“No, just curious.” He shook his head.
“Sure, sure.” I laughed, and then turned to walk to the door. Nick grabbed my hand and reeled me in to him. His lips touched my ear as he whispered.
“I’m more interested in who you are seeing.” I didn’t know what to say he caught me off guard. I backed away and continued to the door thinking it was just the alcohol talking.
Jennifer, Nick and I stood outside by the curb for Mike, who had been taking an awfully long time. Then Jennifer went inside. I peered through the window and I saw her and Mike arguing as they walked towards the doors. I smiled and turned to Nick. “Guess we can head out. Thanks for waiting with me.”
“Anytime.” He said, stepping off the curb, almost falling. “Shit.” He turned around, confused. “I think the bartender has my keys.”
“You’re not driving,” I said, looking around for Cassie and Charlie, who hadn’t even said good-bye before leaving. My brow furrowed, curiously. “I’ll get your keys, but you’re not driving.”
“Lauren,” Jennifer said as she came out. “Can you give us a ride to the hospital?”
I spun around. “Of course. What happened?”
“Mike got into a fight,” she said. I looked Mike over, a little shocked. That was more than just a fight.
“Why?” I asked, remembering the guy who took Mike aside.
“He was mugged in the bathroom,” she said, but I knew something wasn’t right.
“What? Oh my god!” I gasped. “Let’s go.” I unarmed my car. Nick helped Mike across the parking. “Nick, are you able to stick around until I drop them off?”
“Yes,” he said, helping Mike in the car.
When we got to the hospital, it took an hour before the nurse called him in to be seen by the doctor. Jennifer went with him while Nick and I sat in the waiting room.
“Sorry about this,” I said. “It’s fine.” He smiled. “It’s not like I was doing anything , just going to bed.”
“Oh—bed. That would be nice,” I said, leaning back in the chair and resting my head. I heard him chuckle. “Aren’t you tired?” I asked.
“Not anymore,” he said looking over at me. “A bit restless, though, from that coffee.”
“Guess you should have listened to me.” I giggled. “Yeah, yeah.” He rested his elbows on his knees.
About twenty minutes later, Jennifer came around the corner to give us an update.
“He has to get a few stitches, and then the doctor wants to keep an eye on him for a few hours, make sure he doesn’t have a concussion,” she said nervously.
“Oh, okay,” I replied.
“You guys can head out. We’ll call a cab when we are done here.” Jennifer smiled, then walked over to me and hugged me. “Thank you for waiting.”
“Of course,” I said and smiled, hugging her back. “I’ll see you at work?”
“Yep.” She smiled, turning away. “Nice to meet you, Nick.” She waved then winked at me.
“You too.” He stood, sticking his hands in the pockets of his jacket. When we got outside, I stretched looking up at the sky.
“So much for a decent sleep,” I sighed. When I glanced over at Nick he was watching me and smiling. “What?” I asked nervously but Nick shook his head then looked away.
“We—uh—can probably go and get my car now,” Nick said.
“No, it has only been an hour since your last drink. I will take you home.” I started walking down the driveway, heading to the side street where I parked my car.
“I don’t need to be coddled, Lauren,” he said with a laugh, catching up.
“I’m not coddling you, Nick.” I turned, walking backwards. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, I don’t want to read in the paper tomorrow that you crashed your million-dollar car.”
He laughed and replied, “I’m touched.”
When we got to my car, Nick leaned over the hood, staring at me and as I went to get in, when I noticed he was staring I stared back.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I haven’t heard from Mason,” he said.
I winced at the mention of his name. “I—I wasn’t—” I stuttered.
“It’s okay.” He stepped away from the car, still watching me. “I just figured that was the reason you had no problem driving me across the city to my house.” He shrugged, and I felt my heart sink. I didn’t know if it was because he had said Mason’s name or because of the look on his face. The fact that he thought all I cared about was Mason bothered me.
“Nick—that’s not why I offered to drive you home,” I said.
“I just thought—”
I walked around the back of my car over to him. “I’m your friend, and friends don’t let their friends drive home drunk,” I said, mimicking the words from the advertisement on television about drinking and driving. I moved closer. Standing close enough that I could touch him, and boy did I want to.
“Thanks.” He looked away bashfully and my heart fluttered.
“I told you, if you need a ride to get your car in the morning, just call me,” I said, reaching out, unzipping his jacket and slipping my hand in his inside pocket, startling him. He watched intently with parted lips. I took out his phone, swiped my finger across the screen and added my name and number to his contact list. When I looked up at him again, his eyes bore into mine. I smiled, reached out again, slipping his phone back in his pocket. “There, now you have my number, and you can’t give me any excuse about why you never called.” He caught my hand as I pulled away and a sharp breath darted out of my mouth.
“Thank you.” He gave me the sweetest smile, and then kissed my hand.
I blinked nervously. “I’ll be expecting your call then.” I nodded and gently pulled my hand free. I walked backwards to the back of the car, then around the trunk to the driver’s side and got in. I didn’t know if offering my number was a good thing or not, but we were friends—at least that’s what I thought.
Yeah, we had kissed, twice, but nothing came out of it, and there was no reason we couldn’t be friends now.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I pulled up to the Foster mansion and parked the car, turning off the ignition so that the lights weren’t beaming in the windows. God forbid his mother be woken from her beauty sleep because of me.
“No body is home,” Nick said, taking off his belt. I wasn’t sure what he was trying to say, but I didn’t ask why. “They’ve gone to Palm Beach.”
“Oh ,” I replied, not sure of what else to say.
“You won’t wake anyone up with the lights. That’s why I’m telling you.” He rubbed his palms on the thighs of his pants. “Anyway, uh—thanks again for the ride,” he said, turning to open the door.
“Night,” I said, leaning over to give him a hug. I think I caught him off guard this time. It took him a moment, then I felt his arms wrap around me, squeezing me tight. As he pulled away his face hovered close to mine. I felt my heart pound and my eyes sting as I stared into his beautiful blue eyes. Then his soft warm lips pressed against mine. He didn’t linger for long, just enough for my pulse to quicken before he pulled away.
“Night,” he whispered then got out of my car. I watched as he made his way up the cobblestone driveway to the front door.
As I pulled out of the driveway, my phone chimed. I stopped, put the car in park and checked my phone. I was hoping it was Cassie explaining her disappearing act but when I checked my texts, it wasn’t a number I recognized.
3:02 a.m. Unknown: Now you have my number.
My cheeks flushed and I smiled. When I looked up, I saw Nick standing in the driveway, he smiled and waved before turning towards the house.
3:05 a.m. Me: Yes, I do.
I added him to my contacts.
3:08 a.m. Nick: Night… 3:08 a.m. Me: Night
When I got home, I crawled into my warm, comfortable bed and immediately fell asleep.
***** The next morning I wasn ’t expecting to be woken up early. I was enj
oying the dream I was having. But my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. I rolled over, rummaged through my bag and held the phone to my ear.
“Hello,” I croaked, unable to focus on the clock in my room. “Morning , sunshine.” Nick’s voice was overly perky. My heart began to race as I remembered our kiss from last night.
“Nick? What time is it?” I gulped.
“Uh—eight,” he answered with a chuckle.
“Nick, it’s way too early.” I moaned and rolled onto my back.
“Did I wake you?” He laughed, playing with me.
“Yes,” I complained, even though I was glad to hear from him. “Why are you up already? You were drinking all night. Shouldn’t you be—oh I don’t know—hung over?”
“Exactly. So if I can be up and ready to go, so should you,” he replied. The phone became muffled and I could hear him talking to someone.
“Right, I forgot that you rich folk are professionals at parties, drinking and early mornings,” I joked.
“Funny,” he replied. “Hurry over here, I have things to do.”
“It’s Tuesday . . . What could be so important on a Tuesday?” I moaned.
“Lauren—”
“Oh all right—don’t be so pushy. Sheesh,” I said.
“See you soon,” he said and hung up.
I pulled up to the house, parked the car and got out. As I knocked on the door my heart started to race again. I touched my fingers to my lips, and shut my eyes, just as the butler was opening the door. He greeted me then led me to the parlour, where Nick was standing with coffee mug in hand.
“I’m here , your Highness,” I said, my voice still not fully awake.
“I see that,” he said, turning around, trying to hide his smile.
“What?” I felt myself checking for clothes. I was in yoga pants, T-shirt, red scarf and sweater. I hadn’t brushed my hair, just tossed it all up in a bun. What was I thinking leaving the house dressed like this? Meanwhile, Nick was dressed in a navy-blue two-piece suit with a crisp white collared shirt, two buttons undone. I felt underdressed.
He shook his head and chuckled. “Did you literally roll out of bed?”
“Well, you were being pushy.” I scowled, feeling my cheeks flushed. “Next time specify that you need me to be presentable before arriving.” I shook my head and started to walk out of the room. “Are you ready?” I asked.
He laughed a little louder and said, “You look great.”
“And you’re a liar. Let’s go,” I said and rolled my eyes.
“Are you hungry?”
“No, Nick let’s go.”
“Lauren, you got out of bed and came straight over. I know you had no time to eat. Sit down. I can have Samuel make you something to eat.”
“Nick—”
“Sit,” he said with a big smile, then left the room. I pulled my hair out of the bun and tried to brush my fingers through it. That didn’t help, so I tied it back up, took off my jacket and sat at the table. When Nick returned, he handed me a mug filled with coffee, pointing to the milk, cream and sugar cubes on the table.
I nodded and reached over, grabbing the milk. I was still trying to get my heart under control failing miserably. It didn’t help that every time he looked at me I wanted to jump him.
“So what do you have to do today?” I asked, sitting back, crossing my legs.
“Nothing much,” he said.
“Nothing much, huh?” I paused, eyeing his grin. “There you are all dressed in a nice suit, looking hot, and you are telling me that you have nothing to do today?” I scoffed.
“You think I look hot?” he asked, patting his chest down.
“Of course you do, Nick. Come on, you know you look good.” I rolled my eyes. There was nothing worse than modesty from a very attractive person.
“Oh, I know I look good. I just wasn’t sure you noticed,” he said, smiling. My lips parted and a gasp escaped. I didn’t know what to say after that. Then it fell silent for far too long, and it was getting uncomfortable, when Samuel walked in with a plate of food for me.
“Here you are, madam,” he said and placed it in front of me, then left the room. I looked down at the plate filled with bacon, toast and fresh strawberries, my mouth salivated. “This looks terrific. Let Samuel know I said thanks.”
“You can thank him when you’re done,” he said. I looked up at him just as he turned. “I’ll be right back,” he said as he exited. I picked at the bacon, taking it apart as I ate it. By the time I had finished most of the food on the plate, Nick had returned. Samuel also entered the room and took the plate.
“Thank you. That was great,” I said, looking up at him.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled widely.
“Ready?” Nick asked.
“Yes.” I stood and got up from the chair, walking to where he was standing. “Should I change?”
“Why?” he replied, turning to face me. “You look fine.” I rolled my eyes and folded my arms.
“Where are you going?”
“Uh—my mother volunteers twice a week, and when she is away, I help out,” he said reaching for the front door, letting me exit first. I turned once outside.
“I didn’t realize your mother volunteered.” I said.
“She’s been doing it for a long time,” he replied.
“That’s great,” I said.
Silence filled the car during the entire ride to the bar, where Nick left his car. When we arrived at the plaza, the first thing Nick noticed was the broken window. I parked next to his car and we got out.
“Shit.” He sighed and folded his arms across his chest.
“I’m sorry, Nick. I’ve left my car here plenty of times, and nothing has happened,” I said, standing close enough that our shoulders touched. He looked at my car, then back at his, and I bit my lip. Of course nothing happened to my car. It wasn’t a Porsche. “Did you have anything important in it?”
“No,” he said, walking over to the passenger door, shards of shattered glass all over the leather seats. He unlocked the door to look and see if anything was missing. After rummaging through the car, he stepped away from the car and called the police to report it. I waited with him for the tow truck to arrive. Then I noticed someone walking towards the bar and ran over to ask for Nick’s keys. The guy went in the bar then came back out with them. I thanked him, and then walked back over to Nick, who paced around his car, running his fingers through his hair.
“I’m really sorry, Nick,” I said again as I handed him his keys.
“Stop apologizing, Lauren. This isn’t your fault,” he said, turning to face me.
“I know, but I wouldn’t let you take your car home.” I said screwing my lips to the side.
“I wasn’t exactly thinking about my car,” he smirked. His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and it became awkward real quick. I stuffed my hands in my back pockets and prayed for the tow truck to hurry up.
It took fifteen minutes before an officer showed up to take his statement and file a report. Nick glanced at his watch, annoyed that the tow truck still had not arrived.
“I’ll take you around, if you want,” I suggested. “I have nothing to do until five.”
“I can’t ask you to do that,” Nick said, shaking his head.
“You’re not asking, Nick. I’m offering,” I said, touching his shoulder. He smiled but looked away from me. “Why do you do that?”
“Do what?” He asked glancing over at me.
“Act as though it is such a burden to ask someone to help you,” I replied.
“Uh—because, I usually don’t ask other people for help,” his said, jaw clenched.
“Well, don’t think of it as help, then. Think of me as volunteering my services,” I said and smiled.
“What services are those?” He chuckled.
“Chauffeur services of course.” I laughed
“Why are you doing this?” he asked, turning around to face me. His eyes focused on mine, his tone making me feel as t
hough I had a hidden agenda.
“What do you mean?” My eyes narrowed.
“Why are you helping me, and spending the whole day with me?” he said. I smiled and tried to lighten the dark mood he was in, all of a sudden.
“It’s not a whole day. I do have to work at five. Besides, we are friends, Nick, aren’t we?” I cocked my head and I crossed my arms.
“So you keep saying.” he said and stepped closer.
I narrowed my eyes, then turned and hopped up onto the trunk of my car to expand the distance between us.
“You never did anything, for me to choose otherwise,” I replied.
“I beg to differ.” He smirked, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and backed away. I smirked remembering that night at the club, to what he was referring. “The first night we met, I was a little— ornery,” he said.
I nodded, smiling. “Okay, but honestly, that was nothing compared to what some have done to me,” I said, resting my elbows on my knees. Before he could say anything else, the tow truck pulled up. “Tow truck’s here,” I announced. Nick turned to meet up with the driver. When he was done, we got in my car.
As we pulled up to the first location, I was a little surprised. It was a homeless shelter.
“I’ll join you, in a minute,” I said, turning off the engine.
Nick got out and made his way into the building.
I grabbed a brush out of the glove box and dragged it through my hair until all the knots were out, and then tied it up again.
When I walked in, Nick was behind the counter, cooking.
I leaned against the doorframe watching him, unable to keep from smiling. He caught my stare a few times, and gestured for me to join him, but I declined. I preferred to watch him work.
Afterwards, as Nick announced he was leaving, the other volunteers all walked up to thank him. He hugged them and shook their hands before we left. I followed beside him to the car, not saying anything.
I was impressed.
“What?” He said, noticing my gaze.
“Nothing,” I said, with a shrug.
On our way to the next address the car fell rather silent. Apart
from him giving me the address, we barely spoke two words. The next place we stopped at was a retirement home. Mrs.
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