don’t want to admit it. “It’s not like I’ve had a choice.”
“Until now.”
“Yes.”
As annoyed as I am, I still want to take Dane back home for more ‘adult’ activities, but the town needs me. Still, I can’t stop Dane’s words ping-ponging through my head.
Am I really a doormat?
I certainly feel like one after a hard day, down-trodden and used with little to show for it apart from what I’ve inherited, and I’m about to lose that.
“Where did you grow up?” I ask Dane as we walk, the ice having turned everything sharp.
He faces me. “Like I said, a town not dissimilar from this—same cold, same people, though no Haley Walker from what I remember, and I would remember you.”
“Do you miss it?”
He laughs, soft clouds puffing out from his mouth. “I can’t say I do. I’d much rather run down to the beach every morning than the General Store and its new shipment of canned tuna.”
“I’ve never seen the beach.”
He stops walking. “You’re not serious, are you?”
“I told you. I’ve never left Merit.”
I could have told him I’m pregnant and I doubt his reaction would be this extreme.
“No, no, no,” he says, shaking his head, “you’re playing with me.”
“I kind of would like to be playing with you, but no, in that sense of the word, I am not. Merit’s been my home my entire life. It is my entire life.”
He continues to shake his head, hands on his hips. “Jesus. We’ve got to get you out of here. There’s a whole damn world out there you do realize.”
I roll my eyes. “I read. I have the World Wide Web.”
He laughs, kicking snow with his boots. “The simple fact you call it the ‘World Wide Web’ shows you how sheltered you are here.”
I don’t want to tell him how uneducated I really am. Mom always said you didn’t need that fancy kind of education, that ‘street smarts’ were far more important—not that the streets of Merit require any kind of smarts at all.
We arrive at the supply drive a little before mid-morning, the cold snap having frosted over the windows and doors of the garage.
Jeremy comes out rubbing his hands together. “Haley,” he beams, “I’m so glad you could come.” He looks to Dane. “And it’s nice to see you again. The ‘Inky Knight,’ wasn’t it?”
“Inky Knight?” I ask, confused.
“Never mind,” says Dane, extending his hand and introducing himself.
Jeremy scratches his head. “So, there’s a bunch of crates inside that need to be moved out to the truck. Can you guys handle that?”
“Sure.” I nod. “Whatever you need.”
“I’ll leave you to it then.” Jeremy smiles.
Jeremy’s like me—a towner through and through. His folks run an accounting business down the road, attend church on Sundays, and eat out at the diner once a week. You almost always know where to find them.
We get to work. It’s clear Dane’s a curiosity. Some dart stolen glances his way. Others are far more blatant, eye-balling him as he passes.
He pays them no attention, easily lifting the crates off the floor and transporting them outside. He selects the lighter crates for me, helping me out where necessary. I think old Mrs. Maxwell has a near coronary when Dane gives me a playful slap on the behind. She’d keel over for good if she knew what he was doing last night.
Dane takes another crate, lifting it onto his shoulder like it’s full of feathers.
I crouch and struggle to pick up my own, a crate full of bread.
I manage to stand, but the crate’s too heavy. I take one step and over-balance, the crate crashing to the ground and shattering, loaves of bread rolling into the dirt.
Now I am the star attraction.
I’m blushing with embarrassment, rubbing my knee when the guy Jeremy put in charge of the crates, a solid individual by the name of Buck, spots my predicament. He stands over me and takes off his trucker cap, shaking his head. “It’s ruined, Haley. You’ve gone done and spoiled it all. What were you thinking?”
I hang my head. “I’m sorry, Buck. I slipped.”
“You’d think this would be simple enough work,” he continues, “but I guess even this is beyond you.”
I fight back tears. “I know.”
“Hey!”
We turn together to see Dane placing his cart down and storming over.
Others start to emerge, ringing around us for the spectacle.
“Who the hell are you?” asks Buck.
Dane stops a foot from his face. “Does it fucking matter? You can’t talk to her like that.”
Buck puts his cap back on and straightens up, chewing as he speaks. “Look here, pretty boy, this ain’t your business.”
Dane doesn’t back down. “I’m making it my business.” He swivels to address the others gathered, everything silent but for the booming sound of his voice. He reaches down and helps me up. “This woman is not going to be your whipping post any longer. Am I making myself clear?”
There’s silence.
“Haley does nothing but help around this sorry excuse for a town,” he goes on, “and how do you idiots repay her? You kick her down, because what? Because you’re better than her?”
A woman leaning by the apples speaks up. “Hmm, looks to me like little Haley Walker’s got another man wrapped around her finger.”
Dane rounds on her. “Now, that really is none of your fucking business, is it?”
Buck spits to the floor. “Well, maybe if she learned to close her le—”
Dane’s fist is rising as Jeremy bursts in. “Hey, hey, hey!” he shouts, coming between Buck and Dane, a hand pressed against each of them. “What the hell is going on in here?”
&
nbsp; “Trouble,” Buck replies. “The slippery, out-of-town sort we don’t take too kindly around here.”
“Can’t say I feel welcome,” Dane replies, lowering his fist.
Buck points to the broken crate at my feet. “Just look what she’s gone and done, Jer. That bread’s no good now.”
I hate to think what would have happened if Jeremy hadn’t showed up.
But Dane’s right. You know he’s right.
I’m torn. I should act, but the temptation to fall back into my usual ways is too strong.
Jeremy lifts his eyes from the crate to mine. He claps his hands together, attempting to take control. “Okay, how about you clean that up, Haley, and get back to work. Show’s over.”
Dane doesn’t say anything, but he watches me, his eyes imploring me to do something. It’s up to you what happens next, they say.
A hot anger rises up in me that’s fresh and new, a steely resolve I haven’t felt in years.
Enough.
Enough is enough.
I cross my arms. “No.”
Jeremy swivels back around. It’s pin-drop quiet. “Sorry?”
My resolve falters, but when I look at Dane it builds right back up. Keep at it, he’s telling me. “No,” I continue, “we’ve been at this for three hours. I need to get back to my son.”
I plant my feet, my body stiff and unyielding.
Jeremy’s momentarily stunned. I think they all are.
When no one speaks, I fill the silence. “There’s more than enough people to help out here, and I’m not going to stand for the way I’m treated anymore. I’m sick of being the local doormat.”
I want desperately to fall apart, to start shaking or lose it, but I manage to hold myself together while Jeremy continues to gawp and gape. His mouth moves, but he can’t seem to find any actual words to speak.
I look around, moving my hands to my hips. “Anyone else got something to say?”
Faces turn away to look at the ceiling or floor—all except Dane. He’s smiling, wide as can be. I half expect him to break into applause.
I want to smile too, but I keep a stern, serious expression glued to my face. “Okay then.”
I take Dane’s hand and walk through the doors.
I go to turn back, but Dane squeezes my hand. “No, keep walking.”
It’s only when we’re safely around the corner, well out of sight of the garage, I allow myself to breathe. I’m feeling confident, energized and empowered, and it’s all because of Dane.
“I’m proud of you,” he says, holding my face and lifting it towards him. “That was fucking badass, you know? I’m talking some real gangster, Wonder Woman shit right there.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not Wonder Woman.”
“I’ve seen that whip on the wall back at your place. Play your cards right and I’ll let you put it to use on me.”
I roll my eyes again, tugging his hand. “Come on.”
I walk on a cloud, not the sidewalk. I’m so much lighter, buoyant. Everything’s clear and fresh. Even the bitter cold can’t get me down.
Apprehension starts to worm its way in, of how people are going to react now, after what I just said. Walkers aren’t the type to make a fuss, to draw any kind of attention. I almost feel like I’ve betrayed the family name.
Sensing it, Dane says, “You did the right thing. Don’t worry about tomorrow or the next day, the fallout I know you’re thinking about. It’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”
And I believe him. After that mind trick he pulled with Mrs. Ainsworth, I’m pretty sure anything is possible when it comes to Dane Carr.
I’m so caught up I don’t see a patch of ice coming, slipping sideways into a fresh dumping of snow on the shoulder of a park.
I tug Dane down with me into the snow, walled on either side of us, blocking us out from the world.
I laugh and smile, Dane holding himself above me before lowering his head and locking me in a kiss.
I reach up to his face and pull him into it, letting my tongue explore his mouth and press forward with urgency.
My body responds, heating quick against the snow.
I hold him by the back of the neck, never wanting this kiss to end.
We’re deep in the snow, but this is still out in the open. Anyone could stumble upon us here, which is why, when Dane’s hand snakes down the front of my jeans, I think I’m going to have a heart attack.
His tongue slides against mine, his hand finding the curved cleft of my pussy hot and slick.
I’m burning up here, lost in impure thoughts, and I want it. I want it so bad it hurts.
I grasp and claw at his jacket and neck, hands running up into his dark hair, tugging at him as his lips drop down my jugular, continuing downwards while two fingers slip inside my slickness, his thumb padding my clit.
“Dane,” I moan, eyes closed against the falling snow, fat flakes of it melting on my features, a cold juxtaposition to the wet inferno between my legs.
My heels kick and slide against the snow, my back growing wet and the crazy contrast of sensations pushing me close to climax.
I kiss him again, nipping at his lower lip a woman possessed, mad with power and lust and newfound confidence.
It’s only when he goes to tug down my pants, I bring a hand up to stop him. Some measure of reason has found its way through.
“I want to. I want to so bad, but we have to pick up Andy.”
Dane nods in acknowledgement. “And when he goes down tonight?”
I bring my head up, placing my lips against his ear. I press my hand against the crotch of his pants, find him hard as always. “Then I will go down.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
DANE
I might be in the living room ‘watching’ the kid, but my eyes are on Haley, and they’re looking at her in a new light.
It was a turn-on seeing her stand up to those assholes. As they say, confidence makes the cock grow harder.
The very first step—that’s all she needed. The rest will come easier now. She’s probably never had anyone believe in her, help her look out for herself.
I direct my attention down to Andy. He’s busy gnawing on crayons, trying to stuff them into his mouth with one hand while the other plays with a busted foam airplane he seems to like. Every so often his giant eyes dart to me, a smile forming in turn. It’s like the little bugger’s deliberately trying to chip away at my defenses. I guess he’s not so bad.
Haley’s making dinner tonight, a roast. I told her not to make a fuss, but she was set on it. Whatever’s going on in that kitchen, it smells fucking amazing.
Fifteen minutes later, she calls, “Dinner’s ready” from the dining room.
I lift Andy up under his arms and place him in his baby seat at the far end of the table, setting myself on the side next to Haley. I survey the spread, the roast taking pride of place in the middle of the table.
“I bet you’re glad the freezer held out,” Haley remarks.
“I am,” I reply.
Haley dishes up Andy’s plate first before taking mine. “What would you like?”
I let my gaze swoop down her body. Fuck me it’s incredible. “Everything.”
She rolls her eyes, smiling, and dishes up my plate, handing it over.
She looks to Andy, already busy stuffing his gob. “You’re supposed to wait for your guests, Andy.”
I pick up my fork and knife. “I’m still a guest?”
Haley smiles at me, so much more relaxed now. Even her posture’s changed. “What would you like to be?”
“More,” I answer cryptically.
The food is incredible, just like my grandmother used to make on Sundays. We’d all head over to her place and stuff ourselves silly, play Monopoly by the fire, my father drinking whiskey all the while and nine times out of ten requiring assistance to be rolled out the door.
Haley laughs. “Are you actually eating your food there or inhaling it?”
I wipe my mouth. “I’m
sorry, but it’s god-damn delicious.”
Andy gurgles from the end of the table, clearly sharing my opinion.
“Anyone would think you’ve never have a home-cooked meal,” continues Haley.
“Does frozen pizza count as a home-cooked meal?”
Haley dips her head to the side, scooping up a pile of peas from her plate. “I don’t know if technically counts as ‘food’ at all.”
By the time I’m done—after seconds, and thirds—I can almost see my reflection in the plate.
Haley helps Andy down from his chair, cleaning his face before letting him crawl-slash-stagger back to his beloved toys with a bottle of milk.
She bends over to take my plate, her cleavage dropping low beside my head. “I’m sorry,” she says. “I didn’t make dessert.”
I lick my lower lip taking her in. “I’m sure we can arrange something of the sweet variety later… just like last time.”
She rolls her eyes again. “You’re out of control, a horny boy masquerading as a man.”
I give her a playful tap on the ass, unsurprised to find it as firm as ever. “And you proved today you’re very much in control.”
“I did?” she questions.
I pull her into my lap, let her feel how hard she’s making me. “It was sexy as fuck seeing you stand up to those yokels.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “Are you saying you like a woman in control?”
“If you’re asking do I like to be tied up and spanked…” I shrug. “I’m open to it. Hell, I’m open to anything in the bedroom.”
“Anything?” she asks.
“Anything.” I wink back.
She swings off me. “I’ll keep that in mind, Mr. Carr.”
She clears away the rest of the table and takes her seat again, watching Andy. “What happened at the food drive…”
I take her hand, so delicate in my own. “You don’t have to explain yourself.”
“This is the town I grew up in,” she says, eyes glassy. “Everything I know is here, and I don’t want to leave it, really, but…”
“But?” I press.
“There’s so much baggage here I keep hoping will go away. I was always taught that if I was just… good, then things would work out, but that…” She looks down to the table. “That hasn’t been the case.”
