Page 36 of Bittersweet Redemption

I think I needed someone to tell me it was ok. I needed the reassurance that I’m not crazy. I can want the woman I hate. And Jones just gave me permission.

That’s how I find myself bailing on work and speeding towards the pub Willa is at. I’m on my way to convince her that she needs to go home with me tonight instead of whatever tool bag she’s currently on a date with.

It takes me a minute to find their table when I walk into the restaurant. But when I do, I position myself at the bar to have a perfect view.

Willa looks gorgeous tonight in the outfit I picked for her. The guy sitting across from her looks like he just walked out of his office IT job and came to eat. He’s got khaki pants and a polo shirt on. Who wears that on a date with a woman you’re trying to impress? Especially when that woman looks like Willa.

I sit back in my chair and enjoy their little date while I nurse a bottle of beer, just waiting to make my move. She laughs at something he says, then he leans closer to hear whatever she’s saying. It looks like a pretty good first date, except for the fact that he’s on a date with my woman.

All I need is for one of them to go to the bathroom so I can get Willa alone. I need to convince her to come home with me. She has to know I can offer her more than Mr. Polo Shirt and Loafers can.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Willa excuses herself. She slides from the booth, and I watch her walk down the hallway toward the restrooms.

Perfect.

Chapter 18

Willa

I look at my reflection in the mirror of the dimly lit bathroom while washing my hands. This date is going pretty well, I think. Jason is so nice, and he seems interested in me. He’s not the type of guy I would usually go for, but maybe that’s a good thing. Obviously, my normal type isn’t working out for me since I’m a single mom living with a man who strongly dislikes me and is pretending we didn’t fool around a week ago.

God, my life is a mess.

I dry my hands and open the door. My entire body freezes in the doorway when I see Kai leaning casually against the wall like he’s supposed to be there. He’s in his normal black shirt and jeans. His arms are crossed over his chest, and his foot is propped on the wall like it’s normal for him to hang out in restaurant hallways.

His lips are curved into a wicked smile, and his eyes sparkle with excitement, which honestly scares me just a little. He’s never looked at me this way.

“What are you doing here?” I ask through my shock.

“How’s your date?” he asks, ignoring my question. His voice sounds bored, like he couldn’t care less about how my date is going. Frankly, it’s none of his business.

Propping a hand on my hip in disbelief, I ask, “You came all the way here to ask me about my date? You could’ve just asked me when I got home.”

He pushes off the wall and takes a step toward me. “No. I came here to ask you what you’re doing here with him.”

“What do you mean?” I’m thankful my voice comes out strong because it’s the opposite of how I feel. His gaze floats over my body, taking in the outfit he helped me pick and making me want to melt right here.

It amazes me that I’ve been sitting at a table for almost an hour with Jason and haven’t felt one bit of sexual attraction. But Kai just looks at me, and I can feel the dampness in my panties.

“Why are you here with him? Do you want to fuck him?” He takes a few more steps closer, and I step back until I’m pressed against the wall. He cages me in with his arms. He’s so close I can smell his fresh scent. I have to stop myself from taking a huge inhale. It’s a comforting scent, which is terrifying. Nothing about this man should comfort me.

“Maybe,” I answer him. With his height, I have to look up to see his face. “It’d be nice.”

He leans to my ear and lets out a low growl that sends shivers down my spine. “If you want to be fucked, I’ll do it.”

I stop breathing. Wait. What?

“You. . . what?” I ask, barely above a whisper.

His warm breath tickles my neck as he says, “I’ll fuck you.”

“You make it sound like I’m a charity case or something.” I resist the urge to close my eyes and lean back to give him my throat. I can’t show him that he’s getting to me.

“Do you really think that guy could satisfy you in bed?” His teeth nip at my earlobe, and I feel like I might explode at any minute.

I shrug. “Maybe. You don’t know what I like in bed.”

He chuckles and pulls his lips away, taking a lock of my hair between his fingers. “I think I know. And I highly doubt Mr. Khaki Pants can give you what you want. You don’t want vanilla.”