Page 71 of Up In Flames
How had I missed the condescending tone while we were married? OrhadI missed it? Maybe I’d just accepted it because things were easier that way. I’d made vows, and I was prepared to see them through, even when it became clear Karen was in love with the financial security I could provide more than she was with me.
I was the plan, but my money and responsible nature were the prize.
Keeping my tone as neutral as I can manage, I respond to put her in her place. “You will refrain from making any comments about my company should they make an appearance.”
“They?As in more than one?” She asks in a judgmental tone while cocking a brow in surprise.
I ignore the comment, allowing her to believe her own assumptions. I don’t feel the need to out myself unnecessarily to Karen, of all people.
“Need I remind you,youleftme, Karen.Youwalked out on our marriage. Not me. How I’ve chosen to heal and move on is none of your business.” I could stop there, but I’m on a roll and it seems I’ve got quite a few things on my chest that I’d like to get off. “I’m sorry I forgot about our meeting, but it’s extremely inappropriate for you to show up here.”
Jake would be so proud of me,I think to myself.
Not backing down, Karen pulls a folder out from under her arm and holds it up. “Then let’s make this quick.”
Finally, I take a step back from the door so she can come inside.
She goes straight to the kitchen table and pulls out the chair she always sat in. It’s surreal seeing her in this space again. For so long, it’s all I wanted. Now that she’s here, interfering with my peace, I’m ready for her to go.
At least I’m getting closure.
She opens the folder and starts spreading pages out in front of the chair next to her.
“I’ve made you a copy. If you sign these sixteen sheets, it’ll take your name off the deed. I’ve paid the property taxes for the last five years, so there’s no payout coming to you or anything.”
I choose to take a seat across the table from her and start pulling pages to me one by one, reading them over. I don’t trust her as far as I can throw her.
She rolls her eyes. “You could have just sat here. I don’t bite.” Her eyes flit back to my chest. “But maybe I should have. Seems you’re into that.”
I smack the pen down on the table and stand.
“Where are you going? This is awkward enough for both of us. Just sign the damn papers, Knox.”
“I’m going to grab a shirt.”
Entering my room, I check on a sleeping Taylor and plant a kiss on his cheek, hoping to draw from his strength before I rip a T-shirt from my closet and pull it over my head.
Returning to my seat at the table, I pick up where I left off.
After five minutes, I’ve only made it through three pages, which apparently isn’t fast enough for her Highness as she begins tapping her foot.
I’d love nothing more than to just sign this shit and send her on her way, but for all I know, the fine print in here has me agreeing to give her half my business or retirement accounts.
Half an hour later, I’m on page eleven of sixteen when I hear my name being called from the bedroom.
“Knox?”
Taylor’s body may occasionally be covered in makeup, satin, and rhinestones, but his voice is unmistakably male.
Karen’s head whips toward me, and I have to stifle a laugh over this whole situation. This is so far from anything I imagined going down on a random Saturday that it’s beyond comical.
Perhaps I’m in shock. Maybe seeing Karen again has sent me for such a loop that I’m losing my marbles at this table. Hell, maybe I’ve alreadylostthem. Maybe that’s why I spent the morning hours with my dick wedged between the ass cheeks of the twenty-four-year-oldguycurrently calling my name.
But thoughts of Taylor make my chest tighten, and suddenly, this isn’t so funny anymore. I may have lost my mind, but I’ve found something better.
Is that crazy? Maybe.
Unhealthy? Probably.
