Бессердечный

“Anyone ever told you that you’re rude?” is all he comes back with.
I grin at him before turning back to the TV and cranking the volume. “Says the guy who still hasn’t given my panties back.”

She was just so excited over me laughing. Over me smiling. She smiled back. It felt good. And now she’s in here giving that megawatt grin to other people, who are grinning back at her. And I feel like I want all her smiles for myself.

“You come here often?” she asks.
“Willa.” My teeth clench.
“If I make a blow job joke, will you laugh again?”
My teeth grind. “No.”
“What’s the best thing about a blow job?”
“Good lord, woman. Just stop.”

Her breasts are full and heavy, dusky pink nipples erect and pointing right at me. Little silver studs adorn either side, sparkling in the light, and I want to fucking play with those.
I want to play with everything.
If Willa is the playground, I want to fucking play. Period.

I squirm and chant, “Cade,” like I’m in some sort of hot-single-dad-loving cult.
I’d be the leader of that cult. For sure.

“I’ve never seen such a pretty pussy in my life, Willa.”
Admittedly, I’ve never wondered much about the way my pussy looks. It’s always served its purpose just fine. She’s been a real champ, if you ask me. But I preen under that compliment from Cade. He’s older. More experienced. If he says it’s pretty, well, who am I to disagree?

His body, his skin, the crinkles around his eyes . . . it’s all just proof of long hours spent hard at work. And I’m not sure I’ve ever found anything more attractive than a man who works hard.

Willa’s hair is in my face, and her breath is making my neck feel damp and sweaty. She’s sprawled her long limbs over mine and pressed her body so close that all I’d have to do is shift her a few inches and she’d be lying right on top of me.
I’m not especially comfortable. And I fucking love it

“The worst part is . . . when I find you, I’m going to punish you both.”
Luke’s shoulders shake harder. He knows his dad is a big softy under that gruff exterior. I don’t think he’s punished Luke a day in his life.
Me though? I’m not so sure. Bedroom Cade is not Dad Cade. My body tingles in response—I don’t laugh at all.

“She’s . . . I don’t know.” He chuckles now, scrubbing a hand over his beard. “You know, I try so hard not to say bad things about her, because she’s half Luke and I love everything about that kid. But Willa, his mom is a fucking nightmare. I don’t know how my biggest mistake brought about my most cherished gift. But here I am.”

I’m fiercely loyal, and that’s something I’ve always taken pride in. I’m trustworthy and a good friend. I might not be a high achiever, but you can count on me to be there if you need to bury a body in the middle of the night.

Maybe if I feel like a goddess when we’re together, he feels like a god.

In the blink of an eye, he’s adjusted his grip to pop open my jaw and stuffs my panties inside. My irises widen as he works the fabric in and I stand stock still, too shocked to stop him. Too turned on to want to.
“There are no buts about it, Red. Now get your palms flat on the counter and bend over.”

“I’m going to walk out into a child’s birthday party with a big glass of wine and bright red cheeks?” I ask, just to clarify. Because it feels insane.
“Don’t forget about your freshly fucked pussy. But no one else will see that. I covered it up for you.”
“They’ll know though.” I point at him and walk in his direction.
The other side of his mouth pops up, and he hands me the wine before he leans in close and whispers, “Good,” against my cheek.

Willa: I think these panties are ruined.
Cade: I’ll wash them for you. And then shove them in your mouth again the next time you say something rude.
Willa: Fuck off.
Cade: Careful. They haven’t even been washed yet.

“You’ve had my attention since—”
I roll my eyes and wave a hand at him. “Yeah, yeah. Since I dropped my panties at your feet.”
“No. Since I first heard you laugh.”
That shuts me up.

We spend the rest of the day like that. Him digging. Me making fun of him. And eventually Luke comes out and plays us a song he made up.
For once, I feel settled. Like everything in my life is where it’s meant to be.

Willa: Hi, Lawyer friend. Can I ask for some legal advice?
Summer: Do you need me to come bail you out? Just send the address. I’m there.
Willa: Is it illegal to bang your hot boss?
Summer: Are we talking about your brother or Cade?
Willa: Fucking gross.
Summer: Dude. I’ve had to listen to you make hot dad jokes for years. Shooters gotta shoot.
Willa: I’m never coming to you for advice again.

I feel safe when I’m scowling, but it’s getting harder and harder to look at Willa Grant without smiling.