Hendrix (Caldwell Brothers)

I laugh to myself as I change into my own clothes. Once in my clothing, I start sorting through what can be saved from the water damage. When I have everything I can keep in a pile, I begin to add my things into his personal space. I am sure he won’t be expecting to find my panties beside his socks when he gets home. I couldn’t find an underwear drawer for him, so the sock drawer will have to do.

I rub my butt and smile. If he is going to pack me up without a discussion and then disappear, he can deal with me settling in.

Floyd follows me as I put my simple touches throughout Hendrix’s space. Her head tilts to the side as if she wants to shake her head in disapproval as I take out my movies and line them up on his entertainment center.

Sure, I know I will be packing all of this up and moving soon, but he made this decision without me, so I plan to show him what it would really be like to have me here all the time. Next time, he will consult me before turning my life upside down.

I ponder the thought. Has he really turned my life upside down, or are things finally becoming right side up since Hendrix came into my world? This is the first time I have felt something good in my life with a man. Hendrix makes everything feel good.

As the hours pass, my smile fades. Insecurity creeps in as Hendrix stays away.

Knowing I have to work at the hospital in the morning, I climb into his bed and let the exhaustion of my life overtake me.

Darkness. The only light is a small alarm clock on the nightstand. His nightstand. At almost three in the morning, I am in Hendrix’s bed, suddenly wide awake.

There is movement in the dark around the room, but I don’t move. I stay on my side, facing the wall away from the door.

The bed behind me dips, the blanket pulls, and then Hendrix is quickly pulling me to him. His scent engulfs me, calms me, and consumes me. I say nothing, he says nothing, and soon, I am sound asleep again.

The week goes on, much the same. Broody is back; only, he is now the master of avoidance as we have had no time alone together, except the early morning hours when he slips into bed beside me and pulls me to him. After my long days at the hospital and the shifts at the bar catching up to me, I am too tired to try to talk to him in the middle of the night.

Tonight, however, he can’t avoid me. Thursday night, ladies’ night. Sure, we have gone round and round about me working Thursday nights. He doesn’t want me to, but I am going to. Add to the battle my animosity toward Sadi, and yes, Broody, I’m coming for you tonight.

I change from my work clothes into jeans and my favorite cleavage showing red shirt. Rocking my best push up bra, I grab my ‘Eye of the Tiger’ panties and laugh to myself. Covering my face as I snort, I work to get myself ready. Like Rocky preparing for a fight, I am readying to go round for round with none other than Broody Caldwell.

I shake my butt to myself as I leave Hendrix’s house and make my way to the bar.

I am not inside the building two seconds before his stare is zoned in on me. I do my best to strut my way over behind the bar like I own the place. Rubbing my butt, I mentally prepare myself to go into the ring.

Challenge accepted, Caldwell. Here I come.

I smile sweetly as I begin to un-layer. I get my hat, scarf, and mittens off, and my zipper is halfway down when Hendrix is suddenly in front of me. His hand covers mine, pulling the zipper back up as I continue to try to tug it down.

“Livi, what’re you doing here?”

“Working,” I reply with a huge smile, my right hand trapped under his around my zipper, my left hand holding my belongings.

I shimmy my butt, reminding myself to stay strong.

“Go home, Livi.”

“It would seem my place is currently inhabitable; therefore, I need to work so I can find a more suitable home.” I meet his stare, not backing down.

“Your living conditions have been fine this week, Livi. You have to work tomorrow at the hospital and here. Go home, feed Floyd, and rest.”

“Oh, no you don’t, mister! You don’t get to send me away so you can sneak into my bed later and continue to avoid me.”

He takes me by the hand and leads me into his office. Turning around, he leans against his desk, moving me to stand between his legs. His hands come to rest on my hips.