by M. Clarke
I reassured myself more than her. Troy haunted my mind again as I wondered what to do with him. He was a thorn in my side that couldn’t easily be plucked. He had embedded himself too deeply and would make me bleed as long as he could. I had to plan my defense out carefully. “I’ll ruin him. He’ll never work another day in his life,” he’d said.
No, Troy. I won’t let you. God help me.
Chapter 4
Nathan
I knocked on Kelly’s apartment, but I wondered why she’d texted to let me know she wanted to see me. She apologized for her behavior, but I hoped she understood I wouldn’t be pushed around. She had no right to tell me who I could be friends with. And as far as Olie was concerned, I had to get over her in my own time and my own way. But what the hell was I thinking when I almost kissed her? I wanted to pound my head against the wall to end the desire slowly creeping up on me. It took every ounce of my effort to stop myself. It was the familiarity of her. That was all.
Kelly peered through the crack of the door. “Nathan, come in.” Swinging the door wider, she stepped aside for me to enter. Wearing jeans and a red sweater, she reminded me of the first time I met her, how much I’d liked her and wanted to get to know her better.
“Let’s talk on the sofa?” She walked down the hallway to the living area.
I didn’t reply. Instead, I just sat away from her. “What did you want to talk about?” I asked in a business-like tone.
She sat across from me. “Us.” She looked at her hands and then back at me. “I didn’t want to talk via text. It seemed so impersonal. I think we should get things straight, so I’ll start.” She waited for me to respond. When I nodded, she continued.
“I wanted to have a chance to apologize in person. I really like you, Nathan, and I want us to move forward with our relationship. I want to be exclusive, just you and me and nobody else. If you don’t want to move in together, I’m okay with that. I just want to make sure you understand what I want.”
I soaked in her words. Everything she wanted from me made sense. We’d been dating more than three months and being exclusive was the natural progression. But something in me had changed. The argument we had when she demanded things from me left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I wasn’t sure if that was the reason, so I decided to ask her questions.
“What’s your condition?”
She frowned and sat beside me. “There isn’t. I mean...if you feel the need to be friends with Olivia, then I’ll try to understand. I’m going to be up front with you. I don’t like it, but I understand she is your past. We all have a past. As I have stated before, my ex cheated on me with his ex, so I flipped out.”
“Okay.” I nodded, not really knowing what to say. A part of me wanted to give us a chance and part of me said fuck it. Come to think of it, I really did like Kelly. Being around Olie messed with my mind and heart. But we weren’t together, so what held me back? A tiny space in my heart held out for Olie. It waited for her to mend my missing piece, but I should accept it would never happen. Push forward. It was the only way to move on.
“Okay?” she asked hesitantly.
I took Kelly’s hand in mine and met her ocean blue eyes. “I’m going to accept your apology. I really do like you, Kelly, but I can’t fully give you what you want. We’ve established that we’ve both been hurt before, so I think it’s best we take our time. I would like to continue to see you, but if it isn’t enough, then I guess we’ll be going our separate ways.”
She nodded. “Then I’ll have to take what you offer and see what happens.” Then she pressed her lips on mine. And just like that, everything reverted to the way it was. I liked how we communicated, our problem resolved quickly.
I pulled her close to me. “Would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?” I grinned, already knowing what her answer would be.
Kelly ran her hand down my arm. “Why, of course, Mr. Cross. Where are we going?”
My mind raced through all the restaurants nearby. The first thing that popped into my mind was the name of the restaurant Josh had texted me last. “How about we go for Italian? Mario’s. I heard it was really good.”
Kelly slipped out of my hold and stood up. “That sounds good. I’ve been there before. Mario’s it is. Oh, and by the way, just a reminder, my project with Knight Fashion Magazine is done; however, they’ve signed me up for another round. I might not see you as often as before. Our schedules will be tighter.”
“We’ll make it work,” I reassured her. Standing up next to her, I held her hand and headed to her bedroom.
“What are you doing, Nathan?” She laughed softly.
As we continued to walk, I said, “Getting you undressed.”
I pinned her against the door and dove in for her neck. My hands slid under her sweater, traveling up to her breast, taking my time to build the anticipation. As I continued to tease her, her shuddering breath brushed against my face.
“Oh, Nathan,” she moaned, sliding her hands from my shoulders down my chest. “I love the way you feel, so hard and strong.”
Reaching behind her, I unhooked her bra and gingerly rubbed my thumbs below her breast while my lips lowered, pushing her sweater aside with my teeth. Kelly arched her back, silently asking for more. I yanked the sweater over her head, pulled down her bra, and teased her nipple. From one to the other, I sucked, nipped, and sucked more as her hands struggled to pull down my pants. When I lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around me, and I took us to her room.
Kelly released me and pulled off my sweater. “Nathan, take off your pants.”
When I just gave her a smirk instead, she bit her bottom lip and tugged at my pants.
“Slow down.” I cupped her face and took in her lips. Slow kisses seemed to stop her need to rip my clothes off.
“Okay.” She surrendered and wrapped her arms around the nape of my neck.
I lowered myself to bended knees and kissed her belly softly and tenderly. As I pulled her jeans lower, I kissed down the exposed area and slipped my tongue inside her panties. Her legs trembled.
Kelly’s hands dropped and wrung a fist full of my hair. “Oh, Nathan. Stop teasing me. I can’t handle this anymore.” She moaned.
I took the rest of her clothes and mine off and lightly pushed her on the bed. “You’ve been naughty, Kelly. I’m going to punish you,” I growled, piercing her eyes with mine.
Kelly looked dazed and ready. “I can’t wait.” Her tone came off playful and seductive.
Hovering over her, I took her lips as I teased her, rubbing my cock against her clit as if I was fucking her. Kelly sucked my tongue harder, silently telling me I made her feel good. Then out of breath, she panted and squirmed.
“Stop punishing me,” she moaned. “You’re driving me crazy.” Kelly’s hands tightened around my back, pressing her body to mine. Lowering my dick, I entered just enough to tease her and pulled out, over and over again.
“Nathan, I could come just from you teasing me,” she whispered against my ear, tossing her head from side to side. “It’s too much. Please, I—”
When I slammed inside her, she gasped deeply and completely came undone. A flutter of raspy breath escaped her as her eyes rolled back. All that teasing had built her up to the point of no return. The harder our bodies collided, the louder she screamed.
I gave her everything I had, washing away the thought of Olie from that morning, the need to touch her. The craving for Olie crept out of nowhere. Her face flashed in and out when I closed my eyes as I lavishly took in the pleasurable moment. I shot my eyes open. It wasn’t fair to Kelly, but how did I know she never thought of her ex during sex?
I had to get those thoughts out of my mind.
“That’s it. Come for me,” I cooed, grabbing her ass and pumping harder and faster in mad passion. I too came undone as heat ignited my veins. Suppressing my own urges, I rocked her until she screamed my name. When our wills had been spent, I collapsed beside her. I held her hand, our chests rising and fallin
g in sync as hot air puffed out of our mouths.
“That was one hell of a make up fuck,” Kelly said, catching her breath.
“Yeah,” I agreed. The word stuck in my parched throat.
Kelly’s stomach let out a long growl. We exchanged glances and laughed.
“Hungry?” I asked.
Kelly draped her arm and leg over me. “You gave me quite the workout.”
I pulled her closer, feeling the warmth of her body next to mine. “That’s just the warm up. Wait till after dinner.”
Kelly got up and headed to her bathroom. Stopping midway, she looked over her shoulder and gave me a flirty smile. “I’m taking a shower if you want to join me,” she said with a sultry tone.
“Like I said. I was just warming up.” I jolted out of bed to join her.
Chapter 5
Olivia
I parked my car at Mario’s and went inside. Spotting Isla and Josh, I waved to let them know that I’d seen them.
“My friends are over there,” I said to the hostess, pointing to the far back corner in the packed room. Weaving around the tables, I kept my eyes rooted to Isla, who was smiling at me. The warmth her presence gave me said I had made the right decision meeting up with her. I needed her company. It was the only thing making me forget about Nate.
“Hey,” Isla and Josh greeted me cheerfully.
I reached over to give them both hugs and sat next to Josh. I’d hoped to get a better look at his tattoos, but he wore a black sweater, hugging his chest nicely. Their drinks had already arrived. When I saw their solemn expression, I knew Isla had told Josh about my meeting with Nate. I smiled to let them know I was fine and picked up the menu from the table.
Peering over the menu, I said, “Sorry I’m late.”
“You’re not late. We’re just early.” Isla winked and then shifted her eyes back to the menu.
After we ordered, the waiter came back with my mojito. I loved his Italian accent.
Isla took a sip of her wine and placed it down on the table. “My only word for the men’s underwear line is hot. And Josh Bennett is one of the models.” She looked straight at Josh, slightly sticking out her tongue. Isla had told me many times before that they were just friends, but they looked so adorable and acted so cute together. I loved watching them interact.
Josh beamed a huge smile, looking proud, and then he mimicked Isla’s tongue. “So is Nathan.”
That name struck a painful chord in my gut. “Oh, I didn’t know that.” I took a gulp of my drink and placed it on the table. “He didn’t tell me.” My tone came out bitter and angrier than I intended. “He told me almost everything else, why not tell me that?” I didn’t realize I was stabbing the ice cubes with a straw until Josh placed his hand over mine. I gazed into his pretty, bluish-green eyes. “Sorry.” Then I turned to Isla. She gave me the same expression. Ugh! I was pathetic.
“It’s okay,” Josh said sympathetically, patting my back. “What did he tell you?”
I swallowed and took a moment to compose myself. If it wasn’t Kelly in his arms, it would be someone else. “He’s the next Sexiest Man Alive,” I replied. With that title, he’d have women throwing themselves at him. I could picture it. He’d have a slew of women to sleep with. My Nate wasn’t like that, but maybe having a fat ego from the title might change him. Being with Kelly already changed him, but it wasn’t fair of me to think that.
Josh let out a chuckle. “Well, I’ll be damned. He did it. I knew he would get picked. I’m going to have to tease him real good.”
“Speaking of which—” Isla wasn’t in our conversation anymore. She stared over my head, looking shocked. “Don’t move. Olivia, do not move. Look down.”
Isla’s demand didn’t sit well with me, only because my curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to turn around so badly, but I listened instead. Just before I looked down, I saw her mouth to Josh, “Oh, shit. It’s Nathan.”
My heart pounded against my chest, and an unpleasant heat scorched through me. I kept my head rooted to the floor. Then it got worse when I saw a pair of man’s shoes and woman’s black heels. Whatever calmness I had tried to summon fled. My heart had no mercy. It exploded with embarrassment and awkwardness when Nate spoke.
“Josh, Isla.” He paused a second. “Ol...Olivia.”
I fought the pain and managed to peer up, wondering why he used that name. It sounded so strange hearing Olivia instead of the nickname he’d called me many times before, even in my apartment that morning. Then the answer came to me when I saw the person beside him.
“Hey, what a coincidence to see you here,” Josh said happily. Regardless of our friendship, he was Nate’s friend first. Then he tilted his head as a way of greeting. “Kelly.”
I had no idea if she greeted him back. I assumed she waved back at him or offered at least a smile since I didn’t hear a peep as I looked straight at Isla.
Isla gave a fake smile and said nothing, but she threw eye daggers at Kelly. I didn’t think Kelly even noticed Isla’s expression toward her. When I peeked at Kelly, she looked everywhere but at Isla and me. Kelly was just standing there to be polite, for Nate’s sake.
“Kelly lives nearby,” Nate explained. “I’ll see you Monday at the shooting location. Looks like we’re at the table behind you.”
Just freakin’ great! I was pretty sure he directed his words at Josh since I kept my eyes locked on Isla the whole time Nate spoke. It took every ounce of my willpower not to look up at him. Why did he have to ruin my night? Forgetting him would be impossible with them nearby. Knowing he was there, I would be tuning into him...no...them. They might as well sit in my lap.
“That’s wonderful,” Josh said.
His tone didn’t sound all that happy. Maybe he felt sorry for me. This is turning out to be a great night. The one time when I shouldn’t have listened to my gut intuition. My heart found its steadier beat when they left our table, until Josh spoke again.
“Oh, congratulations. Olivia told me you’re the next Sexiest Man Alive.”
I peered up to see Nate stiff and speechless. Then I looked at Kelly. Her lips pressed in a thin line, and her forehead creased into a frown. Oh, crap! Nate hadn’t told her yet. There Josh was, rubbing it in to Kelly, to let her know I knew first. Way to go, Josh!
“Oh, thanks,” Nathan said. “Have a nice dinner.”
I ran my hand down my face and released a long breath, relieved to see them leave. Having both of them in the same room was utter torture.
“Looks like Nate hadn’t told what’s-her-face yet.” Isla’s smile lit up the dim room.
Josh slowly curled his lip. “I had to use whatever weapon I had to bring out the truth. She’s way more into him than he is into her.”
“Oh, you two are bad.” I smiled, knowing they were on my side.
Isla pointed at me. “Oh, honey, you haven’t seen anything yet.”
“Oh, I have a feeling we’re going to see a whole lot of something tonight.” Josh waggled his brows.
What did he mean by that?
“Don’t get me wrong,” Josh continued. “Nathan is my friend. I just think he’s with the wrong woman.”
I wanted to agree, say something, but I smiled instead. When our dinner finally arrived, I concentrated on my seafood pasta.
Josh began to twirl his noodles with his fork. “Nathan can’t stop looking at our table,” he said casually and then took a bite.
I chewed and swallowed. “I don’t care, Josh. He’s probably looking at you.”
“Everybody looks at me, sweetheart,” he said smugly, but I knew he was joking. “You should make him jealous.” That came out of left field.
“How?” I asked, looking for someone to hit on me.
“You should kiss me. That would piss him off and get Kelly all pissy again.” He chuckled, cutting his meatballs in half.
“Josh,” both Isla and I blurted, laughing.
“See, I made you laugh.” He chuckled. “I’m just teasing. This is too
much fun. I think I have the upper hand here.” Josh’s eyes wandered back to Nathan. “They’re talking about something. He doesn’t look too happy. I bet she’s—”
“Mad. As. Hell.” Isla pointed in the air with her fork, accentuating each spoken word. Isla took a bite of her cacciatore chicken. “Operation Couple Trap will begin very soon.”
Josh waggled his brows again. “Hell, yes. From the looks of it, my friend needs to wake up.”
Chapter 6
Nathan
Shit! I’d forgotten to tell Kelly about being voted Sexiest Man Alive. I knew Josh was just congratulating me, but couldn’t he have mentioned it after dinner? Kelly wouldn’t let me hear the end of it, knowing I’d told Olie first. Just freakin’ great! I tried not to look at Olivia, but the familiar scent of her perfume pulled at me. And she looked sexy in skinny jeans and a pair of black high heel boots she’d bought when we went shopping together. My mind went back to that day. That was one hot night.
Lying on my bed with my hands behind the nape of my neck for support, I watched her model a few dresses for me. We’d gone shopping and headed back to my place for dinner.
“What do you think?” Olie twirled around, giggling. Her hair swished while her brown eyes beamed under the light.
“Very nice.” I took in the light blue dress forming to the curve of her body. “Try the other one.”
Olie looked confused. “What other one?”
“The black one. The one that’s short and tight. Don’t forget to put on your new boots, too.” I grinned, naughty thoughts of undressing her in my mind.
Olie perked her lips and went back to my closet. After she changed, she strutted out like a runway model. I sat up with my feet touching the floor and my arms behind me for support. She stalked to me like a little vicious cat, hunting for its prey. Desire and lust ran through my veins.
“Olie, Olie, Olie, you little devil,” I murmured. “I want to make sweet love to you and then fuck your brains out.”
