Breaking Kate: The Acceptance Series (10 page)

After Misty walks away Connor whistles really low. “Man, Mike is leaving bad impressions everywhere he goes. Once he finally gets his head out of his ass and realizes he’s using girls and being mean to them there may not be any left that
haven’t
heard of his reputation.”

“So your friend Mike is obviously a big man whore. No offense, Connor, but you’re kind of a man whore, too. At least you’re nice about it, though. Your friend isn’t for some reason, so what’s his deal?”

I feel Jess kick me under the table.
Bitch.
“Kate, please make sure in the future you say Connor
used
to be a man whore, because my
boyfriend
Connor is only allowed to whore himself out to
me
.” I can’t believe she was able to say that with a straight face, and we all burst out laughing.

Daniel takes it upon himself to explain his friend’s habits, “Mike is bad with women. I’m probably closer to him than Jake and Connor because I see him just about every day at work. When I met Mike he had just had some really bad family stuff
go down. I don’t know the details, but his girlfriend had recently betrayed him. Maybe he’s never gotten over it because he does use women for sex. He’s usually up front with them about what he wants, but it still never seems to end well. He doesn’t hide the fact that he only has rough sex with them, either. There’s no love or trust, just hardcore fucking. I’ve known him for almost four years now and it’s been the same since day one. I feel really bad for him. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t condone what he does in the least, but whatever happened to him must have been horrible for him to go from a long-term relationship to this.”

  “I agree, Daniel, but until Mike talks to us and lets us in we can’t help him. I’m actually hoping now that I’m in a relationship and not going to be throwing many parties that he will reevaluate his situation. I also know that because you got him a job, training, and a place to stay when he needed it that he really
looks up to you. So now that you and Kate are going to be in a relationship I hope that will be the final kicker to make him realize he needs to get his shit together.”

“Subtle, Connor,” says Daniel. Connor winks at me and Daniel grabs my hand under the table and squeezes it. I’m falling so hard for him. I know it deep down and I’m happy about it, too. Finally, I’m moving on. I’m glad I waited this long and time has brought me to Daniel.

“It sounds like your friend is really messed up. I know from experience bad breakups are horrible but you don’t have to demean other people to work out your demons.”

“Yup, I agree with Kate. He needs to get his issues figured out, maybe he needs a shrink.”

“Okay, ladies,” says Connor, “this isn’t the ‘I Hate Mike Show’. He’s a great guy but he has his faults. I think we all have our own issues, his just happen to be with how he treats the women he fucks. Those girls could probably be a little smarter in their choice but ultimately this is still on him. You two, please don’t pre-judge him. He’s a great guy and he
will
be around a lot. Maybe you both can be a positive influence on him, but since neither of you are going to be sleeping with him you don’t have to worry about him being a jerk to you.”

“You should know me better than that, Connor,” I say. “I give everyone a fair shot; it’s what they do with it that determines how I treat them and if I want them in my life. So when are we going to meet him?” 

Daniel smiles at me and kisses my hand. He murmurs, “Good answer,” and it makes me tingly all over.

“Mike’s out of town working on a project for the weekend, but in two weeks we have an engagement party to go to for Jake and April. We were thinking it would be a good time to introduce you girls to our friends and family at the party. Fair warning, though, it’s a black tie event.”

Jess is excitedly clapping her hands. “I love black tie! I can’t answer for Kate but I would
love
to go.”

“It sounds nice; I would love to meet your friends and family. Are you sure it’s okay, though, since
it’s black tie?”

Connor laughs. “Kate, you two
are already expected. My mom has been dying to meet my sister from another mister and I fully explained to her that you and Jess come as a pair. Besides, have you ever been to a formal event where you
weren’t
expected to bring a plus one?”

Jess gets a smirk on her face and asks Connor, “Should we bring Misty for Mike? Maybe they can have a second chance?” The guys start laughing and say “NO” at the same time.

Connor elaborates a little bit, “Mike and Misty were friends. She spent a lot of time with him for a few months and they became really close. We were excited to finally meet her that night, hoping there might be more to it. As usual, Mike had too much to drink and so did she. The next day, he did the walk of shame, took her home, and never talked to her again. He knows it was an asshole move but he doesn’t let himself get close to anyone. I guess he didn’t know how to deal with the situation so that’s why he stopped talking to her.”

Connor shakes his head as Daniel throws some money and a big tip down on the table. Daniel grabs my hand and we leave before Jess can cause any real damage. There is no doubt in my mind if she sees Misty again she’ll figure out how to put her in touch with Mike.

Chapter 7 – Daniel

So far, this weekend is the best one I‘ve had in a long time. I don’t think I’ve ever been this relaxed and comfortable around a girl. Being with Kate is easy. If someone had me make a list of everything I was looking for in a girlfriend she would fit the list perfectly. I was really worried about moving too fast but she seems very comfortable with me. I hope that since we are both coming off of bad relationships we can recognize where those relationships failed and not make the same mistakes. Although I blame Vanessa for the destruction of our relationship, and it seems like Kate’s ex ended theirs, there are still two people in a relationship and somehow they must both contribute directly or indirectly to its destruction.

We arrive at the pier and the first thing the girls do is head to the carousel.

“Sorry, guys, I know it isn’t manly, but it’s a tradition that every year on Kate’s birthday we ride the carousel.”

Kate has a wistful look in her eyes as she explains, “My mom used to bring me here every year on my birthday. Maryanne never wanted me to lose that tradition so she kept it up until I was able to drive, then Jess and I would come ourselves.”

My heart hurts a little for my girl. Yes, I’m thinking very possessively about her but I don’t care. I want her to be mine and I think she will be. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to lose her mom at such a young age, right in front of her eyes.

“Do we get to ride the carousel with you two?” 

Connor’s mouth drops, “You want to ride the ponies? Your big buff ass is likely to break them; they’re built for little kids!”

“No, Connor, I don’t want to ride on the horse, but we can stand next to it, or if there are seats on it we can sit down. Besides, don’t you want to stand next to your girl to make sure the pony doesn’t buck her off?” They all start laughing.

“Okay, it looks like we need four tickets for the ponies,” Kate says as she grabs my hand and pulls me in.

The carousel at the pier is really nice; it’s enclosed in its own building, probably to protect it from the elements of the ocean. There are windows so you can see in or out all the way around. It has wooden floors and a pretty massive carousel is in the center of the room. I pay for the tickets and the girls hop on, each picking a white horse. Connor and I sit in the sleigh behind them.

“Any particular reason you boys chose to sit behind us and not in front of us?” Jess asks with a snicker.

“Yup, I enjoy the view from behind. There’s something about watching my girlfriend ride up and down that’s sort of turning me on.” Leave it to Connor to turn a carousel ride into a sexual experience.

“Kate, I think my boyfriend is jealous of the pony. Maybe later I should be nice and give him a ride, too.”  I’m glad there are no kids in here right now; this isn’t exactly a PG conversation. The girls do look really good from behind, though. Watching them makes me wish we were going home instead of finishing out our plans for the day.

“Jess, I’m sure you can give Connor a ride later, but I kind of have a feeling he may have played that game with you last night.” They look at each other and laugh. What is it with girls? They’re always laughing and giggling with each other. At least Kate has a cute laugh, not annoying like some girls.

The ride comes to an end, and because we are such chivalrous men, we help them dismount from their horses. Connor and I both just pick them up and lift them off. I hold Kate for just a second and inhale her incredible scent. She smells like gardenias and fresh rain but it’s subtle, not overwhelming like some women who douse themselves in perfume. I take her hand in mine and we head to the pier.

It’s cool outside. There’s a nice breeze blowing and it’s starting to get a little cloudy. I hope it doesn’t end up raining. We’re supposed to barbecue tonight and rain is not in the plans. It’s nice to just walk hand in hand with Kate down the pier; I didn’t realize how much I missed having a connection with someone. I spent too much time being angry with Vanessa for cheating on me and lying to my face to remember the fun parts of a relationship. Looking back, I think our relationship was over probably three months into it but I just didn’t want to give up. Not this time, never again. If it starts to fall apart, I will let her go. I just hope that doesn’t happen.

“You boys are fine with the coaster and the Ferris wheel, right?” Kate asks us.

“We lived at Magic Mountain in the summers and here, too, so no issues with us. Let’s do this,” Connor says while paying for our wristbands.

Kate speaks up, “You know we can pay for ourselves, you guys. This is nice, but you paid for breakfast and the carousel, you don’t need to pay for our admission.”

“It’s your birthday and our first official date. I’m not letting you pay for a thing today, Kate,” I tell her.

“Yes, sunshine, he said date. It’s your first date, our first date, and our first couples date all in one. None of us are struggling for money, so let us spoil our two favorite girls. That will also include trying to see who wins the biggest stuffed animal first, Daniel or me. Later we’ll have lunch, then dinner, and then…well, let’s just say I’m not in the habit of paying for what I hope comes later,” Connor says with a very evil smirk.

“
Ewwww, Connor, so gross. You better
not
be in the habit for paying for sex. Maybe I should demand some STD tests before showing you how to ride after all.” With an eye roll and a flip of her hair, Jess pouts. I’m learning quickly she can be a bit dramatic. Vanessa was dramatic, too, and I couldn’t stand that about her.

“I
always
use condoms. I get tested every six months, Jess, not because I’m not careful, but because I want to make sure my protection works. I don’t want to catch anything or give anyone anything. Mike, Daniel, and I all go together. Do
you
get tested?”

Jess looks flustered and happy all at once. “Actually, we do. We both are, and have always have been, STD free. We’re also on the pill and have been since we were sixteen. Neither of us wants to risk an unplanned pregnancy due to a broken condom.”

I’m impressed and from the look on Connor’s face, so is he. Kate, on the other hand, looks a little flushed and if I’m not mistaken, maybe a little sad.

“Thanks for putting our private business out there, Jess.” She sounds fine; she’s just giving Jess a hard time.

“Oh please, Kate. It would have come out sooner or later; I just put it out there for both of us now. Besides, you should be proud that you’re responsible, it’s not like any of us here are under the illusion you’re still guarding your virginity or anything. Now come on, birthday girl, let’s go have some fun.” 

We spend the next few hours acting like kids. We ride the roller coaster a bunch of times, the bumper cars, and the Ferris wheel. We play more arcade games than I have played in probably ten years or more. Riding the Ferris wheel is the best part of the day so far. Kate and I ride in one car and Connor and Jess ride in another even though this one can easily fit between four and six people in each cabin. It’s a long ride, probably close to ten minutes and we stay on it three times in a row. I sit next to Kate and put my arm over her shoulder. We have an amazing ocean view as we go around and around.

“Are you enjoying your birthday so far?”

“I’m having the best birthday I can remember in a very long time. Thank you so much for being here today. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to agree to spend a strange girl’s birthday with her, but I’m glad you did.”

She leans her head up and kisses me slowly at first, but then she starts sucking on my bottom lip. She’s so fucking sexy, I can’t stand it. We kiss briefly until she starts sucking my tongue; now all I can think of is her sucking me somewhere else. I have to break off the kiss, it’s too good. I want her. I want to know what it feels like to be
inside
of her. I want to hear her scream my name while she comes.
Fuck, Daniel, control your thoughts.

“I’m glad you’re having a good time, so am I. As much as I want to kiss you, and please don’t take this the wrong way, I also want to make love to you, more than I have ever wanted to with anyone, EVER before. I want to pleasure you, Kate, in every possible way. But I’m a gentleman and this is fast. As much as I would love to stay up here and keep kissing you, we
have
to get off this ride.  I just need to calm down a minute. I’m pretty sure we don’t need people pointing at my obvious erection.” She gasps and lowers her eyes to my crotch.

Fuck, Daniel, where’s your filter? Damn it, now she’s going to push you off this ride.
Instead, she leans into me, putting her lips close to mine. She brushes her fingers across my erection and I forget how to breathe as she whispers the most erotic thing I’ve ever heard, “I want to pleasure you, too. I want you inside me, filling me, holding me. I want to hear you call out my name when we come together. You don’t get to just pleasure
me,
Daniel, I get to pleasure you, too, and the sooner the better.”
Holy shit
. The ride is slowing down but I don’t care. I pull her in for one last kiss that is filled with passion and expectation. 

As the ride stops, Kate giggles, “Do you need a minute to compose yourself?” she asks sweetly, batting her eyelashes at me

“Nope, I think I’m okay, no thanks to you. Come on, I need to let off some steam. Let’s go win some stuffed animals.”

They have all your standard carnival games and we spend the next hour just playing and having fun.  What we don’t expect, is that Kate and Jess are winning every single game they play. It’s like they have the Midas touch and can’t lose.

I think our egos are a little bruised at this point. We always win these games and get girls ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the big teddy bear or monkey we win them.

“What the hell do you guys do, come here every day and practice like it’s a sport or something?” 

Just then, Kate makes a great shot and wins the biggest teddy bear they have. “Nope, we’re just that good. They’re called skills, some people have them and some don’t. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, boys.”

I grab her around the waist and spin her around she squeals with laughter. “I’ll show you who has skills later,” I tell her.

“Don’t tease me with a good time, Daniel, unless you intend on following through.”

Before I can even reply, she walks away and stops to talk to a little girl who is playing one of the games next to us.
Neither her or her mom are having much luck winning, either. I notice the cute little girl is wearing a birthday crown. We walk over to them and listen to Kate talking to her.

“Happy Birthday, Lauren!
I bet you didn’t know today is my birthday, too.”

The little girl looks up at her with the biggest brown eyes.
“Really, Kate? That’s so cool, we have the same birthday!”

“Yes, it is
really
cool. Let me introduce you to my friends. This is Jess, Connor, and Daniel. Guys, this is Lauren.”

“Hi, Lauren, it’s nice to meet you, happy birthday.” We all say it practically in unison. She’s such a cute little girl and her crown says she’s six.

Lauren giggles. “Kate, is one of these boys your boyfriend?”

Kate looks at me and blushes. “Not yet, but I’m working on it.”

Lauren looks directly at me; I think she’s figured out Connor’s with Jess since they’re holding hands. “Do you want to be Kate’s boyfriend or are you just a boy who’s her friend?”

Kate opens her mouth to answer but I cut her off, this is my chance. “Well, Lauren, I haven’t known Kate long but I would very much
like
to be her boyfriend.” Kate looks shocked but in a good way.

“See, Kate, he likes you, too.
Easy peasy. Now you can be happy because you have a new boyfriend!”

“You know, Lauren, you’re a little too smart for your own good. We have to get going, but I wanted to give you this teddy bear since it’s your birthday. He won’t have anyone to play with in my house; I only wanted to win him so I could beat the boys in the games.”

“Really? He’s all mine?” She wraps her arms around Kate in a huge hug. “Thank you so much! I will love him forever!” 

“I know you will, Lauren. We have to go now, but all day we’ve been eating corn dogs and funnel cakes, but I forgot to get some cotton candy and now I’m way too full. Here’s twenty dollars for you and Natalie to go get some cotton candy, and next week when I see you, you can fill me in on what color you got and how good it was. Sound like a good deal?”

“Deal, I love cotton candy!”

We all wave goodbye and head toward the car. I’m really curious how Kate knows Lauren and I wonder if she knew she would be here.

Connor beats me to the punch. “Kate, did you know Lauren was going to be here today?”

“Yeah, I did. She’s such a sweet little girl and she’s going through a really hard time right now. Lauren is staying with her aunt Natalie for a while, the state took her away from her parents. I can’t really say anything, but needless to say, she’s better off with Natalie. I volunteer at the community center a few days a week and last week I heard her say her birthday was today and she was hoping to see her mom. Natalie came in about the same time and looked like her heart was going to break. We got to talking and I told her we would be here today and asked her if they could come. I told Natalie I had some free passes at home and would bring them to her so it really wouldn’t cost her anything because I know they’re struggling. Natalie was a full time student before dropping down to part time and taking on a part time job in order to be able to keep Lauren. I drove down here last week and bought some passes and a parking pass so they could come today.”