“I’m not,” I yell on reflex, and the door bangs shut. How could I be? I still can’t believe he’s Ox Man, and that he cared enough to attack Hung like a Donkey for me.
I’m speechless. And still jelly. I flop back on the bed, hoping I’ll be able to walk straight by dinner.
Why do I have to live next to such a great guy when I can never be anything more but a neighbor with benefits?
Knox
Every Monday, I stop working at five, have a quick shower, and heat up the leftovers of the one-pot wonder I make on Sundays for supper. I don’t have much time, the classic car ride starts at six, and it’s a thirty-minute drive.
Today, like every day after school, Piper is in her room doing homework. She likes to get it out of the way so she can watch Law & Order in the evening. She only shows her face after I call her for dinner. Though maybe she’s avoiding helping to get dinner ready.
At one minute to five, the doorbell rings. I expected Piper to get it, but she doesn’t so I make my way to the door and open it. Avery stands on the step, a silky scarf wrapped around her neck, a half smile on her face.
Damn her. I don’t know what I was thinking when I invited Avery for dinner tonight.
“Hey,” she says.
“Come in.” I turn and walk back to the kitchen.
“Where’s Piper?”
“Upstairs, doing her homework.”
Avery stands close to me, too close. She stands on her tiptoes and whispers, “Don’t worry, not even a hint.”
Before she can move away, I grab her tight and breathe her in. My lips brush against hers and her mouth parts.
This isn’t good she shouldn’t be here. This goes against all my rules. The rules I’ve followed for thirteen years.
The problem is, I want her here.
“I need to hurry,” I say, backing away from her before my dick wakes up.
“Of course.”
Avery passes me the plates from the cupboard, and I load them up with my chili. When they’re full, Avery puts them on the table and gets the cutlery while I get the sour cream.
“Supper,” I yell.
Piper thumps out of her bedroom and comes bounding down the stairs.
“Avery!” she says when she enters the kitchen.
“Hey Piper. I thought I’d come hang out with you tonight, keep you company.”
“Cool.”
“I won’t be late, Piper. Home by seven thirty on the dot.” The ride ends at seven, I can leave any new clients to Marcus and get the hell out of there and back to my girl.
“Don’t worry about us,” Avery says. “We can amuse ourselves.”
Taking my eyes off my plate, I glance up at her and our eyes meet. A shudder runs through me, and I quickly fix my eyes back on my food.
“Guess what?” Piper says to Avery. “I’m finished middle school in less than two weeks.”
“That’s exciting. Big plans for the summer?”
“Nope. Only preparing for high school.”
“It’ll be a big change, that’s for sure,” Avery says.
I can’t believe she’s starting high school. How will I react when she starts bringing boys home? Other than to scare the shit out of them.
“Avery, can you come to my eighth grade graduation? It would be so awesome if you could come.”
“I don’t know, what are your dad’s plans?” Avery asks.
I don’t have any, I think. Just turn up and see my baby officially finish grade school.
“I have big plans, it’s so exciting, and I want you to be there for it,” Piper says.
“What plans?” I ask. I don’t know anything about any big plans.
“It’s a surprise. For you too, Dad.”
“I don’t like surprises.”
“Well too bad, it’s my graduation, my surprise.”
There’s no point in arguing with her right now. I shake my head and shovel the rest of the food in my mouth while the two of them talk. Listening to them relaxes me.
“Gotta run,” I say.
Like always, I leave my plate on the table. I’ll clean it up when I get home, after Piper goes to bed. I grab my wallet, phone, and keys, and walk out the door.
After sliding into my Thunderbird, I turn the key and listen to the engine purr. As I drive to the car show, I consider what just happened. I sat and had dinner with Avery and Piper. And afterwards, I left the two of them together and walked out the door to go to work. As if we were a family.
It’s not something I’ve ever wanted. And it’s dangerous. So why did I invite Avery into my house?
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I like hanging out with Avery, even when she’s fully clothed.
The realization pisses me off. I spend the entire time at the event leaning on the side of my car with my arms crossed, angry. The hood is up, people can look if they want, but I’m in no mood to talk to anyone.