Chapter 12
TWELVE
Dane
Iyank my chair from the table and sit. My chest is tight, my heart is beating faster than when I work out, and the adrenaline coursing through my veins is magnifying all of it.
With Kendall’s red hair flowing around her face, that green dress that brings out her eyes—she’s mesmerizing.
And all I wanted to do was grab her by the neck and kiss her on those luscious, pink lips of hers that are stained red.
There’s no reason for what I’m feeling. I barely know her, but she’s here with Blake. She says they are friends. I left her with a little something to carry her through the dinner, thinking about me while she’s having dinner with him.
Gram stares at him and finally says, “You look upset.”
“It’s nothing.”
I’m not telling Gram. She always encourages me to open up and express my feelings.
Nobody’s got time for that. Kendall says they’re just friends, but that doesn’t stop me from being upset.
I can’t even explain why. When I touched her, there were sparks under my fingers, and I didn’t want to walk away.
The need to be around her is like nothing I’ve ever felt—to be in her presence, to protect her, care for her.
My entire body felt electrified. Every nerve ending was hyperaware of her.
I didn’t want to break the connection. Standing there with her, it was like nothing else mattered.
“Well, honey, that sure doesn’t look like nothing. You flung yourself in that chair like it up and insulted you.”
“Gram, just a lot on my mind.”
She knows something isn’t right with me.
Let’s see if she pushes any further. There are times when she lets things go, but I’m not sure if this is one of them.
Usually, when I’m resistant to talking, she has a way of coaxing it out of me.
I really don’t want to get into this here.
I want to leave and blow off some steam at the gym.
“Okay, let’s talk about it.”
Guess she’s pushing it. Thinking fast on my feet, I start a conversation that has nothing to do with Kendall.
“Father is up to his old tricks. Logan and I wonder when he’ll retire. Then we realize he’ll die in his office before he retires.”
“Work has always been where your dad excelled.”
“A couple more years, Logan and I will take it over, and then we will be able to make decisions about the firm.”
“You and Logan have done well for yourselves. It’s nice to see you boys working together.”
“It’s great working with him.”
Gram has always been there for me. I’m a different person around her, which is interesting, because I’m not opening up to her about Kendall.
Maybe it’s because I have no idea what I’m feeling.
It’s foreign to me. I’ve never caught feelings before with a one-night stand.
It’s deeper this time, from the minute I laid eyes on her.
Off topic, I blurt out, “Gram, sometimes I don’t know what I’m feeling, and it ends up coming out as anger.”
“That’s alright. When you can finally sort through and delve deeper into yourself, that’s why Gram is here. So, what has you so angry? I know you better than that. You can’t hide from me. You left the table fine and came back angry and upset.”
“The thing is, I really don’t know. It’s confusing,” I say, massaging my neck to release some of the tension.
“So what happened between then and now? I haven’t seen you this worked up since ‘you know who.’” She leans in and rubs my arm.
“You can say her name…Maggie.” I shake my head, thinking about that horrible relationship.
It was good at the beginning, but it all went to hell when she slept with my best friend.
It’s an image that haunts me. I thought she was the one.
Now, when I look back, I wanted her to be the one, but in reality, she was not the kind of woman I wanted on my arm.
The future for me doesn’t include a woman, or so I thought.
I swore them off to concentrate on the firm and winning cases, as the top defense attorney in the city.
Work is easy for me, but relationships not so much.
Shaking my head, I continue. “Okay, so I met a woman.” Her eyes light up like a Christmas tree.
“Gram, don’t get excited, it was casual.
” Without getting too detailed, I keep it simple.
She doesn’t need to know I prefer one-night stands over trying to make anything work out by dating.
Dating is overrated in my book. Or that’s what I thought until Kendall said no to me last week.
When she said yes today, I was about ready to celebrate with a party.
She brings out something in me—life, happiness, hope.
“Go on.” She gestures with her hands.
“I’ve never met anyone like her. From the moment I saw her, all I have done is think about her. Seeing her. Talking to her.”
“And the problem is…”
“She’s different. When I’m around her or think about her, I smile. It’s hard to describe it to you.”
“Ah, now I see.” She says it like I dropped a truth bomb, and all is coming together for her.
“I saw her when I came out of the bathroom, but she’s here with another guy. She says they are just friends.”
“Why would you question her? Do you think she would lie to you?”
“No? Maybe? I don’t know.”
My head is hurting. I don’t think she’d lie to me, but trust is earned, not given freely. I’ve been burned before, and it’s part of who I am. The one time I gave it freely, it bit me in the ass—thanks to Maggie.
“Oh dear, you’re in a real pickle.”
“Gram, it’s hard to trust, but with her, I don’t want to question it. She seems sincere. But maybe I shouldn’t be doing this.”
Now talking with Gram about this, I think I’m making a mistake by asking Kendall on a date. I’m way better at one-night stands. I work a lot. Most women won’t tolerate that kind of schedule.
“Ah, well, that’s where you’re wrong. This could be good for you, and you’ll never know unless you decide to give it a shot.”
“Ugh, I don’t know. Kendall is independent, successful, and gorgeous. What can I offer her? Long workdays and canceled plans.”
Gram’s face lights up, and a broad smile spreads across her face. I can see all of her teeth.
“So her name is Kendall, huh? Okay, well, why don’t you go home and think about how you’re feeling right now, as she’s having dinner with that other guy? Then grow some balls and get over yourself.”
Gram never holds back and tells me like it is. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Gram!” I laugh. “Why don’t we get you home?”
“Pushing me home so soon. Was it something I said? Anyway, we can talk in the morning when you come to pick me up at 6:30.”
“What are you talking about?”
I rarely forget things, so this is coming out of left field.
“Oh, you're going to help one of my friends move some furniture. Now, before you argue with me about how busy you are, it won’t take too long.”
I can’t say no to Gram. I’ll be moving furniture tomorrow morning.
“Alright, don’t you want to meet me there?”
“No, it’s better if you come to pick me up.”
Once I pick up Gram the next morning, she becomes the GPS. The directions point to the downtown area. When we pull up to the curb, we’re outside the Saxy Salon, Kendall’s salon.
“Why don’t you drop me off here, park, and I’ll wait for you in the salon?”
“This salon?”
Does Gram know Kendall? Kendall will be surprised to see me. Just as surprised as I am dropping Gram off here.
“Yes, dear, this salon.”
“Ah, okay.”
“See you in a couple of minutes.” Grams closes the car door and walks to the salon.
After parking the car, I use the walkway through the two brick buildings that leads me out onto Main Street.
Pausing with my hand on the door handle, I take a deep breath and step into the salon.
Immediately captivated by the vibe and the layout.
It’s not at all what I imagined or expected.
Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and stylish booths are set up with chairs.
The reception desk is made of dark wood and features Kendall’s logo.
The bright red stands out—just like her.
When Kendall finally notices who walked in the door, her face falls, and her mouth opens. Yup, she’s caught off guard and surprised to see me.
Rubbing the back of my neck, I need to say something, so I mutter, “Good morning.”
“Good Morning…Dane. Can I help you with something?”
“Oh, dear…this is my grandson. The one I’ve been telling you about. How do you know his name?” she asks as her lips tug into a smile.
Gram gives that smirk as if she has something to hide.
Did she know who I was talking about last night and decide it would be a good idea to bring me here today?
Honestly, she’s been trying to set me up with a couple of women for a while now.
But she never mentioned any names. I’m thinking Kendall was at the top of her list.
Kendall tries to speak, but instead, she stumbles over her words. To help ease the discomfort of this conversation, I jump in.
“We’ve met before.”
I’m not mentioning the date with Kendall tomorrow to Gram. I don’t want to disappoint her if it doesn't work out. Although I’d be disappointed too.
“Yes, we have.” Kendall is finally able to speak as the shock wears off.
Clasping her hands together, Gram says, “Oh, isn’t this wonderful?”
I'm not sure if 'wonderful' is the right word to describe this situation, but I’m going with it.
From what I know of Kendall, this place is a reflection of her. Elegant, gorgeous, fiery. It’s all wrapped up in the decor of this place. I’m really impressed and excited to see the spa she’s been talking about. It will make this place even more exceptional.
I continued to look around the salon. “My gram told me you need help moving furniture. Want to show me the way?”
Gram finds a seat, pulls out her book, and says, “You two can move furniture, and I’ll finish my book.”
“Well then, right this way.” Kendall gestures to the back.