Page 4 of The Guest

Unexpectedly, Kevin turns to me. “You’re not interested in your father’s business?”

I smile, knowing exactly the kind of game he’s playing. “No. I’m going to strike out on my own.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

“Oh, I have some plans. This and that.” I play with the broccoli on my plate, feeling uneasy because this conversation never ends well with my own father, and Kevin is putting me on the spot. “The fashion industry is a bit saturated, but my target market is pretty niche.”

“Fashion, huh?”

“Yup.” I put my fork down while sliding a bare foot to his calf. He jerks in his seat and coughs in his hand, flitting a gaze to Dad, who’s busy cutting into his garlic potato. “You think I’m not cut out for it?”

Kevin’s eyes are wild and unfocused, and he’s breathing hard. He grabs the nearest glass and finishes it in three gulps. “I’m pretty sure you’ll make it.”

“You are? I like the vote of confidence, unlike Dad…”

Dad perks up in his seat and looks at me over the rim of his eyeglasses. “I never said you weren’t cut out for it.”

“But you never gave me your approval, either.”

“You don’t look like someone who needs approval,” Kevin interrupts, trying to act nonchalant even as my toe travels higher and higher up his muscular thigh.

“I don’t, but it would be nice to have some support.”

Dad sighs. “I just don’t see a lot of market for custom-made bikinis.”

“You’d be surprised. Women have different bodies, different shapes. And yet, we have such limited options that it’s not fair.” I turn to Kevin, who looks at me with surprise and … is that awe and respect? “No one wants to walk around the beach in an ill-fitting bikini. We want something we know we look good in. Like me, I have what others call an athletic body, but it’s just a nice way of saying shapeless, and most bikinis are designed toward women with generous curves.”

Kevin nods slowly. “I didn’t know that, and I agree. That does have potential.”

My toe is now on his inner thigh. Too bad he’s wearing shorts. “Would you invest in it?”

“Depends on how you make your case. You told me the bare bones of the business, but I would need a solid plan.”

I lean back and rest both elbows on the armchair. God, how can he be sexier? I thought he was hot, but this side of him? The smart, calculating side? I almost come again just listening to him. “I’ll do that.”

Dad furrows his forehead. “Are you sure, Kevin? That doesn’t sound like something Watson Industries would be interested in.”

“No, but I am. It’s going to be a personal investment. My money, not the company’s.” His hand disappears under the tablecloth and rests on my foot, bringing it to his crotch. “But, like I said, she has to make her case. She needs to convince me to take a risk.”

Oh God. What is he saying? Are we still talking about the business or something else? He begins to massage my foot andpresses it against his hard dick. I almost forget myself and squirm in my seat, seeking the friction I so desperately need.

“You hear that, Kara? He’s giving you a chance. Don’t squander it.” Dad goes back to his steak and steers the conversation in a different direction—his business with the Watsons.

But Kevin isn’t listening. He lets his gaze drop to my lips and my chest, all the while rubbing my foot against his cock.

For a good hour, it’s torture. I’m so wet that I thought I’d leave a spot on the chair. Kevin stays seated as Dad stretches and declares he’s going for a long, hot shower and sleeping early. After all, the party is tomorrow, and he expects no fewer than thirty guests.

I stand after him, leaving Kevin on the dining table, but as I pass him, I lower my head and nip his earlobe. “I’m not locking the door.”

I’m not sure he will take the bait, but I had to try. Now the ball is in his court.

In the bathroom, I step out of my clothes, light two of my favorite scented candles—lavender and vanilla—and drop a bath bomb in the clawfoot tub.

I inhale the aroma and let it wash over me. Soft, instrumental versions of my favorite Disney tunes play from the vanity speaker, and I dip my hand into the water to test the temperature.

It’s perfect.

I twist my hair in a loose bun and slide into the water, moaning at how heat wraps around me, soothing my sore muscles. It’s been a long day. I’m not complaining since I got the mostwonderful surprise, but this is definitely a much-needed me time.

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