Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
Kinsley
Instead of running my usual three miles a day, I ran six.
I was up all night, tossing and turning because of that insufferable man named Chase Calloway.
I was running from the thoughts in my head about him.
Sure, he was sexy, gorgeous, and hot, but he was an asshole who thought he could talk to women any way he wanted to.
Maybe he could get away with it with the brainless, low self-esteemed women he fucked daily, but not with me.
Why was it that when I decided to stay away from him, we kept crossing paths?
I was sitting at my desk when Mr. Calloway walked past.
“Good morning, Kinsley. Can I see you in my office for a second?”
“Sure, Mr. Calloway.”
I got up from my seat and followed him into his office.
“How was your dinner last night?” he asked.
“It was fine.”
“And Chase made sure you got home safely?”
“Yes.” I gave him an odd look.
“And everything’s okay?”
“Yes, Mr. Calloway.”
“Okay then. You may go.” He nodded.
I got up from my seat with confusion, and as I headed towards the door, something inside me snapped.
“No!” I abruptly turned around and faced him. “Things are not okay. Your son is an insufferable man. He’s rude, arrogant, thinks he knows everything, and he’s cocky.”
“I won’t disagree.” He smirked. “I take it you and Chase aren’t getting along?”
“Getting along? I can’t even stand to be in the same room with him.”
“Kinsley, I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Did you two sleep together?”
“No! Of course not.”
He sat behind his desk with a confused look on his face.
“If you didn’t sleep together, then where is all this coming from?”
“What do you mean?”
“Usually, this type of behavior and animosity comes after sex with Chase.”
“I did not sleep with your son, Mr. Calloway. He’s just a judgmental asshat.”
“I like that.” He laughed as he pointed to me. “Asshat.”
“He told me that I was unstable, so I told him that he was insecure, and that’s why he sleeps around with anyone that has a vagina. I told him he uses sex as a coping mechanism.”
“And what did he say to that?”
“He wasn’t happy about it and reverted the conversation back to me being unstable.”
“You’re far from unstable, Kinsley. Don’t let my son’s words upset you.”
“Trust me, I’m not, and I’m sorry for the rant. It just came out.”
“It’s fine, dear. Please don’t give it another thought. I’m always here to listen if you need an ear.”
“Thanks, Mr. Calloway.” I gave him a small smile as I walked out of his office.
Chase
I’d just returned from lunch when my father walked into my office and shut the door. I’d been waiting for this all day.
“I’m surprised it took you this long to talk to me,” I spoke.
“About what?” he asked as he sat across from my desk.
“About Kinsley and me at dinner last night.”
“Ah, that. Well, you had a reasonable excuse. That was nice of you to help her out with her car. I’m sure she appreciated it.”
“Appreciated it?” I cocked my head. “She didn’t appreciate anything. That woman is insufferable, Dad.”
“I see,” he spoke as he stroked his chin. “Why do you say that?”
“She told me I was insecure, and that’s why I sleep around. Like, what the hell does she mean by that? She has a smart mouth, that one.” I pointed at him. “Maybe you should call the temp agency and get someone else. I’m surprised you put up with that, Dad.”
“She’s a good temp, and I like her a lot. She isn’t going anywhere. In fact, as soon as Audrey comes back to work, I may find Kinsley a permanent position here at Calloway Tech.” He smiled.
“We don’t have any openings.” I narrowed my eye at him.
“It’s my company. I’ll create a position if I have to.”
I took in a deep breath. “It’s half my company too.”
“But I have the majority rule. I have a meeting to get to.” He looked at his watch. “Oh, by the way, I’m having a little get-together at the house this Saturday, and you’ll be there. Understand?”
“What if I already have plans?”
“Cancel them. Family is more important,” he spoke as he walked out of my office.
I managed not to see Kinsley today, which was a good thing because I needed to stop thinking about her and her smart mouth.
I finished my work for the day and desperately needed a drink and some fun.
I needed to go home and change because I was meeting Steven and Alex at Phantom tonight for a guy’s night out.
I shut down my computer, grabbed my briefcase, and headed to the parking garage, where I saw Kinsley getting into Lexi’s car.
I don’t know why I did it, but I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Carl.
“Hey, Chase. What’s up?”
“Hi, Carl. Do you know when Kinsley’s car is going to be ready?”
“It’ll be done tomorrow afternoon.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“No problem, Chase. Take care.”
“You too.”
I was at the club with Steven and Alex, drinking and deciding which beautiful woman I would spend the night with.
“Your days of doing this are going to be coming to an end,” I spoke to Alex.
“Yeah, man, once you’re married, you’re done for,” Steven spoke.
“Nah. Things will change a little bit, but we’ll always have guy night. I’m not giving that up,” Alex said.
“And what about when the babies come?” Steven asked. “You’re going to be expected to stay home every single night.”
“I’m never having kids.” I smiled. “Too much work and too much of a lifestyle change.”
“Yeah. God forbid you think of someone other than yourself.” Alex grinned.
“Damn right! I love my life too much ever to be burdened with a kid and a girlfriend or wife.” I held up my drink.
“Well, we’re having kids. We agreed on two,” Alex spoke. “I can’t wait to be a dad.”
“Good for you, Alex,” I spoke as I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Fatherhood isn’t for everyone.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about Kinsley. Damn it. I pulled my phone from my pocket and sent her a text message. Why? I had no clue.
“Hey/ I know your car is in the shop still. So, I can pick you up tomorrow morning for work.”
Twenty minutes went by, and still no response from her. It was nine o’clock, and she was probably sleeping since she had no life.
“Hey, Chase?” Alex tapped me on the shoulder. “Isn’t that Kinsley out there on the dance floor?”
“What? Where?”
“Right over there.” He pointed. “In the short black dress dancing with that good-looking guy.” He smirked.
“I’ll be damned. It is her.”