Entering my bathroom, I use the restroom, wash my hands, and then splash my face with cold water to wake up. I need some Advil, a drink, and a nap. In that order.
I’m naked, so I grab an oversized T-shirt and slide the soft fabric over my head before placing my hair up in a messy bun to get it out of my face. I swear I’m losing hair from all the men who fist it.
Why is it the first thing any man grabs a hold of when they are trying to rape or kill you?
Deciding I can’t do anything else with myself, I make my way to the kitchen but come to a stop when I see the back of a man. “I knew it was too good to be true,” I mumble.
Kashton turns around and gives me a smile. “Good morning, angel. How did you sleep?”
I don’t answer because I was hoping today would be better than yesterday. It won’t be.
The doorbell rings and he smiles. “Perfect timing.”
Walking over to my front door, he opens it for who I assume to be Adam, but it’s Gavin. They greet one another and then Kashton points him to me for my follow-up appointment.
Fuck this day.
“Here.” Kashton walks over to me in the living room, grabs my hand, and helps me sit at the dining room table as if I’m incapable of doing so on my own.
Did he not hear Gavin? I’m fine. Passed whatever test he gave me with flying colors. I, of course, didn’t tell him about my headache or the fact that I’m feeling a little dizzy. I’ve been through this before. It’ll pass. Just has to run its course.
“What are you doing, Kash?” I place my head in my hands, rubbing my throbbing temples.
“Making you breakfast. You don’t have much food here,” he accuses. “But I was able to make some pancakes. I hope that’s okay. If not, I can order whatever you’d like.” His blue eyes look at me expectantly.
My stomach rumbles at the thought of food. “Yeah.” I nod. “Sounds good. Thank you.”
He’s moving around the kitchen like he lives here, and it makes me wonder how many times he’s been in my house that I’m not aware of.
“Did you sleep with me in my bed last night?” I wonder. After I got home, parts are blurry.
“Nope. I didn’t go to sleep,” he answers, turning to place a plate in front of me, along with a knife and fork. Pancakes stacked five high. He then sets out the butter, peanut butter, and syrup.
“Thank you,” I say and inhale the scent. “It smells amazing.”
“Of course.” He leans down and kisses my forehead.
It makes me pause. He’s playing house. Like we’re a married couple and this is a common occurrence.
“Eat up, Eve.” Turning, he goes over to my cabinets, pulls out my Advil, and then places two by my plate before giving me a glass of orange juice.
I pick them up and toss them into my mouth as I drink half the glass. I’m so thirsty, and I want this headache to go away.
“Bill’s reception is this weekend.”
His words have me glancing up at him. The way he said it makes me think he knows something that I don’t. “And?”
“I’m assuming you’re going.”
Sin and Elli were at our family dinner, and he’s close to Sin. So I knowhe’s aware that Bill is myfather. The question is, how much does he know? “I am.”
He pulls a seat out, sits down, and reaches across the table to take my hand. He slowly rubs his thumb over my knuckles, and my pulse races. His eyes search mine when he asks. “Will you be my date?”
I swallow nervously.A date?I’ve never been on one of those before. A woman like me isn’t seen out in public with a man like Kashton. Any man, for that matter. “I can’t.” I pull my hand from his and stand, grabbing my untouched plate.
“Can’t or won’t?” he questions, following me to the sink.
I keep my back to him, bowing my head and closing my eyes. If he’s going, then that means his brothers are going as well. I’m not ready to see them. Or Ashtyn. Not like she’ll notice me or anything. But I’ll know, and I’m just not ready.
