Page 16 of Deprived No More

“Oh, come on, Nick. They rarely call me to come in. And I’m only working a few shifts a month now. Don’t be that way,” she reprimands as she steps forward, cups my cheeks, and places a chaste kiss on my lips.

Nothing comes out but a growl. I can’t pretend I’m okay with this. I want her home with me. Okay, home with us.But by us, I mean me.

The little minx takes the flowers from me and giggles before placing another kiss on my cheek and strolling toward the kitchen.

I quickly doff my work clothes, put on shorts and a T-shirt, and go back in search of Kat, as if some miracle is going to happen and she will change her mind and stay. “What’s the plan for dinner?” I ask, sounding like a disgruntled teen.

“There are plenty of leftovers for the kids. And I made your favorite beef stroganoff. It’s in the fridge.”

Hmmm. How long before I got here did she know about this if she was able to make my favorite?I hate to be so suspicious, but I often receive this dish as either bribery or distraction. Reaching around, I rub my neck. How have things gotten so chaotic lately?

“Oh, don’t be like that, Nick. I know it’s been a tough few days with the fire alarm the other night and my being sick yesterday. But the weekend is coming, and we’ll get back on track,” she croons into my ear, giving it a little nibble.

“Mrs. Barnes, you better head out now, or you’re not leaving,” I grumble. “I’ll call Marty and tell him you can’t make it because you’re trapped under something heavy.”

“A naked something?” she whispers.

Ensuring there are no eyes on the two of us, I place Kat’s hand on my growing dick and push into it. Fuck. One flick of her tongue against my ear, and I’m already at half-mast.

“I’ll make up for it, Nick. I promise.”

“I need you, kitten,” I plead, hoping she’ll have mercy on me. Yet she merely gives my cock a squeeze and withdraws her hand.

I follow her to the door like a lost pup, standing idle as she hugs and kisses each of the kids and begs them to be on their best behavior for me. This is not the way this day was supposed to end. As she returns to her full height and grabs her jacket, I plead, “Be careful, Kat. And don’t overdo it. You were-”

Whirling around, she again gives methat look. It almost screams, ‘I’m well enough for sex but not to work.’ Yeah, I’m an asshole.

“Okay, okay.”

She leans in for one last kiss before going out the door to the garage and closing it behind her.

Turning around, I find all four kids lined up in a row. They’re quiet as church mice, all staring back at me as if they can feel the tension pouring off of me.

“Okay, change in plans,” I announce. “Who wants to have a sleepover at the little house?”

“But we have school tomorrow,” Grace proclaims as if I’ve gone mad.

“I say we play hooky tomorrow. Start the weekend early.”

“Yay!” the boys cheer. Olivia begins jumping along with them, never one to be left out, while Grace stares at me in stunned silence before shaking her head as Kat would. I know she’s right. I’ve lost my marbles. But I need to get this weekend started on a better foot, and I don’t like the thought of Katarina in that house alone. Go grab your overnight bags from your closet and put some pajamas, clothes for tomorrow, and your toothpaste and toothbrush. We won’t need much.

Grace continues to shake her head as she follows the boys up the stairs, to check behind them on their packing, I’m sure.

“You’re going to be in trouble,” she mutters as she ascends the steps.

Yeah, you’re probably right.

CHAPTERSIX

Kat

“Kat. I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve heard your voice.”

“I know, Rachel. I’m sorry. I’ve been a terrible sister. I guess I’ve just gotten caught up with the kids lately.”

“Oh, I know how that is.”

“Oh, I’m not complaining. I don’t know how on earth you manage by yourself. And your kids are so well behaved. My boys are always act like they’re trying out for the latest action-adventure movie.”

---