I was whistling as I climbed down the ladder. One job done. A couple more to go.
Surely by the time I was finished, Angelina would throw herself at me out of gratitude. I could just see the warm look of invitation in her eyes as she led me to her bedroom and submitted herself to me. I would say nothing as she disrobed and offered me her hot little body. I'd be gentle the first time. After that, I'd take her any way I wanted to.
Over and over again.
It would be hard, but I'd have to tell her I just wanted a fling. A hot, heavy, long-term fling with lots of sex and very little talking. She would give me what I wanted, and often, but without the ridiculous rituals of dinner and a movie.
She'd want more of course. They always did. And I'd be happy to service her whenever she asked, indefinitely. But that was it. Just sex. No strings attached. She would belong to me exclusively, but I would have the freedom to do what I wanted.
I doubted I would want to go out looking for other women with her at my disposal, but I wouldn't tell her that. Better to keep her on her toes. The more casual I kept it, the more eager she would be to please me.
She'd be upset. But that wasn't my problem. Making her scream with pleasure was.
I grabbed my kit and walked back into the house, kicking my boots off.
Angelina was in the kitchen, messing with a row of vitamins. I heard the blender go off and watched as she poured a large protein shake for Casey. I stood in the shadows and watched Angelina fuss over her sister.
I would make allowances for that, I decided. If Casey needed anything, I would provide it. If she wanted to see the horses, or go to town, or a carnival, I would take them.
But it wouldn't be a date. I would be quite firm about that. I let my eyes wander over to Angelina as she sipped the leftover shake from the blender. She had changed out of her adorable pajamas. Now she wore tight, worn in jeans and a cardigan over a tank top.
Sadly, this one did not appear to be even slightly see through.
She bent over the sink as she cleaned the blender. I admired the curve of her back and the soft swell of her hips. The sunlight was coming in through the window above the sink, making her hair look like molten gold.
"Hey Jackson!"
She stiffened at the sound of my name, but she didn't turn to look at me. I walked in, setting my tools on the floor. Casey smiled at me in a friendly manner.
An almost conspiratorial manner.
"How are you, Casey?"
She shook her head.
"Rough night. Really rough. I am going to go back to bed for a few hours."
Angelina turned abruptly.
"Why didn't you tell me? Do you need a pain pill?"
Casey swiftly shook her head.
"It's better now, I'm just tired. My mind was racing."
"Okay, let me get you in there and draw the curtains."
"Angie-"
"Yes?"
"Would you mind if Jackson did it?"
Angelina looked surprised but she nodded. I realized she would do anything her sister said. And for some strange reason, I got the feeling her sister was conspiring to get us alone together.
Or as alone as possible.
"Sure. I'll be here if you need me."
"Thanks Ange."
Angelina turned back to the sink and Casey gave me a sly look. Then she winked at me.
I suddenly decided that Casey deserved more than a carnival ride at the state fair. She deserved a medal. I knew she couldn't ride, but if she could someday, I was going to buy the girl a damn pony.
Two ponies.
I helped Casey into her bed and fluffed her pillows behind her. Then I went to the curtains and started to pull them shut.
"It's okay, I like them open."
"How can you sleep with all that light?"
She grinned and held up her sketchpad.
"Who said anything about sleeping?"
I grinned at her and tousled her hair. She held her finger to her lips and I nodded. Then I closed the door behind me.
"Is she okay? Did she look upset?"
"She was already dozing by the time I left."
Angelina chewed her lip, looking worried.
"I knew the move would be hard on her. I should have waited. Or come ahead of time to get the place ready. It's just, there isn't anyone else I trust to look after her."
"What about your folks?"
She shook her head.
"They're gone."
"Aunts and Uncles?"
"No."
"Cousins?"
"We don't really know them. It was never a close-knit family. We haven't seen anyone since the funeral when Casey was just a kid. I don't even have their phone numbers."
I felt a strange lump form in my throat. I had been contemplating pouncing on her. Now I just wanted to hold her and tell her it was going to be alright. That I would help her with Casey if she needed it.
I would help her with anything.
Everything.
All I wanted in exchange was her hot little body.
I shook my head. No strings remember, Jackson? Just sex. I cleared my throat.
"I lost my mom too. I'm sorry."
She looked at me in surprise. Then she smiled. I felt my heart melt a little. It was the first time she'd really smiled at me. When Angelina Randall smiled, she wasn't just beautiful.
She was magnificent.
"Thank you."
I lifted up my tools.