Kade (14 page)

Chapter Twenty Nine

After telling Kade the story of Ben, I feel like this weight has been taken off of my shoulders. I feel like now I no longer have to hide from my past pain, I can just let it go. Move on.

We’ve been dating for a couple of months now. Time passes so quickly, it’s hard to keep track of everything. Even Layla is due next month, she keeps saying time has been going way too slow. Today Kade decides to spend some time with Ashley because apparently Ashley has been bitching and complaining that every time she sees Kade, he's always with me. Well, same could be said here, and I’m his girlfriend. Every stupid date we have lately, except for last night, she is always friggen there. Kade seems to think it’s perfectly fine. He often refers to us as “his girls”, and every time he does, I fight with him about it. A few times we actually stopped talking for a few days because the fight got really bad. Afterwards we’d both cool down, and he would just act like nothing happened.

Anyways, I'm on a mission today. I’m worried about James. He’s been gone more than usual lately, and he’s been coming home with random bruises and cuts. I have no idea what’s going on with him. Underground fight club? That’s my new theory.

It all happened when I was watching ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians.’ You see, Kim called a private investigator type guy to check on Scott and see exactly what he gets up to. Now I think we both know what happened next. I may have picked up the phonebook and called an investigator to make an appointment to come in. Then I may have gone to that appointment, and told him I needed to find out information on someone. And the private investigator may have gotten back to me- with information I did not expect. In fact, he only said two lines to me. Two. Lines. But those two lines held information I had no idea about. And it was enough to answer some questions.

I’m feeling guilty as hell right now. Kade would be so disappointed in me. But what if James was in trouble or something, though? Curiosity killed the cat, I know. In fact, I regret what I did. I was nosey. If I could take it back, I would. The news I was told. I'm shocked. He's been hiding something huge, but with good reason.

I get home and I’m just chilling out in my room, listening to some Eminem. Suddenly my bedroom door slams open, and standing there is an infuriated James. Like I’ve said before, James is scary when he's mad. And for the first time ever, his anger is directed at me. I gulp. He takes a step forward, and folds his arms across his chest. His blue eyes, so like Kade’s, are narrowed ominously, filled with rage.

“You have no fucking idea what you're dealing with, Nikki. That was a stupid move and almost got me fucking killed!” he spits out vehemently. I gulp once more, and squeak out an apology.

“Can I trust you?” he asks, his eyes hard on mine. I nod.

“I said, can I fucking trust you, Nik?” he repeats, louder this time.

“Yes, James, I won’t tell anyone, I swear,” I tell him solemnly. And I mean it. He nods once and walks out, slamming the door closed with a curse.

I’m never going to tell a soul.

It’s his business and his business alone.

Chapter Thirty

We’re all going to my mum’s tonight for a big supper. She insisted we all come because she wants to meet Kade and Chase. She was sort of pissy when she realized that Kade and I have been together for so long and she had yet to meet him. She said she had to see who was lucky enough to catch Layla and me. I really hope she doesn’t embarrass me because she’s known for doing things like giving sex tips and asking extremely personal questions. I invited James too, of course. Layla was right, these men are all amazing. If I had a brother, I would wish for one just like James. We take two cars, Layla and Chase in his Aston Martin and the rest of us in Kade’s Hummer.

“So, Nik, is your mum hot?” James asks, waggling his eyebrows sleazily.

“Ugh! You pig!” I hiss at him as I throw my shoe, just missing his head.

“Kade needs to know what you're going to look like in twenty years or so. He might change his mind about your long term potential,” he taunts.

Kade squeezes my hand. “Trust me, I’ll still want you,” he assures me after James’s comment.

He better. My mum is pretty hot anyway, so if they're judging me by her, then they're in for a treat.

We pull up to the house, and I notice Layla and Chase made it there before us. How the hell did they manage that? We left before they did.

We get out of the Hummer, and James comes up behind me and whispers in my ear, “Better not be running into any of my exes this time," in a dry tone.

I laugh, thinking back on when we were at Layla’s parents for a BBQ, and he ran into his ex-Sasha. Sasha is Layla’s cousin and it was awkward as hell. I think she and I are a little alike in some ways, so we clash. We got into a fight once, and it was a pretty dirty one. I left with a few bald spots and she had a black eye. Good times.

We head inside and I call out, “Yo, Mum, the bitch is back.”

Mum comes rushing out of the kitchen and greets us all and hugs everyone.

She makes it to Kade. “I see my daughter has good taste! You’re so hot!”

Someone kill me now! Everyone is chuckling. I don’t see what's funny. Then mother dearest says, “I’m sure you’re
impressive
all over too, if you get my drift,” She add, with a wink for good measure.

Oh my god… I’m going to kill her.

“
Mum
!” I know I’m totally blushing right now. Kade, James, and Chase are full out laughing. Doubling over. Fuck. Layla looks embarrassed for me, her face slightly flushed. God, I don’t think this can get any worse. Then again, it’s my mum, so it probably can.

We all make our way to the kitchen and help mum put all the food on the table. Dad comes home just as we're done, and as always, he goes to mum first. He practically makes out with her in front of everyone. Fuck, come on, really. When I’m about to yell out ‘get a room’ he lets go of mum and comes and gives me a hug. I introduce everyone and dad shakes Kade, James and Chase’s hands and kisses Layla on the cheek in greeting.

We’re enjoying the meal, chatting amongst ourselves when my dad addresses Kade. “So, Kade, you must be the reason Nicole is in such good spirits lately,” he says.

“Oh yes, she is so much happier now. You must be taking good care of her, getting her to release all that tension. She can be a little uptight sometimes,” my mother adds casually.

Layla starts to choke on her food. Chase and James are staring down at their plates, trying not to laugh and failing, and Kade is just sitting there, unabashed, looking proud of himself. Ugh, does anything embarrass this man?

“Mum!” I protest. I narrow my eyes when I see my own father’s lip twitching. Oh, come on!

“What, sweetie?” she asks, confused. I give her a long suffering sigh.

“So, Layla, how’s your sex life going now that you are pregnant? Oh, I remember when I was pregnant with Nikki, I just couldn’t get enough! Remember, darling? Why, I remember one time we had sex in the bathroom of the doctor’s waiting room!” My mother says, winking at my father.

“You kids just let me know if you need any sex tips, okay. Call me anytime!” she adds cheerfully.

“Someone please kill me!” I groan.

Kade just laughs. “I think I have it under control Mrs. Heath. But I would
love
to hear more about your experiences sometime.”

I kick him under the table, hard.

Chapter Thirty One

Club Deception, now known as ‘Steele’, is having a reopening. Kade has been busy the last few days getting everything ready. Layla talked him into hiring Ryder’s band ‘Morning Alliance’ to play, and Kade reluctantly agreed after Chase told him not to upset his pregnant wife. Ever since Ryder and I went on that one date, Ryder has been on Kade’s shit list. You’d think he’d be over it by now.

Because Kade is always so busy, Layla is spending the day at my house, and we’re watching ‘Magic Mike’. Channing Tatum totally has my heart. The man is so fucking hot. Just before his strip scene comes on (my favorite part), Kade, James, and Chase come home, walking into the living area.

“What the fuck are you watching?” Chase growls out, his blue eyes narrowed on the screen. Channing Tatum does that grinding move against the floor, my favorite one. I groan.

Layla doesn’t even answer Chase, her eyes are still glued on Channing’s pelvic region.

“Shh, this is the best part. Kade, you should watch, get some pointers. I have an idea for another bet.” I wink up at him and turn back to watch Channing do his thing.

Layla and I start cheering and cat calling, raving on about Channing . Yes, we are on a first name basis. We hear the men grumbling, jealous.

“I can move better than him!” Kade mumbles. Chase grunts in agreement. Like Neanderthals.

After the movie is over, I look over at Layla. “I need to think of a bet to make with Kade. The loser ends up on the pole. I want to see what Kade can do,” I ponder.

Layla starts laughing, her brown eyes filling with amusement. “How about a cooking bet? Kade can’t cook, so you’d win for sure. You can get your own Magic Mike private show.”

“More like Magic Kade.” I burst out laughing, as does Layla. What can I say? We're easily amused.

“Hey, Kade, let’s make a bet,” I tell him, my game face on.

“What have you got in mind?” Kade asks, game for anything as usual.

“Cook off. Whoever can cook the best dish, wins. Loser has to get on the pole, naked, of course,” I say cockily.

Knowing Kade doesn’t back down from a bet, I know I have him.

He hesitates. “You're fucking sneaky, and you know I can’t cook. Can Layla give me directions?”

“Nope,” Layla says with a smirk before I can tell him.

James and Chase encourage him to do it. Kade caves.

“Fine. You’re on,” he mumbles. “But if I lose, it’s a private dance. I don’t want these assholes seeing it.”

I laugh, nodding in agreement. I should hide a camera like he did with me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Kade pipes up. “Don’t even fucking think about it. I’m going to check beforehand.”

“Prepare to lose, Kade,” I taunt.

I do a small happy dance. Everyone looks at me in various states of amusement. “What? I like my happy dance.” I do it again.

“I’ll be the judge of this bet! We’ll all come over next weekend. Sound good?” Layla says gleefully.

“Sure does. There you go, Kade. Gives you a week to try to learn to cook,” I say, winking at him.

Kade shakes his head at me.

******

My mother is over; she dropped by to bring a few things I needed.

“How are you doing, sweetie? You hardly drop by anymore,” she pouts. She looks adorable sitting on my bed, wearing a knee length skirt and a white blazer jacket. She stopped by on her way to the office.

“I know, Mum, I have work and everything. I’ll try come by this weekend though. We can all go out to dinner, okay?” I offer. I do miss my folks. My mother nods, satisfied. I am her only kid, she must be bored without me in the house. Who knows what they're getting up to alone there? Okay, ew. I cannot believe my mind just went there. I shudder.

She stands up and brushes imaginary lint off her jacket. “I better get to work, sweetie. I’ll see you this weekend. And call me if you need anything. Money, or anything, alright?” she offers kindly. “Also, you have to bring Kade over again, I need some eye candy to look at besides your father. You two still going strong?”

“Okay, and yes, still great.” I tell her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

I’m about to walk her out the door when I hear Kade call out, “Nikki, I need some attention!” I glance over at Mum and give her a grin.

Suddenly, the door barges open and a very naked, very erect Kade is standing there. Oh, fuck. He needs attention, indeed. I cover my eyes, hoping the scene will disappear.

“Oh, sorry, Mrs. Heath! Nikki, come see me in my room when you’re ready.” And with that, no joke, he walks out, not a care in the world. I bang my head on the wall. I glance over at my mother who is wide eyed, her mouth open in a gasp.

“Well, Nikki. His dick certainly does match the rest of him. He’s big! You did well for yourself,” she splutters out, actually fanning herself with her hand. "You better go take care of him!” She winks as she walks out.

Kill me.

******

After my mother leaves, I walk into Kade’s room.

“Next time, cover up, Kade! What if it was someone else and not my mother? It’s bad enough that it was her!” I put my face in my hands, reliving the moment with horror.

Kade just laughs, capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

“You gonna fix my problem now?” he asks huskily.

“How exactly did you get in this condition?” I banter.

“I woke up,” he purrs into my ear.

I get down to business.