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Chapter Nine
Last Updated:
2024-12-01 12:05:50
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Side Hustle Chapter Ten
WestonGoddammit. Bacon and eggs and blueberry muffins have never tasted so good. Scarlet piles bacon and eggs on her plate, fills a mug halfway with coffee and then tops it off the rest of the way with creamer. She dumps a spoonful of sugar in it as well, bringing her food over to the table. Her hair is pulled up in a messy bun, and the loose strands that fall around her face are begging to be pushed back.She’s wearing black leggings and a tight black T-shirt, with a loose-fitting red-and-black flannel shirt over top. She’s effortlessly beautiful, and I can’t find a single thing about her to complain about.“Blueberry muffins are cliché.” She reaches for one, setting it on her plate. “But it was the only kind I could make. You guys must like blueberries.”I smile as I finish chewing a piece of bacon. “Jackson eats them like candy.”“That’s good. Better than eating candy like candy.” She laughs at herself, realizing what she said. “You know what I mean.”“Yeah, I do. And I agree. He’
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Eleven
ScarletI forgot about conning this man. I forgot about wanting to squeeze every penny I could and leave without so much as a look back. I forgot about my old life, about the shit I have to deal with on a daily basis.For the last four episodes of this scary-as-shit show, all I’ve been able to think about is 1.) we are probably going to die at the hands of evil spirits tonight and 2.) Weston is so big and so warm and it’s taking every ounce of self-control I have not to move over and lean against him.I want to feel his hands on me. His lips against mine. I want to at the very least press my hand to his muscular chest and see if his heart is racing, because mine is. And it’s not only from being scared of this show.It’s because I know I’m walking a fine line, one that puts me at risk. And I don’t take risks, not like this at least. When my heart is involved, I’m out. It hasn’t been an issue for me before, because I’ve come to believe my heart is shriveled and small like the Grinch’s,
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Twelve
WestonIf there was ever a rational part of my brain, it’s now dead and buried six feet under. My cock has taken over, and right now it’s screaming at me to kiss Scarlet. To take her in my arms, feel her breasts crush against my chest, to put my lips to hers and see if she tastes as good as I think she will.It plays out before me, and I imagine her in my lap, legs wrapped around my waist, pulling my shirt over my head. My cock jumps at the thought, and I inch in closer and closer.Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know this is a bad idea. She’s Jackson’s nanny and hasn’t even been here that long and I’m already trying to make a move on her. But it’s not like she’s uninterested, and I can tell by the way she’s biting her bottom lip and is moving toward me that she wants this too.We shouldn’t. We really fucking shouldn’t.But dammit, I’m tired of holding back, of going to bed alone. I’ve spent the last four years convincing the world that I’m not lonely, but you can only lie to your
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Thirteen
WestonI’ve never once been nervous bringing a girl home to meet my parents. And Scarlet is far from my girl. Still, my heart is beating faster than normal when we get into my Jeep. Scarlet is dressed in a simple black dress. It’s long-sleeved and ends above her knees, with a scoop neckline that shows off her large tits just enough to cause me to want to stare. She curled her hair and put on makeup, looking perfect as usual.But the way she’s clutching the bottle of wine makes me think she’s nervous too.“Is there anything I should know about your family?” she asks as I back out of the garage and into the alley that runs behind our house. “Any dark secrets or things?”There really isn’t. Daisy’s betrayal is the only dark secret in the Dawson family…that I know about, at least. We might not be the most exciting bunch, but I wouldn’t trade my family for anything.“Don’t bring up cats,” I tell her. “Quinn is almost married and successful, but still very much a crazy cat lady at heart. If
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Fourteen
Scarlet“Yes,” Quinn says, eyes meeting mine. I can see the relief on her face and, more importantly, the relief on Weston’s face. Poor little Jackson is still sitting there with a spoonful of mashed potatoes hovering on his spoon in front of his face, not knowing what to think. “I do.”“How many cats do you have?” I flick my eyes to Wes’s not knowing if I should be apologetic for going into forbidden territory or not. He meets my gaze and offers a small smile.“Eight.”“Eight?” I echo.“One or two might be temporary.”Quinn’s fiancé, Archer, raises an eyebrow. “Only one or two?”Quinn smiles guiltily. “They’re all so cute.”“I want a cat!” Jackson says, face lighting up. He eats his mashed potatoes and bounces in his seat. “Daddy, can we take Dobby home?”“We’ll see,” Wes tells him, and I know it’s a firm no from him.“Please! I want a pet.” Jackson drops his spoon and glares at Wes, crossing his arms. I don’t mean to laugh, but the over-the-top dramatics are a little cute.“Dobby is
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Fifteen
WestonI push Jackson’s hair back, feeling bad that I forgot to take him for a haircut—again. It’s hard juggling everything, but now it should be easier. Scarlet is here to help with housework, make dinner, and most of all, to care for the single most important person in my life.“Love you,” I whisper and kiss his forehead before quietly slipping out of his room. Light pours into the dark hall, coming from Scarlet’s room. She’s sitting on her bed, with one hand pressed to her forehead and the other holding her phone. I can tell right away she’s upset.“Yes, I’m fully aware he needs that medication, but insurance denied it. I’ve been working on it and will pay out of pocket if I have to.” She pauses, listening to whoever is on the phone. “Sure. If the doctor thinks he needs it, then yeah.” Another pause. I should go and not listen to her conversation, but I’m fighting hard against myself and the urge to go comfort her. “How many falls does that make this month? Fuck—sorry. It’s just…I
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Sixteen
ScarletI sit on the couch, twisting Ray’s yarn mane through my fingers. It’s worn and frayed by now, but the sensation still gives me comfort. I cheat and lie for a living but still take solace in a stuffed animal I’ve had since I was a child.Psychologists would have a field day with me.After going out for breakfast at the cutest little mom-and-pop diner this morning, Wes showed me around town, and we ended the tour at the library. Jackson likes to play there, and we left with an armload of picture books, as well as a few paranormal romances for me.One of the books is on the coffee table next to me, and I intended on reading it. Jackson fell asleep pretty quickly tonight, and once he was down, I took a quick shower, changed into my PJs, and came downstairs to have a cup of tea and read.It’s so domestic it’s weird.It’s not me at all, and yet I’m finding myself liking this more and more. It’s putting me in the middle of an existential crisis that I certainly don’t have time for. M
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Side Hustle Chapter Seventeen
Scarlet“I thought maybe you forgot about me now that you’re a working girl and all,” Heather says, sitting back in the plastic chair. Her hair is even worse than before, and she has a bruise on her cheek.“What happened?” I ask, ignoring her subtle jab.She shrugs. “Kickball got a little rough in the yard.”“You’re allowed to play kickball?” I shake my head. “That’s not the point. Please don’t get in fights.”“Seriously, Scar? Like I want to get in fights?”I let out a breath. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. Just…don’t get into fights.”Heather rolls her eyes. “How’s the new job? Are you ready to slit your wrists yet?”“No. It’s not bad at all. I kinda like it.”Heather cocks an eyebrow. “You hate kids. This guy must be loaded for you to say you like being a nanny for a rich, spoiled brat.”Her words piss me off, and I try hard not to let myself recognize it. Because you only get upset when someone insults someone you care about. “He doesn’t have the money I thought he did. And t
Last Updated : 2024-12-01
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Side Hustle Epilgue
ScarletSeven months later…“Thank you so much,” Quinn says, pushing her messy hair out of her face and taking Emma from my arms. “With Archer’s parents up in Michigan visiting Bobby and my own consumed with construction on the hospital, I’m dying.”“It’s no big deal.” I look down at Jackson. “We had fun. Emma was perfect.”Quinn raises an eyebrow in disbelief. Now that she’s over a year and is walking, Emma is a handful. And poor Quinn has been puking nonstop pretty much since the day she conceived her second child. She said she went through the same thing with Emma, making me question her sanity on getting pregnant again.“Is Archer going to be home soon?”“Yeah, thankfully.” We move into Quinn’s house, which is far from neat and tidy like it usually is. I hope when I’m finally pregnant I don’t get hit with morning sickness like this.Right after Wes proposed we started trying in a sense. I knew it would take a miracle to knock me up, but I was hopeful. We had a small but beautiful
Side Hustle Chapter Forty-three
WestonI put my arm around Scarlet, smiling as we watch Jackson tear into his Christmas presents. The three of us are wearing matching pajamas, which was Scarlet’s idea. Not mine. She said she bought them as a joke, but was rather insistent on all of us wearing them and taking a picture together last night on Christmas Eve.No sooner than Scarlet gets comfortable against me, she jumps up.“Salsa, get out of the tree.” She grabs the black kitten and brings him to the couch with her. He stays for half a second and jumps down, pouncing on the pile of discarded wrapping paper.Midnight, the mother cat to all the kittens, curiously walks over, batting a plastic bow across the living room. We were only going to take the kitten, but the mama cat really likes me for some reason. She’s a bit annoying, really, and rubs her head all over me purring almost every night when I go to sleep.Scarlet laughs, watching the cats have almost as much fun as Jackson with the presents. I take her in my arms
Side Hustle Chapter Forty-two
Scarlet“I think Salsa is a good name.” I give Jackson an encouraging nod.“It is cute,” Quinn agrees.“Do you think Daddy will let Salsa come home with us?” Jackson picks up the kitten and kisses her head. Wes got a little nervous around the time he was supposed to go into work. Instead of having Jackson come back here, I went over to Quinn’s. Jackson and I are staying the night here, and Wes is coming by in the morning.Even though Daisy was arrested and released with potential charges, we have no idea if she knows I’m back. And once she finds out her plans to sabotage the race, drive me out of town, and get Wes back didn’t work, she’ll be pissed. She might do something crazy.Though if she’s smart, she’ll be on her perfect behavior so she can try to convince a judge that she’s worthy of any sort of visitation rights with Jackson, which seem unlikely considering she basically tried to kidnap him.Still, I’m worried. Worried she’ll hurt Jackson and worried she’ll ruin Weston’s career
Side Hustle Chapter Forty-one
Weston“Hey, buddy!” I step past the dogs, holding the bag of takeout a little higher to keep Rufus from sniffing at it.“Daddy!” Jackson comes running. “We have to be quiet,” he says loudly. “Emma just fell asleep.”“Okay,” I whisper back, shuffling into the kitchen. Archer got called in for surgery, so Quinn and the kids came over to our parents, just to be safe.“Hey, Jackson.” Scarlet takes her coat off, smiling down at him.“Are you still sick?” he asks her, taking her hand. Both Scarlet and I pause for a moment until I remember telling Jackson Scarlet wasn’t feeling well and that’s why she wasn’t home.“She’s better now,” I tell him. “Are you hungry?”Mom is sitting at the island counter, which is covered in blueprints. “You didn’t have to bring fast food.” She raises her eyebrows. “I could have cooked.”“I thought Jackson would like a Happy Meal,” I say, and Jackson gets excited. “I got one for Quinn too.”Mom laughs. “She’ll like that I’m sure.”I hand the bag of food to Scar
Side Hustle Chapter Forty
WestonI reach over and take Scarlet’s hand. We’re headed back to Eastwood, and though I should probably be a dozen other things, I’m happy. Scarlet is coming home with me.“Why did you start conning people?” I ask, giving her hand a squeeze.“I realized I could,” she confesses. “It wasn’t like a dream I had when I was a little girl to grow up and be a con artist.”“What did you want to be when you grew up?”She shakes her head. “I don’t know. For a while there, I wanted to work at a zoo, but then things changed and I realized I didn’t have options. Especially after I dropped out of high school to take care of Heather and Jason.”“You did go back, right?”“Right. My dad showed up again and was able to look after them. Luckily, because our mom died shortly after.” She looks out the window, and it hits me how different our childhoods were. “I’ve always worked. I had to. Hell, someone had to, and it sure wasn’t Mom. I busted my ass for my family, and when I realized I could get more mone
Side Hustle Chapter Thirty-nine
ScarletI sit up, eyes waking up before my mind. I’m uncomfortable with stiff legs and an aching back, and for a split second, I think I fell asleep sitting up on the couch. Then I blink and realize my eyes are still sore and swollen from crying.Yes, crying.The room is dark, and I sit up, stretching my arms over my head. I didn’t mean to fall asleep in the stiff armchair next to my father’s bed at the nursing home. After leaving Weston’s house, I walked into town, took Eastwood’s only taxi to Newport, and was able to get an Uber to drive me up to Chicago.I didn’t know where else to go other than the nursing home. Dad was having a bad day and just sat in his chair not really paying attention to anything. So, for the first time in my entire life, I spilled my guts. Said everything I ever wanted to say. Confessed the bad things I’ve done as well as admit just how deep my love for Weston goes.And Dad just sat there, staring blankly in my general direction. A little empathy would have
Side Hustle Chapter Thirty-eight
WestonI can’t move. Not yet, not while my mind is going a million miles an hour. Scarlet wouldn’t steal them. She’s not a bad person. She’s not a con artist or a thief. She’s Scarlet, a quirky girl from Chicago who likes paranormal romance, drinking tea, and looking at the stars.She’s the woman I love.But the boxes…I shake my head and move through the small foyer, going to the other side of the house. The boxes came from the basement, and maybe she put them back. I run down the stairs, getting hit with cool, musty air, and pull the string light at the bottom of the stairs. The basement is cold and damp most of the time, typical of older houses in this area. We use it for storage, and the washer and dryer are down here too. I go around the stairs to the storage section and see the boxes neatly put away. I pull one out and open it. Everything is inside.And now I’m feeling bad for even doubting her. I put my head in my hands and let out a breath. What the hell am I doing?“Daddy?” Ja
Side Hustle Chapter Thirty-seven
Weston“What about this one?” I ask Jackson, picking up a pink teapot with little purple flowers painted along the base.Jackson shakes his head. “Scarlet isn’t really a girly girl, Dad.”“Good point. It’s too pink for her. Too bad I didn’t think of this around Halloween.” I push the cart forward, browsing the shelves of a home decor store. We needed to go grocery shopping, and Scarlet said she wasn’t feeling well. Telling her to stay home and rest, Jackson and I set out.Something is off with her, and I’m sure it has to do with Daisy showing back up. I don’t want Scarlet to think that old feelings came back the moment I saw my wife. It did the opposite, and if there was any good that came out of this, it’s knowing that I can look at Daisy and feel absolutely nothing.Scarlet is the only one I want.“That one!” Jackson leans out of the cart and narrowly avoids knocking a glass candle holder off the shelf. “It has a skull on it.”Smiling, I carefully move things out of the way and find
Side Hustle Chapter Thirty-six
Scarlet“What’s all this?” I ask, looking at the papers and boxes cluttering the living room. We just got back to Weston’s house. In the daylight, things never seen as scary as they do in the dark. And the more I think about the universe wanting me to meet Weston, the better I feel about this whole situation.“Family heirlooms. Jackson, don’t touch them,” he adds quickly.“Why are they out?” I take off my coat and move to the couch, curiously picking up an old book.“You-know-who wore her mother’s wedding dress at our wedding.” He looks uncomfortable talking about it. “She wanted it back and I wasn’t sure what box it was in.”“Oh. This stuff is cool.”“You like Civil War history?” he asks, looking a little amused.“If I’m being honest, I don’t know much about it. But I love antiques. Wait, all this stuff is from the Civil War?”“Some of it is. Not all is that old. It’s been in the Dawson family for years and gets passed down to the oldest son. Jackson will get it someday.”“Can I see
