Page 33 of No One But You

“Look who it is,” Diane said as she joined her friends. “Good morning, you two.”

I turned slowly. “Look, it’s not what it looks like. We were out at the pub last night, and I had a bit too much to drink. Kai offered to take me home, but I forgot my debit card here, so we came by so I could get it. He offered me some water, and I just passed out. Right, Kai?” I made eye contact and he shrugged again.

“Kai, don’t answer that.” Tonya raised her hand to stop all talking. “It’s okay with us that you two had a hot night of sex… or fun.”

“Or both,” Kaye added.

“Oh, my God. Kaye! I expect this from my aunt, but you?” I could feel the heat rise in my face. I really needed to escape. I was not in the mood to listen to the book club gossipers. “Come on, Kai.” I grabbed his arm and tried to pull him out the door, but he wasn’t easy to move.

He chuckled. “We can’t just leave.” He addressed the women. “Good morning, ladies. I’ve got to get Kora to her car. I’ll be back here soon to paint the room and meet Blake. See you in a bit.”

“Oh, we can’t wait to hear all about your night,” Tonya said.

“Good Lord.” I pushed the screen door open and about ran out to Kai’s truck and climbed in.

“Hey, relax.” He answered with laughter in his voice as he climbed behind the wheel.

“That was mortifying.” I covered my face with my hands.

Kai started the truck, pulled out of the lot, and drove the short distance to Darlene and Bryson’s. “It’s all good. Don’t worry so much about it.”

“Don’t worry?” I spun in my seat to face him. “You don’t know them. They will make this part of book club lore forever. They will never let this go. You don’t understand my Aunt Tonya. She’s a lunatic and a sex fiend.” I needed to calm down, but I was past embarrassed, and my mouth just wouldn’t stop. “She’s been telling me how hot you are and that I should try to get a piece of that ass, and here we are.” I waved my hands. “And she was right. You are hot. And I did get a piece of that ass. And a very fine ass it is, I might add.”

He pulled up in front of Bryson and Darlene’s house and put the car in park before he turned toward me. “Thank you. Your ass ain’t so bad either.” He winked. “But is it so bad that we got together and had a great time? If I remember correctly, I was the one not sure about us last night, and you were all about it.”

Shit. I was all over him. I’d never acted like that before. I’d never acted like a . . . I shook my head again and tried to cover my face, but he grabbed my hands and wouldn’t let go. A blush crossed my cheeks, and I turned away.

That didn’t help at all. Bryson and Darlene stood on their front porch. Bryson waved, and Darlene had a huge smirk glued on her face. “Dammit. Fuck. Shit.”

Kai lifted his hand to return Bryson’s greeting, then turned back to me. “Girl, you have one mean potty mouth.” He made this odd growling noise. “I like it.”

I narrowed my eyes at him and tried to look angry, but his voice was sultry. Sexy. Hot. I closed my eyes to gather myself. “I knew I should have moved. Nothing is ever private in this small-ass town.”

“Look, I can’t let you out without saying this. I know last night was unexpected, but I’m not sorry it happened. I’m glad you came on to me, and I’m glad you didn’t let me turn you away.” He moved my face toward his.

I got lost in those eyes—again—and let out a heavy sigh,

He chuckled. “It’s all good, Kora. I promise.” He brushed his lips softly against mine, then deepened it into a sweet lingering kiss.

I stayed there for a beat, enjoying the warmth that spread throughout my body.

He pulled slightly away, and our eyes met. “Now you can leave. I’ll see you tonight.”

Even in a whisper, his voice was sexy. My body perked up and became all hot and bothered. “Damn you, Kai.” I grabbed his neck and pressed my lips against his again and deepened the kiss. I tasted him with my tongue, and my lips lingered on his before I pulled away. If my body wanted more and my bestie was going to watch, she might as well enjoy the show. “There. Now I can leave.” I smiled and climbed out of his truck.

I watched him pull away and already couldn’t wait to see him again.

I ignored the questions, sailing across the yard from Darlene. “Sorry. Can’t talk. Gotta get to Percy and Jackson.” I waved, blew Darlene a kiss, and climbed into my car. Tonight couldn’t come soon enough.

Chapter 12

Kora

Percy and Jackson skipped and bounded along, filled with boundless energy as they frolicked in the pasture. They were excited to have me with them, their bleats of adoration echoing off the trees and openness of the pasture. I totally understood how they were feeling. If I were a goat, I’d be expressing myself the same way.

I also had boundless energy and felt I could face any challenge and win, which was a good thing because at the top of my to-do list this morning was finding a way to keep Baby Goat from roaming free. Luckily, right now he was off on his own but keeping me in his sights. He wasn’t as interested in breaking free if there was someone to bother close by.

It was a perfect day to enjoy being outside, so I be-bopped my way out to the cherry tree with the goats. “Yes, I’m going to feed you some yummy cherry tree leaves, then clean your house and bowls and find a way to lock you in, you escape artist.” I scratched Baby Goat’s head as he munched away on the delectable treats. Life really was good, and after last night, it had improved more than a bowl of vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and whipped topping.

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