by Rye Hart
“I just want to help.”
“I don’t want your money.”
“I know you’re not like the other girls. I offered to help.”
“I know you did, and I really appreciate it. It was a really sweet gesture, but I just can’t take it.”
He nodded and started the car, looking a bit like a petulant child. I reached over and put my hand on his. “I don’t want you to be upset. I’m still wondering if I even want to move. Rain and Aunt Helen are like family to me, and I don’t know if I could move away from them. I think I’ll finish painting and hopefully, the new look and new locks will make me feel better.”
“If you decide to, before you go out and take another job, and divide our time, please consider my offer. That’s all I ask.”
“Ok, I promise to consider it.” I stroked his hand and brought it to my lips for a kiss. I was glad that we were together and as I watched him, staring at the road ahead, I wondered how I got so lucky to end up with a man like him. He was so sweet and devoted to me that I found myself relaxed and trusting in his word. He had been so focused on me, and it was so much different than how Devin treated me. I didn’t feel I needed to worry about Tate straying. He’d proven to me that his only interest was in me and no one else. I decided right then and there to stop letting my past with Devin determine how I treated Tate. He deserved my trust, and I was falling hard for him because of it.
“Instead of going home, how about you stay with me another night?”
“I could do that. But as soon as we get back I’m heading for the shower, so don’t get in my way.” I gave him a nudge, and he chuckled.
“I won’t get in your way, baby. I’ll join you.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – TATE
I was editing my shots from over the weekend, and thought about Kami and how she wanted to get another job. The wasn’t going to help my journey to get her pregnant.
I’d hoped she’d let the idea go a week ago when we returned from camping, but she’d mentioned it again two days ago.
I considered asking her to move in, but I had Megan to think about as well. She might feel pressured to leave, and I didn’t want that either. I knew where she’d go, and my sister didn’t need to move home.
Then again, maybe I could find my sister another place to stay, giving her the encouragement so that Kami could move in. But what a step that would be. While we were getting super close, Kami was independent in many ways. I wasn’t sure she was going to go for it.
A knock on my door forced me to get up and stretch my legs. I’d been sitting at the computer for hours, and though I needed a piss break, I headed to the door first.
Hazen walked in as soon as I opened the door. “It’s fucking hot out there today, man. I hope you don’t mind me grabbing a bottled water.” He headed straight for my kitchen.
“Help yourself; I’ll be right back.” I left for the bathroom, and when I came back, he was standing in my kitchen looking at his phone.
“What brings you by?”
He gestured down to an envelope on the counter. “I’m here to give you a bonus. I know you don’t want my money, but I have to give you something dude. You’re the hottest thing going on that site, my friend, and everyone I know is talking about you. You’ve even caught the attention of some of my favorites, and they are asking me for an introduction. I told a couple that you and I don’t share, especially at the same time.”
I went to the Keurig to make myself a cup of coffee. “They wanted a threesome?” I winced. I had known Hazen too long, and we weren’t about that kind of thing. Now me and two chicks? That I would have thought about back in the day.
“They want a lot of things with you, my friend. Are you still seeing that girl?”
“Kami. And yes, I’m seeing her. Only her.”
“Does she know about all the women you’re hitting on?” He gave a sly grin.
“No, she doesn’t think I’m on the site still. I signed the NDA about what I do, I haven’t said a word to anyone, but I will say, you’re about to have to find another man. I’m not sure how long I can keep helping you and keeping it from Kami.”
“Wait, are you falling for her?” He asked, incredulously.
The “L” word had always been one I’d avoided, but with her and how things had been going, it fit.
I took my coffee and pulled the hot cup to my lips. After taking a sip, I met his eyes. “So? Maybe I am.”
Hazen held his hands up. “Hey, man, I think it’s great, really. But I wish you’d reconsider. That bonus is a nice one, and there’s plenty more there where that came from if you keep up the good work.” He gestured to the envelope he’d put on the counter.
I walked to it and opened it up, leaning on the counter over my coffee. There was a five-thousand- dollar check inside.
“I appreciate the gesture, man. I was doing it to help you out and to find my girl. Both of which I’ve done. I don’t need your money.”
“I know you don’t, but I appreciate what you’re doing for me and I wanted to show that appreciation. Blow it all on your girl if that makes you feel better.”
I shook my head “I don’t want to mess this thing up with Kami, man. I can’t keep doing this forever. I do love her.”
“Dude, you’re forgetting who you are talking to. I’ve known you since we could both walk. You say you love her now, but you’ll get bored in another month or two and be back on the prowl.” Hazen said.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. He might be my best friend, but right now, Hazen was pissing me the fuck off. “I’ve told you before, this is different. She is different. I’m done with that shit, man, and if you bring it up again, we are going to have a big problem.”
Hazen held his hands up in a defensive gesture. “Hey, no need to get your boxers in a bunch Tate. If you say it’s different, then I believe you.”
I nodded and unclenched my fists at my sides.
“That’s not the only reason I came by. I was going to see if you wanted to come by the club later. You can even bring your girl if you want.” He glanced down at his phone. “Check this out, man. I swear, owning his site is the best thing I’ve ever done.” He shoved his phone in my face and on the screen, there was a picture I’d seen before.
“She sent me the same one, you know. Asked if I wanted to party with her.” I laughed as his face fell.
“Oh well. It’s not like I want an honest relationship. I just want to fuck her.” He shrugged and belted a laugh.
“You’re a dog, man. You aren’t ever going to settle down, are you?”
“Not if I can help it. But seriously, man. Stick around. I’ll take care of you. And if you want to come out to the club, I swear I won’t mention any of it to your little lady.”
“Kami and I are going to see her friend’s band play somewhere tonight. Maybe after, I’ll see what you’re up to.”
“Sounds good. Hit me later, man,” Hazen said as I shut the door behind him. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea to take Kami to the club where Hazen hung out. What if one of the women from the site was there hoping to cause a scene?
I went to get ready for the night, and after trimming my facial hair, I jumped in the shower. I thought about Kami and me in there the night before, and my dick hardened. I ignored it, knowing later that night it would get some attention. I loved the slow build and knew the payoff would be amazing.
As I dressed, I got a call from Kami. “Hey, sexy. I got off a bit early, so I’ll be ready for you in about twenty minutes.”
“Good, because I miss you.” I meant it too. I’d thought about her all day. I grabbed my keys.
“Maybe you can show me how much you miss me when you get here,” she purred.
“I’d love to, but won’t that make us late for the show?” I asked.
“Not like I haven’t seen them a million and one times already,” she said.
“Rain is excited about us being there.” The girl practically begged us to come and wh
en we’d said yes, she’d jumped up and down cheering. As much as I would rather spend the evening fucking Kami senseless, I wanted to be supportive of her friend.
“I like that you’re trying to be thoughtful to my best friend. She really likes you, you know.”
“I can’t blame her. Now get that sweet ass ready. Maybe if we get there early, we can leave early,” I said.
“Oh, I like the way you think. I’ll be ready when you get here.”
We ended the call, and I tossed my phone in the seat and heard a ping. Shit. The sound was distinct to the dating site. Surely Kami would know what it sounded like. There was no way to turn it off now. I needed to be back at my house to do that. I breathed a curse under my breath and decided once I arrived, I’d turn off my phone or leave it in the jeep. No big deal.
CHAPTER NINETEEN – KAMI
Tate showed up to get me and met me with a kiss. He held my face a moment after he’d pulled away and stared into my eyes. “I’ve missed you so much. It’s hard being away from you for even a day.” I felt the same, but hearing him admit it made my heart soar.
“I know what you mean. It’s getting tough spending the night alone in bed.” It had been our tradition of late to talk just before bed, and we’d even fallen asleep on the phone with one another like two damn teenagers.
“Yeah, you should really spend the night more often.” He met my eyes and raised a brow. “How would you feel about spending every night with me? And waking up every morning in our bed?”
The question caught me off-guard, and my breath hitched as I was unsure how to react. “Tate.” It was all I could say and my eyes filled up with tears.
“I’m not trying to push your or upset you—” he started before I cut him off.
“No, it’s not that at all Tate. It’s just that, well, I’m falling for you,” I finally admitted.
A bright grin split his handsome face and he cupped by face in his large hands. “I’m falling for you too, Kami. I love you. I didn’t want to jump into anything until I knew the time was right to tell you, but I can’t wait anymore.”
“I’ll talk with Aunt Helen and Rain tomorrow. I know they’ll understand. No one ever expected me to hang around forever, I’m sure. And it’s about time I get out in the world.”
“Well, you don’t have to do it alone. I want to take care of you, Kami.”
I let out a sigh. “I want us to take care of each other. I will still work, and I’ll contribute.”
“We’ll talk about that later in bed, where I have a better shot at convincing you to let me do for you.” He wagged his brows.
I fell into him and rose up on my toes to kiss him deeply, his tongue mingling softly with mine. It made my knees weak, and I felt the faint flush of blood from my face as the heat blossomed between my legs. “You’re going to make me want to skip the show again.”
“Then we better get going.” He took my hand and led me out.
His phone was in my seat, and I moved it out of the way. “Here, you better put this in your pocket.” He always carried his phone in his pocket, and he frowned and turned it on and then quickly put it away.
“It’s been acting up. I think I’ll turn it off and reboot it later.” He gave me a smile and started us on the road.
The club was so packed that it was hard to weave through the crowd, but we managed to do it and found a table near the front to sit at.
A waitress came up and leaned her big breasts over into Tate’s face. “You want a beer?”
“Sure. Baby, what do you want?” I looked over, and he waited on me to answer.
“You know, I think I’ll have a beer too. Draft please.” I gave her a pointed look to get her tits off my man, but she strolled away casually like it wasn’t a big deal. I shook it off and let it go. It wasn’t his fault.
I could see Rain standing toward the back and waved her over.
She crossed the room and seemed a bit anxious. “I’m ready to get this show on the road. I’ve been looking for Devin for an hour now, and he missed out on the practice earlier. I swear, I’m going to kill him if he no-shows.”
“He’ll be here. You know how he is.” I looked at Tate who gave a polite smile and looked back out to the crowd. I didn’t think he wanted any part of the conversation, and I couldn’t blame him.
“Yeah, he’s an asshole. You’re much better off with this super-stud. How are you, Tate? Are you ready to rock and roll? This doesn’t seem like your usual crowd.”
“Actually, I used to come here quite often, but my girlfriend at the time was a waitress here.” He gave me a sly smile and then looked back across the room.
“Oh yeah? A waitress, huh? Is she still working here?” Rain asked the very question I wanted to, and I was relieved when he shook his head.
“No, it was years ago. Whole new crowd, it seems.”
“Good,” I mumbled. Rain gave me a wide-eyed stare.
“So what are you two love birds up to?” She glanced back and forth between us, and I wanted to tell her so badly the good news. That the two of us were in love, and Tate had asked me to move in with him. I knew she might lecture me on how soon it was, but I was prepared for it. It was a bit soon to some, but when you’re in love and want to spend each waking moment with that person, what else could you do?
“We’re waiting on the best show on earth, from what I’ve heard.” Tate gave her a big smile as the waitress returned with our beer. He took his bottle and turned it up.
“You’re the sweetest.” He was, I hadn’t gushed on about the band like he made out, in fact, he knew that I mostly was sick of their practicing under my apartment, but he also understood how much I loved Rain. She was like a sister to me.
Someone yelled out Rain’s name across the crowd, and she turned to see Daren Craig hanging on a woman with bleached-blond hair and big tits as another guy stepped forward and waved her over.
I could see the disappointment on her face, and I rubbed her arm to try and offer support. She’d been crushing hard on Daren lately, and it was obvious he’d moved on. The other guy was still waving his arms and wailing out Rain’s name. “Thanks for coming.” She turned and went to greet the man, slapping on her best face as Daren gave her a sympathetic look. I hoped he was sorry.
“The man with the blonde is the guy Rain likes. I sure hope Devin shows up soon. She can’t take too much disappointment in one night.”
“Is there anything we can do?”
“I’ll call him.” I took out my phone and dialed the lame ass’ number. Tate watched as I tapped my fingers on the table.
Finally, he answered. “Well, if this isn’t a blast from the pasts. Are you done with that rich asshole and need a real man again? Cause I’d throw you a bone. You know, for old time’s sake.”
His words were so disgusting that I wanted to puke. “Where the hell are you? Rain’s freaking out.”
“I’m in the parking lot now. But I’m kind of busy.” I heard a female moaning in the background.
“You’re so disgusting. Will you hurry up and crawl off that poor girl and find Rain.” I hung up.
“Where is he?”
“He’s out in the parking lot molesting some poor girl.” I saw Rain across the way and got up to get her attention. “I’ll be right back.” I left him at the table and walked across the room to whisper in Rain’s ear.
“Your golden boy is out in the parking lot getting his knob slobbered.”
“I’m going to kill that asshole. He knows how much I worry, and he plays these games all the time.” She let out a long breath. “Did you see Daren? He’s obviously not interested in me anymore, but on a positive note, there’s Billy over there, and he’s more than willing.” She gestured to a rough-looking guy who seemed as if he was ready to beat someone’s ass.
“Yikes. He’s scary.”
“Tell me about it. Why can’t I meet a nice man like you did? You two seem so happy tonight.”
“Well, that’s because we told each other t
hose three magic words for the first time before driving out.” She squealed so loud that looked over to Tate to see if he heard it, but he was sipping his beer and looking around the room. Now and then he’d peek my way.
“That’s so sweet! I’m sooooo happy for you!” She gave me a hug.
“We also talked about something else. He wants me to move in with him. I’m a little hesitant, because of what happened before, but I was hoping that Aunt Helen would keep the apartment open in case it doesn’t work out. At least for a few months.”
“That sounds like a solid plan. I mean, it can’t hurt. Talk to her, and I’m sure she will. She mentioned not wanting anyone else that wasn’t like family living under our roof, so she doesn’t want strangers for tenants.”
That was good news.
“I hope I don’t need it. I’m spending the night with him again, and we’re going to talk out the details. I’ll hit you and Aunt Hel up about it together as soon as I know when.”
“See, now I’m really jealous. I wish just once, one of these assholes would change. But that’s not the way it works, is it?” She took a calming breath and gave me a tight hug. “I better get backstage.”
“I better get back to Tate before he meets another waitress.” We shared a laugh, and I hurried back to my man.
I joined Tate at the table and finished my beer, Tate moved his chair closer to mine and ordered us a pitcher.
We enjoyed the show when Live Wired took the stage. The music was loud, and Rain sang her heart out, even dedicating one of the slower ballads to me and Tate. Devin had rolled his eyes but played well, and the rest of the band were great as usual.
Once I knew the set was winding down, I leaned in and kissed Tate on the cheek. “I’m ready to go back to your place now.”
He brushed my hair back. “Anything you want, lead the way.” He got off his stool and took my hand.
CHAPTER TWENTY – TATE
We left the club and were all over each other on the way to the jeep. I’d expected her to want to mess around a little on the way, but when we stopped at the convenience store for gas, she came across and straddled my lap.
