Page 49 of Below The Surface
“Fuck you. I’ve given you a decade of my life. I’m the best?—”
Jim snorts. “You’ve been mediocre at best. I can find someone better than you and without the homophobia.”
There’s the slamming of a door. I don’t need to hear anything else. I’m satisfied. As I’m pulling out of the parking lot, I watch Cindy through my rearview mirror walk to her car. Never would have guessed she was a piece of shit, but here we are. I hit Kendra’s contact.
“I just cut off a tiny bit of a woman’s finger and she might be out for revenge. Can you pretty please watch the police and hospitals to see if she retaliates?”
“Hello to you too, Casey. And yes, I’m on it. You gonna be home tonight?”
“Yeah, and Dallas is sleeping over for now. So be prepared for lots of loud fucking.”
“Lort, you were loud this morning.”
I grin as I take my exit. “He fingered me so well I saw heaven and you know I don’t even believe in it.”
She snorts. “I figured that’s what happened.”
“I still have no idea what romance is or the appeal, but I’m interested in seeing where things go.”
“I’m happy for you, Casey. You deserve something nice like this.”
“So do you. I always think you and Danielle hit it off.”
“So do I, but she’s never said anything about going exclusive and neither have I.”
“You’reallowed to, right?” I ask, not entirely sure how dating works.
“Yeah, anyone can ask. You could have asked Dallas, but he beat you to it.”
“I guess.” I shrug. “But I did ask him for the next fuckening.” Then again and again and again.
“Don’t call it that,” Kendra sighs. I’m sure she’s pinching the bridge of her nose, too. “Anyway, I got eyes on all the places. Danielle is coming over tonight too, so maybe we’ll be in competition to see who’s the loudest.”
“Oh! You know I always have fun with that!”
“I know. See ya later.”
“See ya.” I blow her a kiss and we end the call.
I’m only half surprised Cindy didn’t follow me, but she might not have seen me leave to begin with.
Now, I think I can make a surprise appearance at the restaurant. I gave Dallas and the others enough time to chat alone. Now I need to see my man.
15
DALLAS
Clayton is hilarious and generous as fuck. He loves our collab proposal and I want to fist pump. He’s the biggest partner we’ve been able to snag, and he seems just as excited to work with us as we are with him.
I feel a little foolish because I should have dressed up more, but Clayton didn’t seem to care. He’s more handsome in person than online, but that’s probably true for everyone. He’s as tall as I am, but he’s leaner with longer muscles. His sandy blond hair has nice curls to it and he has scruff along his jawline.
“Is that?” Hayden tips his head. “It’s Kay.” He waves and I catch myself grinning.
Kay’s in a nice pair of slacks and a flowy blouse with flowers that suits him really well. He also wears shimmery makeup and a dark purple wig that has curls down his back. If I didn’t know it was a wig, I’d never be able to tell because it looks so real aside from the color. Damn my guy is hot.
“Kay?” Clayton says and pushes to his feet. “It’s been so long.” He reaches out and takes Kay’s hand.
“What a nice surprise!” Kay gives me a wink. “I just fancied something different for dinner. How are you?”
