25. Kat

Chapter 25

E ven though Alex offered to watch Addison so I could handle my classroom, I feel bad. With their company, the club, and whatever else they might do, I feel like he could probably have a more productive day if he wasn’t stuck doing the job they hired me for.

That is until I walk downstairs and find Alex and Addison in an absolute mess of ingredients at the kitchen counter.

“Oh my,” I can’t help but laugh at the state of them. I try to cover it up with a cough, but I don’t think Alex is buying it. “What happened here?”

“We're making French Toast!” Addison exclaims, bouncing around, and I swear cinnamon flies off of her like fairy dust.

“Cooking is apparently the Princess’ new favorite pastime, thanks to someone.” Alex raises a brow at me, and it only makes me laugh harder. “She wanted to make breakfast, and of course, I couldn’t tell her no. Though it does seem a bit unfortunate that neither of us knows what we're doing.”

Despite how adorable they are like this, I decide to take pity on him. Moving around the counter to better see what they have to work with, I quickly help them whip up a mixture for the bread and show them how to dip it and place it on the griddle.

“Mommy saved the day!” Addison claps in excitement as she dips the next piece of bread, and I smile down at her.

“Yes, you’ve saved my reputation. Remind me to thank you later, Cherry.” Alex’s voice is deep and husky as he pulls me back into his chest so that I can feel his hard length. I have no doubt about what he means by that.

Clearing my throat, I move out of his arms and tuck a piece of stray hair behind my ear, nervously fidgeting.

“Maybe we should spend some time in the kitchen so you can learn, too. That way, you won’t need saving.” I half expect him to laugh and wave my comment off. After all, they have a chef. What do they need to learn to cook for?

He does laugh, but he nods while he does it, catching me off guard. “You're probably right. Besides, if we make a mess, I wouldn’t mind cleaning you up.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me suggestively, and I roll my eyes.

I swear I’ll never get used to the way he and Desmond make everything sexual.

“Ready when you are, Kat.” I almost jump out of my skin at the sound of Vincent’s voice behind me. He hadn’t been here when I came down, and with a man his size, I feel like he shouldn’t be able to sneak up on people so easily.

I blame it on Alex distracting me and quickly wash my hands before dropping a kiss to the top of Addison’s head. Alex, of course, doesn't let me leave without also kissing him, and despite my concern with PDA in front of Addison, she doesn’t seem to notice or care.

Moving rooms sounded simple enough, but it ended up taking the better part of the day. The room I’ll be taking over used to be for a higher grade, and as such, I have a lot to move around and change so that it will fit my students. I hadn’t even realized how much stuff I had until it was time to move it all. Every wall decoration, supply, and even the desks need to be swapped out. Thankfully, the janitor is going to handle the desks and the large carpet. He gave me a roll of painter's tape and told me to mark where I wanted everything for him to handle later this week.

The room, while bigger than my old one, isn't exactly better, but after a while I get it to a point where I’m happy with it, mostly. Anything else will be left to finish after the janitor moves everything around.

I quickly go to the bathroom and clean up. The room had been dusty and kind of gross, and I don’t want to sit in the car like that, even if I still needed to shower when I got home.

Desmond is already home for the day and has been messaging me just about nonstop about anything and everything he can. From pictures of Addison and Alex on the playground to him dripping wet in the pool, with his trunks sitting super low on his hips. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a great motivator for me to call it quits for the day.

Walking back into the room, I stop in my tracks when I come face to face with a huge bouquet that sits on my desk.

Those were not there before…there’s no way I missed them.

There’s nobody here. I look around to make sure, but it’s not like there’s anywhere to hide. Nope, it’s just me. The only person I’d seen while here this whole time was the janitor, and somehow, I doubt he left them.

The flowers are a beautiful mix of lilies, roses, daisies, and a few other things I have no idea the names of, but they're no less beautiful. They’re all shades of pink and light purple with white mixed in, and as I get closer, I can smell how fresh they are.

I’ve only received flowers a few times in my life, and they were mostly for events like graduation, never just because.

A smile tugs at my lips as I reach them, leaning in to really breathe them in. They have to be from one of the guys, maybe Alex? Or it could be Desmond. Nathan had just given me a necklace last night, so I don’t think it would be him, but honestly, it could be, especially after the way he talked about spoiling me.

The edge of a note sticks out, just barely visible through the flowers. I snatch it out, excited to see who it was. I’ll have to make sure I thank them properly later.

Always on my mind, I saw these and knew I had to get them for you. I know we’ve been apart for a while, but don’t worry, soon we’ll be together again. You were made for me. Mine.

Until then, xoxo

There’s no name, but I don’t need one to know who sent these.

My hand trembles, and the card slips through my fingers, slowly floating down to the ground. I make no move to retrieve it. In fact, I don’t move at all as panic floods my veins.

This can’t be happening.

He cheated on me. I left him and that whole life behind. He’s free to be with whoever he wants, so long as it’s not me…so why would he be reaching out? Why wait so long?

My mind races. The possibilities are endless, but despite the reason, regardless of what it is, there’s no denying this is Carter.

I leave the flowers, the sweet smell now turning my stomach. I quickly lock up my class and make my way outside. I’d originally told Vincent I’d message him when I was done, so he didn’t have to sit and wait on me. But just like at the mall, he’d insisted and as I make my way outside, I find him seated in the car right where I left him, and I can’t help but feel a sense of relief.

The last thing I want right now is to be alone.

I make my way down the front stairs and across the faculty lot to the limo without so much as giving Vincent a chance to start it. I probably look a little crazy right now, but I can’t bring myself to care. I just need to get away from here.

“Kat?” The question in Vincent’s voice is clear, but I ignore it.

“Hey, Vincent. I’m all done for the day. We can head back now. Thanks.” I say in a rush, despite trying not to draw attention to myself.

They're just flowers.

He’s not here.

I tell myself over and over, and while it does make me feel a bit better, it’s not a cure-all. Just because he’s not here now doesn’t mean he won’t be.

I feel Vincent’s eyes on me in the mirror. I don’t want to look at him, for him to get a glimpse of the panic that’s damn near eating me alive right now. But something tells me we won’t be going anywhere as it is right now.

I tilt my head up until our eyes meet and force a smile to my lips. It feels fake on my face, and judging from the way his lips pull down, he thinks the same. I expect him to push, demand answers, and maybe even go back into the school.

Instead, he holds my gaze for a moment before he looks away. The car hums to life, and I can’t help but let out a sigh of relief when we pull out of the lot.

Neither of us talks the whole ride back to the house. I try to use the time in silence to get a hold of myself.

By the time we pull up to the gates, I’ve almost convinced myself I imagined it…almost but not quite. It would be easier if the fresh scent of the flowers wasn’t clinging to me like a bad smell, choking me with every breath.

I need to take a shower and get my mind on something else, anything else.

The second Vincent pulls up in front of the house, I’m out the door and up the stairs. It’s not until I reach the house that I realize how rude I must seem to him right now.

Crap, Vincent doesn’t deserve that.

Pausing for a moment, I find him standing outside the driver's side door, watching me. I shout back my thanks for the ride, and after a moment, he gives me a nod. It’s not perfect, and I’m not sure he doesn’t hate me now, but at least it’s something.

The house is quiet when I enter, which is odd, considering I know Alex and Addison are here, but I don’t give myself time to dwell on it. Taking advantage of it, I make my way up to my room for a shower.

I just need to get the smell to go away so I can think clearly.

Throwing the water on, I hastily pull off my clothes before stepping in. I’d been so eager to get in the shower that I hadn’t adjusted the temperature correctly. The cold water hits my back, and I let out a hiss but make myself stay where I am, hoping it will help clear my mind.

It doesn’t do as much as I’d hoped, but by the time I’m done, I can at least breathe easier, kind of.

I need to distract myself, and the best way I know to do that is to go find Addison. Throwing on a sundress, I make my way downstairs. This time, I can hear her voice as it bounces off the walls.

“Hey, Kitten.” I’d been so lost in my thoughts that Desmond scares the shit out of me. With a squeak of surprise, I reach out to grab the banister before I can tumble down the stairs face first.

“Damn, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” Desmond says, reaching out to steady me, and I shake my head.

It’s not his fault I’m so on edge right now. I’m already a jumpy person, as is, and that’s without knowing someone's watching me.

“No, it’s my fault I wasn’t paying attention,” I assure him, attempting to plaster a smile on my face and failing.

Desmond stands looking me over for a moment, and I nervously shift my weight from one foot to the other under his gaze. Normally, having his eyes on me is exciting, but right now, it’s terrifying. He, Alex, and Nathan read me so well that I can almost guarantee I won’t be getting away with keeping quiet.

“Katherine, what’s wrong?” My head snaps up at the sound of my full name from his lips. It’d been a while since he called me Kat, let alone Katherine. Instead, they all seem to enjoy their nicknames. Even Nathan has one now.

“Mommy!” Addison’s voice rings out around the room a second before she slams into me, almost taking us both to the ground.

“Hey honey,” I say, soothing her hair back when she looks up at me. “Did you have a good day with Uncle Alex?” I ask because they seemed to be enjoying themselves this morning, but it also seems like a fantastic distraction right now.

“Woah, Princess, when did you get so damn fast?” Alex asks as he jogs around the corner, huffing and puffing dramatically.

“Oh! You said a bad word!” Addison says, turning to point an accusing finger at Alex, who chuckles. I’ve yet to see the swear jar they have for ice cream, but I have a feeling it’s got to be huge with their mouths.

Funny enough, it’s even worse when she’s not around. It’s not as if they aren’t trying, and it’s adorable.

Bending down, I scoop Addison up and pull her close. She melts into my hug, and honestly, I needed this; I needed a moment to breathe.

“What do you say we give Uncle Alex a break this time?” I say, pulling back to meet her eyes. “I’m pretty sure he’s just jealous you're so much faster than him now because he’s so old.”

Addison’s eyes go wide before she breaks out into a fit of giggles, and I swear it’s the most contagious thing in the whole world. I’m not sure who could possibly hear her laugh and keep a straight face.

I hear Desmond chuckle behind me, and when I meet Alex’s gaze over Addison’s head, I find him glaring at me, but his eyes tell me he's not really mad.

“Old, huh?” Alex asks, stalking toward us with his eyes narrowed, and Addison begins to squirm in my hold, no doubt knowing exactly what's coming.

Alex gets a few steps away before he lunges forward, and Addison’s scream rings out on the high ceilings as he tickles her without mercy.

“Mommy said it!” she cries, panting and fighting for air between giggles, and Alex pauses.

“She did, didn’t she?” he asks, turning his gaze to me, and I can’t help but take a step back. Addison giggles before all but pushing out of my arms, and I regrettably let her down.

There goes my shield.

“Alex.” I hold my hands up, trying to keep him from attacking me the way he had Addison. I don’t make it far, though, before I run into a solid form behind me, and I know without looking, it’s Desmond. Of course, he would help him.

“Cheater,” I hiss at him over my shoulder, unwilling to look away from Alex.

“Call it what you want, Kitten. I enjoy seeing you smile. Sue me.”

Addison stands to my right, a huge smile on her face as her eyes volley back and forth between me and Alex, and I know I have one of two choices.

I stand here and let Alex tickle me like I’m a child, or I run.

Can I escape him? Probably not. But it sounds better than standing here and taking it.

Without giving myself another second to think about it, I take off. For just one glorious second, I get to see the look of shock on his face before he’s behind me, and I need to pay attention to where I’m going.

I run, skidding into the dining room, thankful I’d skipped socks. In socks, I have no doubt I would have flown across this floor with how polished it is. Taking a sharp left, I run through the kitchen and right to the sliding glass door that leads to the deck. It takes me longer than it should to pull the door open, and I can hear Alex’s heavy steps as he closes in on me. Before I can panic too much, the door finally opens, and I burst out of it like my ass is on fire.

Or, you know, like there’s a man chasing me to try to tickle me.

“You should know I enjoy a good chase, Cherry,” Alex yells, and I dare glance back to find him still at the deck. He’s not far behind, but it also doesn’t look like he’s taking this very seriously, yet. I might have said Alex was old, but I have no doubt he could catch me if he wanted to. He’s in great shape, and I’ve seen his stamina firsthand. “But not as much as I’ll enjoy catching you.”

His words sound innocent enough, but I know better. With Alex and Desmond, everything has a double meaning, a dirty meaning.

Ruby barks and runs near my feet, mistaking my running for playing with her, and I almost wipe out.

“Go get Alex Ruby!” I pant, pointing him back toward Alex, making a mental note to get him a special treat when he changes direction.

“Run, Mommy!” Addison’s little shout rings out around the yard, and I dart my gaze to the second sliding glass door further down the house near the play structure. Des and her stand just outside the door, watching us with smiles on their faces as Addison cheers me on, and I swear my cheeks hurt from smiling.

“Sending the dog after me was cheap, Cherry,” Alex tsks, and I startle at how close his voice is.

When the hell did he get so close?

Not giving myself enough time to overthink, I turn toward Des and Addy and take full advantage of the door they left open.

I run in so fast I almost topple over the back of the couch. I don’t know every bit of the house one hundred percent yet, and while I’ve been in this room, I don’t spend much time in here.

Tripping over myself, I manage to keep myself upright and get back out into the foyer before I dare glance back, only to watch Alex leap the couch as if it’s nothing.

Fuck.

Note to self: Alex isn’t old.

And I might not mind being chased, either. I realize as his eyes meet mine, and I feel my blood heat.

I know for a fact he’s going to catch me, and I should probably just give up and beg for mercy. Before I can, a strong arm bands around my waist, spinning me around as my feet come off the ground, and I come face to face with Vince.

“Apologies, Kat, but I don’t think you would have appreciated running into me,” he says as I look up at him, and I swear I see a hint of mischief in his eyes.

He’s not wrong, though. If I’d run into him, I would have been on my ass for sure. Not to mention, I might have actually hurt myself. The guy is built. I probably would have been better off hitting the wall if I’m being honest.

“Ugh, no. I, um…” I struggle to get words out, taken by surprise by his presence and by how close we are right now.

His lips ticks up in a smirk as he sets me back on the ground before taking a step back, and I furrow my brows in confusion.

I thought Vince left…

“Daddy!” Addison yells, and I turn to find Nathan a few feet away, his eyes on me and Vince until the last moment when he scoops Addison up.

“I thought you were going to be at the office late today?” Alex asks from behind me, and I turn to find him leaning against the banister, the picture of ease. He winks at me, but other than that, you wouldn’t know he just damn near chased me through the whole house.

Well, I guess the whole house is an exaggeration. There’s a lot of house here, after all.

“I intended to be, but Vince said there was an issue.” Nathan’s words have me turning back to him in confusion.

What issue?

“Princess, why don’t you go and find Oli and see what we’re doing for dinner tonight?” He sets her down, and she quickly runs up the stairs in search of her cousin.

“What issue?” Alex asks, sounding as lost as I feel, and I’m grateful I’m not the only one.

I take a step back away from Vince and toward the stairs myself, feeling as if I shouldn’t be here. Whatever it is they're talking about, I’m sure it’s none of my business.

“Katherine.”

Four sets of eyes turn toward me, and suddenly, I wish I’d left with Addison. Even Oliver’s cold shoulder would be better than this because I have a very good idea of what the issue might be.

I whip back to face Vince, and despite his blank expression, I’d bet my paycheck he had more than a little something to do with this.

“I knew something was wrong earlier,” Desmond says, and I look down at the floor.

He had realized, and I have no doubt Alex and Nathan would have as well, given the chance. Addison had been a wonderful distraction, but with her gone, I can feel the weight in my stomach thinking about going back to that school, back in my classroom. The idea of Carter being there when I was in the bathroom, or even someone else, of being watched.

But what are they going to do?

I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to sound pathetic. For them to know Carter cheated on me. It’s stupid, but I’m almost afraid admitting it out loud will somehow clue them in that I’m not worth what they seem to think I am.

“I…” I’m not sure what to say, and I bite into my lip, trying to think and keep hold of my emotions.

It’s not just about me, though. If someone is watching me, I need to tell them. They need to know I might not be the best bet for Addison. I might not be able to keep her safe.

“Someone left something in my classroom today,” I mumble, wringing my hands together nervously.

“Something like what?” Nathan asks, and I can hear the hit of edge to his tone, but I can’t bring myself to look up at him.

“Flowers…” Panic threatens to choke me as I remember the tiny piece of paper nestled in the flowers. How I’d thought they were beautiful before and how those tiny words had ruined them. “And a note.”

My voice doesn’t sound like my own. So quiet and unsure. In the last few months, I’d done a lot of growing, and my confidence, while still shaky at times, is much better than it was when I was with Carter.

So how does just the thought of him have me cowering again?

I don’t realize my breathing is ragged until Desmond is in front of me, trying to calm me down.

It works, kind of.

“Breathe, Kitten, it’s okay. Whatever is going on, we can figure this out. Together.”

He pulls me into his chest, holding me close, and I can’t stop the sob that works its way out of my mouth, knowing he means that. Or at least he thinks he does. I’ve never had anyone so wholly in my corner before, not even my parents, and I’d only known these men for a short time.

Let’s hope he still feels that way after…