Tangled Up In You Read online

  Sure enough, a little girl, who looked very much like her daddy, was sitting quietly in the nurse’s room, swinging her feet.

  “Hi,” said Kayla. “You must be Hannah.”

  The little girl’s head lifted. “Is my dad here?”

  “He sure is, honey. Let’s go find him, so he can take you home.” She couldn’t stop herself from resting a hand on the smooth forehead, and sure enough the little girl was warm.

  “A bit of a fever, I think,” said the nurse, walking in. “But nothing too serious. She might be starting a cold, but it doesn’t look like either an ear or a throat infection. Best guess? Allergies. Probably find out they run in the family.”

  Kayla smiled and took Hannah’s hand. “Let’s go sweetie.”

  Hannah obediently stood and impressed Kayla by thanking the nurse. Obviously, she’d inherited a good chunk of her dad’s gift for charming people.

  Taking her back to Seth, Kayla told him what the nurse had said.

  “Yeah, it’s possible. Her mom had a bit of trouble with tree pollen. I’ll ask her pediatrician next time we see him if he can check her out. Maybe have something handy she can take if it gets to be a nuisance.”

  Hannah stood looking up at her dad and Kayla as they spoke, her head moving back and forth as if she was watching the last set of a tennis match. “Dad? Dad...dad...dad? Can we go now?”

  “Oh sorry Hannah. Sure baby. Grab your sweater we’ll head for home.” He smiled at his daughter, then looked back up. “Thanks, Kayla, for helping out. You know, we should go out sometime. Grab a coffee maybe. Catch up, all that stuff.”

  “Sure, anytime. You know where I am.” Kayla cringed at her comment.

  Really? Anytime? I’m such an idiot. I should’ve said yeah, how about tomorrow night?

  KAYLA HAD JUST SLATHERED on a face mask, her hair was a tangled mess, she cradled a large bowl of ice cream and cookies in her lap, had her favorite rock band T-shirt and pajama pants on—when the phone rang. One look at the caller ID and she cursed long and loud. “Oh shitpissfuck, it’s Seth”

  As if it mattered she put down the ice cream and answered the phone while trying to straighten her hair. “Hello?”

  “Hey there, Kayla. I was wondering if you were doing anything Saturday evening? I’d love to get together and catch up on things. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I’m free, since Hannah goes to her mom’s this weekend.”

  “Let me check...ummm, yeah, it looks like I’ll be free, I mean I don’t have any plans.”

  “Awesome. I mean that’s great.” He cleared his throat. “Would you be okay going to Vegas and for dinner? It’s a nice drive. Not like a date or anything, just friends hooking up. I mean—uh—catching up.”

  “Actually, that sounds nice. I haven’t gone anywhere at all since I got back and it would be really nice to see the lights again.”

  “Awesome, awesome. I’ll pick you up around four. If that works for you.”

  “That’ll be perfect. See you then.”

  After hanging up the phone, Kayla leaned back on the couch and retrieved her ice cream. “Yessss, score.”

  She’d finished the bowl and cleaned her face sometime later, deciding to shoot Maria a text and update her on the Seth development. Both she and Maria had quickly developed the habit of playing around on social media. It gave Maria a chance to be silly without the family laughing at her, and it gave Kayla a friend to talk to without having to change out of her rock star pajamas. She was laughing at some goofy memes one of her favorite writers, S.L. Carpenter, had posted. They counted on him to make them howl with laughter or groan at his terrible jokes.

  “You do know Seth’s been single for a while don’t you? Ever since his wife bailed on him and they divorced he’s been taking care of his daughter and that’s about all.”

  “I went over to his page and didn’t see much there but photos of his kids.”

  “Waste of a man if you ask me. Looking like that and no woman to take advantage of him, hint hint. All that pent-up sexual mojo just begging to be released.”

  “Oh it’s not gonna be like that Maria. Nobody’s gonna release any mojo, sexual or otherwise. We’re just going to dinner and we’ll be catching up on old times. You know. Talking.”

  “Uh huh. Oh sure, yep, that sounds good. Or would if I believed in the bullshit fairy. You know if you don’t use it your hymen will grow back and you’ll be a virgin again.”

  “That’s crap and you know it.”

  “Yep, just like you are only going out to dinner with Seth to catch up.”

  “Touché, la mejor amiga, it will be nice to go out and simply have a good time. Been a while.”

  “Well I expect all the horny details. And your Spanish is getting better. Points for throwing in a French word there. By the way, I want to know if the rumors are true.”

  “Rumors? What rumors?”

  “You didn’t know? All the girls were curious about Seth. He was rated an eight overall when he was married. We want to know if that was a rating of his looks, his personality, his car or a measurement of his polla.”

  “My Spanish isn’t that good. Dare I ask?”

  “Google it. Just have fun, chica.”

  “I CAN DO THIS. I can do this. Hello Kayla, I’m really happy you agreed to go out. No, that sounds stupid. Hey baby you want to hook up? No, that sounds desperate.” Seth continued talking to himself, not waiting for an answer.

  “Hey Kayla, can I worship you and smear chocolate syrup over your naked flesh and lick it off? Too soon?” The thoughts and nerves were making him flustered. “Hey babe, I left a blowjob at your place, can I stop by and get it later?”

  Since he clearly needed expert advice, he decided to ask his most trusted ally and partner in crime. His penis. Being a man, he’d been through a lot of drama and issues with the opposite sex and Henry had been there for him the whole time, so it was only right that he should be consulted.

  Henry was a stand-up guy and never let him down. Almost never, anyway. He might have accidentally ended a few sessions early, but that was because of drinking or overexcitement. He tended to be temperamental and had a mind of his own on some occasions.

  Their inner dialogue took over.

  Yes, Henry, you remember Kayla. We had quite a few what you might call happy memories about her. But now? Now we’ve hit the big time. It’s been a while and we really need to remain calm. Be cool, don’t expect anything and stay cool under pressure. Do not do anything crazy.

  Seth paused. Don’t do anything crazy like talk to your dick for advice on a date. Shit. I’m in deep trouble.

  KAYLA FELT LIKE A KID again when Seth rested his hand on hers as they drove. She really liked it, and it served as a subtle gesture reminding her of what it was like to be a woman once more. She’d had her share of men grabbing at her and talking dirty and acting like total dickheads.

  Dinner was amazing. The restaurant was dimly lit, with small electric candles flickering on each table in the middle of different colored flower arrangements and soft romantic music could just about be heard over the clink of china and the soft conversations. It had a great atmosphere and Kayla couldn’t help but look around at the elegance and the other couples enjoying themselves. Outside was the city, but inside it was a tiny little oasis of calm.

  Vegas was always a feast for the eyes; the flashing lights and sounds of the slot machines, the jackpot bells sounding throughout the entire casino. and a crazy neon décor. Even the escorts were perfectly dressed in their skin tight, ass grabbing skirts and stilettos. She’d smiled at it all as they’d walked to the restaurant, and she felt so happy as she looked across the table at Seth.

  Now there are men who are ultra-cool and can pull off all the suave and sexy looks and throw in a few come hither stares. Seth wasn’t one of them. He was devouring his steak like a caveman who hadn’t eaten in a month. He mumbled as he chewed, and was oblivious to his surroundings. Kayla wasn’t sure if he needed a napkin or a bib. />
  Trying to ignore that thought, Kayla took a bite of her own meal, chewed and then swallowed. It was time for some conversation. “Hannah is a beautiful little girl, Seth. Mind if I ask what happened between you and her mom?”

  He wiped his face with his napkin, leaning back with a contented sigh. “The usual story. Her mom wasn’t who I thought she was.” He paused. “You remember Kirsten Williams?”

  Kayla thought back, then took a breath. “I remember her.” She tried to keep her teeth from grinding, because yeah, she remembered Kirsten all too well. She was always telling the other girls how to make a man your slave. She was pretty, outgoing, and made the hair on most women’s necks stand up whenever she walked into the room. Her personality was that of a narcissist and a user of people in the worst way. She was, basically, a cunt.

  “After I got back from college we started dating. Then she got pregnant. It wasn’t intentional, but I thought we were in love and I asked her to marry me. She said yes and we went to Vegas for a small wedding. Things were good for a while, until she got bored with all the responsibilities and actual drama of having kids and not being free.”

  Seth sighed then continued. “I don’t understand people at times. She had a beautiful house, an amazing child and I adored her. But it wasn’t enough for her, so she left. Just left. She met some guy online, packed up her shit, and called me at work to remind me to get Hannah. I got home to find the house half empty and divorce papers on the kitchen table. Marrying her was easily the biggest mistake I ever made—except for one thing. Hannah.” He couldn’t help but smile at the thought of his daughter.

  “She is an adorable little girl.”

  “She’s a handful at times, but she is my light. She makes me feel like I’m okay even when I’m not.”

  “Is Kirsten still in her life?”

  “She’s living here in Vegas now. She’s got a decent condominium I paid for in the settlement, and Hannah goes there for a few days every month. I wasn’t keen on the arrangement, but you know lawyers. And to be honest, she is Hannah’s mother. I had to think about her, and how she needed to see her mom now and again.” He stopped, took a drink, and then shook his head.

  “Kirsten got herself a live-in boyfriend, by the name of Dominic. He strikes me as a complete asshole. He drinks, I’m pretty certain he’s hit Kirsten, and I don’t like Hannah being there. And that’s where she is right now. God, I hate that part but as I said, that’s how it is. Hannah doesn’t like it much either these days, because she sits in her room and plays games and sometimes her Mom ignores her.” He looked at Kayla. “I’m sorry. You probably don’t want to hear all my troubles poured out as a side to your steak.”

  Kayla smiled. “It’s better than being alone with my own troubles, Seth. Believe me. So how about a change of subject. You wanna fool around?”

  “Uhh, yeah, duh...”

  “Good to see you’re still the old Seth in some areas. Mention sex and bad moods are out the window.”

  He chuckled. “Ahhh, so you were teasing me again. I see. Just like old times.”

  They shared grins, enjoyed the meal and spent the rest of the time reminiscing about the old days, both good and bad. She told him about her new job, and he told her that Maria had invited him to the cookout the next day. She was going to be there too.

  She smiled across the table, happy, relaxed and knowing that the date was going well. The drive wasn’t bad, even for Vegas, and they laughed and listened to old songs that brought back crazy memories. Even though they were older now, and both had been through a lot, they slipped easily back into their roles as the closest of friends, without benefits.

  It occurred to her toward the end of their meal that one of the most impressive things about Seth was the fact that he never dug his phone out of his pocket and checked his email. He focused his attentions on her. And his steak. Man, he could eat. A dirty little thought ran through her head as she wondered if he was this passionate when eating other things.

  Seth had moved into dessert mode, talking her into sharing a dish of tiramisu, and busily inhaling his half, when he looked up at her, and paused with his spoon halfway to his mouth. Her eyes were locked on something behind him. He turned, but all he could see were people wandering around in the casino outside the restaurant.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Kayla blinked and looked down at her lunch. “Nothing, I thought I saw something.”

  “You don’t look okay. What was it? What did you see?”

  “It was...”

  She never got the chance to finish her sentence.

  “Well, well, well. Look who’s here having a good time. Hello, sexy.” A man’s voice sounded behind him and obviously upset Kayla. He watched her lift her chin and put down her coffee cup carefully into the saucer.

  “Hello Evan.”

  “So, who’s the new guy? This your next victim?” The man moved up next to Kayla.

  Seth wasn’t sure if he should get up and stick his steak knife into this asshole’s neck or keep quiet. So he decided to shoot for something in between.

  “Hey bud, we’re enjoying our evening. Why don’t you do the same? I’m sure you can find yourself a crack whore to take care of you.” Then he eased away from the table and rose to his feet.

  Evan wasn’t the smartest of characters, and hadn’t noticed that the guy slurping tiramisu was actually six inches taller and at least thirty pounds heavier than him. Those thirty pounds were muscle.

  He looked up at Seth and did his best to puff out his inadequate chest. It was a failed attempt but he didn’t want to back down.

  “I’m in a good mood and I would prefer not to make a scene. Kayla obviously doesn’t want you here, so how about you go back out the way you came in, before I drag you out.” Seth smiled. “By the balls. Assuming you have ‘em.” He sat back down. He fought his anger, but under the table his fists clenched as waited for Evan to shoot off his mouth and say something else.

  “Well Kayla, I’ll be contacting you about that money you owe me, and those other items you stole.” With a smirk he looked over to Seth. “Be careful with this one, stud. She may be a great fuck, but she’ll rip your heart out.”

  “I’M SORRY ABOUT THAT. That’s my ex and I had no idea he’d be here. I am so...”

  “Hey, it doesn’t matter. He’s gone. I’m having a good time with a beautiful woman and don’t need some ex-fucktard to ruin it. He’s nothing, and that’s how I’ll treat it. Unless I should be worried?”

  Kayla was upset and almost in tears. “It’s just embarrassing. He just always made me feel like shit about myself. He’s the main part of why I left to come back home. We can leave if you’d like.”

  “No, I’m good. Let’s just finish our meal and then we can head back.” He leaned forward with a serious look on his face. “You gonna finish that tiramisu?”

  Seth was always someone she trusted and she knew he only wanted her happy. Most guys would most likely have bailed or left her there. She felt lucky he wasn’t like that and understood the situation without her having to go into details. For once she was out having dinner with a guy who wasn’t an asshole or a dickhead. Perhaps her life was on the right track after all.

  “Maybe I can live out a few of my childhood fantasies with him as a way to thank him for being so awesome. Of course I must admit I’d be doing myself a favor also. Why am I talking to myself?”

  “You’re not talking to yourself. And I think it’s a great idea.” Seth laughed as he finished her dessert.

  THE LIGHT FROM THE television flickered in the room but she was oblivious to what show was playing. Her eyelids fluttered and her body ached. She needed to feel his touch. For far too long she had been grabbed or pushed away instead of feeling held, caressed or sighing from a simple brush along her skin.

  Seth was doing all of that. He traced her jaw with his finger as they lay on the bed and with a gentle tug he pulled her hair back, exposing the slope of her neck. His hot breath and gentle kis
ses sent her into a state of utter need.

  “Please don’t stop...” The words crept from her lips, begging him to continue.

  “I have no plans on stopping until I have you.”

  She almost wept at that, feeling so good. Seth was touching her where she needed it most, her heart. He wasn’t rushing but took his time to slowly caress her body.

  “I love your curves.” His hand rubbed along her hip and up to her breast.

  “You mean my rolls of fat,” Kayla’s insecurities reared their heads.

  “I think you’re perfect. I want to kiss every part of you. You need to see yourself as I see you.” He paused, kissing the back of her neck again. His mouth whispered into her ear. “You are one hot, sexy woman. And you don’t realize it, do you?”

  He took her full breast in his hand and gently squeezed it. “Nothing feels as good as a real woman. I bet your pussy tastes like warm honey.”

  Kayla was done. Her panties were useless and the fire between her legs engulfed everything. She could feel herself squirming out of her clothes because she wanted to be naked so badly.

  Seth’s hand found its way over her pussy. “Wow, I can feel how hot you are through your clothes.”

  He cupped her mound and groaned.

  Kayla put her hand on the back of Seth’s neck. Her entire body was now exposed and she wanted every part of it touched, fondled and taken by him.

  She sucked in a quick breath when he touched her belly. His hand slid under the rim of her panties and down to her pussy. He seemed hesitant and then pressed a finger against her and into the folds of slippery flesh. She couldn’t breathe and wanted more but couldn’t find the words to ask him to finger fuck her to heaven.

  His finger pierced her opening and she moaned deeply. Her legs began to spread apart in reflex to his invading touch. He slid inside her to the knuckle and gently bit her shoulder.