Chapter 31
THIRTY-ONE
Kendall
Hanging out with my friends tonight is therapeutic; it’s great to share what’s happened.
“That’s a lot?” Faith drawls.
“Yes,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief, even though I’m the one who lived through it.
And of course, what they focus on is Dane…
“You’re head over heels for him! I can see it in your eyes and that smile.” Lane is observant, I’ll give her that. But she isn’t wrong, not even a little bit.
“Any time he’s near me, my body reacts to him. The crackling energy between us is incomprehensible, to be honest. I mean, we’re already butting heads. He hired security without asking me. Didn’t tell me about the Jake note. Why?”
“Oh my…it’s the end of the world because some hot attorney hired security for you, and he wants to protect you. Do you even hear yourself talking?” Addison jumps into the conversation. The reality of what she is saying hits me hard. I mean, she isn’t wrong.
“Seriously, Kendall, Addison has a point. I understand how you would see that move as a power play, but I see it as endearing and kinda sexy. I know you have a certain perspective on all of this, and I don’t want to dismiss that at all.
I want you to think about it from all perspectives, that all,” Faith says, as she leans in closer.
“But what we all really want to know is…how is it?”
They are clapping and hooting before one word leaves my mouth. To indulge them further, I say, “We are like a raging inferno. Two flames becoming one when we’re together; it’s like a bonfire. In all seriousness, when he holds me, I fit just right in his arms.” My body heats just talking about him.
“We’ve never seen you so starry-eyed over a guy before. But that right there,” Lane says as she points and makes circles in the air in front of me. “Are you falling for this guy? I mean, have you already fallen for him?”
I can’t deny it. I think back to the night we met.
It was a natural attraction between the two of us.
That first night together, the sex blew my mind.
But it was the magnetism between us. Reality kicked in when we woke up in the morning.
I thought I was just another notch in his belt.
I’m better than that, so I tried to forget about him.
That worked out well for me. It was like at every turn, there he was.
“When will you see him again?” Addison asks.
“I don’t know. I haven’t heard from him since he went to work, but we have another date on Saturday night. He also mentioned wanting to sleep in bed with me. So who knows, maybe that will happen this week.” I stare at my clasped hands, thinking about him snuggling up to me, stroking my back.
“I still can’t believe he left you to go to work on a Sunday,” Lane says.
I shrug and raise my hands. “It’s not a big deal. I suspect this happens often, since he told me his ex wasn’t thrilled with his work schedule.”
“You’re way more understanding than I would be,” Lane says.
She likes predictability, so that makes a ton of sense.
As if he were listening to my conversation, Dane texted me.
“Is that Dane?”
“Yes…but what the hell! He’s asking me when I’ll be home. How does he even know I’m not home?”
“Calm down, Kendall. I want you to take a deep breath before you respond.” Faith moves closer to me and touches my shoulder.
She is calm about this, and I’m ready to fly off the handle.
He has no boundaries. Whatever he says goes.
But I do what she says. “Now close your eyes and think about him holding you and protecting you. How do you feel?”
I hate when she plays therapist with me. “I feel angry that he didn’t ask me. Instead, he asked his friend if I was home. It feels like he wants me under his thumb. It feels familiar, like when Jake would do shit like this.”
“Ah, and there it is.”
I open my eyes and say, “I know that’s my trigger. Everything that asshole did affects me.”
“What are your thoughts on telling Dane what you’d prefer him to do?”
“That makes sense now that you say it out loud.” I shake my head, knowing that all of this makes perfect sense.
“You need to take a few minutes to step back and look at all perspectives. He wants to protect you, and you don’t want to feel like you are being controlled and told what to do. It all tracks. Communicate what you want. You’re good at that…when you’re not triggered.”
So I text him back, and his response seems calm and understanding.
“See, you got this, and well…maybe him too.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s mutual.” I laugh and brush my hand through my hair.
The night continues with talk of our yearly girls’ trip over ice cream.
We like to book it at least six months ahead.
This year, we are deciding between Turks and Caicos or Aruba.
Right now, it’s a split vote. We are all on our phones researching nightlife and excursions available at all-inclusive resorts.
My vote is for Aruba, but I’m double-checking the resort on Turks and Caicos.
Maybe something will pop up that will sway me.
The votes were still tied after spending some time scouring the all-inclusive resorts.
To break the tie, we put pieces of paper into a bowl—two for T we go there first, then we’ll do the other island the following year. It seems like a good plan.
And she pulls—Aruba. Addison and I yell, “Yes!”
We are heading to Aruba in February. I can’t wait. I’ll be counting down. I’m so excited for this trip. The resort boasts five-star restaurant reviews, pools, ocean-view rooms, and tiki bars located both poolside and beachside.
It’s getting late. I peer out the living room window to see the black SUV sitting at the curb.
Joel and his guys are here watching over the place.
A calmness washes over me, knowing they are here.
And I silently say thank you to Dane for hiring them.
As upsetting as it was to hear at first, I’m grateful.
“Do we have time for a movie?” Faith lowers herself onto the couch.
“I do because I don’t have work tomorrow and can sleep in a bit. After this weekend, I’m ready for a good night’s sleep,” I say as a yawn escapes. We all laugh.
Lane and Addison decide to go home because they both have early mornings on Mondays. We say our goodbyes. I love them. I can’t believe it’s been eleven years since we first met and became best friends in college.
After they leave, Faith and I cuddle up on the couch with our blankets even though it’s seventy degrees outside.
The air conditioning is chilly now that night has fallen, and our bodies are tired.
Faith picks 10 Things I Hate About You. I love this movie, so I tuck my feet under me and get comfortable.
The movie credits roll, and my eyes are barely open. It might not be a good idea to drive home. I wonder if it’s okay to ask Joel to drive me home. Eh, it’s worth asking.
Kendall:
Joel, is it too much to ask you to drive me home? I didn’t expect to be so exhausted.
Joel:
You bet. We are right at the curb.
Kendall:
Be out in 10
It’s convenient to have these guys around.
“Faith, I’m going to leave my car here. I’ll figure out how to pick it up tomorrow. It’s a tomorrow-me problem.”
“I can always pick you up after work and bring you back. Just let me know.”
“Sounds good.” I hug her tight. “Thank you for tonight. Keeping things in perspective for me.”
“Isn’t that what friends are for?”
Taking a step out the door, I turn and say, “Yes.” And I blow her a kiss.
Joel opens the back door for me, and I hop into the SUV. We drive in silence all the way home, which is unusual for me, but I’m exhausted. With my eyes closed, I’m pretty sure I fell asleep for a split second. I was only resting my eyes.
We pull into my driveway. Joel opens the door again so I can step out. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. Get some sleep. We’ll be around. Text or call if you need us.”
“I appreciate everything you’re doing.”
He nods at me and then hops back into the SUV. They drive down the street to their post.
I barely remember going into the house, undressing, and getting into bed. My head hits the pillow and I’m out.
I hear my phone ringing on the nightstand. Dragging myself out of a deep sleep, I quickly answer it without looking at who was calling.
“Hello?” I say with a groggy voice.