Page 12 of The Final Temptation (Men of Honor 3.5)
“Please, Kayla.”
It’s easy to see how concerned he is about it, and since it really isn’t a huge deal to me if I go, I relent with a nod. “Okay. I promise.”
Walking out the door, I make my way across the driveway to my house. Just as I’m about to walk in I feel his eyes on me, and turn to see him watching me from his back door, making sure I get in safely. With a smile, I blow him a kiss and don’t miss his small smirk in return.
After a hot shower I get settled into bed, my body feeling the most satisfied it ever has, but unfortunately, my heart does not, and I know it won’t until I finally have all of Cooper, body and soul.
CHAPTER 4
Saturday morning I walk down the stairs to see my Mom and Dad sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast.
“Hi, honey, have a seat. I made pancakes,” my mom says, immediately dishing me a plate.
As I take the chair next to my dad he leans over and kisses my cheek. “Morning. How’s my girl?”
I smile and return his kiss. “Good. You aren’t working this weekend? Should I have a heart attack?” I love my father, but he’s a workaholic. It’s rare to see him on a Saturday morning but I know it comes with owning your own business. He runs the best construction company around and I’m really proud of him for all of his success.
“Ha, ha,” he replies with an amused smirk. I get my smart-ass attitude from him so he knows I’m just messin’ with him. “Actually, I took the day off since I have a meeting tonight.” He pauses, suddenly seeming uncomfortable. “I’m having a prospective client and his family over for supper. I’m hoping you will be around to join us?”
I shrug. “Sure. Who is it? Do I know them?” I’m assuming I do since everyone knows everyone in this town.
I can tell by my parent’s expressions that I’m not going to like this. “Yes, actually, you do. It’s the Vails.”
“What?” I shout in outrage. “No, Dad! No way is that bitch sitting at my kitchen table.”
“Kayla, language,” my mom scolds but I ignore her.
“How could you invite them here for supper? You know how much I hate Brittany.”
My dad’s expression turns remorseful. “It was her father who suggested it. He thought our families could get to know each other while we talked business.”
“Hell no! I already know her and like I said, she’s a Class-A bitch.”
My mom cuts in now. “Honey, why don’t you give her a chance? Who knows, it might surprise you and y’all could end up becoming really good friends.”
I roll my eyes at how delusional she can be. “Trust me, I will never, ever be friends with her.”
“She can’t be that horrible if Cooper dated her.”
I stiffen and feel as if someone just kicked me in the stomach. My teeth grind and I try to remember that my mom doesn’t know about my feelings for Cooper. I haven’t purposely kept it from them, I just haven’t exactly found the right time to bring it up. Although, I am a little surprised they haven’t caught on.
I shake my head vehemently, not wanting to see that bitch ever again, let alone in my own house. My father reaches over and puts his hand gently on my arm. “Can you please put aside your differences for tonight? This will be a huge contract for my company if I get it, Kayla, it would be years of work for us. Please, honey, can you do this for me?”
I stare into my dad’s pleading blue eyes, which are the same color as mine, and feel my resolve slipping. He’s wanted the contracts on the Vail’s malls for so long. He’s given me so much and has worked hard to make sure my mom and I could have everything we’ve ever needed. No matter how much I want to, I can’t say no to him.
“Fine,” I relent on a sigh. “But I’m not staying long, Dad, I will only be able to put up with her for so long. Also, I have plans with Julia, so if it’s all right I’m going to invite her, too.”
He nods and gives me a relieved smile. “Yes, of course. She’s always welcome here, and I promise just a couple of hours then you can go.” Leaning over he kisses my cheek again. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Yeah, well, he better not thank me yet. I just pray I can bite my tongue long enough to get through this. I suddenly think about what I did to her car the other night, and realize this could get very ugly.
*
Yup, just like I expected, a giant cluster-fuck. Right when I thought there was no way this night could get any worse, I was wrong. Because my mom ended up inviting Cooper over at the last minute to join us, thinking it would be nice for him to have a home-cooked meal since he will be going back to his apartment soon. He was completely caught off guard when he walked in to see the Vails. But Brittany? Oh, the bitch was overjoyed, and before I could take the seat next to him she did, which left Julia and me to sit directly across from them. To say you can cut the tension with a knife is a huge understatement.
I watch the bitch sidle up close to the man I have been in love with for three years, the same one who gave me the best orgasm of my life just the other night. My heart pounds in fury, and my body vibrates with the urge to punch her out when she leans over and whispers suggestively in his ear with a giggle. Even though it’s apparent that Cooper is uncomfortable with how she’s acting, he doesn’t push her away. I assume he doesn’t want to cause a scene, but regardless, it pisses me right off. I glare at him, not bothering to hide my irritation, and feel Julia put her hand on my bouncing knee in comfort; I’m sure she can tell I’m about ready to commit murder.
