Текст книги "Barely Breathing"

Автор книги: Brenda Rothert

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

Kane

CORI’S NUMBER SHOWED UP ON the screen of my phone and I sat up in bed to answer it, wide awake now.

“Cori? Everything okay with Brooklyn?”

“Yeah, everything’s good. She’s at school.”

I laid back down, relieved.

“I’m off today,” Cori said. “And I wondered if you might be free for lunch.”

“Lunch?” I wrinkled my face, still out of it from being woken out of a dead sleep. Hadn’t she just said Brooklyn was at school?

“Yeah, you know . . . we can talk, decide where to go from here.”

She had my full attention now. Dinner had gone well the other night, with Brooklyn giving me a tour of her room and telling me about what she was learning at school. And now Cori seemed open to letting me see more of her. I’d figured it was too soon to ask for one on one time with my daughter, but maybe not.

“Sure,” I said. “In the city?”

“We can meet halfway.” She named a deli I knew of and we agreed to meet there in an hour.

I took a quick shower and drove there, thinking about the possibilities this opened up. I could bring Brooklyn to the club for lunch sometime since we didn’t open til evening. She could cook with the chef and made something fancy. We could get all you can eat pancakes at the diner near my place. I’d need to get a better place so she could have her own room when she visited me. We could paint it together.

I could introduce her to Viv and we could all spend time together. The thought of the two most important people in my life getting closer made me emotional. Viv would know more about what a nine-year-old girl liked, too. We’d go places together.

This was beyond my wildest dreams. I was on cloud nine when I walked into the deli and slid into a booth across from Cori.

“Hey,” she said, smiling.

“Hey. How’s it going?”

“Pretty good.”

A server came by for our orders and once he was gone, I waited for Cori to take the lead in the conversation. I wanted her to think me seeing more of Brooklyn was her idea, even if it was also mine.

“So,” she said, fiddling with her paper straw wrapper. “I sometimes wonder if I should have come to visit you. Written letters. You know, tried.”

My brows shot up with surprise. “Tried? I was in prison, Cori. You did the right thing making a clean break from me.”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I had it really bad for you, Kane. You were always so dark and mysterious. Kind of angry at the world. But there was something more there, and I saw it when we were together.”

I’d been high every time we were together. I couldn’t remember a single encounter. But I didn’t think it would be wise to tell her that.

“I fucked things up so bad,” I said. “Getting this second chance with Brooklyn means everything to me.”

“So you believe in second chances?” Her eyes were hopeful when they met mine.

“I didn’t used to,” I admitted. “But my girlfriend has made me believe in things I never did before.”

“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend. You’ve never mentioned her.”

“Yeah. Vivian. I’ve never brought her up because I wanted to keep the focus on Brooklyn at first. I like spending our time together talking about her life, you know?”

Cori nodded. “She’s so happy you’re coming around. And I am, too.”

Her gaze flicked to mine for just a second and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I was kind of fucking clueless about women’s subtle signals, but I didn’t like the feeling I had right now.

“So . . .” I cleared my throat. “Is there anything I can do to help with Brooklyn?”

“You’ve already done a lot. I used the back child support money for the down payment on our house. I never could have afforded it without that.”

“It was nothing,” I said. “I can’t ever thank you enough for always giving her a happy, stable home. You’ve done a great job with her.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I’m crazy proud of her.”

“I don’t just mean money, though. I mean like . . . taking care of her while you’re at work or just taking her out to dinner in your neighborhood so you can have a break.”

“Oh.” Cori frowned slightly. “You don’t like hanging out with both of us?”

Shit. This conversation was like a minefield.

“No, it’s not that,” I said. “It’s just . . . being a single parent for so long . . . you’ve never had much time for you. To do adult stuff, like date. When’s the last time you went out?”

“You’re asking because . . . you want to watch Brooklyn while I go out?”

“Sure, yeah.”

Cori shook her head. “I’m always working or with Brooklyn. I don’t exactly have men clamoring at my doorstep.”

“So go out and try. You’re pretty and smart and . . . all that shit.” I ran a hand over my short hair.

“You still think I’m pretty?”

Fuck. There was no winning this conversation.

“Course you are. Any man would be damn lucky to have you. Maybe Viv and I can come over this weekend and take Brooklyn out to dinner so you can give it a go.”

Cori shook her head. “Look, Kane. You’ve only known Brooklyn a couple weeks. I don’t want you bringing women around her.”

I bristled. “It’s not women, it’s only one. Viv and I are together.”

“Sure, but . . . for how long? It’s not good for our daughter to meet every person you go out with.”

The server returned with our sandwiches and we ate in silence. This wasn’t going according to plan. When we finished eating, I picked up the check from the table.

“I have to run payroll at work today so I need to go in early,” I said, getting up from the table.

“Okay, well . . . thanks for lunch. Do you want to come over for dinner this weekend?”

Did I want to have dinner with Cori? Not really. But for now, it was the only way I could see Brooklyn.

“Sure. Text me when and I’ll be there.”

She smiled. “Great. See you then, Kane.”

I drove back to the city in a pensive mood. This shit, I hadn’t seen coming from a mile away. Cori didn’t want Brooklyn meeting Viv. I couldn’t possibly hurt Viv by telling her that.

For now, I’d have to keep the peace by only seeing Brooklyn on Cori’s terms. But I sure as fuck didn’t have to like it.

Viv

I dialed Kane on my cab ride to the airport. When he answered, all I heard was the din of music in the club behind him.

“Hang on,” he said loudly. After a minute, the sound of the music went away. “Hey, sorry. Had to come back to my office.”

“Hi,” I said, missing him already.

“Hey. You on your way? We’ve got that spicy soup you like tonight.”

I sighed. “Sadly, no. I’m on my way to the airport.”

“The airport?”

“Yes. I have to go track a client down in LA. A childish, inconsiderate client who makes me want to scream most every day.”

“On Friday night, though?” His tone was disappointed. We hadn’t seen much of each other this week due to work schedules.

“I know. I’m going now so I can fly home tomorrow night. I didn’t want to get in on Sunday night and have to go right back to work Monday morning. Can we raincheck on dinner til tomorrow night?”

“I’m going to Cori’s tomorrow night.”

“Oh. Damn. I mean, good because I want you to see Brooklyn, but . . . I miss you.”

“Miss you, too. How ‘bout I come over when I’m done over there? She goes to bed by nine and I should be back in the city around ten.”

“Yes. I’d love that.”

“Text me when you get to L.A., alright? And don’t stay in some shithole motel, they’re not safe.”

I smiled. “I’m billing the client, so I will definitely not be staying in a shithole.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow, babe.”

“Bye.”

I hung up and laid my head against the window of the cab. Nothing like ending a busy work week with a quick cross-county trip. Especially when I was going just to get a signature from a playboy actor with nothing to do but annoy me.

Hopefully I could sleep on the flight. And I’d have extra time with Kane soon. I was already planning to take most of next week off for Christmas. He and I were spending the day together and flying out the day after to see my parents. He didn’t seem freaked out by it at all.

Everything was going so well. Now I just needed Henley’s signature on his divorce papers.

Henley Cartwright was playing games with me. We’d texted back and forth about where I could find him, but he wouldn’t give me a straight answer. I was sitting on the bed of my hotel room eating macadamia nuts from the mini bar–which he’d be paying for–when my phone rang with another text from him.

Henley: Got plans tonight? How do u feel about threesomes?

Me: My plans are to get your signature and fly home. Where can I meet up with you?

Henley: Where’s that naughty teacher?

Me: I’m very close to telling Marcus you don’t seem to actually want this divorce.

Henley: Vivian Marceau, you’ll have to play nicer than that to win me over.

I texted several more times about where he was but he ignored all of them.

Asshole.

I finished the nuts and went back to the mini bar, opening a candy bar and taking one bite before tossing it in a trash can. My means of retribution against Henley weren’t much, but it made me feel slightly better.

Still wiped out from the long flight last night, I curled up on the bed for a nap, leaving my phone next to me in case Henley decided to act like an adult and write back.

WHEN BROOKLYN OPENED THE DOOR and smiled up at me, warmth spread through my chest. I’d never get take that beautiful face for granted.

“Hi, Dad. Want to see my new cheer?”

My throat tightened, burning as I fought back tears. The sound of my little girl calling me ‘Dad’ was like nothing I’d ever heard. It was a gift I’d never thought I could dream of deserving.

What made a good father? I sure as hell hadn’t had one. But I wanted to be one. For now, I knew I needed to focus on Brooklyn and make up for all the time I’d missed. Get to know the person she was. Hopefully give her a look at the person I was, too.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” I said, walking inside and closing the front door behind me.

The smell of baking herbs, tomato sauce and cheese reminded me of the kitchen at the club. Cori kept a neat, clean house for her and Brooklyn. School pictures of our daughter lined the walls. I wanted a home like this one day, where Brooklyn could see how important she was to me.

“Hey,” Cori said, smiling and wiping her hands on a dishtowel as she walked out of the kitchen. “Glad you came.”

“Thanks for asking me.”

Brooklyn took my hand. Another first. Her tiny fingers pulled on mine and she led me to a small sunroom in the back of the house.

“Stand right here,” she said.

I watched as she went to the other side of the room and did a cheer, clapping and yelling and kicking. Cori stood beside me.

“That was amazing,” I said when Brooklyn was done. “You have to be the most kickass cheerleader at your school.”

She smiled and shrugged. “Not really. Madison Porter is.”

I furrowed my brow. “I doubt it. Can she clap as loud as you?”

“She can do eight backflips in a row.”

“You’ll get there, Brook,” Cori said. “Dinner’s ready, guys.”

We all went into the kitchen and sat down at the small table against a wall. Cori had made lasagna and salad. I ate and made small talk with Brooklyn about school, but I had an uncomfortable vibe about this whole thing.

Maybe I was just paranoid. It was only dinner. Cori was letting me get to know Brooklyn in their home, which was probably a lot easier for her. And people had to eat.

Cori started clearing the table when we were done, laying her hand on mine as I picked up my plate to take it to the sink.

“I’ve got it,” she said.

“No, I don’t mind helping. You cooked, so I’ll wash the dishes.”

“Why don’t we do them together?”

I nodded, getting the vibe again. Standing side by side with Cori at her sink didn’t feel right. She’d say something light and bump her hip against mine. Look up at me and smile for no reason.

This was something Viv and I did, and I felt a stabbing sense of guilt over being here with Cori right now.

But it was fucking dishes. Washing and rinsing and drying. I needed to stop being such a pussy about it.

Brooklyn walked into the kitchen wearing a backpack and carrying a pillow.

“Kennedy’s mom’s here. See you tomorrow.” She wrapped her arms around Cori’s waist in a hug and then did the same to me.

“Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad.”

“Bye,” I said, wondering where she was going.

“Bye, baby.” Cori kissed Brooklyn and cupped her cheek. “Be safe.”

“We’ll be at Kennedy’s house the whole time, Mom.” Brooklyn rolled her eyes.

“Still.”

Brooklyn glanced at me one more time, smiling. When she left, the kitchen got too quiet. I was washing the dishes and Cori was standing so close to me her hip rested against the side of my upper thigh. I’d scooted down as far as I possibly could, but she’d just followed.

“Is she leaving for the night?” I asked Cori.

“Mmm-hmm. Sleepover at her friend’s house.” She dried off her hands and turned around, resting her hands against the counter and pushing her chest out. “Want a beer?”

“Nah, I’m good. I need to head into work pretty quick. Saturday nights are crazy for us.”

I rinsed the last dish and set it in the strainer. Cori passed me the towel in her hands, her eyes locked on mine.

“Are you any good with plumbing?” she asked. “I’ve got a dripping sink in the bathroom. If not, that’s okay, I just thought you might be able to save me a hundred bucks on a plumber.”

I knew a thing or two about plumbing, but I was not crawling under her fucking sink. Brooklyn was gone and I didn’t want to be here alone with Cori.

“I’m shit with plumbing,” I said. “But I can send a plumber over and cover the bill.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” She smiled up at me. “Why don’t we sit down and have a drink?”

Her hand darted out and she was rubbing my crotch before I even saw it coming.

“Whoa,” I said, shifting my hips until her hand fell away.

“We’re all alone now.”

“Yeah, but . . .”

“Don’t act shy, Kane. I know you. We fucked in a crowded club once.”

I sighed deeply. “That was ten years ago, Cori.”

“It was the best sex I’ve ever had. And I didn’t want things to end with us. I still feel something, don’t you?”

“I feel . . . really grateful that you’ve done such a great job with Brooklyn.”

She edged closer, wrapping her hand around my dick and licking her lips. “You know you want it, too. I’ve still got my pussy shaved and my clit ring in. Remember how much you liked that?”

“Cori, don’t.”

She smiled triumphantly. “You’re getting hard. Let’s go into my bedroom.”

I took a step back. “We can’t do that, no.”

“We can. Come on. My pussy is so wet for you, Kane.”

I held my breath, unsure how to respond. It wasn’t Cori’s pussy I was thinking of right now, but Viv’s. Her tight pussy with soft, dark trimmed hair was the only one I fantasized about these days. But one wrong move with Cori and I wouldn’t get to see Brooklyn as much.

“I’m seeing someone,” I reminded her.

“It can be our little secret.” She laid a palm on my chest. “I’m lonely, Kane. Working and being a single mom doesn’t leave me any time for dating.”

“Like I said, I can help with Brooklyn. You know, give you some time to yourself. You sure as hell deserve it.”

Her smile was sad. “I just thought . . . who better than you? We never got to see if we could’ve had something long-term before.”

“I fucked everything up. I know that.”

Cori moved her hand up my chest to my shoulder. “But now . . . maybe we can get a second chance.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but she silenced me with a finger on my lips. “Just think about it. Please. I don’t know how long you’ve been seeing this woman, but you and I have something more important than whatever you have with her. Brook could finally have a chance at a family with both her parents.”

“I have to go,” I said, taking another step back.

She pouted at me and I went straight to the living room and out the front door. I’d done nothing wrong, but I still felt wracked with guilt as I started my car and drove home.

Viv. Viv. Viv.

She was all I could think of. I didn’t call her my girlfriend or significant other or any of that shit, but in my heart that was what she was. We didn’t need to have a talk about whether we were seeing other people, because the force that pulled us together left no room for doubt.

Cori had grabbed my cock and propositioned me. It was something I should tell Viv. But if I did, she wouldn’t want me coming over to see Brooklyn anymore. I couldn’t stomach the thought of my daughter thinking I didn’t want to see her. Not ever again.

I’d never cheat on Viv. Wouldn’t even consider it. She was mine, which meant I was hers. Being true to her was all that really mattered. I didn’t want to tell her something that would only upset her.

Viv

It was six-thirty-two PM when Henley finally texted me back. I picked up the phone from the bed, where I was watching a movie, and glared at the screen.

Henley: Have dinner with me?

Me: As long as I can bring a pen and you’ll sign the papers.

Henley: As you wish. I’ll send a car to pick u up.

I didn’t change out of my jeans and t-shirt. Instead I slipped into my shoes, grabbed my bag which had the papers in it and went downstairs to wait for my ride.

A driver in a black SUV picked me up and drove me to an upscale restaurant. I was led to an outer courtyard decorated with fountains and potted plants, where Henley waited alone at a table. Secluded by walls made of climbing greenery, the location was private and quiet. Perfect for signing divorce papers.

“Mr. Cartwright,” I said crisply.

“Miss Marceau.” His cocky grin matched my expectations of him. He was attractive in a pretty way: smooth and polished with a lean, muscled frame and a headful of light brown hair with a lock falling across his forehead.

“We’ll start with some wine,” Henley said to our server. “Merlot.”

“No,” I cut in. “We’ll start with your signature. I already missed my flight home and my whole weekend was shot by coming out here for this nonsense.”

He cocked a brow at me, looking amused. “Bill me accordingly, Miss Marceau.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

He reached for the papers in my hand and the pen I offered.

“Let’s have that wine now,” he said to the server. “To celebrate.”

“Very good, sir.” The server nodded and left.

“So.” Henley looked up from the page he was signing and studied me. “What excitement am I keeping you from this weekend?”

“At the moment, dinner with my boyfriend.”

His grin was cocky. “Ah. I can see it now. Vivian and her corporate lawyer boyfriend discussing case law over a vegan meal, followed by a documentary and twenty minutes of missionary sex.”

“Not exactly.” I checked the page he’d just signed. “Initial on that line with the giant yellow arrow sticker.”

“No?” He gave me a questioning glance. “Enlighten me, then.”

I sighed heavily. “Mr. Cartwright, I rarely speak out of turn with my clients, but I have to say I’m a bit pleased for your soon to be ex-wife’s good fortune.”

“She’s making out quite well, isn’t she? I should’ve hired a better lawyer.”

The guy dripped with arrogance. I ignored his comment and also the glass of wine the server poured for me.

“Surely you aren’t suggesting I’m anything but God’s gift to the fairer sex,” Henley said lightly.

“I’m pretty sure God wouldn’t gift us with someone so arrogant, inconsiderate and immature.”

He laughed. “Ah, Vivian. I like you.”

“I can’t say the feeling is mutual.”

“So this boyfriend of yours . . . I’ve got him pegged all wrong, then? I picture you with a fairly spineless man who lets you call the shots.”

“Picture whatever you’d like.”

His gaze took on a new intensity. “You should give a man with some balls a shot. Find out how good it can feel to be submissive.”

“My boyfriend would kick your ass if he knew you’d even looked at me, let alone made a comment like that.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. I really wish you two could meet because I’d truly enjoy seeing you piss yourself.” He’d signed the final line, and I snatched the papers away and returned them to the folder, filing it in my messenger bag. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“You’re leaving me to eat dinner alone?”

“Figured you’d like to spend time with your favorite person,” I said, picking up my pen from the table.

“I can’t even keep the pen?” His shit eating grin made my blood boil.

“Good evening, Mr. Cartwright. Thanks in advance for the indulgent dinner I’ll order from room service at the hotel.”

He laughed and sipped his wine. “I look forward to seeing you soon, Miss Marceau.”

“I can’t say the same.”

I turned and left, the server avoiding eye contact with me as I walked past. I couldn’t wait to book a flight home and get back to Kane. Henley reminded me of all the men I’d wasted time on before finding my one and only.