Christmas Choices by Sharon Coady Page A

It’s because I can’t even explain it to myself. I don’t know why I do it. I’m a waste of space. That’s all I’ve ever been, and it’s all I’ll ever be.”
    “I don’t believe that, Mr. Kellen. I think you’re a good man. Maybe you just don’t know it yet. You ain’t no dick, no sir. Not at all.” He laughed and slapped his leg.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “Just picturing a big dick in your clothes.”
    Kellen’s jaw dropped, and he burst out laughing. “Holy shit. That’s some picture.”
    Denny snorted and clamped a hand over his mouth. Every time they looked at each other, they chuckled harder.
    Finally, Kellen fell to the ground and rolled onto his back. “Stop, my damn sides are killing me.”
    Denny lay down next to him and looked at the sky. “What you looking at, Mr. Kellen?”
    “I’m trying to see the world the way you do. I wish I could make everything so simple. How do you do it?” He glanced over at Denny.
    “It’s easy. I take everything as it comes and look for the good in people. That’s what my ma always told me to do. It ain’t hard if you try.”
    “Good advice. Your mother sounds like a genius. Give me your phone. I’ll go put my number in it. You can call me whenever you want.” He took the phone and punched in his name and number. “Let’s call it quits for the day, okay? I’m going to eat and see what’s happening at the club.”
    Denny’s face dropped and he turned away. “Okay, Mr. Kellen. You goin’ to go get one of those women again?”
    Kellen hung his head, embarrassment spreading through him. “I don’t know, I really don’t know.” He stood and put away his tools. Denny was silent as he helped.
    He went home and showered and dressed then found himself checking his phone for about the hundredth time. He grabbed his keys and helmet and headed out the door.
    When he pulled into the parking lot of the blues club, he was ready to forget Rhian St. Claire. He sauntered to the bar as he surveyed the room for his next conquest. Julie sat next to her friend, Linda, so he walked to the far end and hoped they wouldn’t notice him. He spotted a lovely redhead at a table near the stage, and his eyes slowly wandered down her body. Her breasts were in danger of escaping the extremely tight black dress that ended at the top of her thighs. His eyes continued downward. Holy crap, she’s wearing come-fuck-me shoes.
    She locked eyes with him; he nodded but turned away as if he was not interested. He glanced into the mirror over the bar and saw a confused look cross her face. He knew she wondered how a man could see a woman like her and not be interested. He smirked as the Kellen he had groomed himself into now returned. He pushed Rhian out of his mind, ordered a shot of whiskey, and downed it.
    She’s the one that left and hasn’t called, so she’s made the choice. He ordered another shot and slammed it as well just as the redhead walked slowly toward him, swaying her hips. Okay, it’s on honey. Hold onto your hat because you are in for the ride of your life.
    “Hello, Kellen,” she whispered into his ear. “My name is Cassie. I heard you’re someone really special. Is that true?”
    He cocked his head, looking her up and down. “Could be.” He lifted his hand and nodded to the bartender for another round.
    “Well, I’ve been told I can do things to you that will knock your socks off. Why don’t we go to your place and see if those compliments are true?” She purred, brushing against him seductively.
    Oh shit, she’s a prostitute. “Knock it off, Cassie. I don’t sleep with whores.” He downed the shot and brushed past her.
    “Who are you calling a whore? You think you’re better than me because you don’t take money for it?” She laughed. “You can only fool yourself for so long, Kellen. You really don’t know what you’re missing.”
    “Yeah, I do know,” he snarled. As he headed for the door, he saw Julie smile at him. He cocked his finger