Page 63 of Axton

“What?” She giggled.

“I’ll take care of the dishes, and you go get dressed. Tonight is our first date.” I declared.

A huge smile formed on her face. “Really?”

I chuckled. “If that’s okay with you.”

“Of course. I’ll be right back.” She left the dining room, and I think that might have been the fastest I ever saw her move.

I loaded the dishwasher and wiped everything down when I heard her voice. “Koty, I have a date with my fiancé, so we won’t be home tonight.”

I heard his bedroom door open. “A fake fiancé and don’t forget it. You are not to get attached to the idea of being married to him. It may not be what he wants at the end of all this, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“How do you know it won’t be me breaking his heart?” She teased and I smiled, but knew it was a chance I was taking.

When she walked into the kitchen, I was putting on my coat when my heart melted. She looked so damn adorable wearing a white hat with a fuzzy ball on top, a white down coat, and white boots. Her copper hair was still falling over her shoulders. How could anyone look that fucking amazing in winter clothes?

“Where are you taking me?” She was obviously excited.

“I figured if that winter wonderland had to exist, we might as well take advantage of it.”

Her eyes lit up. “Yes! That sounds like so much fun! I have one question though.”

“What’s that?”

“Okay, please don’t think I’m weird, but can I sit on Santa’s lap? We never got to celebrate, and I always wanted a Christmas.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “As long as Santa keeps his hands to himself, that’s fine with me, but it’s up to you.” I gave her a wink.

“It’s not the same Santa that was sodomized by the little elf is it?” She asked as we walked out to the garage.

“That was Scott Drakos and Melissa. Eventually, you’ll know to turn off your ears when they’re around.” I shut the door behind us then walked to my truck to open the passenger door.

“Yeah, today she said he was being a stingy little bitch since that incident.”

I paused then laughed. “What did you just say?”

She climbed up into the truck. “He’s been a stingy little bitch.” She repeated herself.

I was still laughing. “That’s the last thing I expected you to repeat.”

“I learned a lot today. Not just at the salon, but Heidi and Steph gave me an educational course.”

I shut my eyes and thanked God. “Thank God it was Steph and Heidi, and not Melissa.” I paused. “Wait, was my sister at the salon today?”

She froze. “Yes?”

Why did that make her nervous? “I’d rather Melissa not make the two of you feel awkward, but I’m glad you met Kayla. You have a lot in common.”

I shut her door and made my way to the passenger side. For some reason, when I got in the truck, she looked like she was trying to hide a laugh. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you like Kayla? You know I raised her, right?”

She looked out the passenger window. “I like her just fine. She’s a very nice girl.” Why did it sound like she was laughing or crying? “Just drive, Michael. Please?”

“What’s wrong?” I reached over and put my hand on her shoulder.

“Nothing.” Her shoulders were shaking like she might have been crying.

“Did Kayla say something to upset you?”

---