Mended by By Kimberly M. Clayborne Read Free Book Online

entire situation worse. 
    Tim pulled out and drove down the street as Kassie greeted her “friend” with a kiss. His kiss, as Tim saw it and his anger became almost unbearable. Why does he get to kiss you ! He thought angrily. Why not me?
    The attractive couple faded into the distance as Tim drove down the street. He didn’t understand it. He honestly couldn’t stand her. So why was he feeling this way?
    *****
    Kassie’s mind was on the “Tim moment” all day and Nick saw it in her expression. She lowered her head as he stroked her cheek. They were sitting on the porch together. Nick pulled her away to talk to her for just a moment. They had a bit of an argument last night over the phone and needed to clear some things up.
    “You know that call last night left me feeling a lot of things for you.” He said softly.
    “That’s good and bad. Remember what I said.”
    “Yeah, can’t change that.” He shook his head, standing up and walking away from her.
    “She hates me and you love her. I can’t compete.” Kassie said softly to his broad back.
    Nick looked back at her and sighed softly.
    “Maya’s hoping Julissa and I will get back together, and honestly I think Julissa is hoping the same thing. But I can’t be with a woman who cheats.” He said softly. “All of this is partly my fault because I should have left Julissa a long time ago. I should never have allowed them to think there was a chance for reconciliation.” 
    Kassie nodded in understanding. She was apprehensive about divorcing Monroe at first but the miscarriage made the decision for her.
    “I know you tried to do the right thing, but your daughter is your top priority. I can’t elbow my way into your life when she’s resistant to me. Our entire life together would be miserable, we’d fight constantly, and I don’t want that.” Kassie said as he walked back to her.
    Nick dropped his head. “I know”, he whispered, kneeling in front of her.
    “Stay the night with me.” She said. He looked up quickly. “Then tomorrow morning we can let go.”
    Nick stared at her and she leaned forward slowly kissing his lips.
    “I will.” He whispered. “I have to run out to the drugstore.”
    She nodded.
    Kassie had truly enjoyed spending time with Nick. He had become a pleasant distraction for her. The problem was his daughter. The little girl had detested Kassie from the first moment they met and coming from a broken home herself, Kassie could sympathize. She refused to be the reason for Nick’s bad relationship with his child and Kassie would never make him choose.
    *****
    When darkness came, the fireworks began and Nick left for the drugstore. Fear and excitement filled her because she hadn’t ever been with anyone other than Monroe, and she had never done a one night thing in her life. In a word, she was scared witless of what would happen in her bedroom tonight but Kassie knew without a doubt that every part of her wanted it. She felt alive and free tonight and it had taken a long time to get her life back. Kassie was determined to enjoy it. 
    *****
    Closing the front gate behind him, Tim began up the path when he saw Kassie’s “friend” walking out of the backyard. Griffin ran to the fence in anticipation of seeing Kassie, but stopped upon seeing the powerfully built man walking over to them. Tim could have sworn the dog actually sighed in disappointment as he turned, ran up the stairs and flopped down on the porch. Tim watched him, shaking his head; even the damn dog had the hots for her!
    “Hi.” Nick leaned casually against the fence.
    “Hey.” Tim nodded.
    “Tim right?”
    “Yeah.” Tim said wondering how he knew who he was.
    “Nick.” He said.
    Tim offered a hand and Nick shook it.
    “Nice to meet you.”
    “You too.” He tossed a look over at Kassie’s place then back at Tim. “She’s beautiful isn’t she?”
    “She is.” Tim said softly.
    Nick gave him a look that clearly stated that he didn’t like the