Chapter Fifteen - Something is off.

Paxton

Kenna has been strangely quiet since we came back inside from the pool. She has barely spoken to me, let alone looked at me. The only thing I can think of is she heard me on the phone, and it reminded her of who I am and what I usually do when it comes to women.

“Dimples, are you okay? You seem annoyed at me.” I sigh.

Her eyes finally meet mine, “I am fine. Why would I be annoyed?”

“I don’t know. You tell me? Something is off.”

She smiles, but it is forced, “It is nothing to worry about.”

I groan and run my fingers through my hair in frustration, “Kenna, don’t start pushing me away now.”

I refuse to have her mad at me without knowing why and finding a way to fix it.

“I am not pushing you away. It is nothing, okay? It is a stupid reason.” She snaps.

She stands up and begins to walk away. I jump up quickly and grab her from behind before she has a chance to get far. I swing her around to face me and pull her against my chest. I snake my arm around her, keeping her tight to me.

“You heard me on the phone, didn’t you?”

Kenna draws in a breath, “I did, but before that, I saw a video online of you and all the girls you have been with, including Cara. No, I am not jealous before you accuse me of that or mad at you.” She stammers.

I wish people would leave me the hell alone. Sadly, it will never change until I retire and disappear from the spotlight. Yes, I have been with a lot of women, casually and sexually, but not as much as the press likes to make out. Some of the women I have been seen with are friends or acquaintances.

“Then what is bothering you?” I ask, confused.

“I am confused is what I am, Paxton. I have seen the woman you spent your time with, and I am nothing like them. I need to know if you are using me to pass your time since no one else is around?” she whispers.

It would seem we are back here again.

“Kenna, there is nothing wrong with you. You are just as beautiful as those other women, more so even. And no, I am not using you. I thought it was what we both wanted. I thought we were feeling the same things. Have you changed your mind? If you have, please tell me, and we can stop before it goes any further. But please do not think I am using you to pass time and because I am lonely.” I say softly.

“No, I haven’t changed my mind, but I can’t help but question things, Paxton.”

“I get it, I do, but please, don’t compare yourself to those other women. You have no need to. I still want to continue with our agreement, but I am not sure if you are ready. I think I may have moved too fast for you, and I am sorry. We can slow down.”

I have a terrible habit of acting without thinking.

“I don’t want to slow down. I will always compare myself to other women. It is what I do. You know first-hand about my past struggles.” She says honestly.

I reach in and caress her cheek, “Yes, I do, but I wish you would see yourself in a better light.”

She shrugs, “Maybe one day, but probably not any time soon.”

I hate how she has always been so down on herself. I still worry that she will fall back into old habits.

“I hope so, beautiful,” I reply and hug her to my chest.

She buries her face in my chest, and I stroke her hair. Kenna pulls away from the hug after a moment.

She pouts, “Sorry, I have ruined our morning.”

“You haven’t, sweetness. Will you please come sit back down and finish your breakfast and coffee?”

She nods, and we retake our seats. I didn’t expect our morning to turn out this way. We got off to a good start in the pool. Who knows, maybe we can continue later, but I won’t push.

Once we finish, Kenna glances over at me, “Want to join me for yoga and meditation?”

“I can try, but I am not sure I will be any good. I can’t promise I will not get distracted either with the poses I know you need to get into.” I chuckle.

She rolls her eyes at me, “I am sure you will be fine. We should change, rock star.” She teases.

Kenna gets to her feet, offering her hand to me. I happily take it, and she leads us upstairs. She drops my hand when we reach her room. I go to follow her, but she stops me.

“You won’t find your clothes in here, Sir.” She snickers, placing her hand on my chest and pushing me away.

I huff, “Fine.”

She steps into her bedroom and closes the door behind her. I am positive she is probably smirking or giggling on the other side of the door. I chuckle and disappear to my room to change. I decide to leave my cell phone behind. I changed into shorts and a tee.

I head back to Kenna’s room and walk straight in without knocking.

“Do you not know how to knock, Mr?” she asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

I wasn’t really registering what she said because she is only in shorts and a sports bra. I am too busy checking her out, my eyes running over her. I groan and lick my lips. God, she is so damn beautiful. Her body really is incredible.

“Eyes up.” She exclaims.

I do as I am told, “I would say sorry, but I wouldn’t mean it.”

“Do I need to put more clothes on for you to focus?” she asks, reaching for one of her tees.

I shake my head, “No. I will be fine. Promise.”

She eyes me suspiciously, “Hmm, I don’t know if I believe you. I will take it with me just in case.”

I laugh and shake my head. She walks towards me, heading for the door, but I don’t give her a chance to go past me. I grasp her hip and pull her body to mine.

“Can I have a kiss before we go downstairs?”

“I guess you can have one.” She smirks.

I dip my head down and kiss her softly, keeping her body close to mine. She moans softly, and just as I am getting right into it, she stops kissing me, leaves and runs downstairs.

“Not fair,” I call after her.

“Life is not fair, superstar.” She calls back, laughing.

I rush down after her. I find her out in the backyard setting up to yoga mats. She is bent over, which causes a deep growl to come from my lips. I smirk and stroll over, standing right behind her, my hands on her hips.

“Can I help?” I ask, purposely brushing up against her.

She whimpers softly, “No, I got it.”

I circle my fingers on her hips, “Hmm, are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure.” She breathes out.

I am glad she can’t see my face because I have a sly look on my face because of the effect I have on her. I slowly step back, my hand running over her ass as I do. Kenna finally stands up straight and turns to me. I notice her flushed face.

“Are you okay, gorgeous?”

Kenna rolls her eyes at me again, “I am fine. Now, let’s get started.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I can have a lot of fun with our plans for the next hour.