Page 97 of Unstable

We’re almost to the country kitchen, where the others are no doubt done eating by now, when she tugs on my hand to stop us.

“What is it?” I look down at her and ask.

“Henley, no matter what happens when we talk to my parents,” she casts her eyes downward and fidgets a bit, “can we be friends?”

“Brooke, will you look at me please?” She does and I smile warmly at her. “I would love nothing more than to be your friend, forever, no matter what.”

Her sweet lil’ face lights up and she tightens her hold on my hand. “Yay! I don’t have too many friends. The kids at my school say I’m a freak who talks too much and uses weird words.”

“You’re not a freak or weird, honey. You’re just smarter than they are. I’m not saying they’re dumb, and you never should either, but…you’re…exceptional. Hopefully, they’ll catch up to you a little more one day. And if not, that’s okay too, ‘cause now you’ve got me and you know what? Not only do I understand every word you say, but I could use a friend too.”

“THERE THEY ARE.” KEATON stands when we walk in to pull out my chair for me. “You two get lost?”

“No, we just had some important matters to discuss. Right, Brooke?”

“Right!” She agrees, grabbing a biscuit. “Got it all worked out, Mommy.”

“Oh, I’m sure you did,” Bri's snicker is tinged with worried exasperation. “Henley, I hope she wasn’t too much trouble. Or vocal.”

“No trouble at all,” I assure her. “But vocal? Pretty sure that’s a set-in-stone thing. She’s…” I pause to choose a word worthy, “astonishing. If you don’t mind me asking, have you had her IQ tested? I think it’s probably higher than mine.”

The proud Papa chimes in this time, grinning at his daughter with obvious love and pride as he answers. “Well over one hundred. Ninety-seventh percentile, right baby?”

“Yep.” Brooke nods proudly.

“Up top, Brainy Smurf,” he laughs, holding up his hand that his daughter instantly high-fives.

I start to make myself a plate, eyes on task, and about as casually as a fart during a prayer, I break the ice. “So, did the three of you discuss things while we were gone?”

“Um, Henley,” Keaton utters while clearing his throat, “can I see you in the other room for a minute?”

“Secrets hurt feelings!” Brooke interjects and I laugh, smiling at her.

“No secrets, promise.” I rub her head, tousling her curls. “I’ll be right back.”

Once out of earshot, Keaton crosses his arms over his chest and tilts his head, looking at me with frustration. “Just what in the hell was I supposed to discuss with them, woman? You haven’t told me anything either, remember? Sure, we thoroughly covered the weather, current events, and I now know every damn thing about Bumfuck, Wyoming, where Mike is originally from, but that’s about the gist of it. You’ve left me hanging,, same as them. What took you so long and what are we telling them? I can’t offer to refill their tea again Henny, they’re onto that stall tactic.”

Oops. Minor oversight on my part.

“I’m sorry.” I slide my hand up his chest and rise to my tiptoes, offering him my lips.

He kisses me chastely, then pulls back. “Seriously baby, what are we doing? If you haven’t decided yet, that’s alright, just tell me so I can explain to them that you need more time. Leaving ‘em wondering and on the edge of their seats isn’t fair.”

“Wasn’t my intention, and I already said I was sorry. Now calm your tits and let’s go back in there. I got it.”

I start to walk away but I’m quickly stopped by a large arm curling around my waist and tugging me back against one very hard chest.

“Calm your tits?” He parrots hotly on my neck. “Tell ya what. Instead of tanning your ass for that one, I’m gonna play off your choice and do anything but calm your tits later tonight. Gonna suck, lick, bite and pinch those beauties ‘til you’re so not calm, you come long and hard before I even get near your sweet pussy.”

Okay, time to wrap it up! Would it be too incredibly rude to demand the Kings leave this very instant? Yes, damn it, it would. So I keep a hold on my manners, even though my panties are soaked and it’s taking colossal restraint not to beg him to take me right here on the floor.

He laughs, dark and deep, pinching one achingly hard nipple. “See how that works? Sure don’t feel calm, baby.”

“Keaton, stop.” I slap his hand away. “I can’t walk back in there with my headlights on high beam.”

“Gonna have to,” he laughs, “and preferably, in front of me. About to burst through my zipper.” He presses his rock hard erection against my ass.

“Dear God,” I sigh. “We’re already the worst landlords ever. Making them wait all evening just to walk back in there like we just got done shooting a porno. They may turn us down at this point. Just, think of something gross, like…shoveling horse shit. We gotta go back in there.”

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