Entangled (Evolve Series Novella 2.5) Read online

  Paint first, furniture last.

  “Hello!” Bennett knocks and calls out as she opens the door. Not that I mind, but the earlier activities in the kitchen need not be walked in on, so maybe I’ll say something to her? I’m not sure when I became a nympho… I thought I read where women don’t crave it until their late thirties, but I love feeling close to Dane. And with the free time of summer, and him off work, we’re becoming a lot like rabbits.

  “Come in,” I finally respond, awkwardly fantasizing sexcapades while they stand there. “Pizza should be here soon. What’s new?” I cop a squat on the floor so they’ll know to do the same.

  “Why do you still not have any furniture?” Bennett asks, looking around the room, confusion covering her pretty face.

  “Because she’s trying to paint herself into the ground first,” Dane answers for me as he comes down the hall and man hugs Tate. “How are you, bro?”

  “Better than you, man. I have a place to sit,” Tate says to him but shoots me a teasing grin.

  “We’re almost done. I’m going furniture shopping this weekend, in fact,” I say proudly.

  “At garage sales.” Dane grumbles under his breath, but I catch it.

  “So,” I butt in, not again going to have that conversation, “have you guys talked to Sawyer lately? I feel like he’s fallen off the face of the planet.”

  “I see him at work,” Tate shrugs, “seems fine, I guess. Isn’t he moving in here with you?”

  “I don’t know, I haven’t talked to him.” I need to make a point to call him. Parker’s wedding is right around the corner and I’m sure he’ll want to go after staying on the farm with them for a while. And yes, I want to see if he still plans to be my roommate. Speaking of work, though—“Tate, how’s the gym?”

  Dane had turned over full ownership of the gym to Tate not too long ago, and Bennett helps runs the office stuff. I’m so proud of Dane, giving them a way to establish their future. This will be Tate’s last year of school coming up, and now he has a plan for after graduation. I know that’s a load off all of their minds.

  “Doing great,” he winces as he sits down next to Bennett on the floor. “We’re adding a daycare in the back for the parents who want to come in after work and on the weekends. Bennett’s idea.” He pats her leg and beams at her proudly.

  “That’s a great idea, B.” I smile warmly. “If you guys need people, maybe I could work there a couple nights a week? I love kids, and I could use the extra money.”

  “Of course,” Bennett replies immediately. “You’re hired.”

  Yes, Mr. Kendrick, I see you frumping over there, but you’ll live. I’m only talking about a few shifts here and there, and I want my own money.

  “Can we eat at our place? This floor is uncomfortable as fuck,” Tate whines, reaching an arm behind him to rub his back.

  “Is your back bothering you?” Dane asks him, concerned. “You go see someone?”

  “Nah,” Tate waves a hand at him, “it’s not that bad, just acts up sometimes. You know what I need? A hot tub! Be nice to just soak sometimes.”

  Oh, you have got to be kidding me.

  Apparently not, because Tate goes on.

  “Laney, you don’t mind if I put a hot tub out back, do you? Of course, it’d be yours to use too.”

  If Tate sounded any more like a robot reading off a script right now, I might actually laugh, but since I know what and who’s at work here, I will not be laughing.

  “Funny you should mention that, Tate.” I turn to Dane, whose eyes remain glued on Tate even though I know he can feel my gaze. “Why just th—”

  “Pizza’s here!” Dane shouts when the bell rings, interrupting me and bum rushing the door like the pizza guy is going to rescue him.

  He stands at the door as long as possible, desperately making idle chit chat with the delivery boy, who’s obviously thinking no tip is worth the inquisition. I stroll up behind him and lay one hand on his back.

  “Thank you.” I smile at the pizza guy and end the charade by shutting the door. “Let’s go eat, babe.” I play nice, taking his hand and pulling him back in the living room.

  I let it slide, for now, and we eat together on my floor. Bennett agrees to help me shop for something to wear for the wedding and invites me to some “ladies only” party a girl in her drama class is having. Sounds boring as hell, but I agree to do it for B. Tate and Dane shoot the breeze about The K, the gym and whatever else until we’re all stuffed and unanimously sick of sitting on the damn floor.

  “So, I gotta go to work soon.” Tate stands and offers a hand down to Bennett. “You two should come down for a drink,” he says to Dane and I.

  Dane looks at me—first time in a while, scaredy cat—leaving it up to me.

  “I’m pooped. We worked really hard in here all day. I think I’d rather just head to your house and collapse in bed.”

  Ready? Aim. Fire…

  I smile sweetly. “Maybe get in the hot tub for a while.”

  He tries to hide it, but his nostrils flare slightly and his eyes grow wider for a split second. He clears his throat and shifts on his feet. “Whatever you want, baby. Rain check?” he asks Tate.

  “Sure, whatever. You two have fun.” He waves and leads Bennett, who also waves goodbye, out the door.

  Now that we’re alone, I take one small, slow step at a time across the room to him. I see his Adam’s apple bob in his throat as I draw near and he eyes me skeptically.

  I run one finger from under his chin down his throat. “Shame about Tate’s back,” I say throatily. “You really need to insist he go see a chiropractor.”

  “My brother is a shit actor,” he concedes quickly, blurting it out on a sigh.

  Now I do laugh, because yes, Tate is the complete opposite of his beautiful girlfriend—that was some of the worst acting in the history of the craft.

  “You know what this means, don’t you?”

  “I don’t, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.” His hands slide around my waist, just under my shirt so he feels my bare skin, pulling me against him. “Do your worst, baby,” he says with a kiss to my forehead.

  “If you really want a hot tub back there, go for it. But,” I tap the end of his nose with my finger, “you are going to garage sales with me all day Saturday. And you will smile the whole time, not one frown or grumble.”

  He smiles, his handsome face lighting up and sending shivers through me, much like every time. “I can do that.”

  “Good. Now let’s go to your house. I’m about to fall asleep on my feet.”

  Chapter 7

  ~Laney~

  After a night of “making up” in the hot tub and falling into bed completely drained, I wake in his big bed, alone. I’m not surprised, it doesn’t take much to wake up before me, so I throw on a robe in case Helen is here and make my way downstairs to the kitchen.

  No Helen in sight, but a beautiful surprise.

  Dane has struck again.

  On the counter sits a large vase filled with roses in every shade of pink. I can’t wait to see what the card says.

  Baby,

  The opinions vary, and there seems to be no consensus on what color rose really means forgiveness. All that’s certain is that 15 of them, any color, mean forgive me. So I went with 15 in pinks. One for the color of your sweet lips, another shade to match your cheeks when I make you blush for me, and last, the perfect pink that always reminds me of you and I together. I’ll let you figure out what I mean.

  I’m sorry for being so headstrong about the hot tub, and I’m sorry I had to run to the office this morning. I should be back by lunch.

  I love you and I love doing things for you, so be a good girl, forgive me and open the box.

  Always for you,

  XOXO D

  Punch drunk, I rip off the bow and paper, then throw off the lid. Nestled in the tissue paper is a light pink string bikini. And a note.

  Seeing you in this…worth the battle. Love, Your Cavema
n

  His thoughtfulness, the creative and fun ways he gets his way…only a fool wouldn’t cave. Besides, he could be always begging me to forgive bad acts. Is it really such a big deal to let good acts slide?

  Didn’t think so.

  BYOB. When a guy says this, one knows they mean bring your own beer. When a ladies only party invitation says it, and you’re gonna want to remember this, it means bring your own batteries. Why would you need batteries, you ask? Oh, that’s simple…because Kiki, your showstress for the evening, wants to make sure everyone can test the intensity of the vibrators, dildos and other devices she’s passing around the circle on their hands.

  I mean, who doesn’t know that?

  To say this party is interesting would be the understatement of the year. Bennett is trying to go with the flow, laughing nervously but complying when handed the warming gel and instructed to go try a sample in the bathroom. But me? Well I’m sitting here spinning—what the—oh Jesus, I’m spinning the Ben Wah balls nervously in my hand, contemplating suicide. I drop them on the ground and look around, hoping no one noticed.

  Did I mention I won the door prize? Sure enough, I am now the proud owner of the Backdoor Buddy, a huge, purple anal dildo. I may cry. Seriously.

  “Laney?” Showstress Kiki reads my nametag. “Would you mind helping with this demonstration?”

  “W-what?” I choke on my tongue. “No, I mean, yes, I would mind. I’m good right here, just, ya know, sitting.”

  “Are you sure? You haven’t participated yet, and I’d like to show everyone how to wear this particular strap-on. Don’t worry, we’ll slide it right on over your clothes.”

  Bennett comes out of the bathroom, her cheeks flushed slightly, and lays the tube on the table. I’m saved.

  “Bennett will do it,” I point at her with a trembling finger.

  I get more and more comfortable with my sexual side every day, but with Dane. Alone. This isn’t alone, this is a room full of brazen as hell women that I don’t even know. Maybe I’m a prude, because all the other girls are giggling, sharing way too much information about their personal lives, and happily testing every sample handed to them. I’m still sort of hoping the floor will swallow me.

  “Do what?” Bennett asks, slightly squirming, like she has to pee.

  “Are you okay, dear?” Kiki asks her.

  “Um…” Bennett leans in her head and whispers something, and Kiki takes her by the hand, leading her back to the bathroom.

  WTF????

  I get up and walk to the bathroom, checking what’s going on with my friend, thanking God we’ve adverted the strap-on demo. “What’s wrong with her?” I ask Kiki, who’s standing outside the closed door.

  “She just used a little too much of the hot tingle gel. I told her to wash it off. She’ll be fine. Now,” she places a hand on my shoulder, “let’s see if I can’t figure out the perfect item for you.”

  “No, no, that’s okay.” I shake my head, backing away from her with my hands out in front of me. “I don’t need anything. I have a Front Door Buddy and he does just fine, thank you.”

  Did I really just say that?

  “As soon as Bennett’s done in there, we have to go. I’m late for—for church.”

  She laughs loudly, tossing her head back, then looking at me once again. “No need to be embarrassed, sweetie. You’re young and that’s wonderful. One day, you’ll need this stuff. Look me up when you do.” She pats my cheek and walks away.

  “B!” I hiss through the door, knocking lightly. “B, open the door!”

  The door opens and Bennett tugs me in, slamming it quickly. “Oh my God, Laney! Cha Cha’s on fire! I think I may have done permanent damage.”

  I pull a hand slowly down my face, hardly believing this is really happening to me. “I can only assume Cha Cha is your vagina?” I ask.

  “Yes, Taterbe—”

  “Don’t say it!” I cup my hand over her mouth, teetering one toe over the edge of my limit. “I know what you call him, and now, like a Christmas miracle, I know what he calls your vag. Awesome. How much of that tingle stuff did you put on?” Judging by the fact that this whole damn bathroom smells like a Vick’s factory, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say too much.

  “I don’t know,” she whines as she dances from foot to foot, “but I washed it off like four times and it still burns like hell. What am I gonna do?”

  “I think we need to get you in a bathtub where you can soak it off. Go to the truck. I’ll grab our stuff and meet you there.”

  “Okay.” She nods, tears welling in her eyes.

  “And Bennett,” I turn back, one hand on the door knob, “if you ever even think about bringing me to a party like this again, I will hold you down and choke you with my Backdoor Buddy.”

  “Ladies,” Tate slurs slightly from the couch, one beer too many in his hand, “did you have fun?”

  I roll my eyes. “I’m not sure fun is the exact word I’d use. Um, a little help here?” I bark. How can they not see how obviously pained Bennett is? She has one arm draped around my neck and is yelping with every step we take.

  Both the boys jump up now and rush over to help me with her. “What’s wrong, honey?” Tate asks worriedly.

  “She broke her See You Next Tuesday and can’t walk,” I answer for her.

  Dane whips his head to face me, the edge of his mouth twitching amongst a look of shock. “She what?”

  “Tingly gel is no bueno. Now help Tate get her to the bathroom. I’ll grab a change of clothes for her. Tate, lukewarm water in the tub, no bubbles or oils or anything.”

  Why is everyone just staring at me?

  “MOVE, people! STAT!!!”

  That’s more like it. Geez.

  They help Bennett hobble towards the bathroom while I go to their room and dig through her drawers, finding some loose PJ pants and a t-shirt. No panties today, I think. I open the bathroom door and set them on the counter, taking in what may be the funniest sight my eyes have ever beheld.

  Dane has his eyes closed and face turned away, all while trying to hold Bennett up. Tate is on his knees helping her get undressed while Bennett is screaming, “blow on it, blow on it!”

  “Clothes are on the counter, B.” I can’t help but snicker. “You gonna be okay?”

  “Surely it’ll go away in a minute, right?” She looks at me helplessly, eyes doubtful and worried. “I mean, they wouldn’t see it if it really was flesh-eating poison, right?”

  “Right.” I nod. “Get in the water, you’ll be fine.”

  “Like in how long,” Tate questions, “would you say, if you were guessing?”

  “It’s a snuggle and talk about your feelings night, bro,” Dane surmises. “Just get it out of your head right now.”

  “Oh my God, Tate, is that what you’re worried about?” Bennett, completely naked now, glares down at him, scowling as he turns the knob beside him completely to cold.

  “No, honey, I—no. Shut up, Dane!”

  “All right, she looks ready to get in. Dane and I are gonna leave. Love you, B!”

  “Love you,” she whimpers over the sound of the running bath water. “Thank you.”

  Dane’s still smirking when we get back to the living room, picking up for them before we leave. “So, tell me more about this party…”

  “You don’t want to know.”

  “Oh, but I do,” he assures me, taking me in his arms. “Did you try anything out?”

  “God no,” I push at him, “I did win a door prize, though.”

  He groans, letting his head fall forward. “Please tell me it’s not one of those supersonic clit flicker things.”

  “What one of those what? And how the hell do you know anything about female sex toys?” I back away, looking into his guilty face.

  “I don’t!” He shakes his head frantically. “I’ve just heard.”

  “Heard what? From who?”

  “Stuff,” he rubs the back of his neck, “and, um, Sawyer.”

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nbsp; “If you want me to believe you, lose the um next time. It’s okay, I don’t need to know.” I grab his hand and open the door. “Let’s just go home. It’s been a long night.”

  “You didn’t, though, right?” He lifts our linked hands and kisses mine, then opens my car door for me. “Try any whizzing, flicking things?”

  I look up at him from the seat and give him the stink eye, so he hurriedly shuts the door and climbs in his side. “No,” I speak up as we pull out of the driveway, “I didn’t sample masturbatory items in a stranger’s bathroom. And I’m wondering if you hit your head while I was gone, since you even had to ask.”

  “Thank God,” he mumbles, finding my hand once again and squeezing. “Those toys aren’t fair to guys.”

  “How so?” I ask, curious as to exactly where he’s going with this.

  “They set us up for failure. My tongue and fingers will never be able to move as fast as a couple AA batteries. If you get used to that, I’ll pale in comparison.”

  I can’t help laughing; my eyes actually watering. “Good to know. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Seriously, baby, it’d be like me sticking a vacuum hose on my dick, right?”

  “I’m starting to think you really did have this conversation with Sawyer. That’s something he’d say.”

  “It was, and for once, I agreed with him. So we’re agreed, no flickers for you and no vacuums for me.”

  I wipe the tears out of my eyes and agree, but just can’t resist the idea that hits me as we drive. Waiting until we pull in his garage, I decide to have some fun. “Yeah, no flickers for me tonight.” I feign a casual yawn, getting out and walking to the door. “I did try on some chastity belt thing, though, and we couldn’t find the key. I’m locked up; no telling how long it will take Kiki to find it.”

  “Laney?” he asks worriedly, trying to catch up since I’d just walked in the house nonchalantly. “Baby? Baby, you’re kidding right? Those things don’t really exist, do they, Laney?”