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I tried to tune her out; I really did. First, I pretended to be asleep. Then I tried to listen for the kids playing out back on the swing set. When that didn’t work, I tried to focus on the weatherman lying out his ass again about how much rain we were going to get. And still her mouth ran.
This bitch needs to shut the hell up.
I finally sat up and swung my feet to the floor. I didn’t usually fall asleep on the couch, but this motor-mouth should know by now that when I did, I was not to be disturbed. She’d been in my house every day for a month. Plenty of time to learn the rules.
I rubbed my temples. This wasn’t going to end well. It never did, but if the bitches couldn’t learn, the door would hit ‘em in the ass.
Forewarned is forearmed. Well, it’s supposed to be.
I tell each bitch that comes in the front door that, every single time. I make them stare at me while I tell them the rules. I tell each one that if they break the rules, they break their ass when they hit the road. There are too many bitches out there to put up with their shit.
But hey. I’m a nice guy. Don’t go getting all up on your soapbox because I can them bitches. Every woman is a bitch; I don’t care who she is. Most of them will tell you that it’s a title hard earned and they wear it with pride. Whatever. I don’t much give a fuck what they do with the title as long as they follow the rules.
But Sheila? This chatty bitch has to go. Again, I’m a nice guy. I know her name for fuck’s sake.
She was gabbing away about curtains or school clothes or some shit when I opened the front door. She finally caught my drift and shut up when I pointed.
“What are you pointing at, Donnie?”
“You. Get the fuck out. Now.”
She genuinely looked confused. “Where am I going?”
I did a grand sweep with my arm. “The world is your playground.”
“I don’t understand.”
I really am a nice guy, I swear. “Sheila, honey. What did I tell you when you came here to stay?”
She recited some of the rules, conveniently leaving out the one she broke.
“And?” If I was a complete asshole, I wouldn’t make sure she clearly understood the violation.
She started to fidget. “And what?”
I felt my temper start to uncurl. “What rule did you not mention?”
“I...I don’t know.”
My voice raised, but I tried to tamp it down a little. “When I’ve been writing and fall asleep on the couch, your mouth stays shut.”
“Oh, that.” She actually smiled. “Sorry. I thought you were just dozing.”
“You’re not a fucking blonde, Sheila.”
“Geez, cranky much? I’ll go in the kitchen.”
I waved my arm and pointed again. “Out.”
Understanding finally dawned in her eyes. “You’re kicking me out?”
I shrugged. “More just telling you to get out.”
“But, Donnie. I’m almost eight months pregnant.”
My patience ran really short. “And?”
“You...you can’t just kick me out. I gave up my apartment when I moved in here.”
“Not my problem.”
“What do you mean? This is your baby.”
“When you have it, bring it by. But for now, your home is elsewhere.”
She actually caressed my face. “But, Donnie, I’ll be homeless.”
“Bullshit, Sheila. Your mother lives across town.”
Tears welled in her eyes, but she must have read my face that it wasn’t going to work. With a huff and more than a little attitude, she stomped off.
A honk got my attention before I made it to the kitchen. “Jesus Christ. Now what?”
A red Toyota sat at the end of the driveway when I went out the side door. I glanced at my watch. 7 p.m. What do you know; the bitch is right on time for once.
I walked around the back of the house where my three boys hung off their swing set like they were gymnastics experts. Kurt and Caleb, almost identical twins, are eight years old; Konnor is almost ten. Their mother, Kassi, is the only bitch I had more than one kid with. My mistake because she really did turn into a huge bitch, but at least she popped out boys. My daughter, Katherine, is almost four, but she doesn’t spend much time with me. Her bitch of a mother thinks I’m prejudicial against females.
I’m not, really. Eh, they’ll never be men.
Sheila refuses to find out what she’s having, so her future is still up in the air. I may be a little more lenient if it’s a boy, and that’s only because she’s fun in the sack.
“Hey, guys. Your mother is here. Go grab your backpacks.”
They all hugged me before they left. I kissed the tops of their heads. “You be good until I see you again.”
“Can we go fishing, Daddy?” They all stared at me with expectant eyes. My heart melted just a little. My little outdoorsmen.
I nodded. “Sure. We’ll head up to the lake.”
They whooped as they ran out the door. I made an attempt to wave at Kassi, but she’s really not worth much effort. She pulled away just as Sheila came out the door.
“I really don’t want to go, Donnie.”
I put a finger over her mouth. “Do you hear that?”
Her eyes widened and I swear, I could see her straining her ears. She finally shook her head.
“I don’t hear anything.”
I patted her cheek. “Exactly. Which is what I’ll hear now that I have an empty house.” I slapped her on the ass. “Have fun at your mother’s.”
My laptop taunted me as I passed by my den. With a deadline looming, and approaching quickly, I needed to write. But one detail had me stuck, and I knew that sitting in front of the monitor wasn’t going to help me figure it out. I needed to work with my hands.
Earl popped his head in the garage just as I finished the frame for a cage. He tossed me a beer and grabbed a stool as he tossed a box on my workbench.
“What are you building?”
I eyed him. “What’s in the box?”
“Remember that old oak in my front yard?” He popped the top off a bottle. “Had it taken down and a nest of squirrels fell. I think it squished the mom. I figured we could use those for target practice out back.”
My temper flared as I pulled the top off the shoebox. Three tiny squirrels lay snuggled together, no more than a dozen hairs between them. “You stupid sonofabitch. Is that how you treat babies?”
Earl’s brows knit together. “What the fuck are you talking about? They’re just tree rats.”
I went to the back room of the garage and grabbed a box of hand-warmers. I glared at Earl as I ripped a package open and shook it to activate the heat. “They’re not rats.”
I grabbed a clean rag and arranged the babies in it before I placed them near the heat source. The box would have to make do until I got back to the house and found one of the crates I used as a nursery.
“Dude. Are you playing nursemaid?”
“It’s called rehabbing, you asshole.”
Earl just wouldn’t shut up. “You hunt, man. Look around you.” He pointed to all the taxidermic mounts I had around the garage. Some were just heads; some were the whole animal. “And you get all soft about a damned squirrel?”
He almost flew over backwards when I grabbed him by the collar. Fucker is lucky I didn’t throat punch him. “Let me tell you something. Do not ever come in my space and question me. If I want to foster these babies, I’ll fucking foster them. I don’t need your bullshit.”
Earl apparently decided it was a good time to bow up as he yanked away from me. “You fucking sissy. You going to teach your boys to be little sissies, too?”
My right hook caught him right in the jaw. He wiped a thin trail of blood from his lip off his chin as he stared up at me from the floor. I checked the babies to make sure they weren’t getting too hot.
“I could have you arrested.”
“You won’t.”
“You hit me.”
“And I’ll do it again. Never talk about my sons like that.”
“Wait’ll the guys at the bar hear about your little soft spot for a damned squirrel.”
I paused my examination of one of the babies and glanced over at the idiot. “Wait’ll I tell your wife about that two-dollar whore you took into the bathroom at that same bar.”
I smirked as I saw his sails deflate. Sorry bastard. Don’t mess with the bull if you can’t take the horns.
I guess he’s not as stupid as he looks because the entire situation was dropped. He rubbed his chin, and I handed him a paper towel.
He cleaned up all traces of the blood and then waggled his jaw. “Fuck, you hit hard.”
Satisfied none of the babies had any visible wounds, I put the top on the box. “I need to get these guys inside. You staying or leaving?”
“I’m outta here. We gator hunting this weekend?”
I did the calculations in my head to be sure the season would be open by then. My permits were only good for a specific window of time. “If I get the book done, yes. I’ll let you know.”
I pulled up my document after he left. I knew I’d be done in time; I just didn’t know if I wanted to spend that much time in the boat with the asshole. Besides, there was a new server at the bar that I wanted to test drive.
With the house quiet and creativity flowing, I finished my first draft just before dawn. My publisher was going to love it—a serial killer on Capitol Hill. Term limits were not going to be a problem for many on both sides.
I gave the triplets one last feeding before I headed for bed. I glance at my alarm clock. Do I need to set you? Today’s Thursday. I see the publisher on Monday. No kids, no bitches, no reason to get up until tomorrow. I flopped down on the bed. And that’s just to go to the bar and do a little hunting of the fucking variety.
Three little pink fuzzies entered my head just before I dozed off. “Fuck.” I reached over and set the alarm. “Formula it is.” Squirrels danced through my head as I relaxed against the pillows again.
I hadn’t been about to explain to fuckhead why I had a soft spot for squirrels. None of his business and he didn’t need to hear my life story anyhow. No one knew my upbringing and I liked it that way.
My father had been one mean sonofabitch. By the time I was old enough to start school, my mother had become pretty proficient in covering bruises and bandaging cuts. She was a weak woman who didn’t bother protecting herself, let alone her kids. She was pretty much useless in my life when I hit my teens. I had defended her a couple times just for her to sit back and watch me get the shit beat out of me for interfering. My older siblings split the first chance they got, and I’ve never seen them again.
I probably would have turned into my old man if it hadn’t been for a baby squirrel that a crow dropped out of a nest. It had fur but its eyes had still been shut. I’ve always wondered if it was a sign that there was hope for me, because that little furball made me feel love. I nursed it and cared for it until it was old enough to be on its own, and even then, it still cuddled up to me like it was a damned cat or something.
Despite being as careful as possible, the old man caught me playing with that squirrel one day and tried to swipe at it with an ax. I came unglued and put a hurting on the old fuck. It was the first time that I knocked him on his ass and kept him down. The only time actually, but the beating he got made a second round unnecessary. He never spoke to me again, and I never forgot my debt of gratitude to that little fluffy tail. It helped me find myself, and I had a permanent soft spot for squirrels.
I couldn’t completely hate the old bastard though. Listening to his political rants and raves to his old lady, like she had a clue what to think, is what gave me some of my novel ideas. He’d also given me a strong foundation of how I wanted to raise my sons—the complete opposite of what he’d done.
After a long night of multiple feedings, I drove out to the wildlife rescue at the edge of town. I loved my squirrels, but I also loved sleep. With my deadline coming at me quick, I needed to focus and three hungry mouths at hour intervals was not conducive to edits. I paused a moment before I carried them inside.
“Sorry, little buddies. I’m not abandoning you; I’m helping you get your best life. I trust this lady, so you’ll be in good hands.”
Michelle was a good woman, and I didn’t say that about many. Maybe because I hadn’t banged her, or maybe because her soft spot for the little bushy tails was a hundred times stronger than my own, we’d always gotten along.
She transferred the three into an incubator that already held a few other babies. “Did you finish that book yet?” She read everything I wrote.
“Almost. That’s why you’re getting these little ones. I finished my draft last night and need to hit it hard with edits. I’ll be on time though.”
“You know I need a couple days to read it.”
I nodded. “And you’ll get it. Your beta read is always my final step before submitting. You’re the first reader and the most important one.”
She winked at me. “You remember that, Mr. Heart. You need me.”
I tilted my always-present cowboy hat at her. “Yes, ma’am. I do.”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be turning that fake ass charm on me. You know we’re not like that.”
God, I love this woman. “Can’t blame a man for trying.”
“You hear anything about that contest yet?”
I cringed. Murder Maker, the opportunity of a lifetime. “Not yet. But I will. I’m perfect to step into the old man’s shoes.”
Michelle pursed her lips. “I’ve read Lee Mathews for years; he’s one of my favorites. You’d have to tweak your stories to add a little more horror to match his style.” She folded her arms. “But you’re right. You’d be a good fit to take over his legacy.”
We chatted for a bit longer before I headed home to take a long nap. I needed to edit, but I liked to let the story percolate a bit before I took a second swipe at it. Besides, I needed to get laid. First things first; edits could start tomorrow.
I thought about Murder Maker as I drove. I was actually getting worried about not hearing from the guy, but I hadn’t wanted Michelle to know that. Shit, I really just didn’t want to say it out loud.
I need that invitation.
Writing had its perks, but it was a long road and a shitshow to get there. I needed to teach the boys the finer side of life before they got any older and made their own opinions. The hunting trips we could take, the fishing expeditions. Hell, I’d even take them to Africa, but if one of them tried to shoot a lion or a giraffe, or an elephant, I’d beat his ass in front of the locals. Now poacher hunting, that would be a great trip.
Lee Mathews is a legend in horror writing. This contest of his is just what I need to make my goals a reality. Sure, I need to tweak my projects from political to horror, but nowadays with all the shit in the news, who can tell the difference? The old bastard needs to get me the fucking invitation.
I took a short nap before I headed to the bar. My computer taunted me as I grabbed my hat. Fuck you. I’ll deal with you tomorrow. My dick needed a little massaging first.
The interior was dark, cool, and smoky as I approached the bartender. She was a sexy little thing but mean as a rabid dog. I tried to tap that once, but she let me know really quick that she was no hit-it-and-quit-it kind of gal. I just as quickly informed her that I wasn’t the keep-a-bitch-around type. Now we just flirt in our unhealthy love/hate relationship.
“Button your shirt, you man-skank.”
“Gimme a beer, you jealous ho.”
She pulled the tap. “Jealous of what?”
I flapped my shirt to give her a full view of my chest. “What you can’t have, that’s what.”
Her eyes rolled hard. “Jesus, you asshole. I ain’t never seen someone with such a high opinion of themselves.”
I caught her hand when I took the beer. “And I’m sure my editor would love that sentence.”
That made her giggle. “We’re in a bar, not on a book tour. Put your grammar away, dickhead.”
She moved off just as I felt a hand on my shoulder, one that slowly crept up to my neck. I turned just as a pair of lips mashed against mine and a tongue found its way into my mouth.
I caught a glimpse of platinum blonde before I returned the gesture. Obviously, the new server wanted a test drive as bad as I did and may even have me beat in the patience department. I grabbed a handful of ass and pulled her tight up against me before I deepened the kiss. Her tits ground into my chest. My dick was already hard.
Damn, this is gonna be a sweet piece of ass.
Earl chose that moment to slap me on the back. “Hey, buddy. Don’t forget to breathe.”
I would have knocked him on his ass but I didn’t want to get kicked out of the bar. I had business to finish. Unfortunately, blondie had work to do and sashayed off.
I grabbed my beer before I turned to Earl. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
The dumb ass actually looked surprised. “What?”
“Did you ever consider to leave me the fuck alone?”
“Pfft. You’ll get laid anyhow.”
I adjusted myself as I took a stool. From the looks of the crowd, it was going to be awhile before I saw any action.
Close to midnight, my conquest whispered in my ear to meet her in the back. I followed her to the employee bathroom and closed the door behind me. She was on me quicker than a tick on a hound dog.
Her hands felt like velvet as they caressed my chest. Her mouth devoured mine as I reached up and groped her tit. She moaned when I tweaked the nipple through her bra. Her tongue tasted like alcohol.
Blonde and tipsy. This is gonna be fun.
I spun her around and pushed down over the sink. She supported herself with her elbows as I flipped her little skirt up. No panties, but then I couldn’t say I was surprised. I rubbed her crotch with my fingers before I slapped her on the ass. She pushed back against my hard-on. I groaned as anticipation made my cock twitch.
“Anxious little whore, aren’t you?”
She met my eyes in the mirror. “You gonna talk all night or you gonna fuck me? I’m just on break, you know.”
It’s so hard not to call them bitches when most of them are such easy whores. I pulled out my multi-tool that never left my side and always reminds me of the commercial that says “don’t leave home without it.” I fished out the condom from the secret compartment.
I fumbled with my jeans and just about had my cock in my hand when the door flew open. Earl stuttered as blondie squealed to cover her ass.
“What the fuck, Earl?”
God damn, I’m going to kill this asshole before the night’s over.
“Oh, good,” he started. “I caught you before you got busy. You need to come out here.”
“And why the fuck would I want to do that?”
I’m going to have blue balls if this happens many more times.
“You...umm...she’s...”
“Spit it out, asshole.”
Earl turned eight shades of red. “Sheila’s out there looking for you.”
Fuck.
With an intentional brush of her tits against my chest and a quick squeeze of my balls, my fuck buddy stormed out. “Maybe next time, cowboy.”
I growled in frustration. “I don’t know who I’m going to kill. You or the bitch out there. What the fuck is she doing here?”
Earl backed out of arm’s reach. “No clue, man. I just hope she doesn’t pop that kid out while she’s here.”
“I’ll be out in a minute.” I slammed the bathroom door shut again, this time alone. I needed a moment to get myself under control.
With some cold water and heavy thinking about the bitches in my life that I absolutely despised, it didn’t take long to lose the boner. I returned the condom to its hiding place and took a deep breath.
Jail isn’t going to help get the edits done. I shrugged to myself. Although, a quiet cell, no interruptions. Could work out.
Sheila sat at the bar with Earl when I went back out. He scurried away like the cockroach that he is before I even made it across the room.
Sheila gave me a tentative smile when I reached her.
“What are you doing here?”
The smile disappeared and was replaced by a pouty look. “You could at least act like you’re happy to see me.”
“You’re pregnant, in a bar. At midnight. What the fuck do you want?”
Her entire face crinkled up as she snarled and waved an envelope at me. “I grabbed this out of the mailbox the other day when you kicked me out. Figured you might want it.”
“So, you waited until now, in the middle of the night, at a bar, to bring it to me?”
“I was hoping you’d take me home with you, but I guess that’s not going to happen.”
I grabbed the envelope and then had to resist slapping her off the stool. The return address was Lee Mathews.
“You stupid bitch. I’ve been waiting for this. You knew I’ve been waiting for this.”
She stood and sneered. “Just like I know you’re an asshole.”
I didn’t even notice her walk away as I ripped open the envelope. “You’ve been accepted...” were the only words I read.
“YES!” I fist pumped the air, almost punching some random chick in the face.
“Watch it, asshole.”
I laughed. I don’t think I’ve ever been called an asshole so many times in two minutes. Then again, I really didn’t give two fucks.
Earl must have been creeping from the shadows, because he suddenly reappeared. “Good news?”
“I’m fucking in, man. I’m in! The old man knows who his replacement is.”
“When are you going?”
I read the rest of the letter. “About a month. I have to get my shit together.”
Earl glanced toward the door. “Isn’t that about when your next kid is due?”
I scuffed him upside the head. “Who cares? It’s probably a girl anyhow, which is why the bitch won’t tell me what it is.”
I finished my beer and headed out. The server stopped me before I reached for the door. “When are you coming back?”
I grabbed the back of her hair and tilted her head backwards. I planted a kiss on her that was so hot I could have pounded her right there in front of everyone. We were both breathless when we broke apart.
“I’ll be back to do you before I leave.”
“Leave?” Her eyes were dazed. “Where are you headed?”
I gave her a wink. “To my destiny, baby. To my destiny.”
***
I HAD TO WALK AWAY from my computer before I flung the damned thing out the front window. My mother called as I paced. Just what I needed.
“Hello, Mother.”
“You know I hate it when you call me that.”
My teeth ground in frustration. I counted to ten. Twice. “What can I do for you?”
“You’re bringing the boys over for dinner tomorrow night, right?”
I struggled to think clearly. “I don’t have the boys this weekend.”
“But, son. I wrote it on my calendar that you were coming over for dinner.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Guess you wrote it on the wrong weekend.”
“Will their mother allow you to take them? I already bought everything for our meal.”
I snorted. “Allow? Me? I don’t ask Kassi if I can do something, Mother. I just do it. But I’m not going to because I’m ass deep in edits, and I’m going to be working long hours today and tomorrow. I have to get this manuscript in.”
“When are you going to get a real job?”
I had to hesitate and count again. She does this to me every time she fucks something up but then has to act like a victim. “I make enough, Mother.”
“You spend so much time with your loose women and questionable morals.”
“I know how you feel about me. It still doesn’t change the fact that I won’t have the boys tomorrow.”
She hemmed and hawed. “Can you just come to dinner then? I really don’t want to waste all this food.”
“Well, that depends.” I did have to eat after all. A free meal never hurt anyone. “What are you cooking?”
Her tone was icy. “Does it matter?”
“Ever since you started dating Arthur or whatever the hell his name is, your tastes have become questionable. If it’s steak and potatoes, I’m there. If it’s that shit I can’t figure out what the hell it is, no, I’m not coming over. You should know by now that if I can’t identify it, I don’t fucking eat it.”
“Watch your language.”
I started to hang up on her. “Dinner. What is it going to be?”
“You know what, son?” Her tone became haughty, another new thing that came with her new hoity-toity boyfriend. “Never mind. We’ll invite Arthur’s grandchildren over and they can experience a little culture.”
“That’s settled then. Bye, Mother.”
I hung up and tossed my phone. Like I give a shit if she invites someone else. As long as they keep her off my ass, more power to them.
I stared longingly at the fishing poles in the stand by the door. Temptation bit strong as I struggled to take my seat by the keyboard.
“Once I get the old man’s money, I swear I’m never editing another mother fucking sentence. I’ll write the draft and pay someone to take it from there.”
My voice echoed in the empty house. I hopped up and switched on the television. I pointed with the remote and flipped channels for a bit. “I pay a fortune every month for DirecTV and there’s never a damned thing on.”
I hit the power button and went back to my desk. Still too quiet. I pulled up YouTube and perused videos.
You’re just stalling. Do the edits.
“Fuck you, little voice in my head. I need music.” I selected a playlist. Thirty seconds into it, I clicked out of it. Too distracting.
I ran my hands through my hair. I should have gotten that chick’s phone number. I adjusted my shorts just thinking about her.
Maybe a quick jack off. It’ll relieve the stress. I passed over that thought. Doing it myself would not relieve the desire I had to fuck her.
When I ran out of distractions, I finally settled down and worked my way through the manuscript. By Monday morning, it was ready to deliver to the publisher. For the first time ever, Michelle wasn’t going to be able to read for me before I turned it in. Under the circumstances, I didn’t really care.
I waved at the receptionist as I headed for the elevator. The guy had flirted with me for years, but I’d been quick to tell him my door didn’t swing that way. Now it was just an affectionate game we played when I had time to indulge him. Today wasn’t it.
Most writers just email their submissions. I, on the other hand, specifically worked with a local company so I could have a hands-on relationship. I always delivered my final drafts on a new flash drive and only directly to the publisher.
Merci Francois was the only woman that I both respected and fucked at the same time. We always consummated each novel, and today was no different. A locked door, a cleared desk, and three-inch fuck-me pumps were all we needed for hot sex. Each deep, pulsating thrust made every edit worth it. Merci was beautiful, successful, and powerful. She always smelled so damned good; if money had a scent, she wore it. I followed the scent trail and drove that bitch straight to the bank.
Blonde chick at the bar who?
It was only in the afterglow that trouble started. I mentioned Lee Mathews.
Her nostrils flared just a little. “You’re turning down the invitation, right?”
I actually laughed at her. “Why the fuck would I do that? An opportunity like this has to start at six figures in the very least. More when the old coot croaks.”
“Forget the money. You’re under contract, Donald.”
My temper spiked at the formality. “What are you, my mother? Don’t fucking call me that.”
“Regardless of what I call you, you’re under contract with me.”
I pointed at the flash drive on her bookshelf. “And there’s the finished product. We can get through the edits before I leave. Besides that, I don’t even need you; I could publish my own if I wanted to do all the fucking marketing.”
“Without marketing, you wouldn’t sell any books.”
I gave her a sarcastic look. “No shit, Sherlock. Which is why I have you. To do it for me.”
Her brow arched. “I’ll ignore that remark because you’re missing the bigger point, Mr. McPhee. Your contract does not allow you to publish elsewhere.”
I set my shoulders, ready for battle. “Don’t pull that high and mighty bullshit on me by using ‘mister.’ And I’ll be taking over the man’s dynasty. That’s a little different than just randomly publishing elsewhere.”
“And by doing so, you’d be breaking your contract.”
I leaned in so she didn’t misconstrue my words. “Then consider it broken.”
She smirked. “Do you have any idea how expensive that will be when I sue you?”
“Do you think I care? When I win this, I could own you and your whole company.”
“Don’t you mean if? And what if you don’t win? Then you’ve lost everything.”
“Never going to happen.” I flopped down in one of her overstuffed chairs. “You’re really going to stand there and tell me that I’m supposed to give up the opportunity of a lifetime because of some piece of paper?”
“It’s called loyalty. Some people actually respect that.”
“And your loyalty to me? When does that come into play? You’d deny me this chance to really further myself and finally get ahead for me and my sons?”
“Don’t bullshit me. You couldn’t give two shits about your kids.” Merci held up her hand to ward off my protest and strutted behind her desk. “Don’t bother protesting. We both know better. Don Heart is out for himself, no one else.” She lowered herself into her huge leather seat. “How many others will there be?”
I shrugged. “Who knows? Six? Eight? A dozen? Fuck, I don’t know.”
“Then you really don’t know if you have a chance or not.”
I slammed my palm on her desk. “I know I have a damned good chance. The guy would be an idiot not to pick me. I’m accomplished, I’m popular, I can write anything. Why wouldn’t he choose me?”
“I’m sure the others have the same qualifications.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “What the fuck is your problem? And don’t blame the damned contract.”
“It’s simple. I don’t want to lose you. You make me money; you’re a good fuck. You’re one of the few I like having around.”
“And if I suddenly write horror instead? Who’s to say I won’t use you as a publisher?”
“Mr. Mathews has a brand all his own. I’m sure that if, and again, I mean if, you took over, there would be conditions. I doubt you could just do whatever you wanted.”
“If he’s dead, I can do whatever the hell I want.”
Merci shook her head, a sad expression on her face. “You’re so pitiful. You talk a big game, but you really don’t understand that not even the famous Don Heart can get his way all the time.”
“I’ll bet I could if I spread you across that desk again.”
Heat flared in her eyes. “Cheap shot. But I’d be willing to give your theory a test drive.”
Twenty minutes later she stood in front of the mirror rearranging her mussed up hair. “This doesn’t change anything, Donnie. You’re still under contract.”
I watched her ass wiggle in her tight skirt and really didn’t want to move out of the chair. I groaned as her words sunk in. “Your loss if that’s how you’re going to be.”
She shoved another bobby pin in her hair. “What do you mean?”
“You’re saying I can’t go to Murder Maker without breaking my contract, right?”
She smiled at me from the mirror. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
I grabbed my hat off her coat rack. “Well then, Ms. Francois. You were right about being a good fuck, but your pussy isn’t made of gold. You do whatever you want with the book on that little doohickey over there. Don’t even bother sending me the edits. I’m taking my dick and leaving. We quit.”
Her eyes widened as she spun around toward me. “That’s not how a contract works. You can’t just quit.”
“I don’t care how it works, Merci.” I winked and tilted my hat at her. “And I just fucking did.”
I never looked back as I headed to the elevator, hoping like hell I had just made the right decision.
***
I WATCHED KONNOR MAKE the perfect cast. The soft kerplunk was music to my ears as he set his line and took his stance to wait for the fish. The twins were busy with their nets trying to catch minnows to use as bait. Daddy pride ran strong in my veins.
The lake was glassy for the most part; a gentle breeze sometimes sent ripples across the surface of the water. White puffy clouds dotted the blue-sky horizon, and a hawk screed from the woods nearby. The perfect day at the lake.
Almost.
Kassi sat nearby in a camping chair. The hiss of the can of bug spray carried on the air as she once again applied a generous coating to fight off the swarm of mosquitoes. I tried to fight my annoyance at the blemish on perfection.
“You know you can go sit in the car if the bugs are bothering you.”
She snorted. “You know it’s too damned hot to sit in the car.”
“Then why did you come? If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times. If you’re just going to be miserable, stay the fuck home.”
“Oh, shut up, Donnie. You know I like coming to the lake. The bugs aren’t usually this bad.”
“Maybe it’s that fruity-scented shit you insist on wearing.”
She abandoned her chair. “All I can smell now is OFF.”
I had to tease. “At least bug repellent will make you smell like a man.”
“Because men are all that’s important, huh?” She stared out over the lake. “What is it with you, Donnie? Why do you hate women?”
“The fuck are you talking about? I don’t hate women.”
“Hate may be the wrong word, but you definitely have no respect for them.”
I cast out again. “Respect is earned. Most women don’t take the time to earn it.”
“Is this because your mother failed you as a child?”
I snorted. “Let me guess. You started your classes again to be a shrink? Is that what this is all about?”
Kassi’s face tensed. “No, it’s not. I have three little boys who are going to learn your bullshit, and I don’t want them treating their future girlfriends and wives the way you treat women.”
I felt a momentary twinge in my gut but I dismissed it. “They’ll be fine.”
“When is your current ho due to give birth?”
“Few weeks maybe.”
“Boy or girl?”
“No clue, but I suspect girl because she hasn’t been all over me about it.”
Kassi shook her head. “First off, the fact that you don’t give a shit says wonders. Maybe you should figure out how babies are made and avoid it. Secondly, you just proved my point. You have nothing to do with Katherine already. If you have another daughter, you’ll give zero fucks.”
I shrugged. “And?”
“Your daughters are future girlfriends and wives. How will you feel if they’re treated by guys the same way you treat females?”
I remained quiet. I knew when there was no right answer, and I didn’t want to ruin my day fishing by continuing a meaningless fight.
Her brows raised. “You can’t answer me?”
“I’m going to Murder Maker to better the lives of my children. When I’m rich and famous, people will treat them like gold.” I met her eyes on purpose. “All of them.”
“You shouldn’t be going to a writing retreat, you asshole. The way you dance all around topics you don’t want to face, what you should be doing is going to a recital.”
“One of the reasons you love me. I avoid bickering.”
She rolled her eyes. “Loved. Past tense. You’re a writer; you should get that.”
“Love. You still love me or you wouldn’t be here.”
“I have to watch out for my boys.”
I reached out and pulled her to me. Before she could protest, I kissed her hard. Her eager response was all the proof I needed. She was breathless by the time I pulled away.
“Love. Current tense.” Too bad the boys are here. I think I could actually get a piece right now.
“Fuck you, Donnie.” She stomped off before she turned back. “And I hope she’s having a girl so you don’t rub off on anymore boys.”
“I love that about you. You’re so cute when the truth kicks you in the ass.”
This time she didn’t turn around. “You don’t love anything, except maybe yourself.”
I thought about that for a second before I shrugged it off. What isn’t there to love about me?
Kassi turned into quite the bitch after that, which ruined the rest of the fishing trip. The boys didn’t seem to notice the change in atmosphere, but I didn’t bother to point out how that shot her theory straight to hell that I rubbed off on them negatively. Fuck her and what she thought anyhow. I had bigger fish to fry, so to speak.
Later than night, I was extra careful when I cleaned my multi-tool. We were allowed to bring one item and this was it. It had gadgets for every situation, including the extra compartment I had added to hold condoms – my own special touch.
Can’t leave those behind. I’m sure there’ll be bitches at this retreat, and I need to be prepared.
I called Michelle to check on the squirrel babies. I couldn’t help but smile when she reported they were fat and healthy. I hated that I would miss them opening their eyes, but it couldn’t be helped.
I hung up with her just as my doorbell rang. I won’t say I was surprised to find Merci standing there holding out my flash drive, because I wasn’t.
She got straight to business. “You still have time to get these edits done before you leave.”
I kissed her cheek, more to piss her off than as a token of affection. “I knew you’d come around to my way of thinking.”
Merci’s face reddened, and for a moment, I actually thought she was going to take a swing at me. “Don’t for a second think I’m condoning what you’re about to do. You’re fucking me and my company by totally disregarding your contract.” She held up her hand as I was about to make a smart-ass comment. “This has nothing to do with our physical relationship. This is strictly business.”
I took the flash drive from her. “It always is, physical or not.”
“The only reason I’m not suing your ass is because I want to still be here when you come crawling back. When I know you have nothing, I want to be able to drop you on your ass.”
I couldn’t hide the smirk. “Then you’re really not keeping me, you just want it to be your idea to get rid of me.”
Instead of arguing, she kissed me. Demanding and passionate, I pulled her to the floor as the spark consumed us for the next half hour. Afterwards, I didn’t even bother to cover my nakedness as I watched her get dressed. I stretched and almost purred like a cat. “You can’t get rid of me because the sex is too hot.”
She tucked in her shirt. “Just go to this retreat, get the shit out of your system. I’m planning your release for after you get back.”
“I don’t care about the release. I’ll have a bigger kingdom to rule at the end of the retreat.”
“I’ve been researching Lee Mathews. He’s somewhat of an egotistical prick. You two are either going to meld together like old friends or he’s going to enjoy ripping you apart. Honestly, Donnie, I can’t decide which I want to happen.”
I chuckled. “As long as I come back and spread those pretty legs of yours?”
Her cheeks tinged pink. “As long as you come back to finish up this release before we start rebranding you, if you end up taking over Mathews’ empire.”
“When, Merci, when. Not if.”
“Okay, when. We’ll have the marketing team work on a whole new brand for you if we go horror. As much as I hate you for doing this to me, I’m not stupid. I want the first right of refusal if this big thing happens for you.”
I nodded. “I knew you had a little rationale in there somewhere. When the dust settles, we’ll talk.”
After she left, I lay naked on the couch, not really inclined to do much of anything. Maybe I was overconfident in my ability to assume Mathews’ legacy, but it just felt right. Everything I had worked for was within reach. All I had to do was impress an old man.
Consider it done.
Against my better judgment, I asked Earl to watch my house while I was gone. I could have asked Sheila, but once she had the kid, I was afraid she’d trash the place with baby stuff.
Earl tossed his bag in the spare bedroom while I finished packing my suitcase. “You want to run down to the bar? That blonde was asking about you. Figured you could tie up your unfinished business before you head out.”
I grabbed the charger for my laptop. “Nah. Merci took care of my needs, and right now, I need to focus on making sure I have my shit together. I sure as hell don’t want to get there and figure out that I forgot something important.”
“You know who else is going yet?”
“Nope. Haven’t heard a word since the acceptance letter. It doesn’t really make a difference. I’ll be there; that’s all that matters.”
“Kassi knows how to get ahold of you if something happens to the boys?”
“She has my cell number. She won’t call me though. What can I do? She’s their mother. She can hold down the fort.”
Earl held up his hands. “I’m just checking. I don’t want her calling me all frantic that she can’t find you.”
“Once I leave this house, nothing else matters until I get back. Nothing.”
“Not even a whittle bitty squirrel baby?” Earl’s baby talk made me take a swing. He ducked out of the way and laughed all the way down the hall.
“You’re an asshole, Earl.”
His voice drifted down the hallway. “Takes one to know one.”
While I wasn’t concerned about the boys while I was gone, I didn’t want to be a total dick and leave without saying goodbye. The good thing about being an absent parent for the most part is that they don’t really notice when you are indeed absent.
They were playing video games when Kassi let me in, and they barely acknowledged me when I interrupted and tried to explain.
“So, I’ll be gone for work, but I’ll come see you guys when I get back, okay?”
A few grunts, a quick glance, and I was dismissed.
“If you need anything, you can always call my mother. She’ll love to be needed for something.”
“I won’t call your mother. She hates me.”
I gave a nod. “Yeah, she does. But she does love her grandsons, so she’ll help you with whatever you need.”
“I’m still not calling her for shit.”
“Your choice. You won’t be able to reach me.”
“Donnie, when have I ever called you when I needed something? You’re about as dependable as a dog.”
“Man’s best friend.”
Kassi exhaled. “Bad example.” She stood with her back against the wall and arms crossed as she gestured to the boys who were deep into their game. “Doesn’t it bother you that they really won’t even notice you’re gone?”
“Don’t start on me. I need to focus, not get all tied up in your drama.”
She shook her head. “Drama. You’re pathetic.”
My phone rang before I could respond. Sheila.
Kassi rolled her eyes. “Go ahead. Answer it. Maybe she’s in labor.”
Which is exactly why she was calling. I stalled for a few hours before I appeared at the hospital. There was no way I wanted to be involved in any delivery. Sheila’s mom gave me the stank eye as I entered the room.
She kissed her daughter’s forehead. “I’ll go get you a Pepsi while you deal with the sperm donor.”
I gave her a fake smile as she passed. “Nice.”
Her nostrils flared. “You’re lucky I even gave you that much credit, you reprobate.”
I took note of the pink blanket that surrounded the baby in Sheila’s arms. “You knew it was a girl, didn’t you?”
“Took you long enough to get here.”
“I was busy.”
“Yes, I knew it was a girl.”
I rubbed my eyes. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”
Sheila’s eyes welled with tears. “I know how you feel about girls.”
“You moved in with your mother. Would it have made any difference?”
“Do you want to hold her?”
I backed away. “Nope. I’m getting ready to leave town for a good while. I don’t need to start something I won’t be around to finish.”
“When will you be back?”
I shrugged. “Depends on how it goes.”
“Do you care what I name her?”
“Nope.” I shook my head. “All on you.”
A tear trailed down her cheek. “I’m not putting you on the birth certificate. I just want you to know that.”
I walked over and dropped a real quick kiss on her forehead. “Good call.”
I beat feet out the door as I felt a temper tantrum welling in her. I could hear her insults all the way down the hall, but I dove into the stairwell to avoid the possibility of running into her mother in the elevator. When and if I came back, I’d deal with her if necessary. Right now, I was headed toward my future.
With a final run through my mental checklist and a quick look around the house, I grabbed my bags and headed out.
