She gives me a bitter smile. "No. More like kick my ass. Why do I always manage to get involved with such losers? What's wrong me with me?"
The pain in her voice tears at my heart. Renner is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out. She doesn't deserve this hurt.
"Hey," I say, as I reach across the counter and take her hand. She looks up at me. "You are an amazing woman, Renner. You are beautiful, strong, sexy and smart as hell. I'm lucky just to be sitting in your presence."
Before she can respond, I hear a crash and we both look to the kitchen doorway. Ever is standing there. I give her a welcoming smile as I pull back from Renner.
"Sorry," she says as she bends down to pick up the car keys she dropped. "I didn't mean to intrude. Here's your keys back. Thanks for letting me borrow your car."
I release Renner's hand and take the keys. "No problem. Do you want some dinner? I made you some salmon."
She glances between me and Renner. "Ummmm. No thanks. I ate a bit earlier."
"Are you sure? You're more than welcome to join us."
Ever's face turns red. "No, I'm sure. You two enjoy. I'm just going to head to my room and get some work done."
"Okay," I say hesitantly. "This is Renner, by the way." I point over at my cousin.
Ren gives Ever a huge smile. "Nice to meet you."
Ever just stares for a moment but doesn't return the smile. She does sort of nod her head and says, "Likewise. Well, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Are you up for a run in the morning?" I ask.
"Sure." She turns around and jets out of the kitchen.
I look at the doorway, long after she is gone. She was certainly acting weird and bordering on slightly rude to Renner.
"Oh, man...you two are a mess."
I snap my eyes from the doorway to look at Renner. "What?"
"You didn't tell her I was coming over, did you?"
"No. You and I made plans at the last minute. I didn't get a chance to."
Renner just shakes her head at me like I'm some poor, dumb, schmuck. "She's jealous that I'm sitting here. You should have told her I was your cousin. She thinks I'm tonight's conquest."
"No way," I say emphatically. "She would know better than that. Not after..." I trail off, because I'm not about to tell Renner about that amazing night in Oklahoma.
"Not after what?" she asks.
"Not after 'none of your damn business'. Let's just say she has no reason to believe I would bring another woman here while she's staying in my home."
Renner shrugs her shoulders. "If you say so, but I know what I saw. She's probably in her room right now, writing some really bad shit about you banging some flight attendant."
"You're full of crap, Ren. Besides, it's not true and she knows better than to write something about me without checking her facts."
Renner gives me a sympathetic smile and pats my hand. "You're a moron, Linc. Just thought you should know."
Renner and I finished our meal and she helped me clean the kitchen. We finished off the bottle of wine while we continued to talk, mostly about her troubles with the pilot. She sure knew how to pick the bad ones.
I gave Renner my bedroom and I'm snuggled on the couch, watching ESPN. I wonder about Ever. I haven't heard a peep out of her since she went to her room a few hours ago. Did she really think I had brought home a woman? That I would do that after what we shared in Oklahoma? I thought I had made myself clear...that the timing wasn't right between us that night. But I thought my implication was that it would be right at some point. So how could she think I would screw that up by fucking around with another woman? Right in front of her?
I sigh. I don't understand the minds of women. That's probably why I never had a serious relationship. That, and with my schedule throughout the year, it's hard to develop any serious feelings toward someone.
And why am I even thinking about the word "relationship"? Do I see Ever as being something more than a fuck? I must...otherwise I would have taken advantage of what she had been offering me right after I got her off twice.
I remember, a long time ago, my dad had told me that anything that was worth doing, was worth doing right. I thought that was great advice and I applied that to my career. It's why I work so hard, why I train so hard. And perhaps some of that advice is actually bleeding through into my actions with Ever. Maybe that is why I am taking my time with her.
I mean, fuck. It's not like I envisioned us going out to romantic dinners or engaging in philosophical discussions to get to know each other. I've learned plenty since we've been living together these past few weeks.
I've learned that I like Ever. A lot. And I suppose my actions are telling me that I want more than a one night stand. Besides, given the fact that Ever would be staying with me for several more weeks, there would be no "one night" about it.
I know without a doubt that once I taste the sweetness she has to offer me, one time will not be enough.
Oh, that son of a bitch!
I can't believe he'd have the gall to bring home a woman. I slam the filter in the coffee pot and punch the "on" button. I'll need more than one cup before we go running this morning, because I got jack for sleep last night.
And when I woke up to go to the bathroom this morning, I ran straight into Renner coming out of Linc's bedroom. She had apparently been up early, probably for a flight she had to catch. She came out wearing a fresh uniform, with her hair and makeup all expertly done. She was perfectly put together and I felt like a troll next to her.
She even had the perky balls to say, "Good morning, Ever."
I did nothing but grunt at her and hurry into the bathroom. By the time I got out, she was gone. Linc was apparently still asleep, probably worn out after an evening of hot sex.
Gah. What the hell is wrong with me? Why should I be mad? Why should I even expect different of him?
I'm so confused. I've been plagued with insecurity and doubt since that night in Oklahoma. He acted like he wanted me, but then he walked away. The way he looks at me sometimes, I can see desire and yearning. But then I came in last night, and he was holding that woman's hand. He had a warm, soft look in his eyes. I had seen that same look, just before he went down on me. And he was telling her how beautiful and sexy she was.
What a fucking jerk!
When the coffee is finally done, I pour myself a cup. I'm still so angry, I manage to slosh a good bit over the counter, which I wipe up in between curses. I finally raise the cup to my lips, hoping that first jolt of caffeine will help to put me in a better mood.
"Good morning, Sunshine."
&nbs
p; Fuck! I spill coffee all done the front of my t-shirt.
"Jesus, Linc. Don't sneak up on people...it's rude."
He just laughs.
Asshole!
"Who peed in your Wheaties?" he has the nerve to ask.
"No one. I just didn't get any sleep last night." My voice sounds grouchy and I hate myself for showing any feelings about the matter.
"Neither did I."
I turn to look at him and my jaw hangs open. I can't believe he'd throw that in my face. Does he seriously think I want to hear about his sexual escapades keeping him up all night.
Asshole, asshole, asshole!
Linc side steps me and heads to the coffee pot. He pours himself a cup and looks at me. "I wish you would have joined us for dinner last night. You missed some great salmon."
My jaw drops further. I had been prepared to ignore this subject today but he keeps rubbing my nose in it. Acid drips from my voice, "I'm sorry...I'm not one to crash in on dates. Three's a crowd and all that."
"Date?"
"Yeah...you, that redhead...romantic dinner with wine. The deep look you were giving her as I walked in."
Linc's lips curve up in a smirk. "All be damned. Renner was right about you."
Rage causes my blood to boil. I practically screech at him, "You two talked about me?"
The look on Linc's face becomes wary. "Yes. We talked about you. I normally talk to my friends about what is going on in my life."
I snort. "Oh, is that what you're calling the women you bang these days? Friends? I suppose we're friends, but we haven't gotten around to the banging part." I cannot help the flurry of words that are pouring out of me. I can't stand the nonchalance with which he is treating this situation.
"Ever...last night--"
"Don't, Linc. Don't you dare try to explain it away. You know...I had come to accept the way you are with women. Hell, I was willing to throw myself in the long line of women waiting to get a piece of you. But I wasn't good enough for you the other night. And it didn't take you long to find someone else. Someone better, apparently. I'm sorry I don't meet up to your standards--"
My words are cut off as Linc stalks over to me and grabs my face with his hands. I have no time to brace for the assault he places upon my lips. His mouth covers mine in a blazing hot kiss. His tongue is in my mouth and he's backing me right up into the kitchen counter. My coffee cup falls to the floor, splattering both of our legs with coffee before shattering. But I could care less.