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It’s taken me four days to wrap things up so that I can return to Willowcreek. Not that I especially want to go back to my old town, but I figure it will be better if I talk to Kylie about the paintings in person. That just doesn’t seem like the type of conversation to have over the phone.
Especially with how I left things.
I can still feel the heat of her mouth, the taste of her on my tongue. I know it was a dick move to just walk out after kissing her, but I was so shocked by the strange feelings she invoked in me that all I could think about was getting away. I don’t do relationships, especially not with girls as sweet as Kylie Simmons. Why bother, when people are only good for one thing—leaving?
And that’s something I need to keep in mind. Especially when dealing with Kylie. Seeing that erotic painting of her, naked and being thoroughly fucked, and then kissing her… it was such a fucking turn-on. But it was more than that.
Whenever I’m around her, I feel the need to protect her. I’ve never been known for my protective instincts—unless we’re talking about my own interests—so it’s odd to suddenly have the need to make sure Kylie is safe and cared for.
I shake my head as I get into my rental car and leave the airport, back again in Willowcreek. I probably shouldn’t meet with Kylie in person if I want to avoid giving her the wrong impression, but closing this deal is important to me and, unfortunately, she is the key.
I know her personality well enough to know she’ll find it hard, if not impossible, to say no to me face-to-face. Hell, most people have a hard time telling me no. Maybe that’s why I can’t seem to get Kylie or Knox on the phone. They probably know I’m calling to convince them to do something they don’t want to do and decide that ignoring me is the best way to deal with me.
Unless Kylie is ignoring me after what happened between us…
I push the thought away once more. I can’t let my emotions over Kylie deter me from why I’m coming back. I just need to get her to agree, sign the contract, and then leave again. Without issue.
They underestimate my determination, though, if they think avoiding me will get the job done. I’m sure Knox thinks I’m still trying to get the treehouse property, and I don’t blame him. Pretty much every time we’ve talked, I’ve thrown in how stupid their idea is of converting the property to a clubhouse for kids.
I drive straight to Mrs. Kendall’s house and find Knox outside working on the treehouse. God, what is it about that stupid thing that would make six people lose their minds and decide to keep this rickety old place? Asher and Jaxson are here, too, and all three of them look like they’re having a blast.
Scowling, I stroll over to the base of the tree where the fort is being restored. Knox looks down, his gaze a bit surprised, then he climbs down from the tree with the other two men following behind him.
“Kylie gave us the proposal,” Knox says by way of greeting. “We’re still not interested.”
I look at Asher, the football player who had been the first—and only—to suggest selling the place. “You sure?” I ask.
He nods while rubbing the back of his neck. “Nah, man, Samantha would have my head, and I ain’t rockin’ that boat.”
I shake my head and shrug. “Your loss. Fortunately for you, I have a much bigger deal to focus on right now.
“Do you know where Kylie is?” I ask Knox, who scowls suspiciously at me. “Don’t worry. It’s a business offer, non-related.”
He stares at me for a little longer, trying to read my expression, I guess, before he finally sighs and answers. “She flew back to New Orleans to help her friend Stella.”
I blink at him in surprise. Why would Kylie go all the way back home just to help a friend when she has so much work to do here? Obviously, the poor woman is still too naive about how the world works. Friends aren’t worth that much effort because eventually, they will always leave, just like everyone else does. In this world, the only person you can count on is yourself.
“Do you know when she will be back?” I ask, then add, “It’s important.”
Knox pulls his phone out of his back pocket and scrolls through the contact list before dialing. We stand there quietly while Jaxson and Asher go back to work on the treehouse. After a minute, he shakes his head and hangs up.
“Let me try Max,” Knox says, dialing another number.
Max? Who the hell is Max?
“Hey Max, it’s Knox. Is Kylie around?” Knox says into the phone. “Sure, great.”
Who the fuck is Max? I wonder again. And why is she with him? She’s not answering her phone but she’s close enough for Max to answer? And why the fuck do I even care? She can be banging every man she comes across if she wants to. It’s none of my business.
Then why do I get this weird feeling in the pit of my gut just thinking about Kylie with another man? I can’t believe I’m this jealous over a woman I’ve never even slept with. I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve always been about the pleasure, not the emotion.
Hell, the women I have sex with sign a contract with me. It’s not like I go out looking for a quick piece at a club somewhere. That’s too dangerous for someone like me. Women find out how much I’m worth and they’ll pull any trick to get a piece of it. Of me.
I have a very short list of women I have sex with and each one of them has signed non-disclosure agreements with my attorney. Some might think that’s cold and calculated, but I don’t give a fuck. It’s insurance and protection.
Straining, I try to hear what Kylie is saying, but I can’t make out any of her words. Just the sweet sound of her voice. I mentally shake my head in annoyance. What the fuck am I thinking? However, I can’t deny the little zing of awareness that shoots to my balls at the sound of her voice.
Maybe I just need to fuck her and get it over with. The problem is, I’m not sure one time will be enough. Not with Kylie.
