No Reservations - Megan Hart [23]
'I don't know what you're talking about.' Eve's voice had gone thready.
Bitch, please. You know exactly what I'm talking about. But that's between you and Dix and those girls. I'm going, but let's be clear that it's because I can't stand your baby-voice and put-upon helplessness another minute. I can't stand to look at you knowing what you re doing to both your daughters and Dix, who may have been a shitty husband, but we both know he's a stellar father.
Lastly, don't cross me. Don't confuse respectful with soft and helpless. I don't need to manipulate teenage girls to get what I want. I have what I want. We're done here. You got me? You want to go to war? Bring it, you self-centred twat. I eat bitches like you for breakfast every day of the week.'
Eve had gone veiy pale and her mouth opened and closed over and over as she struggled with a come-back.
Kate just laughed. 'I know. I hide my light under a bushel, don't I? You thought, since I never slapped the fuck out of you like you deserved, that I was worried or a pushover. You were surprised this morning, but you still underestimated me. Don't do it again.'
She turned, heading to the door, and heard Dix on the porch. She wondered how much he'd overheard, but he didn't say anything about it as he helped her into the passenger side and they drove off.
He was silent until they got near the airport. Pouting, she knew. She let him because she understood it and because she respected him enough to let him work his shit out.
'I can't believe you're not going to tell me where you're staying. That really pisses me off, Katherine.'
Didn't mean she was going to tolerate this little tantrum when it spilt onto her lap though. 'Stop it. I told you, I don't know where we'll be staying yet. I'll let you know when I find out. You have my cell number. You have Leah's cell number. It's not like I'm running off forever.' He looked like a four-year-old who'd had his lollipop stolen and God knew she shouldn't encourage this side of him. She kissed his forehead and smothered an urge to smile.
'I'll be calling. You'd better be back here soon. I want to be with you on New Year's Eve. That's just four days from now. You promised me we'd be together.'
'I did and if you think over the time we've been together you won't be able to name a single time I've broken a promise, so stop sulking.' She nodded. 'Now my plane is going to leave without me so I need to get moving.' You gonna tell me what you and Eve spoke about before we left?'
'I have to say I'm amazed you waited this long. We just had a little bit of a chat. I'm sure you heard at least part of it when you were listening on the porch.'
The flash of his teeth in the darkened car told her she'd been correct.
'I'm not a patient man where you're concerned. I have no moderation. Don't be gone long.' He hauled her over and kissed her soundly.
'How could I go without kisses like that?' She brushed her thumb over his bottom lip. 'I love you, Charles Dixon. Good luck fending Pickles off while I'm gone. You know she's going to tiy to seduce you or whatever it is women like her do.' He sighed. 'I blame you for leaving me. You know I'm going to lock our bedroom door every night, right?'
'I know I like that you called it our bedroom. I'm gonna bust her lip if she touches your cock. Tell her that. I don't share. Well —' she winked at him '— not with Pickles anyway.'
He opened his door, pulled her bag from the back and met her on the sidewalk, his self-assurance replaced by sadness. 'Don't be gone long. I love you and I'm sorry Eve has driven you away from our vacation together. I don't know what else to do.'
You're doing all you can da. After this is over, you're going to have to set some rules with her but at this point you're stuck. Now, I have to run. I'll call you.'
Vegas was a good thirty degrees warmer as she got off the plane and headed to baggage. She