Chapter 6 Dallas
DALLAS
Kay is gone so long I wonder if he abandoned me and didn’t say anything. Before I do something silly, like open the door to go check on him, he’s joining me in the bathroom again.
“So whoever it is, set up cameras in the living room, both bedrooms, the kitchen, and the hallway. They know their shit. I got Ken to hack the email and I don’t think it’s who’s been emailing you.”
My mouth drops open. “You hacked my email?”
“No, I hacked your logins and Ken hacked your email and the fan’s email.”
I grind my teeth and he holds up his hand. “I’m so invested in this right now you’re going to have to call the police to get me off this and I guarantee I can get a result faster than the popo can.”
“Why are you doing this? And don’t say it’s because you like my dick. It’s more than that, isn’t it?” It’s got to be. No one latches on to their hook up turn kinda accidental stalker and helps them. That’s just ridiculous.
“Let’s just say I’ve got some fun skills, and this might end up being a fun challenge.”
Of course, it’s not a real answer. Why would he give me one of those? We don’t know each other and we don’t owe each other anything.
“Anyway, I hooked up your new system. Tried to hack theirs, but Ken’s still working on it. In theory, we should be able to figure out who’s getting the live feed, but it might take a hot minute. Ken’s on it. At least until her booty call gets fed up with her, then she’ll be having some kinky fun.”
I stick my fingers in my ears. “La la la, I don’t need to know about your friend getting dicked down.”
“Who said she’s the one that’s getting the D?” He wiggles his brows and leads me from the bathroom. He tugs on his shirt to make it look like we’ve just had relations in the bathroom instead of chatting.
He nods toward the door. “Yeah, food sounds great. Your kitchen is kind of bare.”
“Pizza? Chinese?” I catch on and play along.
“Mmm, either sounds good to me.”
And we’re out and I lock the door.
“Okay, but I could eat.” My stomach growls, as does Kay’s.
“I get so focused I don’t even remember to eat.”
“You’re gonna have to tell me about some of these skills you have.”
“Maybe someday, but that’s not today.” He takes my hand and then stops. “Shit.”
“What?” I freeze.
“Go get some clothes.”
How the fuck do I keep forgetting to grab clothes? I do as he says and literally tip toe through my apartment and look around every corner. I barely breathe. Thank goodness that annoying rose scent is gone. I thought I was going to choke on it forever.
When I’m locking back up Kay’s waving at Mr. Arie when he pops his head out.
“Everything alright?” he asks.
“Yeah, D’s just grabbing some clothes. We’re going to the pool to swim a bit.”
“Ah, which one? I like the one downtown.”
“That’s the one I prefer too,” Kay lies. That’s not the pool he’s mentioned before.
There’s a reason he’s not telling Mr. Arie where we’re going.
Kay probably suspects Mr. Arie might be in on it.
The camera in the hallway is so obvious that it makes people think he wouldn’t be good at setting up an entire system in someone’s house without them knowing.
But he’s a homebody that wants to know what everyone’s up to.
“Alrighty, I’m good.” I hold up my small duffle bag.
“And we’re off to the pool. See ya later Arie man.” Kay finger waves and leads me from the building.
“Okay, Arie gives me a vibe, but I don’t know what kind yet.”
I nod, never noticing it until today. “I always thought he was nice, but yeah, there’s something off about him.”
“Wanna go grab your truck or do you like being my passenger princess?”
My cheeks burn, and he smirks. I haven’t minded being driven around. It’s not something I get very often.
“Awe, you like being my princess, don’t you?” He cups my cheek and gives it a pat. “You forgot your ball cap. I got a tiara you can wear if your head feels lonely.”
I fight the smile as much as I can, but can’t help it. “You’re ridiculous.”
“It’s part of my charm, obviously.”
Our stomachs growl again.
“So, I need food or I’m gonna get hangry. And you don’t wanna see me hangry.” Kay starts the car, and before I can answer, my phone rings.
“This is Dallas.”
It’s Hayden and I put the call on speaker.
“Uh, there’s something weird going on at the gym. I got here to drop off your truck, but someone posted a note on the door.”
“What kind of note?” Kay asks.
“Uh, a love note? There’s a vase with a blue rose. Does that mean anything to you, Dallas?”
“No.” I shake my head even though he can’t see me.
“We’ll be there soon. Don’t leave,” Kay says.
“I think we should call the cops,” Hayden says.
“No,” I say firmly. “Kay’s got a handle on it, and I trust him.”
“You’re fuck buddies and now—”
“Awe,” Kay starts. “Are you jealous? I’m not against getting spit-roasted between two guys. One time—”
“Kay,” I say his name and he smirks, but shuts his trap.
“Don’t worry, Hayden. I gotchu.”
Kay follows my directions to the gym, but he seemed to already know how to get there. He probably had Ken look up the address or something. Who knows?
Hayden’s pacing the parking lot when we get to the gym. His hair’s a mess from running his hands through it. That’s what he does when he’s nervous. I’ve never seen him so shaken before.
After parking, Kay’s by his side in a second. “Hayden, take a breath with me.” The guy I barely know grips Hayden’s arms and makes eye contact. “I know it was probably freaky showing up with the note and shit, but breathe. I got this. I got you both. ‘kay?”
Hayden shakes his head. “Why?” He looks at me and I shrug.
“My dick’s just that good, I guess?” I shrug again and Kay swats at my stomach playfully.
“I told you, this is a challenge, and it’s got me all excited.” There’s an actual glint in his eye, as if he’s some kind of magical fae. I know it’s just my imagination, but it’s fun to think about.
“Okay, so what do we do?” I ask.
Kay turns to Hayden. “Did it smell like roses when you got here?”
Hayden’s eyes go wide. “Yeah! There was a faint floral scent when I walked up to the door, but it was gone by the time you got here.”
“Interesting.” Kay taps his lips with one hand. “Have either of you noticed the scent recently?”
“In the hallway sometimes.”
He bobs his head. “Interesting.”
I throw my head back and look at the cloudless sky. “Nothing else to say?”
“Let’s go investigate inside.”
Hayden digs the keys from his pocket and tosses them to me. “I’m gonna go. I’m shaken up and I need to calm down.”
“You probably shouldn’t drive like that,” Kay says, but follows me to the door of the gym.
“Keys.” Kay holds out his hand and there’s no reason to deny him. I hold up the key to the gym. “Is there a security code?”
“No,” I mumble.
“My friend, we’re getting the gym set up with security, too.” He scratches his head as he turns the lock.
That strong rose scent hits us as he opens the door.
“At least it’s not toxic.” He waves a hand in front of his face.
“And I’m glad I’m not allergic to the scent. If it were lilacs, it’d be a different story.” Found that out the hard way when I was a kid. Thankfully, it’s not so bad that I need an epipen though, at least not yet.
Kay holds out a hand before I can get any further inside. “There are a couple of cameras.”
“Oh, we have a bunch for recording. And the ones in the corners are security.” I point out the four security cameras. “And one outside.”
Kay lets out a breath. “Thank fuck for small miracles. Can you pull up the feed and let’s see when this fucker got here?”
I pull up the feed and rewind until a black pickup truck pulls up. When the license plate reflects instead of getting recorded, Kay curses under his breath.
“This is a professional. Have you pissed anyone off lately?”
“No? Not that I know of? I get some fan mail, but it’s usually sweet letters. No one’s been threatening or overly weird.”
“No one you’ve rejected going on dates with? Guys, gals, or pals?”
I shake my head. “I barely try to date. You’re the first person I’ve hooked up with via app since I’m too paranoid most of the time.”
“Because of the internet fame?”
“Yeah.” I can’t look him in the eyes. “Hayden says there’s probably nothing to worry about in the dating world because I’m not a real celebrity and my star can crash as fast as it rose, but I still worry.”
“That...” Kay nods and squeezes my shoulder. “Sorry, that sucks. And whoever this is, is good. They knew there was a camera out front and they knew to keep their face hidden from the internal cameras. They’ve been inside before.”
“Unless we have a guest, it’s just me and Hayden that works inside. We rent the space from Hayden’s uncle, though.”
“We’re not getting him involved.”
“Yeah, I’d rather not.” I pace behind him and look over his shoulder as he taps along on the keyboard.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it figured out, but I think you’ll be safer at my place for at least a few days.” He shuts the laptop and turns to me. “Also, you need to change your routine so whoever this is can’t guess your next move.”
“What is the next move?”
Kay grabs my hand. “Tour of the gym, then probably food. We’re getting dangerously close to hangry territory.”
“Would a protein bar hold you over?” I open the file cabinet under the desk.
“Oh! You have the good ones.” He grabs a cookies and cream bar and rips it open with his teeth before shoving it in his mouth. “Mmmm. So good.”
“It’s better than going hungry, I guess?” I grab a plain chocolate flavored one and don’t have the same reaction. It’s bland as fuck like usual. “I don’t know how you and Hayden can eat this garbage.”
Kay’s mouth opens and a few crumbs fall out as he presses a hand to his chest. “Maybe you just haven’t found a brand or flavor you like.”
“Maybe?” I take another flavorless bite. “Come on, let me show you around.”
Kay asks so many questions it keeps me on my toes. I don’t think viewers have ever asked so much about our space.
“So, office, bathroom, and three recording spaces. This is pretty fancy.”
“We’re fortunate Hayden’s uncle let us set it up the way we want. He just has us pay utilities, so it’s pretty affordable.”
He bobs his head. “Pretty awesome deal. Now let’s go get something to eat before I want to nibble on your ear or something.”
My hand reflexively goes to my ear, and he grins before taking my hand again.
What is it with him wanting to hold hands? Before we leave, he grabs one of my ball caps hanging on the wall. “Your head is so naked without it.” He runs his fingers through my hair before he plops the hat on my head. “But I do love your hair.”
I love how his hair shines, and the color is so bright it suits him.
His shoulders draw in and he rubs a hand over his short hair.
He must not realize he’s doing it because soon enough he’s back to his full height and beaming such a bright smile I have to wonder if I imagined his two seconds of melancholy.
“Should we go back to Big Mac’s?” I ask.
“Probs. But not right now. I think you’ll be fine for the moment.” He leads me back to his car.
We both get in and he starts his music again.
“I’m thinking burgers. Cheese fries sound amazing.” Kay licks his lips and turns to me.
Fuck. I want to kiss those lips. He’s taken time out of his day to help me.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” He cocks a brow. “Like you wanna eat me.”
“Can I kiss you?”
He blinks back, then smirks and leans toward me. “You wanna make out in my car like teenagers?” He looks around. “There’s not much room.”
I grab the back of his head and pull him close. “Shush.”
Our lips meet, and he sighs into the kiss.
As if he’s waited for me to take the lead since I showed up at his show.
His hands scratch at my scalp and it feels so good.
He makes little whimper noises. If he wasn’t completely authentically himself the entire time I’ve known him, I’d bet the sounds were fake.
But I don’t think Kay knows how to be a tame human being. I wouldn’t want him to be.
Then he bites my bottom lip. Hard.
“Fuck! What was that for?”
He licks his lips as if he enjoys the taste of my blood, not that he bit me that hard.
“Felt right.”
And for some fucked up reason, I agree. The bite grounded me. I was about to get sappy, but he brought me back into the moment.
“Fuck or burgs and fries? I mean, the burgers and fries are happening, but fucking I can take or leave until I get food in me. But I’m not bottoming after greasy food, so…”
I can’t help the laugh. “Let’s eat.”
“My ass or?” He shimmies in his seat.
“Burgers and cheese fries. I’m paying.”
“Oh! That’s a nice treat.” Kay gets the car in gear and out onto the street.
“I mean, food is the least I can do to say thank you for everything you’ve done today.”
“Maybe I’m just a weirdo that wants to help my stalker.” He turns to wink at me, then focuses on the road again.
“I’m never ever going to live that down, am I?” I groan and silently curse Hayden for convincing me to go to the aquarium. Then uncurse him because I got to spend the day with Kay.
“Nope. Never ever. Good thing you don’t give creepy vibes.
Those kind of stalkers are the worst. And half the time they smell unwashed.
” He wrinkles his knows. “I mean, I know sometimes there are reasons people don’t wash, like depression or what have you.
But stinky stalkers? Doesn’t make sense.
Good thing yours loves that rose perfume they’re spraying everywhere.
And you don’t remember anyone wearing that scent around you lately or anything? ”
I shake my head. “Just in the hallway sometimes.”
Kay sighs. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out, but until then, I want to monitor your place while you stay with us.”
“So you can hop on my dick every day?” I smirk, but Kay goes silent for once.
“I joke around a lot, but I don’t expect you to put out.
I’m helping because it’s what I do. Someone stole your peace and I have the means to help.
So I’ll help as much as I can and hope it’s enough.
I hope I can give you peace.” His hands squeeze the steering wheel.
“Now I need to bite something again because that was so—” he sighs and just doesn’t finish.
He fiddles with the stereo until the music blares, and he’s back to himself. Singing along with Britney Spears and a few artists I have no idea who they are. Finally, he pulls in to a diner I’ve somehow never been to.
“Jim’s Burgs And Stuff. Related to Big Mac’s Stuff by any chance?”
“Surprisingly, no.” Kay grabs my shirt and pulls me in for another kiss. “But the bathroom is nice and roomy if you wanna quickie before we eat.” He winks and exits the car with me blinking after him.