“The cheapest way possible. Money is still an issue until the end of the month. And I also need to get my ID replaced.”
The words are out of my mouth before I can even think about implications.
“I can help, you know. I’ve got money I can loan you.”
As if this is the worst thing she’s ever heard, Kady’s head whips up at me, eyes bulging incredulously.
“Absolutely not,” she laments, sweeping her blonde hair out of her eyes. “Owing my brother is burden enough.I need to figure this out on my own. I have time to get my passport replaced, and my trust allowance will be available soon. Then I’ll be able to meet up with Iz. In fact, I was considering asking Mr. da Rossi across the street if he needs help in his trattoria. I could bus dishes or something.”
There’s no doubt that Kady made a favorable impression on the old man last night when we stopped in for dinner, and I’m sure he’d bend over backward for her. But we both know she can’t work without a visa and the language barrier would cause problems. The Italian language is not an easy one to learn, but you do pick things up the longer you’re immersed in it. Given more time, I’m sure she’d pick it up quickly.
I nod my head, pressing my lips together. Her gaze lands on them. Just for shits and giggles, I rub my tongue over my bottom lip. When I draw the corner of my mouth up into a knowing smirk, she looks away. She’s easy to read.I know there’s an attraction between us. The minute I saw her, I felt it.
But that doesn’t mean we should do anything about it. I have my own reasons not to get involved, and I’m sure she has hers.
It’s actually been nice getting to know a girl without the complicationsof sex thrown into the mix.We spent our first night together shooting the breeze after a late dinner, drinking wine on the floor of my small living room and telling stories about our families. She’s a wild one, that’s for sure. But we both seem to connect and understand each other and it’s been fun having her around and finding ways to make her laugh.
She has a warm and infectious laugh. Like the way it feels when you step into a hot springs spa. The minute you tip your toes in, the warmth seeps up through your body and covers you with this blanket of comfort. It just makes me feel good. And I’ve missed that feeling.
“Yeah, I bet Massimo would totally hire you. He likes the pretty girls,” I wink, letting my own gaze linger on her face and watch her bold, azure eyes widen with interest.
Kady is not your typical beauty. While her blonde hair is luscious and silky, her style is a little steampunk. When she pulls it back it in a ponytail, it displays the shaved sides of her head.She’s both delicate and rough - sweet but a little naughty. The contrast is alarming and alluring.
She also wears a swatch of blue down one side of her hair. Her cute ears, just a tad too big for her impish face, are adorned with about six piercings and a barbell at the top ridge of her ear. It makes me wonder where else I might find piercings. Belly button? Nipples?
Oh, she’s absolutely fuckable.
Which has quickly become a problem for me. My dick perks up in interest at that thought, but I smash his dreams with a stern reminder that I can’t mess with Kady.
Why did I think this arrangement would be easy? And fuck me, but she does wear a pair of boy shorts and a tank to sleep in. And you wonder why I had a sleepless night?
I shake my head to clear my thoughts. There are other reasons this thing between me and Kady can’t happen. I don’t need a distraction in my life right now. My entire focus has to be on improving my game so I can get my shot in the NBA. Over the last few months, my play hasn’t been as strong as I’d like it to be and I know the coach and owner feel the same way. Performance anxiety is a real thing, no matter how good you are.
Getting involved with Kady, even for a short-lived hookup, is out of the question. There’s also the promise I made to Cade to watch out for her. To make sure she’s safe and doesn’t get into trouble. What would that make me if I messed around with her?A fucking predator, that’s what.
My honor and integrity are important to me. He’s also my brother’s good friend and I don’t want to make things awkward for anyone.
I open my laptop and enter my password, pulling up the local train schedule so we can look at some options.
“I don’t think there’s a direct flight from here to Madrid…but you should be able to take the train up north to Milan and fly out from there, or train down to Rome and fly from that airport. It’ll take you about the same time either direction, so I guess it’s just where you can find the cheapest flight.”
Out of the corner of my eye I notice Kady studying me like she’s trying to figure me out. Determine whether I’m worthy of her company. Of her time.
She speaks soft; pensively. “Have you had a chance to do the touristy things since you’ve lived here?”
She sits with her bare knees drawn up to her chin; tan, slender shins on full display. I want to reach over and caress the smooth skin, maybe even use my tongue to see if she tastes as peachy as the scent that I get whiffs of every time she moves around in my space.
It’s only been twenty-four hours and her scent already lingers everywhere. My bathroom now reminds me of a peach orchard from her body products. It’s not overpowering, but subtle. And sexy-as-fuck.
I’ve always lived with dudes – and peach was not present in their company. Smelly, raunchy, filthy man-boys who leave stains on the toilet bowl and dirty towels on the floor. Kady is a pleasant change, more tidy and helpful around the apartment. She does snore like a logger, though. I can hear it through the thin walls of the bedroom.
And she swears like a sailor. Maybe even more than the guys out on the court.
I lift my gaze from her legs and consider her question. The team has kept me busy with practice and games, but I have had some downtime to myself since moving here. I’ve tried to explore whenever possible.
“Yeah, I’ve been able to travel a little outside of the team trips. Spent a few days in Rome a few months ago. Been to the more touristy places like Pisa and the Cinque Terra. That area’s fucking cool. You should definitely try to make it there if you can. The hike between the five villages along the coast is something I’ve never seen before. And I went backpacking up in the Alps with my friend, Stefano Perilli who I play ball with. He’s local and was my guide. Amazing scenery.”
Kady’s sweet lips turn into a pout as her chin drops to the top of her knees. They are pink and full, glistening from whatever gloss she slicked across them. Or maybe it’s just her natural appeal. Whatever it is, I could easily lean across the table right now and pull that bottom lip in between my teeth. Run my tongue across it before closing my mouth around hers.
