13. Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Kai
I pulled in front of Jerry’s Pub and noticed a black Rogue in the parking lot that looked a lot like Kora’s. My mouth ticked up. I can’t lie. It would make my night to be with her again. I spent the day painting and dodging the questions and comments thrown at me from the “Book Club gossips”—as Kora called them. Tonya tried her best to get information from me. She even used the tactic that Kora was her niece, and it was her job to keep tabs on her. But I held my tongue and gave them nothing. I’ll be damned if I give them fuel for their gossip channel.
All afternoon, my mind kept recreating last night. How our bodies rocked perfectly in tune. The little moans she made. How beautiful she was in the moment. The memories were so vivid that my crotch kept getting in my way. I needed a cold shower before I left, and if I kept thinking this way, I’d need to take a minute before getting out of the truck, or I may not be able to take responsibility for my actions, and sex in a bathroom at the pub was not on my to-do list.
If I was being totally honest with myself, Kora had been on my mind since the moment I met her on the side of the road. I was immediately attracted to her spunk, her personality, her beauty.
And that mouth. Damn, that mouth. The words that came out of it—and the talent she had with it . . .
I puffed out a heavy breath. “You got this. Just act natural.”
I climbed out of Matilda and combed my hands through my hair. Why did it feel like I was back in middle school, and this was our first date? Not that I went on any dates in middle school or had any friends for that matter.
Stop. Don’t go there. Not tonight. I opened the door of the pub and my gaze fixed right on Kora like I was a compass, and she was magnetic north.
She was leaning against the bar laughing at something Trevor said. Her head tipped back a little, and her face sparkled. She was wearing a white button-up blouse tied at the waist and tight jeans which hugged her curves—all those perfect curves. She wasn’t thin but was perfectly thick and muscular, and God, those hips.
I balled my hands into fists to keep from walking to her and filling them with her softness. My fingers itched to touch her. My eyes traveled to her face just as she glanced over. Her large deep brown eyes sparkled under the lights of the bar. I may not have come to Orlinda Valley expecting, or even wanting, to find a relationship, but when I see Kora, I can’t think of anything else.
“Hey.” I leaned against the bar beside her. A small smile climbed her face, and her eyes flicked around me and finally fell on mine. I lightly tucked a strand of hair off her face, and a tingle entered the tip of my thumb when it slid against her cheek before it rested again on the bar.
“Hey,” she answered in a shy voice.
“What can I get you, man?” Trevor asked as he set the pitcher of margaritas and two glasses in front of Kora.
“Just a Coke, thanks,” I answered, never taking my eyes off Kora. “How was your day?” My full attention was on this beautiful woman in front of me, and I nodded to Trevor in recognition of the drink he placed on the counter.
“It was good. I caught up on some work I needed to do with the goats and chicken enclosure.”
“Good. Are Baby Goat’s escape plans useless?”
“Should be. For now, anyway, though I’m sure he’s already thinking of a new way to break out.”
I took a drink of my Coke. “Should we join Bryson and Darlene?” I asked as I reached for the pitcher.
Kora nodded and grabbed the glasses. We walked to the same picnic table we sat at last night. Darlene and Bryson were already there.
I poured Kora and Darlene their drinks, then sat next to Kora. The vanilla and strawberry scent of her perfume and shampoo filled my nostrils. Damn, she smelled good enough to eat. I pulled my eyes from her and focused on the cornhole boards across the yard as I sipped my Coke.
“You don’t drink much, do you?” Kora asked.
“Nope. Not really.” She didn’t need to know that with an alcoholic and abusive father, excessive drinking was something I tried my best to avoid. My past wasn’t good, and I never made smart choices under the influence, so it was better not to partake. “But you go right ahead. I promise I won’t take advantage of you, too much anyway.” I winked at her jokingly, and a blush splashed across her face. She blushed a lot, and it was sexy.
“Don’t worry. Nothing has ever stopped these two from enjoying their margaritas,” Bryson said as he took a bite of a burger.
Kora and I ordered burgers and fries, and our conversation changed to the competition of the night. Bryson explained in detail who each team was and his thoughts on what our competition’s strengths and weaknesses were.
“Good thing is,” Bryson said between bites of his burger, “they don’t have you on their team. None of them are as consistent. I think we’ve got the championship in the bag.” Bryson’s pun cracked him up. “Get it?” he asked Darlene.
She shook her head. “Yeah, we got it.” She placed a kiss on his cheek, and I glanced at Kora. When our eyes met, she smiled shyly and turned away. That wasn’t the first time she’d avoided eye contact. I placed my hand gently on her thigh under the table and gave it a light squeeze. I visibly saw her shoulders relax, and she leaned against me. A simple touch that could easily be seen as accidental shot a needle of electricity through my bloodstream. She seemed to feel it, too, and squeezed my hand. Good. She might be unsure how to act in front of her friends, but under the table, all was well.
“All right, ladies, make sure to cheer us on to victory.” Bryson wrapped Darlene in a hug and placed a deep kiss on her lips.
“Good luck,” Kora told me as she bumped her shoulder against mine and gave me the sweetest shy smile.
“Thanks.” I took a deep drink of my Coke. “As long as my aim is on target, we should be good.” I held her gaze a beat, then winked and gave her shoulder a squeeze. The competition would be a much-needed distraction and give my body time to relax as my mind got settled on the task at hand—winning.
Once we sweep the competition, I plan on spending the rest of the night making sure Kora remembered the feelings she experienced last night—all the feelings—enticing her to want more. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be difficult.
We had to play three games before making it to the final round. It was a tough match which went into extra points, but Bryson and I finally pulled out the victory.
“Yeah, man.” Bryson gave me a one-armed man-hug with a couple strong pats on the back as we thanked our opponents and celebrated our victory.
It felt good to be here. Making friends. Having fun. Winning a competition. I couldn’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself with friends. I accepted the beer that was given to the finalists during the awards ceremony. Bryson accepted the trophy for us; since he had a permanent home, it made more sense. The music was turned up, and the dance floor quickly filled with bodies. Tonight, it wasn’t just grass but an actual dance floor.
“Dance with me.” A pretty brunette caught me off guard but didn’t wait for my answer before she pulled me onto the floor. The music was upbeat, and I enjoyed dancing. I was a little hesitant, but what could one dance hurt?
“I’m Chloe, and you’re Kai,” Chloe stated as we danced.
“Yes, I am. And you know that how?” I asked as she danced closer. She had her arms in the air and wiggled her hips in a seductive manner. I took a step back.
“You’re new in town, handsome, and I asked.” She closed the gap between us, and another couple pushed me from behind. I had to place my arm around her to keep from knocking us over.
She winked and wrapped her arm around my neck and wiggled her ass in a seductive and sexy manner.
Any other time, I might have been interested in those moves, but tonight I was just interested in one person. I glanced at the table and my heart skidded. Kora was in a deep conversation with Summer and some guy I had never seen before. It was obvious, though, that Kora and the impostor knew each other well. She leaned into him and laughed.
Heat raged inside me—jealousy—a feeling I haven’t felt often, but the few times I have, it never ended well.
I needed to go to the table and introduce myself, but Chloe held on tight and pulled me closer.
“So, how long have you been in town?” she shouted into my ear.
“I’ve been here two weeks.”
She leaned away and raised her brow. “Well, newcomer, welcome to Orlinda Valley. Are you here to stay, or just passing through?”
Passing through and entering a cornhole competition at Jerry’s Pub. What were the chances? “Does anyone just pass through Orlinda Valley?”
A slow song started, and Chloe put her body and voluptuous breasts against me. “Do you mind?” she asked as she started to sway to the slow twang of a Garth Brooks song.
I glanced at the table. Kora was no longer there. Shit. Where’d she go? The guy she was talking to was gone as well. I searched for her, but she was nowhere.
Shit. I pulled away from Chloe. “I’m going to go sit back down.” I gestured to the table. “Thanks for the dance.”
“Anytime, sugar.”
I let out a breath as I hightailed it to Bryson and Darlene. I still couldn’t find Kora. “Congratulations,” Darlene said as I sat down. “You two are naturals. Maybe you should take it to the professional Cornhole League of America.”
I laughed. “I think we’ll keep it local, but thanks.” This was crazy. Where did she go?
“Hey, Kai. What’s got your attention?” They were joined by Summer and the guy Kora had been talking with. He seemed older than the rest of them. He was broad-shouldered with brown hair and blue eyes.
Summer’s hair, which was black with blue tips yesterday, seemed to be a more natural brown with burgundy highlights throughout today.
“Kai. Are you the one doing the renovations at Shear Perfection?” the broad-shouldered guy asked.
“I am.” Who was this guy, and where was Kora?
He put out his hand. “I’m Lance. My mom, Kaye, told me all about you.” A sheepish grin appeared on his face.
My brow ticked up. What exactly did Kaye say? There was no telling. I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. Your mom’s been great. She and Diane are letting me stay at the salon. It makes working on the room much easier.”
“I heard,” he said as he opened a beer from the ice bucket in the middle of the table. “I’ve also heard that you had a sleepover.”
Darlene choked on her margarita.
“Holy shit,” Summer shot as she busted out laughing.
Bryson pushed Lance playfully. “Don’t be a dick. Kai was just taking care of Kora because ‘ she had one too many margaritas’ last night.” He did air quotes.
“Yeah, okay. Is that really the bullshit she ejaculated in the salon this morning?” Lance retorted.
“Yeah, it is,” Bryson answered. “That’s what she ejaculated this morning, but I’m not sure that’s exactly what was getting ejaculated last night.”
“Guys. Enough. Don’t you dare say that word again,” Darlene interrupted, then placed her hand on my arm across the table. “Ignore them. They always have to act a fool when they’re around each other. It’s worse when Jamison and Rowan are around also.”
“Except that Rowan would get irritated and would kick both their asses,” Summer added.
“Whatever, Summer,” Bryson said. “You’ve always gone to the baby’s rescue.”
Summer shook her head and took a drink.
I watched Summer intently. I’m not sure what the deal was with her and Bryson, but I didn’t miss the death stare she gave him and the eyebrow raise from Darlene.
I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. I had more pressing matters to discuss, and since it seemed like Kora and me weren’t a secret, I might as well just ask. “Where’d Kora get to?”
“She got a call from Tonya and told me to let you know she had to go. Percy and Jackson escaped, and she had to go get them corralled back in before they ate Mrs. Jenning’s garden,” Darlene answered. “She didn’t want to bother you.”
“Unlike last night when she bothered you at the salon all night long.” Lance peered at Kai over his beer bottle.
“Yeah, I wonder what they were doing all night.” Bryson raised his brows and stared at me across the table. I made sure my gaze didn’t falter and stared right back.
“I think she was getting a manicure and a body massage,” Lance said.
“Maybe she was getting a deep moisturizing scalp treatment,” Bryson answered back.
“Or a facial,” Lance added.
Darlene spurted her mouthful of margarita across the table as Summer squealed with laughter.
“Could be,” Bryson answered. “I hear all the above are quite rejuvenating and relaxing.”
“Unfortunately, when Kai dropped her off this morning at our house for her car, I didn’t have a chance to ask. She barely waved before she hopped in and drove off,” Darlene added.
She had to get into it now?
Lance nodded and pursed his lips. “Interesting.”
“All of you leave Kai alone,” Summer interjected. “If he wanted to tell us why Kora was leaving the salon at eight this morning, I’m sure he would.” Summer turned to me. “Don’t worry, Kai. I’ve got your back. I won’t let these dumbasses give you shit for getting laid. Lance’s just jealous because it’s been a while. And Bryson, well, Bryson’s just a jerk.”
Lance and Bryson chuckled.
I just shook my head. “Is nothing private in this town?”
“Not when the book club’s a part of it,” Darlene said as she finished her margarita.
“Or it’s about Orlinda Valley’s golden child,” Lance added.
“Don’t worry. The book club only talks about those they like,” Summer said.
“Same’s true for Orlinda Valley,” Bryson said.
“You sure about that?” Darlene asked.
“Probably not,” Summer said. “Orlinda Valley will talk about anyone who is entertaining enough or drama filled.”
Lance and Bryson started talking football, and Darlene and Summer headed to the bathroom together.
Why women couldn’t go alone, I’d never understand. I took a sip of my beer and pulled up Kora’s number. Maybe she was home and would invite me over.
Kai: I got back to the table, and you were gone. I was hoping to get at least a dance.
It took a while, but finally, my phone vibrated.
Kora: Sorry. You were busy on the dance floor, and I had a small emergency at the farm.
Kai: I heard. How’s Mrs. Jenning’s garden? I wasn’t busy.
Kora: I saved it and now have to fix a part of the fence. Those goats are amazing escape artists. Saw you with Chloe. You’ve got some moves.
Kai: Maybe I can stop by tomorrow and help you with the fence? And you know all about my moves.
I watched as dots appeared and went away, then appeared again, then went away.
“Kai, you good?” Bryson got my attention and tapped on his beer bottle.
“I’m good.” I held my hand over my beer. No way did I need another beer. Especially if I got an answer I’d love. Something like why wait for tomorrow? No time like the present.
Finally, a text came through.
Kora: Sure. Come over tomorrow about ten.
My face fell. Tomorrow. I’d have to wait until tomorrow.
“Is Kora good?” Darlene asked quietly across the table as Bryson and Lance talked loudly about the local football team and weren’t paying us any attention.
“Yep. All’s good. The goats are back in safe and sound.” I pocketed my phone. “I’m going to stop over tomorrow to help her out.”
“I’m sure you will,” Bryson said.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to corral that girl’s goats,” Lance said.
The men glanced at each other and rolled with laughter.
What a clever metaphor. I knew they were right. I could already tell that Kora would be as big a challenge to corral as her goats, but I sure couldn’t wait to try.
I pulled into the hair salon parking lot after leaving the pub and tried hard to fight the urge to stop over Kora’s. The pull to see her and start a round two was intense, but I was determined not to do anything about it. If she’d wanted to see me, she would have invited me over.
I leaned heavily on Matilda’s steering wheel. “Do I leave it alone, or just go to her?” I asked the truck. I liked talking to Matilda. She was never judgmental and always told me what I wanted to hear.
I forced myself through the door of the hair salon, and a picture of Kora in my arms with her legs wrapped around my waist while I pushed her against the wall flashed into my mind. The thought of her kiss seared a flame of hunger in my chest.
The need and desperation in those kisses. The desire in her eyes. I leaned hard against the kitchen counter as my jeans became uncomfortably tight. I took several deep breaths to control the throbbing in my crotch.
Ten o’clock wouldn’t come soon enough.