The Right Kind Of Wrong

by L. B. Reyes

  Everyone had told me that Josh had a reputation and I didn't listen.

  Did Nathan think it was my fault?

  “Did he hurt you?” Nathan asked softly.

  I shook my head.

  “Do you want to go to the police?”

  Once again, I shook my head. I knew how things like this worked, especially with families like my own that had a reputation to uphold. They would much rather settle things on their own, out of court, and keep their names intact. Everything and anything would be done to keep getting money and clients because that was the priority. I'd seen things get brushed under the rug, being ignored just because of who the person was.

  “I shouldn't have let you leave.” He was unable to hide the regret in his voice.

  I didn't say anything. It wasn't his fault, there was no one else to blame but myself for getting carried away with Josh despite the warnings received. To know that Nathan had gotten in into a fight made me feel even worse. His marriage was already falling apart and I somehow doubted him beating someone up in front of my sister’s potential clients would help the matter.

  One thing was for sure. My sister would be pissed off at the fact that I couldn't keep Josh Nicholson happy. Her opportunity to make a deal with his parents and her convenient friendship with the family was most likely over.

  “I'm sorry for the trouble.”

  He removed his hand from mine, cupping a cheek in it. “It wasn't your fault,” he replied. “He shouldn't have touched you. It doesn't matter how close you two were or what the fuck he thought was going to happen, the second a woman says ‘no,’ a true man stops.”

  “But he's a boy,” I repeated the same words he'd used before.

  “He's a boy.”

  There were so many things going on in that moment. Eyes that shouldn't have been looking at me with so much care were, hands that belonged to another woman were caressing my face, and my mind, all my mind could think of was about his lips on mine erasing the feel of Josh.

  So I kissed him.

  It wasn't like the kiss we'd shared in the basement. It was soft, tender. Sweet and devoted. He leaned his forehead against mine with a small smile adorning his face. He looked so handsome like that, even with a busted lip.

  “I'm going to pretend I didn't see what just happened,” came Carter's voice from behind us. “Because some would consider sharing a kiss with your sister-in-law highly inappropriate, possibly even cheating.”

  I pulled apart from Nathan, color rising to my cheeks at the thought of having been caught. Carter looked unamused and irritated, his glare directed towards Nathan. Even then, Nathan made no attempt to deny what had happened and took a seat on the sofa as relaxed as ever.

  “Let's have a talk,” he said to Carter with a raised eyebrow.

  My gaze flickered between both men.

  Carter went into father mode, looking over at me with a firm stare. “Go with your Nana, she's getting the bed ready for you.”

  As curious as I was about what they were about to discuss, I simply waved goodbye to both men. The night was starting to wear me out and all I wanted to do was rest. I took off the slippers I wore and finally laid down on the bed next to Nana. She hugged me, kissing my head.

  I missed my mom.

  I wished my dad would be there to protect me.

  I hoped Hannah wouldn't put the blame on me.

  I knew better though. Life doesn't always give you what you want and these were the cards I had been dealt; crushing on my brother-in-law and the wonderful gift of a selfish family.

  Maybe it was time I accept it…time I started being a bit selfish.

  “Nana?”

  “Yes, dear?”

  “I think I have a crush on Nathan.”

  The woman stilled, her body growing tense next to mine. I had no one else to tell. My friends wouldn't understand something that even I couldn't possibly wrap my head around and she'd find out through Carter anyways since he never hid anything from her.

  “Is it wrong, Nana? That I feel this way about him? Does this make me a bad person?”

  She sighed, moving back and glancing down at me. There was not a hint of judgment in her gaze, nothing other than care and…understanding. “Are you sure you're not just infatuated?”

  Infatuation is admiring someone, something that fades away as soon as it appeared. It's short-lived, not strong.

  This thing with Nathan had been growing over the past years. He'd been communicating with me constantly, always looking over me, showing me that he cared. Perhaps now that I was close to him, I finally realized my feelings, or they'd just begun to bloom. Either way, it didn't matter. I knew what I felt and it wasn't infatuation. Seeing the answer in my eyes, Nana nodded.

  “I knew this would happen,” she said. I furrowed my eyebrows, not understanding what she meant by that. “Hannah and him, they've been at a rocky place for a while. Their marriage hardly ever existed. I can't speak for either of them, but I know what I've seen, dear, and Nathan has never loved your sister.”

  “Then why did they get married?” The question had been bothering me since I returned. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Why be with someone if they make you so miserable?

  “That's not something I know,” Nana said with a sad smile. “But I do think he feels the same way about you and I'm not sure what to make of that.” She frowned, the gesture forming a crease on her forehead, her lips pressed together as she considered her words. “Has anything happened between you two?”

  I could lie to everyone, even try to lie to myself, but not Nana.

  “We've kissed.”

  Once again my grandma sighed. “Life is strange, darling. It has a strange way of bringing people together, ways that in my many years of life I still don't understand. Whatever is going on between you and Nathan, you need to talk about it, set the cards on the table. If not, you will end up hurt, as will he and Hannah. Be wise, Evie. Don't act on impulse over temporary feelings.”

  “You don't think less of me?”

  “Of course not. Things like that can't be controlled, especially when in a situation like Nathan's. However, I can say that these situations never end well and I don't want you hurt.”

  “I don't think he'd hurt me.”

  “Maybe not on purpose,” Nana replied. “Now, get some rest, and try to clear your mind so you can figure out what you're going to do because you need to clear this up, and soon.”

  I nodded, settling back on the bed.

  Nana was right. The next morning, I woke up feeling better and with a determination I hadn't felt in a long time.

  I was done trying to avoid my feelings.

  Nathan and I would be having a conversation very soon.

  CHAPTER 12

  Evelyn

  Wishing for things is futile. You can wish for anything; wish for more years, wish for health, wish for things to go your way. Wishing does nothing. If you want something, you have to go out and get it. There's no way around it. Wishes don't come true and they aren’t just handed over to you on a silver platter. It just doesn't work that way.

  How do you know if you should pursue a dream? How do you know whether you should make a wish come true?

  Where is the line drawn?

  Those were the questions running through my mind as Nate drove back to the house. We still hadn't spoken much about anything that happened, nor about the conversation he had with Carter. It was clear that after finding out what was happening between us, Carter was beyond angry. To my surprise, Nana had remained neutral, letting me know that if I needed to talk about it, she'd be there for me. She truly only wanted what was best for me. For all of us.

  When we arrived at the house, my sister was nowhere to be found. The chaos from the night before was still all over the place. Some of the furniture was out of place, as was a lamp. It would have been interesting to see Nathan beating Josh's ass. He deserved it, that was for sure.

  I wonder if anyone recorded it.

  I was brough
t out of my thoughts when Nathan clapped his hands in front of my face. My eyes widened and then I glared at him, not appreciating the way he got my attention.

  “Stop daydreaming,” he said. “We're going out for a bit, so go change if you want to.”

  “Who said I was going out?” I countered, crossing my arms over my chest. Nathan rolled his eyes with a chuckle as he ran up the stairs.

  “Fifteen minutes, Evie!” he yelled.

  With a frown, I rushed over to my bedroom, rummaging through my closet, unsure of what to wear. Hoping the weather would be as lovely as it had been for the past few days, I chose a flowered dress and a light sweater to wear over it. I let my crazy curls down, with the hope that it wouldn't get frizzy during the day, and put on some sandals.

  The idiotic idea that this was some type of date ran through my mind several times, and though stupid, I put on just a bit of mascara on and nude lipstick. There wasn't any harm in putting myself together, right? I mean, it wasn't for him…definitely not for him.

  I stared at myself in the mirror for far too long, nervous and anxious about what he would think. This was so beyond stupid…and pointless. I couldn't possibly forget pointless.

  As I was putting my hair up in a bun, the door to my room opened without warning. I gasped in surprise, throwing a pillow at Nathan. He chuckled, an amused look shining through those metallic grey eyes that revealed only happiness.

  “What?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

  “I could have been busy…changing, or naked, or something!” I yelled with a raised eyebrow. The shriek at the end of my voice made Nathan burst into a fit of laughter when I found no amusement.

  “I wouldn't have minded,” Nathan shrugged, earning another pillow to his face. “Really, I wouldn't have!”

  “You're not funny,” I muttered, smoothing out my dress.

  “Maybe because I'm not joking,” he winked. He actually had the nerve to wink.

  I pursed my lips and looked down. He was serious without knowing that I was seriously lacking experience in that department. “Well,” I sighed, walking past him in an attempt to change the subject. “Where are we going?”

  A genuine smile formed on his face and he spun me around by my waist, placing a hand on my lower back, millions and millions of goosebumps erupting on my skin.

  “Today our mission begins,” he declared, his gaze piercing through my very heart.

  “What is that?” I asked, keeping my voice as steady as I possibly could.

  “Navigating through this crazy world together.”

  “You're leaving a person out.” My subtle reminder of his marriage did nothing, however, not as he led me to his car and not during our drive to the outskirts of the city. I thought he would drive far from the city so we wouldn't be seen together, but was surprised when he pulled up to a small bar just about half an hour from where we lived.

  It was in a part of town where my sister would never approve of us hanging out. It was one of those places where only those of “questionable” reputation would be found. Nathan walked around, opened the door for me, and extended his hand. I couldn't help but smile at his action, a thrill running through my veins as we walked up to the bar together.

  Nathan grinned back at me when we stepped foot inside the bar. The place was surprisingly clean, several chairs and tables stacked to the side of the building. There was a group of bikers gathered at the far end, chatting and drinking, acknowledging Nathan with a small nod. The surprise didn't end there, however. The music playing was uplifting, making my body sway to it.

  A man without a single hair on his head walked up to us, placing a towel over his shoulder.

  “Hey, man,” the man greeted, extending his hand and engaging in a handshake followed by a hug with Nathan. “Ain't this a surprise? You're never here this early, much less with a guest.” Neither of us had a chance to reply before the man yelled back to a woman mixing a drink. “Tessa, guess who's here?”

  “Who?” she asked, turning her attention towards us. “Holy shit. Nathan Maxwell accompanied, I must be dreaming.” The woman with straight hair smiled at us, surprise and genuine curiosity etched into her features.

  “Tessa,” Nathan said, giving the woman a hug. “Never thought you'd see the day, huh?” He turned his attention to me and I just knew introductions were about to happen. Would this woman know who I was?

  “Tess, this is Evelyn Carson, Evie this is Tessa Morgan, the owner of the bar and a friend of mine. The man who greeted us was Sam, her husband.”

  I extended my hand to her, but instead, the woman pulled me into a warm hug. She studied me for a moment, cocking her head to the side until she smiled. I could practically see her brain working, trying to get to know me with just one stare. In the end, she said, “I approve. Go on, take a seat.”

  We took a seat, Nathan next to me, and immediately the woman was in front of us once again, whipping up a drink for us. “How old are you, Evelyn?”

  “Uh, twenty,” I said, feeling slightly out of place.

  “Guess you can't drink alcohol then,” she said raising a scolding eyebrow.

  “Not that she can handle it,” Nathan mocked, remembering my birthday. I glared at him but all I received was another smile. He was happy.

  “I'll just get a lemonade.”

  “Good idea,” she said in a motherly tone. “We'll have enough with Nate being wasted. We don't need two of you.”

  Nathan rolled his eyes, taking a sip of the drink she'd set in front of him. After a quick chat, the woman left Nathan and me alone, his posture showing how relaxed and at home he felt. He turned his whole body to face me, leaning his head on his hand.

  “Not the place you expected I'd bring you to?” I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. “Figured we needed a comfortable place to talk.”

  “I thought you'd want to go to a place where no one knows you,” I said with honesty.

  “Why would I do that?” He furrowed his eyebrows as he swirled the drink around.

  “Just the small marriage detail.”

  “Small detail,” he said with a shrug. “They all know about it.”

  “They do?”

  With a nod, he took my hand in his, running his thumb over my knuckles. “This thing with Hannah, it's just a matter of time. I agreed to marriage counseling for six months, even though I knew it would be pointless. If after the counseling our marriage isn't better, we agreed to get a divorce.”

  “How do you know it won't be better?”

  “Because it was doomed from the start.”

  “I don't understand, Nate. Why would you say that? Why did you get married in the first place?”

  The emotions that flashed over his features were so many they couldn't be read. He lowered his gaze and sighed as if trying to compose himself before taking another sip of his drink. “I was a different man then, Evie. I don't want this life anymore, I never did.”

  “Then why—”

  “Like I said, I was a different man, my priorities were different.”

  “Did you ever love her?”

  A humorless laugh left his lips. “I tried, but you can't force these things.” He downed the last bit of his drink, catching me off guard. “All right, we've been texting for the past year more often,” he began. “And for fuck’s sake, you're so different from her, even through texts. And then you came back with your snarky attitude and just your desire to live, it reminded me of who I am.” His intense stare met mine and he smiled again, tender…caring. “I don't have to pretend with you,” he explained. “You being in that house makes it more tolerable to be there for now but as soon as the next two months pass, I'm done, I'm leaving.”

  “That's all that's left?” I asked, a new hope igniting in me.

  “Two months and I'll file for divorce.” He smiled and rubbed his hands together as if preparing for something. “All right, so I know you must have many questions, so go ahead. Ask them all.”

  “Do you still have sex with her?
”

  His eyes widened before he threw his head back in laughter. “Ah, Evie. Straight to the point.”

  “What? You said ask,” I said, blushing.

  “Jesus, I don't even remember the last time we kissed.” He leaned in, raising his hand up to my face, his thumb running over my lower lip. “In fact, you're the only woman I've kissed in a while.”

  My breathing hitched at the way his eyes flickered down to my lips, at the way his eyes darkened, telling me all about what he was thinking. He swallowed, clearing his throat before jumping off the stool and extending his hand towards me.

  “Come on,” he said with a smile.

  “What are you doing?”

  “We are dancing.”

  “Why?” I asked, standing up and looking around at the place. There wasn't anyone dancing and the bikers were still eating. Tessa and Sam were both standing behind the bar, looking at us with amused expressions.

  Nathan chuckled, following my gaze. “They're just surprised because I'm not alone,” he explained. “They are well aware of my situation with Hannah and have been encouraging a divorce for as long as I can remember.”

  “You've never brought Hannah here?”

  Nathan snorted, spinning me around. “Does this look like the type of place she'd ever step foot in?”

  “Touché.”

  He spun me around again, catching me in his arms with a charming smile, and I gave in, laughing at his playfulness.

  Ignoring the people surrounding us was easy when I was with him. Soon we were laughing, getting carried away with the music, and in our never-ending fits of laughter. I understood what he meant then when he said he could be himself with me. He was much like a younger version of himself—joyful and easy going. They held the spark that hadn't been there since before I had left.

  My mind kept telling me how wrong this was. That I was traitor for doing this to my sister. But my foolish and smitten heart told me the complete opposite. It told me this was it. This man would be the one to bring laughter and joy to my life.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, biting my lip with a smile. Nate tilted his head to the side, arms wrapping around my waist in a tight hold, our faces just inches apart.