Page 18 of Below The Surface
Casey: Thx ::kisses::
Kendra: And yes, he can stay, but for my sanity, you can not fuck 24/7
Casey: whatever do you mean?
Kendra: brat.
Casey: but Im ur brat.
I turn to Dallas. “Bestie says you can stay for a few days, but I still wanna set up something at your place. Plus, you’ll wanna grab some clothes because you won’t fit in anything at my place.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem, but I do expect to ride your dick at least a few times. If you’re cool with it.”
Dallas laughs. Full belly laugh and holds his stomach.
“I’m really not joking.” I put my car into gear and head out of the apartment complex.
“I know, and that’s what’s so funny. But I’m so good with it. Fucking your tight little ass will probably help take my mind off of things.”
“My thoughts exactly. I’m always looking out for my fellow man.” I bat my lashes for good measure, then focus on the road again. “You chat with Hayden anymore?”
Dallas shakes his head. “Haven’t checked my messages. Probably should.”
“You trust him?”
“With my life. He’s like the little brother I never had.”
“Oh?” I tap my fingers on the steering wheel at the red light. I fucking hate how many damn stoplights are in this city.
“Yeah. Met in a support group when we were younger.”
“You don’t have to tell me for what.” But obviously I’m curious as fuck.
Dallas runs a hand through his hair and turns to look out the window, probably not wanting to look at me for what he says next. “Support group for family that’s experienced suicide.”
My hands squeeze the steering wheel, and I have to take a slow breath to calm myself. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
He nods and continues to stare out the window. “My sister. Someone took her, used her, and she wasn’t herself by the time they found her. I was twelve. I don’t think she meant for me to find her, but my friend and I skipped school to play video games and when we got to my place, she’d overdosed on something.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry.”
“Twenty years later and it’s still hard. Shit. Sorry. You don’t want to hear all this, do you?”
“Don’t be sorry.” My thoughts scramble. I could tell him. Tell him about Dorian. About Charles. About the cult. But I don’t want to run him off because of my past. No, if I run off Dallas Runer, it’s because he can’t take my personality.
He runs a hand over his face. “Sorry. I really need to learn not to dump on unsuspecting listeners. I do what I do because of her. I wanted to keep her legacy going. Addison was ten years older than me and already settling into her career. She was a personal trainer. She was always so encouraging to everyone starting out on their fitness journey.”
“That’s beautiful. And don’t apologize. I asked a question, and you answered it. I have a similar story of heartache, but I don’t want to think about it.”
He rubs his hand across my arm. “I’m here if you need someone to talk to.”
I nod and loosen my grip. “Thanks. Ken and I do alright if I do say so myself. We both need therapy, but we’re both too stubborn for it.” I grin and turn into the parking lot of Big Mac’s Stuff.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Dallas groans as I hop from the car.
“What? Big Mac knows his shit and gives me the best deals. He’ll even let us into the back room.” I wiggle my brows and skip up to the door.
