Catching Kate: The Acceptance Series Page 8

  That makes me chuckle, “Yeah, I can’t see them as the kind of girls looking to be attached. If you guys really don’t mind, it would be nice to crash somewhere other than my car for the night.”

  “Cool, let’s go before they come out here and try to talk Daniel into staying. Seriously, dude, I don’t know how you keep turning them down.”

  Daniel just shakes his head, “Not my thing I guess, at least not now.”

  You gotta respect a guy who can say no. I probably should’ve said no, too. There’s no going back now, but it was a pretty incredible night. Maybe it’s time to play the field. It was nice to have my thoughts occupied by something other than Katherine for a change.

  I take a look around as we walk into their house. It’s definitely a bachelor pad. Where there should’ve been a dining table there’s a pool table instead. Black leather couches, two recliners, and a coffee table are basically it for furniture. It’s a pretty open floor plan. There’s a table in the kitchen which is covered in beer cans, cards, and what looks to be two bikini tops.

  “Looks like you guys had some fun earlier yourselves,” I say, nodding my head toward the kitchen.

  “Yeah, well Aimee and Julie’s parties are known for attracting women who want to have a good time. They don’t have them often, but when they do we usually benefit some.”

  “Connor benefits the most. This is the first time I haven’t been in a relationship for a while. Jake never benefits but he doesn’t want to. His fiancée, April, is the kind of woman you would be a fool to turn away. They’ve been together since high school. He’s a lucky bastard. So, you want to play a game or do you want to call it a night?”

  “Sure, I’m up for a game.”

  Connor yawns, “Sorry, guys, count me out. I’m exhausted and I have to meet my parents for breakfast in the morning. Stick around if you want to, Mike, Jake won’t be back until Sunday. We can barbecue and kick it by the pool.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll think about it. Thanks.”

  Daniel and I stayed up playing for a few hours and shot the shit. He’s a pretty cool guy. He mentioned that his family owns a construction company and that they’re hiring. He told me to think about if I was interested and we could talk more about it later. It’s an interesting idea. I’ve always been intrigued by building things and by architecture and I need a job. The more I think about it, I know I want to do it. He said the position would be back out toward Santa Barbara which is good. Anything to help keep me away from L.A. is exactly what I’m looking for.

  Chapter 9

  Getting to Know You

  A MONTH HAS passed since I met Daniel and Connor and things are good. I stayed the weekend with them after the party and Daniel brought me out to meet his parents. Rick is tough but he’s fair. Bev is so warm and loving; they remind me of my parents. Rick offered me a job but let me know that in no uncertain terms would he tolerate anyone who wasn’t serious about learning the business. It’s ball busting work but I love it. It doesn’t leave me much time to think, either. At work I’m focused, and when I get home, I’m so exhausted that the only place I think of Katherine is in my dreams. I traded my Porsche in for a truck and moved in with Bev and Rick. I love it here. Bev tells me stories of all the kids growing up and how it was for her and Rick when they were young.

  Bev’s the kind of person who can draw out your all your inner secrets. She doesn’t judge, she just listens. I told her about Katherine and my dad. I explained to her why it’s so important to me to figure out who I am without her before I can talk to her again. She seemed to understand all too well the pain that comes with heartache. It was nice to vent my anger and frustrations to someone and she promised she wouldn’t tell anyone what I’ve been dealing with.

  Daniel’s been coming up each weekend to visit his parents but I have a feeling he’s also making sure things are working out with me here. After all, he did essentially drop a stranger into his parents’ lap. When he comes up we go to the site and he gives me some additional training. It’s been really helpful and they already trust me with more work than the guys that started the same time I did. Daniel’s a talker. I haven’t been around a lot of guys that talk as much as he does. He’s the type of guy that really wants to get to know people. Katherine would have really liked him; he has a lot of her characteristics. They both really have a way connecting with the people around them, but never in a pushy way. He obviously cares about people since he basically just saved a virtual stranger from self-destruction.

  Tonight they’re having a party at the house and invited me to come down. I’m still a little hesitant to be there since they go to UCLA. But I can’t let my life revolve around my proximity to Katherine and Jessica. I’m living my life for me now.

  My job is to pick up the kegs on the way, which is much easier to do with my new truck. I also grabbed a couple of bottles of Absolute. I figure maybe I should stay away from the tequila tonight. I make sure to arrive early since I have the beer. I carry the vodka in the house first and am literally attacked by a gorgeous girl. She’s not my typical type, but hot damn, she’s got curves in all the right places. I definitely wouldn’t kick her out of my bed.

  She puts her arm through mine, leading me into the kitchen. “I don’t know who you are, but you, my friend, are my new favorite person. Finally, a man that understands not all girls like tequila!”

  It’s hard not to notice that I’m being glared at hard, presumably by Jake. He looks like a larger version of Connor. I then make the connection that the beautiful vixen draped across my arm must be April. Placing the bottles on the table, I extricate myself from her grasp.

  Reaching out my hand to introduce myself, I can tell he doesn’t give a fuck who I am. “Hi, I’m Mike, you must be Jake and April.” Jake crosses his arms over his chest and looks me up and down from head to toe. I’m not one to be intimated by anyone, but this guy is built. I have no doubt he could and would squash me like a piss ant. He’s obviously very possessive of his fiancée. He finally nods his head but doesn’t say a single word. Great.

  “Oh stop it, Jake! I’m friendly, get over it. He’s a friend, you big oaf. I’m so tired of you being so territorial.” She points to the ring on her finger, “Remember this? This means I’m yours now and always. Even without this ring I never stood a chance and neither did you. Promise ring or not, you’re all I need. Now stop being an ass and say hi to Mike.”

  Jake pulls April in close, her back against his chest, and wraps his arms around her as he kisses the top of her head. He finally cracks a smile, even if she can’t see it. I get the impression he likes it when she gets a little bossy. “Hey.”

  “Pffft. That’s better I guess. Mike, it’s nice to finally meet you, Daniel’s told us a lot about you. You’re right, I’m April, and this territorial ass, is my fiancé, Jake. You can just call him my personal security detail because once I start drinking he’ll be following me around all night.”

  I crack a smile at her, I like them. Actually, she kind of reminds me of Jessica.

  “Damn straight I will be. Did you see the way he eye fucked you when he came in? And he’s a ‘friend’, so all the guys that come here tonight that aren’t ‘friend’ status won’t stop with just the eye fucking they’ll be persistent. That means I’ll have to kick some asses. I trust you, babe, but when you drink you’re extra friendly. Even if your intentions are pure, theirs may not be. Besides, you get horny when you’re drunk and I want to be right next to you to soak up all that sexual fun. Come on, Mike, let me help you get the kegs out of the car.”

  April stretches on her tiptoes and gives him a kiss as he walks away.

  “One and only warning, friend. We’ll be cool as long as I never see you eye fuck my girl again. Got it?”

  Yeah, loud and clear. “Sure, that’s not my thing, man. I wouldn’t ever try to mess with someone else’s girl, that’s not cool. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

  “Alright then, we’re cool.”

  It didn�
��t take long for the party to get in full swing after we unloaded the kegs. I guess Jake decided he trusted me enough to leave April with me while he grilled some food. Daniel and Connor are inside playing a raging game of beer pong. April wasn’t kidding about her love for vodka. She’s slurring her words after a bit. Jake notices, too, so he brings her a plate of food.

  “Hi, baby!” April jumps up and throws her legs around his waist. Thankfully, he passed the plate to me right before she did. She obviously has no issues dry humping him in front of everyone but Jake has other plans. He gently pulls away and sets her back in her chair, kneeling in front of her.

  “April, will you do something for me, please?”

  The look she gives him is pure adoration; I’ve seen that look before in a different set of eyes. I need another shot; I’m not going there tonight.

  “Of course, Jake, what do you need?”

  “I need you to eat, baby. I don’t want you passing out on me before I even finish the food. Then later, I’m going to take you upstairs and lock us in my room.”

  “Jake, I’m not hungry and I can’t go to bed until Lexi gets here. I want to introduce her to Mike!”

  Jake shakes his head at me, “Mike, you do not want to go there. Trust me, dude, Lexi is extra friendly to everyone she meets and if you give her an inch she’s a stage five clinger.”

  “That’s Jake’s nice way of saying that she’s a tramp. But, Mikey, you need a rebound and Lexi can be a good one. If you don’t want her to cling, don’t act like you like her. Make sure she knows it’s just fun. She’s cool if she knows, it’s when guys act like they like her and use her that she clings.”

  I laugh and so does Jake, “Oh baby, now I know how drunk you really are. You just told a guy how to avoid a crazy Lexi when usually you say they deserve what they get. This is priceless. No more shots for you. I want to enjoy you. Give me twenty minutes and then I’m taking you to bed.”

  “I’m not, not that much anyway, intoxicated I mean. I mean I’m not a drunk, not drunk. Whatever, you know what I mean. Hurry up and take me to bed, Jake. I need you right now.” Damn, the look she gives him almost makes me hard.

  Jake groans, “Mike, watch her like a hawk. I’ll be back in five minutes. I’m going to have Daniel take over the grill.” I nod as he walks away.

  “Take a shot with me, Mike. Oh look, there’s Lexi! Whoo hooo, Lexi, over here, girl!” Oh man, she’s so drunk. Lexi waves at her and heads our way. She’s cute, but even I have to admit that she’s got a ‘fuck me’ vibe to her. April jumps up and tackles her in a big hug.

  “Lexi, this is my new friend, Mike. Mike this is Lexi. Can I have a shot now, please?” I laugh at her; I think I love drunk April.

  “How about I make you a deal? You eat the food Jake brought you, and I’ll give you a shot afterward.” Her bottom lip pokes out in a pout and she pokes her index finger into my chest.

  “Fine, Mr. Mike, but you and Lexi have to drink while I eat. She’s got some catching up to do.” Lexi shrugs as if she doesn’t care one way or the other. I’m just glad April is going to eat and I’m sure Jake will be, too.

  “Okay, April, whatever you want. Lexi, is vodka okay with you?”

  “Sure, I’m fine with whatever. I haven’t seen you around before, are you a new student, Mike?” After taking her shot, she slowly licks her bottom lip then bites on it. It’s hot and my dick hardens when I picture her lips wrapped around it.

  “No, he’s not a student. He works with Daniel, with the dad, with Mr. Daniel. Fuck it, you know what I mean.” Oh god, she’s so funny drunk. I just want to hug her but I wouldn’t want Jake to think I’m making a move on her again. Connor’s staggering toward us and it’s obvious that he’s pretty drunk, too. Guess I know who lost beer pong. April puts her plate down and hugs him hard.

  “Connor! I love you so much, you’re the best brother ever, my brother.” He’s laughing so freaking hard at her.

  “April, you’re drunk! I love drunk April. I love sober April, too, but I really love drunk April. Wanna play a game?”

  “Yes! What kind of game?” Jake approaches and a stormy look crosses his face “No way, Connor, she’s not playing games with you.” He throws his arm over Jake’s shoulder and knuckles his head. Jake does not look happy.

  “Stop, Jake, I want to play with Connor. What are we playing?” We all take a round of shots, even Jake who’s only had beer all night. “Oh great, here we go. April, are you sure, baby? You know Connor’s games are usually only fun for him.”

  “Yup, I’m sure” Jake shakes his head, kisses her on the cheek, and sits down. “Watch and learn, Mike. This will be over quickly.”

  I’m intrigued and so is Lexi who’s now sitting next to me pouring us all more shots. Connor takes April’s hand and talks to her very seriously.

  “Okay, sister in law, I need your help finding Bugs Bunny. He got loose in the yard and I don’t want him to get hurt. We have to be quiet so we don’t scare him, though.” April’s eyes enlarge and she nods in agreement. Jake groans and takes a shot; he obviously knows what’s coming. Daniel joins us and follows our gazes as they search the yard.

  “Are they looking for Bugs?”

  “Yup,” Jake answers, taking another shot. Daniel reaches for one, too, and takes a seat to get a view of the show. After about ten minutes they come back and down shots. Suddenly, Connor jumps up, “I see him!”

  “Where? Where do you see him, Connor?” While she’s distracted and turning in circles, Connor drops his pants and points to his ass. “Here he’s right here, don’t you see him?” April is so drunk she actually looks at his ass really closely.

  “I don’t see anything!”

  “Damn woman, you must have scared him into the hole.” Everyone laughs as Connor pulls up his pants, barely able to button them he’s laughing so hard. At first April doesn’t get it, but you can see the light bulb go off in her head as his trick finally dawns on her.

  “You’re such a jerk! I can’t believe I just got all up close and personal with your ass, Connor, gross! When was the last time you washed that thing? Jake, why did you let me play with him? He’s not nice to me. You’re not a brother, Connor. I mean you’re not my brother anymore. Well, you can be my brother but I don’t love you anymore.”

  He just smiles at her, “You do too love me and I’m always your brother, but you’re fun when you’re drunk and when I’m drunk you’re even funner.” She drops into Jake’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. They start kissing passionately and we all avert our eyes, trying not to pay attention. They have what Katherine and I had but it seems a little more effortless for them somehow.

  “Come on, April, get your lips off my brother and tell me how much you love me so he can take you to bed. If you don’t, I’m going to follow you and knock on the door all night until you do.”

  Jake breaks away from her and helps her stand up. “Tell him you love him so I can have my way with you and not have to kick his ass.”

  “Fine, I love you, Connor, but no more hunting for rabbits in your ass anymore. That’s not cool.” Jake leads her away, choking on his laughter, and leaves us all cracking up.

  Lexi scoots closer to me and places her hand on my thigh. “Do you want to go somewhere and talk, Mike? Get to know each other better?” Lexi’s a pretty girl, her long black curly hair and green eyes accentuate her pale skin. I wonder if she likes it rough? Jake said she was a stage five clinger but I bet that means she’s willing to do a lot of things other girls aren’t. Shit, I’m drunk and I should just let this go, but the way she’s looking at me screams ‘fuck me’...

  I place my arm across her shoulders, pulling her in close. “Lexi, I’m drunk and horny. I don’t want to go anywhere to talk. I want to take you in the house and fuck you senseless.” She’s biting that damn lip of hers again and her breathing is rapid. I’ve got her, I know it, and I use the knowledge to my advantage. Leaning in, I pull her lip out of her mouth with my teeth and bite down before r
eleasing it. “Stop biting your lip, Lexi. That’s my job tonight and it’s not the only part of you I want to bite. Do you like it rough? I won’t be gentle and I won’t call you. I’m not looking for a relationship, Lexi. I’m looking for fun. Are you fun, baby?” I love watching her squirm. She’s turned on; I can tell by the way she’s squeezing her thighs together. I draw my gaze slowly from her thighs back up to her face. Her chest is heaving rapidly and her eyes are glazed over in lust. I own her right now and I’m ready to have some fun.

  Daniel hands us both shots but he doesn’t say anything, just smirks at me. After taking my shot, I stand up and hold my hand out to Lexi. “Are you coming?”

  She pounds her shot, eyes glazed over with desire, and takes my hand. “I sure the fuck hope so… multiple times.”

  Thank god I wake up in an empty bed this morning. I thought I heard Lexi do the walk of shame out of here a few hours ago. Even though she had nothing to be ashamed of. That night with Julie and Aimee opened my eyes to a different aspect of sex. Since then I’ve probably watched too much porn, but then again, there really isn’t such a thing as too much porn. I’m done with nice and gentle sex; it’s far more fun this way. If I’m being honest with myself, I don’t want to make love to anyone again. The only person I can ever picture myself making love to is Katherine.

  The way Lexi’s pussy clenched around my dick when she came was incredible. Her clit was pierced and she came over and over again. She wasn’t joking when she said she wanted multiple orgasms. Now that I’ve seen girls have them, I don’t know why I never tried sooner. If I could have given Katherine multiples, I probably would have never given her up. Nothing in the world felt better than Katherine coming around me.