“I think I knew before you even went out that first time that it wouldn’t work. I told your father that it was a mistake becausethe last thing I ever wanted was to have a daughter-in-law that was a mini version of Joan. She wants to control everything and lately she has this delusional idea that you are one of those things she wants to control. I’m trying to hold back and be a lady Aaron, but Lord it’s growing harder and harder by the day.”
I chuckle and she narrows her eyes at me.
“You don’t think your mother has it in her to be mean?”
“Not a chance.” My mother is the kindest, sweetest person I have ever met in my life. She is quiet and respectful.
“Southern ladies know how to be mean, Aaron,” she says to me very direct. “We also know the time and the place, but let me make one thing very clear. I know how to make my point clear, and Joan is riding a line. She will understand that my son is not one of her chess pieces she can move at her own will.”
“Ma.” I reach out and wait for her to place her hand in mine. “Why don’t you let me handle Chelsea and Joan?”
“It won’t stop her from contacting me, and now that I know there is no chance for Chelsea and you, I’m not so sure it will be as easy for me to remain quiet.”
I only offer her a smile.
“So,” she pushes, squeezing my hand. “Are you sure there isn’t someone you want to tell me about?”
“Let’s just say that there is a certain someone that has caught my eye long ago and I’m not sure there will be anything that develops.”
“But you would like it to?”
“Very much, Ma,” I give her a little more. “Very much.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
Again I chuckle, imagining my mom cornering Kendall and the vision leaves me smiling. “I got this,” I tell her, even though I know I have no clue where to go next.
“Well, if something changes you let me know.”
CHAPTER TEN
Kendall
It’slate and I should go home, but my mind is racing. It seems to be racing all the time lately. Constantly going back to one thing, or one person. I wish I could shut it off, go back to before and ignore the attraction, but I had to give in and now, damnit it is impossible to forget.
“Working late?” I glance back over my shoulder as Leo walks over carrying a beer in one hand. Freshly showered, his hair is styled wet and tossed. He’s wearing sweats and he’s shirtless.
“How’d ya guess?” I say, turning back to the truck engine because my head may be all over the place but Leo is very attractive. I’m confused and frustrated, not dead.
“Tense,” he says, dragging his finger along my elbow and chills cover my arms, shoulders, and neck.
He lives above the shop, as my father puts it, killing two birds with one stone. It provides a constant watch for the shop andtwo, ensures Leo is never late for work. If he is, my father has twelve steps to get his ass moving.
“I could help relieve some of that tension,” he adds, and I close my eyes taking a calming breath. Though it does nothing to calm me.
Shrugging away I turn and look at him. Leo has perfected a cocky smile. He is without a doubt the biggest dog I know. He has no intentions of settling down, he is a hit it and leave kind of guy. Which I am fine with…I’ve always been fine with!
But suddenly my head is disagreeing with my heart and they are in a constant battle.
Frankly it pisses me off.
I do nothing when he takes a step closer and places his hand on the support of the truck. I do nothing when he leans in further and drags his mouth over mine. And I do nothing when he discards his beer and wraps his arm around my waist. Pulling my body to his, I fall into the kiss and fist his hair.
Suddenly I am pinned to the wall and he is grinding against me, his sweats hiding nothing. The harder he gets the harder my body fights it.
I want to forget.
I want to ignore the ragging bitch in my head screaming what the fuck are you doing, you idiot!
