Mended by By Kimberly M. Clayborne Read Free Book Online Page B

but got lower at about ten. He was grateful for that, as the neighborhood parties were often very quiet. “But you said I was welcome over for a beer or something.”
    “Of course, come on.” She said in a voice full of hospitality and walked towards the food table.
    Tim watched her, not being able to take his eyes off her . . . only to find Nick watching him with an arched brow and a knowing look on his face. Tim straightened his back, lifted his chin and composed himself before following her across the yard, suddenly understanding Griffin’s infatuation with the woman.
    A burst of yellow lit up the neighborhood to a chorus of excited kids cheering. Kassie introduced him to the friends they passed along the way and made him a heaping plate of food while he talked to Ashley Holden, one of her single friends who had been eyeing him the moment he stepped in the yard.
    A twinge of jealousy filled Kassie as she listened to the two make possible plans for a night out on the town.
    “Ok, I want to go home with him tonight!” Her best friend Rose Keaton said to her laughingly as Kassie placed ribs and a burger on a plate. On a separate plate, she put chips, fries and a little salad without dressing.
    “I don’t think Paulie would like that.” She said referring to Rose’s husband.
    Rose scoffed.
    “Like I give two craps how he feels.” She sipped her soda. “He eye fucks any chick with big tits and a tiny waist . . . including you, by the way.”
    Kassie looked up quickly. “Oh Rosie I wouldn’t . . . at least not anymore, now that he’s married to you.” Kassie said turning to her best friend with a teasing look in her eye.
    They shared a giggle.
    Paul was cute in a nerdy mathematician or accountant kind of way, even though he was a History professor. He was tall and skinny with a deep love for Steam-Punk. But there was something different about him, something sexy. It was as if you kind of knew that he was hiding a bad boy side or something.
    “Take him. I’ll trade lives with you.” Rose said. “Any day.”
    “Paulie piss you off?”
    “My new pumps!” Rose pouted. “He took them.”
    “Why?”
    “I was over our agreed limits.” She mumbled miserably.
    “Has he been holding to his side of the deal?”
    “Yes.” Rose rolled her eyes sullenly.
    Kassie smiled, her eyes catching Tim giving Ashley’s hand a kiss. A shot of jealousy rippled through her.
    “Worst of all is that now he’s holding out as punishment because I called him prissy.”
    “Uh-oh.”
    “Yeah, right?” She said shaking her head and crossing her arms. She stared over at her husband. He gave her a tonight’s the night stare and Rosie dropped her soda can.
    “Looks like the drought is over.” Kassie said out of the side of her mouth as she turned back to the table.
    “Yeah, I’ll uh, I’ll see ya.” Rosie made a bee line to her husband who gave her a sexy smile.
    Tim walked over as she put a hotdog on his plate. He wondered if she was just being nice to him in order to get back to her date.
    “I’ll do that.” Tim said taking his plate. “Your boyfriend looks like he wants to hand my teeth to me.”
    Kassie looked at Nick as he stared at them. He did look annoyed.
    “Unfortunately he isn’t my boyfriend.” Kassie sighed regretfully. “His daughter kind of hates my guts.”
    “Can’t imagine why.” He said sarcastically. Suddenly he was annoyed with her, annoyed by the fact that she was spending the evening snuggled up next to another man.
    Kassie frowned at him and Tim instantly regretted the words.
    “Well enjoy yourself.” She started away from him and he grabbed her arm softly.
    “That was mean of me to say.” He apologized.
    “I’m used to it.”
    His eyes hazed in shock as a series of colors exploded above them.
    “ You’re used to it?” He said in shock. “Sweetheart I’m a saint compared to you. I have been all year.”
    Kassie scoffed.
    “A saint or Satan?”
    “Yes, a saint.” He said,