Cruel Passion (Book 1 and 2)

Chapter 12

Chapter 12
The wind blew and rattled the weak windows while the curtains
blew a part from the pressure of air. The house still smelled like
warm apple pies. Except the one that used to make them had left. I
leaned back on the wall watching Dad pull out the weeds from the
plants. He had acquired a taste for gardening a few years back. His
dull brown hair had grayed in some areas but his translusive skin was
still beautiful and angelic. His hands were stained with dirt and his
forehead had a smear of mud due to him wiping his sweat every other
second.
"Are you going to speak or just stand there?" he asked. I wasn't
sure if he was looking at me or the creamy green walls of the house. I
shrugged and kneeled down to his level.
"Kim everything is going to be alright" he said squeezing my
shoulder.
"Are you alright Dad?" I asked and watched his eyes gleam with
fresh tears.
"Yes" he turned his head trying to focus on the rose bush.
"Really?" I asked getting up again. This time he got up with me. He
dusted the dirt off his faded jeans and made sure the green t shirt he
wore was bug free.
"I'm fine and you should be fine too" he said calmly. He sighed and
looked straight in to my eyes.
"I can't- what ever happened to her? She's fine one day and the
next she calls me up making a sorry excuse of her life" I said
resisting the temptation to curse out loud. There's one thing dad has
taught me; never swear or it'll end up right in your ass. Well not
exactly in that format.
"She wasn't happy" he said. His hair blew back in the wind and I
realized dad had never really gotten old. His smile was still bright,
he still had that thick brown mane and his eyes had the same color of
hope. He hasn't changed at all and maybe that's what mom needed. Change.
"And you are?"
"I try to be- I'm still madly in love with your mother. I would
hate to see her in some one elses arms, but I'm not selfish Kim. I
want to see her happy and you should too" he said patting my face. It
grew silent and I just stared out to the flower beds which were
freshly watered. Dad took my hand in his and smiled.
"Now let's go inside. If I stay out here for another minute I'll
burn into a crisp" he said scratching his shoulder.
"I'll make you some lemonade" I said smiling.
The house was still the same. The walls were painted a rusted beige
while various paintings hung loose. There was a vase with fresh picked
flowers on the coffee table. I took in the cinamon scent and sighed.
Mom was a pain in the neck but I do miss her. Now that I do have a
love life she's not here to bug me about it. Dad cleared his throat as
he tapped my shoulder.
"Dad everything is still the same." I smiled.
"Nothing really changed except you." he said taking a seat by the
counter facing the kitchen.
"I didn't change" I said going through the fridge for cold water
and lemons.
"It's been three years since you came by for a visit.Now that you
have- your mother is gone. You never liked it here" he stated with a
silent pain that only I could feel.
"That's not it Dad. I liked it here. I really did - it was just
mom and - Dad I had so much to look towards to in the city. All I had
here was the family drug store and mom on my back." I complained.
"And me" he said.
"Dad I love you, but I don't think that I could've been happy if
Mom had forced me to work with the family"
"I wasn't forcing you . You should've visited more often" he
replied playing with the napkin in front of him.
"I was scared, if I came back mom would never let me go" I said.
"But-"
"Dad your lemonade" I smiled throwing my hands aroundhis neck and
pecking him on the cheek. He chuckled and turned to face me.
"Just like your mother" he said and laughed even harder when he
saw the frown on my face.
I gave him a hug as I stepped down the porch. He had changed into a
clean pair of slacks and a blue sweater. He smiled as he looked over me.
"You better visit more often" he said shaking me a bit.
"I will-I promise" I waved as I got into the cab I had called. As
the car took off I turned to watch dad standing next to the stairs. He
waved a final good bye and turned to look at the flower growing on the
side of the house. He took one more glance my way and grabbed the pale
of water and started to water the plants. I smiled and turned back
around. I needed that. The rural area did a great job of calming down
aharassedsoul. Feeling content I decided on calling Jake. He
needed to witness how good of a mood I'm in. He picked up on the
second ring.
"Good evening" he said. I could picture his messy hair and the
soft shaved jaw that had once enthralled my body with pleasure.
"What are you doing today?" I asked as I heard him chuckle.
"You sure don't waste time do you?" he said. I could here the
smile in his voice.
"I'm starving. Let's go out to eat" I said biting my lips. He
cleared his throat.
"Sure. I'm ravenous as well- Let's meet at Pinto's?" he asked. I
recalled the dim lit atmosphere and the amazing wine.
"I love their wine!" I enthused which launched him into a new fit
of chuckle.
"See you at five" he said and closed the phone.


The loft was completely empty. Megan was out with some guy. I
crumpled up the post- it and opened the fridge to fish for some food.
I was starving. I can't just pig out in front of Jake. He's so
sophisticated so quiet. I would look like a giant pig next to him. I
pushed the voice mail button on the phone waiting for the voice
messages while I slapped mayo on a slice of bread.
"It's Angie- Megan call me back, your dress is ready."
"Kimmy Kim kimm kimi kimmy Kim- how are ya? Hope you're getting
laid and having fun. Any ways just wanted to know where you saved the
article about finance and shoes" Lance message ended with a small
giggle.
"Kimmy? It's me. Mom." I came to a stop hearing the tears in her
voice. "Kimmy I'm worried, where are you? You're not picking up your
cell and - god Kimmy please talk to me. " she finished as bit into my
sandwich.
"Hi!" Megan came in with a smile. I nodded as I realized the
messages were about to play. Angie's voice came up and Megan squealed
wih delight.
"Thank god the dress is ready!" she said. I turned away listening
to Lance say my name in various ways.
"I hope you're getting laid and having fun-" Duncan cleared his
throat. She brought him home. I ran towards the phone and deleted the
messages. I sighed with relief and smiled up at the couple standing in
front of me.
"So what's up ?" I asked them. Duncan ran his hands through his
hair and showed his goofy smile. The dimples appeared again.
"Took Megan out for lunch." he said kissing her on the lips. I
stared at Megan with an awed expression.
"This would be your second official date? " I asked making sure.
He nodded exchanging a look with Megan.I turned around and started to dial the phone.
"Who are you calling?" Megan asked.
"Lance, I want to know if pigs are flying out his ass" I said.
Megan smacked my shoulder while Ducan stared confused.
"Lance said a long time ago- When Megan starts going out with a
guy, pigs will fly out my ass" I grinned. I patted Duncan on the back.
He chuckled as he understood.
"You have a really bad rep with your friends" he grinned. Megan
shot him a pink smile and turned my way.
"Alright it was really nice to see you're still around" I said
giving him a peck on the cheek.
"Where are you going?" Megan asked as sje pushed Duncan to sit on
the sofa. I stuffed my mouth with the remainder of the sandwhich and
stared at her.
"Businessmeeting- With uh, Ian" I coughed as she smiled.
"Okay, make sure you come late. Some body might be getting lucky
tonight." she grinned. I took a glance at Duncan, who was sitting on
the scrawny soda with his man shoulders and those gleaming strands of
hair.
"Well I sure it was me" I joked. Megan smiled and punched my
shoulder playfully as I headed out the door.
Pinto was dim lit. The lights were weak and warm while the
candles gave the perfect touch to the romantic evening. I sighed
leaning back. I sipped my second glass of wine and watched the door
carefully.
The door man would smile and utter the same greeting over and
over again. I would get excited and hope it was Jake. Sadly he was
already a good twenty minutes late.
"May I take your order?" the waitress asked. Her silver blond hair
was tucked neatly behind her ears as she smiled down at me.
"I'm waiting for some one" I said pushing the napkin I was
playing with back in place. She nodded and moved on to the next table.
There were couples holdig hands, with their forks and spoon clattering
against their fine china. I was the only one who was getting drunk
alone.
The wind touched my bare legs as the door opened. The door man said
his recorded greeting but it was mlre casual and pleasent. I turned
around ready to go when I see his hair. His warm hair stood out
against the slick hair do's of the door man. His smile made the
fluttering candles flame and turn into a bright flouresecent light.
"Mr. and Mrs. Blair how are you today?" I choked on the wine I
decided to finish off and stared at the lean fit figure next to his
body. Her dark hair tussled loosely behind her back in soft waves. I
twisted my straight flat hair and wished I had curled my hair. I
watched her hands come around his arm. I shivered as I shrank back
into the seat. I dropped my head in to my hands and watched the candle
flicker to a halt. How could I be so stupid? Out of all the things, I
had to go have sex with the boss! A married man. I bit my lips as
tears started to roll down my eyes. I quickly wiped them away and took
in a deep breath to clear my head. He hadn't divorced her. Okay. Now
there might be two reasons they're here together. One this is a
closure dinner. They just want to leave each other on good terms. Or
second; I'm a complete moron for thinking I could actually compete
with Donna's model body and sophistication with my sturdy legs and
clumsy cat walk.
" Kim? Right?" Donna asked as she came up to me. I looked up to
see Jake's pale face and Donna's tan glow.
"Yeah- Good evening ma'm" I said getting up.
"Just Donna." she smiled. Jake cleared his throat keeping his
eyes on Donna. I bit the inside of my lips until I tasted blood.
"You're here alone?" she asked. I looked up at Jake who was now
watching me. His eyes darted back and forth as his jaw tightened.
"I was supposed to- seems like he forgot" I said turning back to
Donna.
"Men are such derelicts. What you need is a man like my Jakey"
she grinned flashing her diamond ring as she flicked back her hair
with her hand.
"If only every man was like Mr. Blair." I said emphasizing on the
name.
"I hope your date shows up, it was nice running to you Kim"
Donna said shaking my hand.
"Like wise" I smiled. Donna sauntered over to a cabin in the
corner. Jake followed and glanced at me over my his shoulder. I turned
over to the empty seat in from of me and decided to leave.
"Waiting for me?" I looked up and found Ian grinning. His hair
was slightly messy yet very formal. He pulled on his blazer as he took
a seat in front of me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. He raised one of his eye brow
and smiled flashing his teeth.
"I thought we had a meeting?" he smirked. "Megan called me asking
me if I could tell you to bring back some beer- I asked why; she told
me we had a meeting" he explained crossing his hands.
"You didn't tell her the truth?" I asked trying to figure out his
game.
"I thought it would be more fun to ask you." he chuckled as my
face turned completely pale to a shade of pink.
"Ian- I have to go" I said getting up. He grabbed my wrist and
smiled.
"I'm rude I know, I'm not a bad guy" he smiled. I watched his
lips as they curled in to a perfect smile.
"That is a lie" I said sitting back down.
"Really?"
"You're the bad guy, I mean the Armani suit, the luscious formal
style hair, how your eyes glitter with evil-" I stopped as he grinned.
"All I hear is a description of a very alluring man" he chuckled.
I laughed as he wiggeled his eyebrows.
"You're evil, the bad guy simple." I said crossing my arms around
my chest.
"I don't mind at all- Bad guys do have all the fun" he said
leaning in a bit too close. I cleared my throat as the waitress came
back.
"Would you like to order something?" she asked, her body
completely turned towards Ian. I could understand how handsome he must
have looked underfur dim light. The shadows casted a mysterious
expression over his face. His emerald green eyes seem to stand out.
"No we were just leaving" I smiled and thanked the waitress. Ian
patted my hand and nodded.
"I know you're hungry I could hear your stomach growling." he
winked. I rolled my eyes and tapped my foot against the table's leg as
Ian ordered for the both of us.
"So who did you really come here to see." he asked. I shrugged
and sipped my wine. He chuckled and leaned in forward so our eyes
could meet.
"You know I'll just end up finding out for myself" he grinned.
"Judging on how nosy and sneaky you are, you probably already
know" I grinned back.
"True, it's too bad he's here with his wife" he smirked.
"Did you come here to rub it in and be an ass or -" I started to
say when the waitress came back with the food.
"What were you saying?" he asked picking up a fork.
"I don't get it Ian. Are you a friend or foe?" I asked rubbing my
forehead. He chuckled and rubbed his chin.
"I can't seem to decode which sides has more benefits" he smiled.
I bit my lips and clenched my teeth.
"Okay no more jokes. What do you think I am?" he grinned.
"I'm not sure. You seem to enjoy torturing me and being there
when ever I decide to embarrass myself, yet you don't tell any one
about me and Jake."
"First it's called coincidence or maybe destiny, second I seem to
find your expressions appealing" he shrugged drinking his wine. The
rest of the meal went by with small jokes, and discussion about work.
As the meal came to an end I started to think of how Megan would react
when I tell her what I was really here to do? I wouldn't tell her. She
doesn't need to know. I sighed as I got up and smiled up at Ian.
"Ian Conner?" a woman about thirty squealed. Ian raised his glass
signaling her that he had recognized the blonde pixie haired woman.
She wasn't much taller than I, but her heels made her seem just as tall.
"Ian darling how are you?" she asked placing her hands on his
shoulder. She turned towards me and gave me a slim grin. I looked down
to see my knee length mid night blue dress which I had found on sale
at forever 21.
"Oh is this your date?" she asked. Ian looked down at me and
winked.
"Oh no- she's a friend." he said grinning. Why can't I be his
girlfriend? What did that mean that I was just a friend? Am I not girl
friend material?
"Hi, I'm Kayla Roy." she said exteding her hand towards me. I
shook it noticing her clean manicured nails.
"I'm Kim Damion. Nice to meet you." I smiled.
"So how's work going Ian?" she asked. Ian gave it a thought.
"It's very interesting, I have to say I've made a great decision
on this one." he nodded.
"I bet you have. Hold on a second" she said as she turned away to
walk to a table near by.
"What did you mean by I'm just a friend?"
"Because you are?" he said.
"Well yeah but I'm not good enough to be your date? Are you
saying you're too good for me?" I asked tapping my foot. He laughed as
he rested his hand on my shoulder.
"Ian this is Howard- he's been purchasing companies here in New
York. His garments are the best in this state"
"Nice to meet you Howard" he smiled. Now that the introductions
were done Howard decided tolook ke over. Unlike Kayla he seem to like
what he saw. He smirked as he moved towards me. I stood my ground
smiling uncomfortabally as he extended his hand. I smiled politely and
gave my hand into his. He pushed back his black hair as his olive
brown eyes bored into my breast. He pulled my hand and kissed it .
"Howard. Nice to meet you-"
"My name is Kim" I said.
"Kim" he repeated entranced.
"Yes" I sighed.
"It's a pleasure to meet such a beauty." he winked as he rolled
his fingers up and down my bare shoulder.
Ian cleared his throat and chuckled at something Kayla had said.
"I'm staying at a hotel near by- here's a card" he said sliding a
card towards me. I hesitated and stared at my fingers twitch. I
clenched my fingers and formed a fist. It would be really nice to
punch out every one of those teeth so he could play wack the mole with
his tounge through out his life.
I raised my fist a fraction of an inch when Ians arm came around
my waist. He held me close and turned his eyes towards Howard.
"We should leave- unless you're not finish ogling my date." Ian
said with out a hint of laughter. His lips stretched out to a slim
line. I watched his eyes turn from emerald green to a complete dark
shade of teal. I swear I saw anger. I had seen it before in the
elevator and I'm seeing it now.
"I'll see you around Kayla. Oh and Howie next time be careful of
who you give your card to" he said.
"It's Howard" he corrected with anger.
"I don't give a fuck." he smiled and pulled me into his body as
we walked out the restaurant. He loosened his grip around my waist and
sighed.
"You're not a foe" I smiled as I took his face in my hands.
Before he could say anything I kissed his prickly cheek. He steppes
back smiling. I shrugged and winked.
"I could be nice too" I said and laughed as he gave me his other
cheek. I playfully pushed away still laughing. My laughing died down
to a tight smile wh. I saw Jake coming out with Donna.
"Ian what are you doing here?" Donna asked fixing his hair. He
pulled back pushing her away slightly.
"Came here to see Kim"
"Oh! You're the one who kept her waiting? What the hell is wrong
with you? No gentlemen keeps a lady waiting- not in our family." she
winked at me.
"Kim I hope you've been working on your article. Going out and
goofing off with your friends isn't going to get you a promotion. I
hope you're going home right now to do it" Jake pushed in. I watched
as his gaze fell on Ians rapped arm on my waist.
"Oh no, Ian and I were just going to get some ice cream" I said
as I pulled Ian along with me waving bye over my shoulder. I wanted to
look back and see the sorry face, but it would only ruin the dramatic
exit.
"You better do your home work youn lady, or you don't get a
star!" Ian joked. I laughed along side him as he whistled for a cab.
"Were you really going to punch the guy?" Ian asked when we were
in the cab. The seats were already heated while the air had a boring
scent of vanilla and something unknown that resembled smoke.
"Howard? I was going to punch him and run for it" I told him.
I leaned back and relaxed. I wonder if Jake changed his mind
about me- about his divorce. I guess I'll never know . Heck I'm never
going to speak to him. But what if he has a good reason? Kim you're
such a retard!
" You know you could still run away." he said and I some how knew
he wasn't talking about Howard any more.