The annoying man raises one of his eyebrows. “What for? I was only making sure of something you already knew.”
Great. He’s right and I have no clue what I should say next, and I’m right back to where I was a moment ago; grumpy, hating everything, and nothing is fair in this screwed-up world.
“I think we need to let your mommy join us for those last ones, don’t you think?” Kain asks Denise, who in return nods vigorously.
Kain steps toward me and I instantly hold my hands up. “No, no, no, wait. I can’t. Even if it’s been three days, I’m still not able to stand or kneel for that matter.”
Kain completely ignores my words and scoops me up. “Your ass can sit in the dirt, Lee. The washing machine can handle your dirty,” he leans in next to my ear and adds on a whisper, “panties.”
I squeal and mutter, “What the hell, Kain?” underneath my breath and grab his shirt that’s all wet and clinging to his chest because Denise threw that water all over him.
His chuckle vibrates through his chest and all of this is making my emotions create havoc on my body. It’s as if I’ve landed my ass into the twilight zone and I have no clue how to get out.
“Leontine? Is everything all right?” Gordon’s voice rings out through the backyard and my whole body grows tight.
Ugh, I don’t want to face Gordon, let alone have him come into my private space while I’m trying to hold it together. My fist is still buried in Kain’s shirt and I pull myself closer against him in an effort to seek support.
I don’t want to deal with him. It’s not as if I don’t want to deal with my company, because I do, and I just checked everything online this morning and all seemed under control. I even sent out some emails, including answering one of his so he doesn’t need to come in person.
“What are you doing here? This is private property,” Kain says in a harsh tone.
“This might be private property, but you’re keeping me away from my employer,” Gordon replies with a firm voice.
Kain carries me toward Denise who is on her knees making tiny holes to place the seeds in.
“Denise, sweetheart, can you show mommy how to plant those seeds?” he asks our daughter.
He always uses her full name now that he knows I named her after his mother.
He places a kiss on the top of my head and murmurs, “Stay here and let me deal with this.”
“It’s not like I have a choice,” I grumble and point at my ankle.
Kain chuckles but it’s cut short when Gordon asks, “Why aren’t you at your own home, Leontine? I figure it’s completely cleaned by now since I noticed all the windows have been restored. I could help out or arrange for some form of assistance if you would like to return home without any interference from him.”
“Annoying piece of shit,” Kain mutters underneath his breath and heads for Gordon.
“Be nice,” I say in a firm tone and it earns me a glare from Kain in return, which makes me smile.
These last few days he’s been caring, protective, and sweet. He told me he would take care of my house but I didn’t think of going home since Denise clearly enjoys it here—mostly the overload of attention she gets from Kain—and to be honest, so do I.
I know Kain has to go back to work in two days. Maybe it would be easier for all of us if I went home. With the sexual innuendos in mind, him being near all the time, and reminding me of how much pleasure he gave me all those years ago. It’s like waving candy in front of my face while I’m on a diet.
I glance over to where Kain and Gordon were standing but they’re gone. My phone starts to ring and I reach inside my pocket to take it out and see it’s Paula, a woman my father hired a few months ago to be the person between me and my company. Even if I’m dealing with a lot of stuff nowadays, if it wasn’t for her, the pile would be bigger.
“Hey, Paula,” I quip while grabbing some dirt with my other hand and cover the seeds Denise placed into the tiny hole she made.
She presses her hands on the dirt to make sure it’s covered up good and it makes me praise her, “Good job, Denise.”
Yes, I’ve decided to use Denise now all the time instead of Deni. The smile Denise gives Kain when he uses her full name warms my chest and it’s a reminder of a foundation that’s obviously settled between all of us.
“Just checking in. I have a few things I need for you to sign, so I’ll probably swing by sometime next week if that’s okay.” The tiny sounds in the back indicate she’s glancing through papers and that’s typical Paula, always the multitasker. Handling a phone call while getting ready to deal with the next thing on her agenda.
“Well, you have my address, shoot me a message when you’re headed my way so I’ll have coffee ready for you.” Paula has always been straightforward and maybe a bit pushy since she’s a workaholic and an overachiever. Though she’s easier to deal with than Gordon.
Sometimes I wish I could fire Gordon but the man is good at his job and has never really overstepped boundaries or anything. I do wonder if my father promised him another promotion of some sort to get into a relationship with me, but I’ve never addressed the issue and neither did Gordon.
Not that it would matter or change anything. Gordon still creeps me out, and not liking a guy is never a good reason to fire someone, even more when he is making you money. Business is business and it needs to stay clean and clear.
I should have reminded myself of this when I treated Paula more like a friend rather than an employee. Something my father suggested—like the way he suggested I should marry Gordon. Another big mistake since Paula felt more superior to me seeing my position within the company.
Her true colors showed even more when I shared how my father wanted me and Gordon to hook up, and how he still showed interest. Paula told me I should be thankful since Gordon wasn’t picky when it came to women, and how most men wouldn’t want to raise other people’s kids.
“Are you staying at your place? Is it safe again?” Paula questions and this surprises me a bit.
“Why shouldn’t it be safe? I’m sure it’s all checked out and cleaned.”
“I thought they said it was arson? Didn’t anyone tell you? Gordon mentioned it to me the other day before we went into a meeting.” Her tone is matter-of-fact.
I’m completely stunned and have no clue what to say. Arson? Someone deliberately set fire to my house? One I just barely moved into? Cold water pouring over my hand makes me gasp while Denise giggles. I give her a smile—trying like hell to shove back the fear and shock running through me.
I clear my throat and tell Paula, “I’ve been busy with Denise and my ankle doesn’t give me much option other than to rest and let it heal. Kain is dealing with all of the other stuff for me.”
“Kain? The firefighter who is also a part of an outlaw motorcycle club? Those types only care for their own benefit, and I’m sure he’s set his eyes on your company and all the money he can take from you. A company your father worked hard for. One Gordon has invested his hard work in for years. And so have I for the last few months.” For the first time I hear distaste and a hint of anger flowing through her voice with complete silence in the background.