The Workaholic and the Realist (New Hampshire Bears #2) (5 page)

Chapter Six

Keaton

I never knock on Grams’ door; I just unlocked it and walk in, usually yelling her name.

“Keaton Michael.” She came rushing from the kitchen. “What are you doing here?”

Immediately, I was suspicious at her question. “I thought I would come over. Why are you acting strange? Do you have a boyfriend you’re not telling me about?” For years, I’ve told her to go out by she never has.

She narrowed her eyes and glared at me. “No, I don’t have a man here. I can’t believe you’d even suggest it.”

I chuckled. “Then what’s up?”

“It’s because I’m here.”

I looked up to see
her
standing in the doorway by the kitchen.

“Hello Keaton.” She smiled, but I didn’t return the gesture. “How are you?”

“I’m leaving.” I glanced down at Grams. “I’ll come by later when she’s gone.”

“Keaton, please, may we talk for a moment?”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “No, Felicia, I don’t think we need to talk about anything.”

“You can’t call me mom?”

“That’s a title you don’t have in my book.” I studied her eyes. I had her ice-blue eyes and Marco’s, my father, blond hair. “I’m going now. Grams, don’t give her any money.”

“I’m not here for money. I’m here to say I’m sorry and try to rebuild our relationship.”

I tossed my head back in laughter. “Is this one of the twelve steps you’re going through? I should clarify: you and I don’t have, nor will we ever have, a relationship.”

“Kea—”

“I don’t want to hear it. Grams has been the only mother in my life. You didn’t help get me where I am today. So, I don’t fucking care what happens to you.”

“Keaton Michael,” Grams hissed at me. She hated foul language.

“Sorry,” I quickly apologized. I wouldn’t want to upset her. “Call me when she leaves.”

“Please, son.”

“Don’t call me son,” I roared, and Grams grabbed my arm as I went charging toward Felicia.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I want to be in your life again.”

I snapped my fingers. “Right, you said the same thing when I was five, eight, twelve, sixteen, and eighteen. You know I figured out a long time ago you were full of shit.”

“Keaton Michael.” Grams dug her nails into my bicep.

“Again, I’m—”

“Sorry,” I finished for her. “Yeah, I got the memo. Thanks,” I sneered sarcastically. I kissed Grams cheek then stared Felicia down again. “If anything is missing after you leave, I’ll call the cops.”

I didn’t wait for her reaction; I rushed out the house and headed to my apartment. I couldn’t believe Felicia had showed up at Gams. I remembered throughout my childhood she would come around every few years. Mostly, when she had been released from jail and needed money.

When I got into my place, all I wanted was quiet and a beer. Maybe a book? Sometimes it helped me deal with my life better. I dropped my coat and keys at the door, grabbed two beers and
Oliver Twist
. Another of my
go-to
books.

I had settled into the couch and downed the first beer and a couple chapters when there was a knock on the door. I cussed because I figured it had to be Felicia trying to gain her Mother-of-the-Year award. I stood up and went to the door, all the while fuming madder and ready to lay into her.

When I flung the door open I stopped before I could say a word.

“Harlow?”

“Um…hi…” she seemed baffled.

“Sorry I thought you were someone else.”

“Oh, if you’re expecting someone I can leave.” She goes to turn, but I grab her coat sleeve.

“No, I’m not expecting anyone. Come in, please.”

Harlow nodded and confidently strolled into my apartment and took a seat on my couch.

“Oliver Twist?” She picked up my book and examined it.

“I like it.” I sat in my recliner staring at her. “What can I help you with, honey-bunny?”

She leaned back and crossed her long legs. Her shoulder-length auburn hair was straight as a board and fell in front of her. But, Harlow’s dark blue eyes still mesmerized me.

She’s a siren.

“I’m sorry about earlier.” Her tone was low and even.

“It’s no biggie.” I waved it off.

However, it had been a big deal to me. I hadn’t stopped thinking about Harlow since she’d come over when I was hurt. Sure, I’d thought of her before, but now it was all-day-every-day; it was the reason why I tested the waters with her. Until she’d brought up my parents; that killed the mood fast. Though, apparently not forever.

“It is a big deal.” She spoke firmly. “I don’t think before speaking sometimes, and my mouth has a mind of its own.”

I grinned. “My does too.”

“I have no right to bring up your parents or your past.”

I shrugged. “It is what it is.”

“Keaton,” she chided.

I loved the sound of my name off her lips. “Look, honey-bunny,” I sighed. “I’ve had a shitty life, but Grams is the reason I didn’t follow
their
path.”

“Without being rude, may I ask what happened?”

I rubbed two fingers hard against my lips. I’ve never really talked about them to other people. When someone asked, I’d just dodge the question by saying nothing, or that it wasn’t anyone’s business. As I got older, people never really asked about my background. But, Harlow seemed to be different to me. Since the first time I met her, I knew I wanted to get to know her better. When she started editing for me, we became close. As least, I thought so, and now she’ll know all my deepest secrets. Even though Grams has a lot to do with that part, I was glad Harlow would know about it all.

“My parents met through a mutual friend in their twenties. They both love alcohol and drugs more than anything else. Grams told me Marco started as a teenager, but Felicia, I’m not too sure about. I guess she got worse after they got together. Anyway, I popped out, and that’s it.”

“And Grams raised you because of their issues?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “And the fact they dropped me off on her doorstep.”

“Wait, literally?”

“Pretty much. I was a month old. They asked her to baby sit and never came back. I was five when I met Felicia for the first time. She’d just gotten out of jail. She’d been there because of a bar fight or something. She promised me I could come live with her, and we’d be a family. It never happened. Though it did start a pattern of her coming in and out of my life every so often telling me the same thing.”

“Your father too?” Harlow asked, seemingly deeply invested in my background.

“I met him twice, but he died when I was fourteen.”

At twenty-five, it shouldn’t still bother me, but a small ping of pain hit my heart. As a child, I never thought I would get over the fact my parents didn’t want me. I thought I’d grown out of the little fact, but talking about it right now, I feel the familiar emotion again.

Changing the subject was the best for me right now. “What about your parents?”

“The opposite of yours,” she rushed out. “Sorry.”

“No big deal.”

“My parents were from Quebec City and moved here after they married.”

“How come?”

“Jobs. My dad ran a sawmill. Mom had a daycare, of sorts. She took care of all the neighborhood kids. She loved every moment of it.”

“Brother or sisters?”

“None. Just me.”

“Are they still around?”

Harlow shook her head, and her face grew sad. “No, Dad died when I was still in high school and Mom in college.”

My heart dropped. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s been a long time, puppy. It’s been hard, but I know they’re together and don’t have any pain or worries, and that brings me comfort.”

I nodded. It was a nice way to think of her parents. I knew I would feel the same about mine. Grams was the only one I cared for; she was my rock.

“I really came to say I was sorry.” She stood up, and I did as well.

“You’re more than welcome to stay and have something to eat.”

“Do you have homework to do?” she sternly teased.

“Yes honey-bunny, I do.” I smirked.

“Well, unfortunately, I have a lot of work to do.” She headed toward the door.

“Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay?” I rushed up to her, leaning in, and whispering close to her ear.

She stopped, and I pressed against her back. She smelled fresh, almost like a flower.

“Flirting? Really, puppy? Do you even know how to seduce a woman?” She turned and faced me.

Normally, women were much shorter than me, and I had to bend down to them. Not Harlow, she was almost eye level with me in her heels. The hot blaze in her eyes and her warm breath turned me on even more than I was.

“I so very much know how.” My voice lowered and my grin remained.

“Then answer me this.” Her lips were millimeters from mine. I could smell her minty breath. “Can you make a woman come without touching her below the waist?”

“What?” Did I hear her right?

“Can you make a woman come without touching below the waist?” she repeated.

“Um…” I stumbled to answer her. Sure, I’ve made lots of girls come under my touch, but I couldn’t come up with a quick enough answer.

“Such a shame.” Harlow kissed my cheek. “Bye, puppy.”

I stood there speechless as she walked out the door. After a full minute, I finally regained myself and made a promise that she wouldn’t stump me again.

And I would make her come.

Soon.

Chapter Seven

Harlow

“All right, I’ll be looking forward to your new book.” I smiled at my computer screen, speaking to one of my authors. “Talk to you soon.”

I ended the call and looked down at my calendar. Meadow had constantly made fun of me because I still used a paper calendar.

I’m old-school, and I’m not changing.

However, one thing needed to change in my life, and I knew it would have to happen soon.

“I need an assistant.” I scratched my head seeing how busy my next couple of months would be. I’d put it off long enough, and I wanted a real person too. I didn’t want to be communicating to someone though emails and shit. Yes, I knew it was the age of technology, but again, I was old-school. I decided lunch and a workout would be the next on my to-do list and I’d deal with the assistant stuff later.

Yoga started in twenty minutes, and it gave me enough time to get here. I might even do a few miles on the treadmill. I grabbed a Powerbar, my gym bag, and headed off to my SUV.

Driving to the gym, it was nice to see it hadn’t snowed in a few days. I hated winter and glad I worked from home now and didn’t have to be out in it. The gym wasn’t overly packed, and I made it to yoga on time.

When I first started yoga, I thought it would be a big joke. Until the next day, when I couldn’t move from my sore muscles. I tried to do it at least once or twice a week. Running and cycling were my other go-to exercises.

Once yoga finished and my three miles on the treadmill ended, I headed home for a long hot shower and something delicious to eat. Of course, I couldn’t cook, so take out it would be.

I hadn’t talked to Keaton since I teased him at his apartment. I send him the revised chapters, but I knew he’d on the road for the next week. I figured he would get back to me later when he got back to Manchester.

I stared at my laptop as I sipped my espresso. I enjoyed working at The Latte Bean. Mainly for the coffee. As
Madonna’s
greatest hits blasted through my earbuds, I went back to editing my client’s book. I almost jumped out of my chair when Meadow’s head popped up from behind my screen.

“You’re deep into work if you didn’t see me.” She smiles as I removed my buds.

“I am. Actually, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Really? What’s up?”

“I need to hire an assistant.”

Meadow scoffed. “Well, I’m not available.”

“I don’t mean you,” I guffawed. “I mean do you know of anyone looking for a job. Someone who isn’t fake.”

Meadow shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

“Shit, I really want someone soon.”

She gasped. “Oh, I do know someone. Well, I’m not close to her, but I met her at the Christmas party.”

“What Christmas party?”

“The Bears. Vance Pemberton is a rookie, well I think she’s his girlfriend or maybe fiancé, was there too, and she’s super nice.”

“Nice is one thing, but is she smart?”

“She just finished college and moved here from Belfast.”

This caught my interest. “She’s from Ireland.”

Meadow nodded. “As is Vance. I’ll get her number for you and call you later.”

I thanked her and, as she left, I went back to work, hoping this panned out for me.

Meadow came through for me and got the number for Dacey Grion, who now sat across from me at Mr. Mac’s
restaurant. I assumed the casual environment would be more comfortable, but Dacey looked as if she would pass out.

“Grion? Is that Irish?”

“Um…Scottish actually.” She twirled a strand of her strawberry-blonde hair around her finger. Her dark blue eyes would make contact with me and then dodge away.

“What did you go to college for?”

“Well, in all honesty, I still don’t know. I received a general degree.” Her cheeks turned red.

“That’s okay. Not everyone knows what to do with their lives at twenty-one.”

Dacey smiled. “My parents and Vance seem to think differently.”

“I wouldn’t be bothered by it. However, I need someone to help me with answering emails, mailings, scheduling, and at times, handling my social media. I hate that part the most.”

“I can do all of that. I’m quiet proficient on computers.”

“All you young ones are.” I sighed and Dacey laughed. “When can you start?”

“Really?” She beamed. Hell, you would have thought I told her she won the lottery; she seemed so elated. “Monday, I guess. I mean, whenever. Whatever you want.”

I giggled. “I think Monday is perfect.” I gave her my address and told her she didn’t have to dress fancy. “Most of the time I’m in jeans.”

Dacey continued to smile like a fool when I felt a tap on my shoulder and Keaton’s blue eyes were shining down at me.

“Now why are two lovely women sitting here man-less?”

“Because we’re smart,” I quipped back.

“I told you to leave them alone. Dacey’s interviewing.”

I had to assume the tall man with the thick Irish accent was Vance. He had shaggy, dark brown hair and ice-blue eyes, and not bad looking at all.

“It’s fine, Vance.” Keaton sat down next to me. “Isn’t it Harlow?”

I ignored him and held out my hand to Vance. “I’m your girlfriend’s new boss, Harlow Goldsmith.”

“Vance Pemberton.” He shook my hand. “So, you got the job?” He took a seat next to her, and she nodded shyly.

“I start Monday.” Her voice smaller than when she talked to me, and something I needed to break her of. She needed to be louder.

“Great. Good job, Dacey.” Keaton congratulated her.

“Thanks.” More blushing as the guys ordered food and drinks. “How did practice go?”

“Went well,” Vance answered.

“How long have you two been together?” Since Dacey’s my new employee I should get to know her better.

“Since we were ten,” Vance answered and Keaton nudged my leg harshly.

I ignored Keaton because I was astounded by Vance’s answer. “Ten? As in…ten?”

“Yes. Our parents arranged us,” Dancy added.

“Shut up. Like for real? An arranged marriage. I thought stopped in the eighteenth century.” My mouth dropped. I didn’t believe this happened in the modern world.

“I don’t think we need to hear the details, Harlow.” Keaton patted my hand and cut me a mean glare.

But I wanted to know more. I
had
to know more. Well, Dacey worked for me now; therefore, I’d use my new found powers as her boss to get the information.

Keaton changed the subject back to hockey. I guessed, by the way he talked, the road games weren’t successful. I probably should have checked the scored or highlights, but I hadn’t.

Thankfully, the food came, and we focused on it. I watched Vance and Dacey glance at each other and then look away. Finally, we finished and Keaton paid for it all, even though I protested. We all walked out together, and Dacey said she’d see me Monday, and they strolled away.

“I tried to get you not to ask too many questions about their relationship.” Keaton explained as he walked me to my SUV.

“Why? Aren’t you curious?”

“Well, yes, but it’s their private business.” We stopped and leaned up against my driver’s door.

“What do you know?”

Keaton studied me for a moment, and one side of his mouth curled up. “What will you give me?”

“Seriously? You’re trying to bribe me.”

“No, but I have an answer.”

“To what?” I furrowed my brow.

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?” I tilted my head, still baffled as to what he was talking about.

Keaton leaned in close to my ear, just as he had at his apartment. I froze in place, and my heart raced. The warmth of his breath on my skin caused me to shiver.

“Yes, I can make you come just touching you above the waist.”

“Are you sure?” I tried to hold my sexual emotions in.

“I definitely want to try.”

Oh, I wanted him to try too. “We have a professional relationship, puppy. Do you want to ruin it with sex?” My currently unused vagina was screaming
Hell, yes
, but my head told me to be an adult.

“I know we’re not going to ruin anything. Just enhance it.”

I released the breath I held, and the coldness made it a small fog.

“What do you say, honey-bunny? Do you want to see what my tongue and lips can do to you?”

“We’re talking casual. Nothing more.”

“Oh, there will be more. A whole lot more, but first, I need to fulfill the challenge you’ve given me.”

“You seem to be very confident, puppy?” I tried to keep our banter going so I wouldn’t lose my cool and fuck him up against my SUV.

Keaton stepped back. “I’ve got this one bagged. All we need to do is choose a time and place.”

I studied his face. His young, hot, sexy smirk told me he thought he could accomplish this goal; I wondered if he could do it.

“You give me a time and date, since I don’t know your schedule.”
This is happening.

“I’m free right now or tonight.”

“Seven tonight at my place.” I saw the shimmer in his eyes that he knew he was going to win this challenge.

“And I cannot touch you below the waist with my hands or body, right?”

“Correct.” I ignored the weakness I felt the longer he stared at me.

“Will you be naked?” He slowly licked his lips.

“I’ll wear something sexy. Deal?”

“Perfect.” He kissed my cheek. “See you in a few hours.”

I rushed home and jumped into the shower. I very carefully shaved my entire body, even though I’d had a wax a couple weeks ago. I wanted to make sure everything was still smooth.

Yes, I was being a bit over zealous about this, but in my defense, I hadn’t sex in a while and was extremely horny. On top of that, I wanted Keaton. In truth, I’ve never been with a guy with this big of an age difference, but I was going to enjoy every moment of it.

As I lotioned my skin, I began to wonder if Keaton and I could just be casual sex partners. I haven’t done it in so many years, but it it’s not like the rules had changed or anything.