In the Mix Read online

  “Exactly.” I smirk.

  “We need to find a cure for you soon!” She shakes her head and takes Loxy and Vader into the back.

  “I love you!” I bellow out.

  And out of nowhere . . .

  The bells go off and five people walk in with their pets as if they are in a parade. What the . . . ? Ok. I was not expecting this! I get them situated and give them their pick up times. And just like that, the shop comes to life and we are crazy busy.

  11:00 a.m.

  “Excuse me, I’m looking for CiCi.” I hear a woman say. I look up from the schedule.

  “That’s me.” I’m a little caught off guard. She’s a short woman, about Maddie’s height, at five foot nothing. She has light brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She also has downs syndrome. So, yeah, I was caught off guard at first but, I’m not a complete douchebag, so I bounce back.

  “Ooh . . . you are pretty.” She smiles as her eyes widen. Huh?

  “I’m sorry, did you have a pet you wanted groomed today?” I ignore the compliment.

  “No. I’m here to help. I’m Lindsey and I signed up to volunteer.” She smiles.

  “Lindsey, that is some fucking cool shit right there!” I say and goddamn it, I mean the shit out of it! How awesome is she? “Come on to the back. We’ve been getting slaughtered and can definitely use your help!” I show her the way.

  “You cursed!” she giggles.

  “I did. Are you ok with that?” I look back and arch my brows up at her.

  “It’s fucking awesome,” she laughs. “Is it ok if I curse? I’m not allowed to at home.”

  “Only around me. Not the customers.” I chuckle. I’m gonna love the hell out of this girl—I can feel it.

  “Cool!”

  “Alright, Ceese, I’m outta here. Buddy is next.” Charley takes her apron off and runs her arm across her forehead.

  “Fuck,” I sigh. Buddy is not one I want to give Lindsey. “Thanks for your help, Charley.”

  “I’ll see you for dinner tonight, right?” She leashes Loxy and Vader.

  “Am I cooking?” I ask.

  “Uh, no.” She looks at me weird.

  “I’ll definitely be there then.”

  “You wouldn’t be there if you were cooking?” She asks cuz she falls for this shit all of the time.

  “No. My cooking sucks.” I shrug.

  “So, you would cook then leave?”

  “No, I just wouldn’t show up. I don’t want to be guilted into eating my own food.” I shrug.

  “Your food wouldn’t be there if you didn’t show up in enough time to cook it.”

  “Exactly.”

  “You make me want to be a better alcoholic, Ceese.” She shakes her head and walks away.

  “See you at AA!” I shout.

  “What’s AA?” Lindsey asks.

  “Asswhores Anonymous.” I shrug.

  “Oh, I always wondered what that was,” she sighs. I should tell her the truth, but I think I’ll just leave it alone for now, especially since the damn door is jingling away.

  “Is this Buddy?” Lindsey asks just as I’m about to go out to greet the other customers. I turn to find her opening his cage.

  “Lindsey, no!” I say quickly but not quickly enough.

  Holy Fuck!

  I stand here rooted to the floor, jaw open, and eyes staring in disbelief. Buddy is loving on Lindsey like she is his long lost friend. He has never responded to anybody like this. Not even his owner, DeeDee.

  “You ready to get all cleaned up, Buddy. You are sooo cute.” She giggles at his kisses. “Should I take him over to the wash station?” She looks up at me.

  “Um, yeah . . . that one over there.” I say in disbelief. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Ok.”

  I head out to the front, still in shock. Wow. Just, wow. I grab the next few clients and bring them into the back. Lindsey is rinsing Buddy down. I walk over to them to instruct her on what to do. Buddy barks at me as if to say Back off, bitch! Gladly, dude.

  I grab Delilah, the poodle, and take her over to the next station. I keep an eye on Lindsey. She’s wonderful with Buddy. She’s calm and gentle. He’s like a completely different dog.

  The last few hours have flown by. Actually, the whole day has flown by! I can’t believe how busy I was. I wish that were the case on a more regular basis. Although, many of the customers today were very happy with my work—our work—and said they would be coming back. I could really use the boost in clientele!

  Lindsey stayed with me the rest of the day. She was only supposed to do two hours but she loved it and I loved having her here! We’ve really connected. There’s something so simple between us—acceptance. We both sense it, I think. Her brother is picking her up soon and I want to talk to him about her working here part-time. She’s awesome with the animals, she does a great job, and honestly, it’s hard to find good people who care as much. She shouldn’t be wasting her time bagging groceries. Hell no!

  I walk out of the bathroom and hear chatter coming from the front. I hope that’s her brother she let in here and not a stranger! I push the swinging door. Looking up, we lock eyes.

  Faaaaaaaacccckkkk!

  “CiCi, tell him!” Lindsay shrieks. Kyle’s eyes continue to burn into me. You bitches saw that coming, didn’t you? Mother fucker!

  “Tell me what?” he asks and licks his bottom lip. I lick mine involuntarily. His brows dart up. Fuck the butterflies in my belly! Why does this guy affect me so much? Jesus, I haven’t felt butterflies in my stomach like this since . . . since—Drew! No!

  “I have nothing to tell you.” I’m suddenly not feeling so good.

  “CiCi, you said you would like me to work here part-time, if I could.” Lindsay reminds me. Her voice so quiet, it’s almost as if she’s ready to accept the disappointment in the fact that I lied to her. Shit.

  “Right.” I smile at her. “I’d love for Lindsay to come and work for me.” I look back at him.

  “Really?” he asks with a look. I don’t know what that look is. Is he in shock?

  “Yes. She’s a good worker, loves the animals, and they love her back. I’d love to have her here.” I avoid his eyes now; they pierce right through me.

  “CiCi, that’s wonderful. I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind at all.” He crosses the room to me. Shit . . . why is he crossing the room to me? His hands grasp my upper arms gently. “Thank you, Ceese,” he says softly. His eyes are full of warmth. He squeezes my arms a little for emphasis. I bite the inside of my cheek because I’m all levels of uncomfortable right now. “You have no idea how amazing you are—how amazing your offer just was,” he almost whispers now. His fresh minty breath pleasantly travels up my nostrils. He leans in closer to my face.

  And . . .

  He eskimo kisses me.

  I know, right?

  “Ceese,” he breathes then leans in more to kiss me. I pull away.

  “So, here’s my business card, Lindsay, with the store hours on it.” I say as I round the counter to get one. “Just let me know what hours you want to work. You can set your own schedule, sweetie.” I smile nervously and walk the card over to her—completely avoiding her brother.

  “You ready, Linz?” Kyle asks her as he walks up behind me. He places his hand on my back and slides it up to my left shoulder. “Thanks, Ceese,” he says into my ear then plants a prolonged kiss on my cheek. My stomach leaps up to my heart.

  “Can I come this Monday?” she asks.

  “Sure!” I pull away from Kyle again. “Thank you so much for all of your help today.” I give her a hug. I’m not much of a hugger. I only don’t mind hugging my family. I don’t mind hugging Lindsay at all. Hmm . . . strange.

  “C’mon, Linz.” Kyle says as we break from our hug. He puts his hand on her back in a protective manner as they head to the door. I turn away from them, grab the box UPS dropped off today, and take it to the back room. Placing the box on the table, I open it, and put the product away before I le
ave. The sound of the swinging door grabs my attention. I turn my head just as Kyle reaches for my arm and turns my whole body to face him—aggressively. I gasp (like a fucking Disney princess). He forces me to back up against the wall. His right hand grasps me by the back of my neck. I try to push him off; my heart is racing so fast, I feel it may explode out of my chest. Kyle grabs my hands and slams them up against the wall above my head. He shifts so that his left hand encircles both of my wrists. His right hand reclaims the back of my neck.

  “Get—” I try to yell but Kyle’s mouth is quick to shut mine up as he slams it against me. His tongue licks hard into my mouth. I try to fight him. Every time I do—he licks harder—taking my breath away. Finally, a slight moan of defeat escapes my throat and I give into his demands. Kyle then kisses the ever-loving fuck out of me. You know what? I give that shit right back to him. Mother fucker! Invading my mind every day, the way he does—he deserves it!

  Kyle groans as I suck the shit out of his bottom lip. He finally frees his lips from the clutches of my teeth. He stares deeply into my eyes, barely able to catch his breath. My lungs match his tempo. He releases my arms. Just when I think he’s going to back up, his hands quickly reach down behind my thighs, above my knees, and he lifts them and me up. He wraps my legs around his waist and pushes my back up against the wall again. My arms flail in a panic and I grab his shoulders. Slowly, he leans up to my mouth and lays the softest kiss on them. He does it again and again. His tongue slides across the slit of my lips. I part them for him and his tongue darts in caressing mine so patiently, I whimper.

  His hands slide up my thighs and around to my ass. He cups me possessively and gives a little squeeze as he grinds into me, taking his time exploring my mouth. I have never been kissed this gently in my life. I feel like he’s savoring every second our mouths are locked. I may be doing that as well, but I won’t commit to that statement.

  “CiCi.” He pecks.

  “Hmm?” I feel so lightheaded.

  “Give me a chance; I’m not such a bad guy.” He kisses me again.

  “No. You’re one of the good ones.” I pull back. “Which, to me, means you are bad.” My head clears up. “Put me down, Kyle. It’s never going to happen. Get off of me.” I look away from him.

  “You. Are. Wrong!” he says angrily.

  “No, I’m not.” I bring my eyes back to his. “Put me down. I don’t want this. I don’t want you.” I push at his shoulders.

  “You’re a fucking liar. You want this and you want it with me,” he says through his teeth.

  “If I fuck you once, will you leave me the hell alone?” I try to act indifferent and roll my eyes.

  Kyle drops me. I almost fall to the floor but catch myself. He stares at me intensely. His jawline twitches. “Lindsay will be here on Monday and I promise to stay the fuck away from you,” he states calmly. Well, as calmly as one can when you’re angry as hell.

  “Good.” I widen my eyes in a snarky manner.

  He stares with angry eyes.

  My eyes continue their snark at him.

  His hands grasp my face so quick, I may have gotten whiplash. His mouth smacks mine hard. He sucks my lower lip painfully . . . that is until he bites it so hard I yelp before he lets go. He let’s go of my head, pushing it back a little. My fingers reach up to comfort my lip. Kyle shakes his head at me—same angry look intact.

  He turns and hits the swinging door open. It hits the wall on the other side making a loud bang sound that makes me jump. I listen for the sound of the bells on the door to jingle. They do within seconds. I run out to the store and quickly lock the door. I go to the backroom again where there are no windows. No chance of anyone having the ability to see me.

  All alone.

  The way I like it.

  I cry.

  Fuck my life!

  No. It’s a figure of speech. Don’t get all I’m gonna psychoanalyze this bitch! I’ve got Maddie for that—thank you!

  It’s been two weeks. You think I could get her out of my mind for at least one fucking day? No. I’ve tried everything. Tonight I’m trying something new. I’m going on a date with someone else. Paige from finance. She’s cute. We’ve been working a lot together. She’s done more than drop a hint or two that she’s interested. Fuck CiCi!

  So, here I go. Hey, maybe it will work out. Maybe I’m not really meant to be with CiCi. Fuck. I just said that. You know what that means, right? I’m not going to get her or those fucking gorgeous green eyes off my mind all night!

  I get out of the car when I see Paige heading down her stairs with a spring in her step. “Hi.” I smile and kiss her cheek before opening the door for her. She smells like sweet candy and flowers. Crap. I bet she was a cheerleader.

  “Hi!” she giggles. Why the hell is she giggling? What’s so funny? She gets in and I close the door. I look up at the sky for some sort of divine intervention. I fear this may be the longest date of my life. It already feels too long. Bad attitude, Kyle. I shake my head and head over to the driver’s side.

  “Where are we going?” she asks when I get in.

  “Dinner?” I look over at her and study her for a moment. Her blonde hair is just above her shoulders—not a hair out of place. It sort of looks like a helmet. I start laughing. Her hair looks like Twiki’s, Buck Roger’s robot. She giggles. I laugh harder. She giggles more. Fuck . . . it’s going to be a long night, for sure!

  I head out onto the main road and drive to the restaurant. I’m taking her to La Bella’s in Salem, New Hampshire. This is not just a pleasure trip. It’s business. Mitch has his eye on it for Charlotte. She loves to cook and I have to say, I’ve had the pleasure of eating her food. Amazing! So I’m casing out the joint for him.

  “Ooh . . . I love Italian!” Paige says like it’s her first time ever visiting a restaurant. Of course, this is followed up by a giggle. Someone, someday will appreciate her giggling. Thirty minutes into the date, I can tell you I am definitely not that someone.

  We’ve finished our dinner. Thank Christ! Not only is Paige a giggler, she’s a slow eater. Like ridiculously slow. I’ve been done for forty-five minutes. She’s talked and giggled me into a fucking migraine!

  “Oooh!” She gets wide-eyed. She also says Oooh a lot! “There’s a new karaoke place up the road! We should go there!” She taps my hand. Shit!

  “Hold on! Let me ask my friend about it. He lives up here.” I smile as I pull out my phone to text Mitch and Trent.

  MAYDAY!!! HELP!!! SOS!!!

  I finish my text and look up at her. She flashes me a huge smile . . . with a huge piece of something in her teeth. Should I tell her? She gestures that she’s going to run to the bathroom as soon as my phone rings. I nod and smile. I answer once she’s far enough away.

  “Dude! Help me!” I greet Mitch.

  “Not working out, huh?” he chuckles.

  “Man, my head is ready to explode! What are you guys doing?” I ask desperately.

  “We were thinking of going out,” he says and sighs like he’s still contemplating.

  “Good! Meet us at the karaoke bar up the street from this place.”

  “Uh, Ok. How’s the restaurant?” he asks quietly.

  “Nice! It has a great location here just off of 28. I think she’ll love it!” I smile. “Fuck. She’s coming back! Meet us there, ok?” I beg.

  “Ok.”

  “And, Mitch?”

  “Yes?”

  “Hurry . . . please!” I give a final plea. He just laughs at me. Asshole!

  I hang up just as the waitress brings my card back to me. I stand up. I can’t sit another minute here with her. “Ready?” I smile.

  “Sure. You didn’t want to have coffee?” she crooks her head.

  “Nah. Let’s go!” I’m not even about to ask her if she wants coffee.

  We head out to my car and take the drive ten minutes down the road.

  Twenty-three times.

  Sorry.

  Giggle count: Twenty-three times.
/>   In ten minutes.

  Ya feeling me?

  You’re asking why, aren’t you? Why am I continuing with this date if I’m miserable? Two reasons. 1. I work with her and she’s generally a nice girl so I don’t want to be a jerk. 2. CiCi.

  Got it?

  We get to McPherson’s Karaoke bar and head in to get a table. I let Paige know that Mitch and Charlotte will be joining us. It just occurred to me, when she got giddy and giggled, that I may have been sending out the wrong message by making this a double date. Fuck. I think she now thinks that I think things are going so well, I want her to hang out with my friends. Yes, she knows Mitch but the fact that this is Mitch makes it even worse. Oh well! I sit back and watch the clock. Ugh!

  Finally, after fifteen minutes, Mitch walks in with Charlotte. And . . .

  Faaaaacccckkkkk!

  We lock eyes. I proceed to do what I do next when we lock eyes. Yes. I fuck her. I fuck her with my goddamn eyes every time. You know what? She fucks me back. I know it. My dick knows it. We eye fuck. We give good eye fuck.

  “Hey guys!” I stand up and shake Mitch’s hand. I kiss Charlotte on the cheek. I stare at CiCi—thrusting into her one more time.

  Paige? You know what Paige is doing . . . hee hee. Christ! CiCi widens her eyes at me when Paige’s giggling fit rolls into the next. I widen mine back at her.

  We both snort.

  We all finally sit. Paige grabs my arm and puts it over her shoulder and snuggles into me like one does on a first date. Awkward. CiCi, probably for the pure pleasure of seeing me uncomfortable, is laughing her ass off. Part of me wants to laugh with her, but then I remember. I remember that she’s the one who’s supposed to have my arm around her. She’s not and it’s her fault. So instead of laughing with her, like I want to, I pull a dick move. I bring my forefinger under Paige’s chin to lift her face up and I kiss her. Then I deepen the kiss. Giggling aside—Paige can kiss and she seems more than happy to be kissing me. A minute or so later, I pull away after giving her another quick peck. Paige snuggles into me a bit more as I bring my eyes up. My eyes find CiCi’s. She’s not laughing anymore. She seems uncomfortable. Good.