“I can wait until it’s uncomplicated. I’m very patient.”
I laugh through my nose. “That could take a while.”
He shrugs and smiles like it is no big deal. “There’re plenty of girls to keep me busy in the meantime,” he says with a lopsided grin.
“You sound like David.”
“What’s the deal with him, then? I noticed a few tense glares coming from him tonight.”
I sigh and play with the cap of my water bottle. “He’s a huge part of the complication.”
“Why? Because you’re secretly in love with him, or because he’s secretly in love with you?”
Wincing a little, I cover my face. “Is it obvious?”
“From where I was standing?” He thinks a little then nods dramatically.
“Ugh.” I sigh. “He not in love with me.”
“Ah. So you’re the one in love with him?”
“I’ve always, always wished for something more from him,” I admit for the first time out loud. I don’t know why I’m doing it now on this particular day to this particular person, but here it is in its pitiful honesty And it feels… good to say it. Cleansing.
“But he’s got you sitting all the way in the friend zone?”
I nod. “When we were in high school, I embarrassingly threw myself at him—no strings attached—and do you know what he said?”
“I have a feeling I do.”
“He said no. He said never.”
“Ouch.”
“I know. I was pretty devastated, because well, he always felt right to me, you know? But I can’t really do anything to change how he feels. I can only change how I react to it. I thought I’d come to terms with it, but I think I’m still struggling.”
“Did he tell you why he didn’t want to date you?”
I shrug. “He had a pretty messed up home life. His parents went through a horrible divorce and his dad’s a real jerk. It messed up his view on relationships. His favourite quote is, ‘better to have a friend for life than a lover for a moment’—or something like that. It’s the creed he lives by.”
“How long have you two been friends?”
“Since we were nine. I guess that’s why I never walk away. He’s always been there for me. Through thick and thin.”
Connor takes a drink from his water, nodding thoughtfully as I let out another sigh.
“I’ve never told anyone this, you know?”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Well, don’t I feel honoured?”
“Decoy privileges, I guess.” I flash him a broad smile.
He returns my smile. “And what about this boyfriend of yours? Does he know you’re in love with your best friend?”
Pressing my lips together, I shake my head. “You are literally the only person in the world who does.”
“I’ll take that as a promotion. From decoy to confidant in one night. Never think I don’t have skills with the ladies.”
I laugh through my nose as I lean on the table. “Do you think it’s wrong of me? Dating one guy when I have feelings for someone else?”
“That depends. Are you doing it to make David jealous?”
“No.”
“Do you genuinely like this new guy? Do you think he’ll help you move on from your unrequited affection for your friend?”
Smiling at his dramatic description, I turn towards him, my chin resting on my hand. “I do. I can see myself falling for Elliot. He’s kind, and he’s patient, understanding. And he gets me and my ambitions with work and sport. I think we could make a great team.”
“A team,” he repeats, not quite a question but an echo.
“Yes. He feels right too. And I know I have to put my feelings for David behind me. Accept him as a friend or let him go completely. It feels as though that’s the only real choice, and I think if I really give this a go with Elliot, I can do that.”
“I don’t envy you, Katrina. Although, if I was you, I’d choose the funny Irishman.”
“Oh, you would, would you?”
“Yes. For two reasons: I already know I’ll never have your heart, and since my time in this country is limited, it could be a perfect solution to your problem. Minus the workplace drama.”
“You’ve got it all figured out.”
“I do.” He offers me his hand. “You ready to go back in?”
I look at my watch. “No. I'd better find David so we can make up and catch the last train home.”
“And you know what else is great about me? I’m not even jealous when you mention that.”
Laughing a little, I nudge him in the chest as I scan the outside crowd. “He might have gone back inside.”
I head back inside, looking from the dance floor to the bar. I don't see him there either. Frowning, I unlock my phone and tap out a message. Where R U???
Pushing through the crowd with Connor following close by, we search in every corner for him. Connor even checks the men’s room, but we come back empty. I check my phone again and find no reply. Shit!
“I need to go outside and make a phone call,” I yell to Connor.
“I’ll come with you.”
“Don't, I’ll be fine.”
He indicates that he doesn’t care, and that he’s coming anyway. So I drag him back out with me again, farther onto the wharf to hear over the music.
With my phone to my ear, I try to call David. No answer. Instead, I get his voicemail. Crap.
After listening to his upbeat message, I leave an irate voicemail to tell him he’s going to make us miss the train. I then try calling Carmel to see if she’s still in town so I can at least ride the train back with her, but I get her voicemail as well.
“Fuck!” I stomp my foot like a petulant child.
“Listen, I’ve heard stories about what happens on that train line, and I don’t think it’s safe for you to catch it home on your own. How about we wait and see if David shows up before the next train? And if he doesn’t you can just come home and stay with me for tonight?” The look on his face is sincere enough, but I’m pretty sure I know why he wants me there.
I laugh at his boldness. “That’s nice of you, Connor, but I think I might have to decline.”
He holds up his hands. “I’d be a complete gentleman; I can assure you. You can even sleep with Kayley if that makes you more comfortable.”
“Maybe,” I say, biting my lip as I try David again.
Still no luck.
“How about we go back inside and ask around for your friend?” Connor suggests. “Surely someone would have seen him leave. He’s a tall guy.”
My stomach twists nervously as I agree. David and I have had our issues in the past, but he’s never left me on my own in the city before. Even if he was pissed over the way I was dancing with Connor, I don’t understand this. Did I push him too far?
But he was dancing with Beth…
We make our way through the crowds again, asking everyone we know if they saw David leaving. “I saw him,” Bianca says, her red lips curving in a vicious smile. “He left with Beth. They were all over each other.” I can’t even hide the disappointment in my expression. He promised.
“Thanks,” I say, turning towards the exit as my ears hum and my body goes numb.
“Katrina.” Connor grabs my arm to stop me. “Where are you going?”
“I don’t know,” I yell over the music. “Home?”
“On your own? Come on, you’re a strong woman but don’t be crazy. Either stay with us, or…or call your boyfriend. Surely he can help you get home.”
Lifting my phone, I make one last attempt to call David, but when it goes straight to voicemail, I realise Connor is right. I should call my boyfriend.
Seventeen
Feeling sick, upset and angry, I take a deep breath as I listen to the connection ringing Elliot’s phone, hoping he isn’t somewhere too loud to hear it.
“Hey, I was hoping you’d call. What time is it?” he asks groggily. I can hear the smile in his voice, but he sounds sle
epy.
“Did I wake you?”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. What’s up?”
“I’m kind of stranded. I can’t find David, and I don’t really want to catch the train all the way home on my own.”
Without missing a beat he says, “I’ll come and get you.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Can you get to the casino?”
“Hang on.” I put my hand over the phone and ask Connor, “How far is it to walk to Star City?”
“Fifteen to twenty minutes?” he says with a shrug.
“Yeah, I can make it there.”
“Who are you with?”
“Kayley’s cousin.”
“Isn’t that guy you were dancing with last time?” My silence answers for me. “Are you serious?” he exclaims, sounding annoyed.
“Are you coming to get me or not?” I ask, not reacting to his change in tone as I’ve had enough of arrogant men tonight.
He sighs. “Yes. I'm coming. Meet me outside the sports bar.”
“All right. I’m on my way.” I press the end call button and look at Connor.
“You’re right about your love life being complicated.”
“And you’re volunteering to be part of it.” I smile reticently as I pat him fondly on the chest. I’ve only met him twice, but he’s already made himself one of my favourite people. And somehow, he already knows my secrets. “I have to get to the casino. Which way do I go?”
“You’re seriously planning on walking there by yourself?”
“It’s only fifteen minutes. I'll be fine. It’s safer than catching the train on my own.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll walk you.”
“Connor, no. I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You aren’t asking, Katrina. I'm insisting. Let me tell the others to wait until I get back.” He trots over to the table where some of his friends are still sitting and leans down to talk to them, inclining his head toward me as he speaks. One guy gives him a pat on the back, and he returns to me to the tune of catcalls from the table.
“What did you just tell them?” I ask him, an accusatory tone to my voice.
“Nothing really. I just said that I was taking you somewhere for a ride.”
My mouth drops open, and he starts laughing at me.
“I’m joking, I’m joking.” He laughs. “I would never lie about sex with you. I will wait my turn like a man.” I give him a very unimpressed look. “Seriously though, I just told them I would walk you to meet your friend. That's all.”
“That’s all?”
He nods earnestly. “Shall we?” he asks, gesturing for me to walk with him. Then, glancing back one last time to look for David. My heart sinks, and I leave. Everything is changing.
“Thanks for walking with me,” I tell him after a while, glad to have met such an impeccable guy.
“It’s no trouble. Can’t have your mugging on my conscience.”
“I appreciate it.”
“So, this guy we’re meeting; is he the jealous type? I only really ask because I’m not keen on having my nose broken tonight.”
“He’s not going to punch you for walking me to the casino, Connor.”
“That’s good to hear. I worry about these things, you see.”
“I can understand your concern.” I smile as the casino draws nearer.
“I think we should part ways here,” he says, stopping in front of the doors. “For the safety of my nose, of course.”
“Of course.”
“And I want you to know I’ll not be telling anyone your business. Not even Kayley. But I do hope you work it all out. If not, well, you know where to find me.” He smiles and I give this funny, gentle man a hug.
“Thank you, Connor,” I whisper, giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek before I let him go.
“It was my pleasure, Katrina. And I hope to see you again soon.” He tips his head then stands and watches until I’m safely through the doors before he leaves.
* * *
Elliot is already there when I reach the sports bar, leaning up against the wall outside it, looking at his phone. He’s wearing a pair of faded blue jeans, and a white v-neck t-shirt. His hair is sticking up and messy from sleeping. Basically, he looks delicious enough to make me forget about the shitty night I’ve had so far. Just the salve I need to mend my chaotic heart. Alcohol makes me poetic too.
The corridor we’re in is quiet, so the clack of my heels can be heard as I walk towards him, alerting him to my presence. He stands up properly and gives me the most brilliant smile I’ve seen on him. It makes my chest swell, and I impulsively run, jumping into his arms as he captures me in a passionate kiss that has me melting on the spot. David who?
He breaks away and smiles down at me, brushing my hair out of my face. “I was dreaming about you when you called,” he murmurs.
A little ripple skitters through my stomach and shoots down between my legs. “Good dreams, I hope.”
“Come home with me and I’ll show you.”
“I’d like that.”
The sexual tension is ubiquitous on the drive to his place. We keep catching each other’s eye and grinning, and it’s hard to stay in my seat and not jump in his lap to ride him while he drives. I’m not a door mouse in the bedroom. And I’ve really missed sex this past year. The promise of it throbs between my legs and dares me to take quite public risks.
But I abstain.
“Wait there,” Elliot says when he pulls over on a quiet street. I bite my lip in anticipation as he gets out of the car, walking around to my side to help me out. Holding my hand, he leads me to the entrance of a block of brown brick flats. It’s dark and fairly surrounded by trees, so I can’t see much, but I hear the whoosh of the ocean as I wait for him to unlock the main door.
“How far away from the ocean are you?” I can’t help but ask.
“One street,” he replies. “You can see the beach from the balcony.” We climb the beige-carpeted stairs quietly and stop in front of a brown wooden door at the top of the second flight.
“This is it,” he says, looking back over his shoulder at me. With a click the door is open, and we step inside a narrow hall.
The door swings shut, and he turns and pins me to it, his arms either side of me. I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my face as he looks hungrily into my eyes, clamping his mouth down on mine as he kisses me deeply. I slide my arms around his neck and press myself to him, curling my fingers through the back of his already messy hair. “Nice place you’ve got here,” I gasp with a raspy giggle. He hasn’t even turned the lights on.
He reaches his hands down to my backside and hoists me up, so I have to wrap my legs around his waist. “I’ll show it to you later.” He carries me down the hallway, past a formal dining room, kissing me all the way until he reaches the lounge room and sets me down, kneeling in front of me. Only then does he pause and look at me. “You drive me wild, Katrina.”
He smooths my hair away from my face and kisses a trail down my neck and chest, his hands moving to cup my small breasts and squeeze my already hard nipples. I let out a short moan as I lean my body into his hands, wanting more from him. He pulls my dress beneath my breasts and takes one little bud into his mouth, causing me to drop my head back and moan with pleasure.
Guiding me until I’m lying, he slides his hand down my body and between my thighs. I part them willingly as I feel his fingertips brush the edges of my thoroughly damp panties.
With his gaze connected to mine, I watch the pure bliss cross his features as he slips his fingers under the elastic waistband, over my mound and between my folds to the slick wetness of my arousal. I gasp, as I feel his fingers enter me, rocking my hips to the motion of his hand as it moves in and out.
Dropping his head, he takes my other nipple in his mouth, circling his tongue as he slides his finger around my already swollen clit. I think I’m going to explode then and there and moan my impending orgasm.
I watch his handsome face as he carries me down the hall. I’ve never felt this light and girly before. It’s incredible for a girl my size to be carried like I weigh nothing, a complete turn on.
“You’re amazing,” I breathe, as he lays me down like precious cargo.
“Reserve your judgement for when we’re finished. I haven’t done this for a while.”
He doesn’t give me time to wonder how long it’s been before he leans down to kiss me deeply yet again, his tongue probing my mouth and dancing with mine. I catch his bottom lip in my teeth and gently suck as he pulls away.
“Do you know how hard it was not to react to you in that dress tonight?” he says, as he undoes my belt and tosses it aside. “I wanted to slide my hands up those impossibly long legs of yours and have my way with you on that table in front of everyone.” Oh, hello!
He grips the top of my dress and slides it down to expose my breasts fully. I lift my hips a little to aid him as he slips my dress down the length of my body and drops it on the floor.
He stands and removes his own shirt and jeans, revealing the well-toned body I knew was under there. Every bit of him is hard, and I mean every bit. My mouth waters just looking at him. I move to sit, desperately wanting to run my hands down his chest and over his rippling stomach and down to his…
“Lie back down,” he instructs. Obligingly, I do as he says. He runs his hands along my legs to hook his fingers into my panties and slides them off in one dramatic pull. He flicks them over his shoulder and grins devilishly at me.
Kneeling on the floor, he grabs my legs, dragging them either side of him so his face fits comfortably between them. I let out my breath, slowly anticipating his mouth on me.
“Tell me you want me, Katrina,” he breathes.
I don’t even hesitate. “I want you, Elliot.” I need this.
He lets out a moan of his own as he buries his face between my thighs, hungrily lapping at my juices and lightly flicking his tongue over my clit causing me to twitch my hips in response.
“Oh god, I’m too close. I can’t take much more of this.” I grab his head, holding him to me as he sucks at my clit and swirls his tongue, teasing my entrance with his fingers.
Struggle: Beautiful Series, book one Page 16
