“It’s easier than you think. I get paid pretty well!” he joked. Shaking his head, he added, “Noah would have to be stupid to let anyone come in between you two. You’re too much of a catch.”
Celine looked up and felt a blush on her cheeks. “Thanks, I guess.”
Brian lifted the knife from his pancakes. He played around with it for a while before speaking again. “I guess that brings me to my secret.”
“What?” Celine asked in confusion. “I thought that was your secret.”
Brian’s lips turned up into a crooked smile. “My secret is also one of my biggest regrets.”
“What’s that?” Celine whispered.
“Picking Crystal over you.”
Chapter 17
“This place is pretty great!” Ruthie yelled over the blaring music. Cash thrust a rather beautiful looking drink into her hand. Even in the dim club light, the drink seemed illuminated. It looked so unique that she didn’t even want to drink it. She could just stare at it all night. Then again, she did have something more attractive to put her attention to.
“I love coming here!” Cash yelled back, taking a swig of his whiskey. “It’s one of my favorite places to party when I’m in town. Great music, good crowd, and a perfect private area over there.” He lifted his finger and pointed to two velvet curtains, which cascaded over a high balcony. “It’s the VIP area. A great place to run off to when you become tired of the crowd.”
At that moment three women sauntered over to Cash. Decked out in skin tight clothes and accessorized beyond belief, the women eyed Ruthie’s outfit with obvious disdain. The three women looked as if they had stepped off a catwalk in Milan and Ruthie looked like she had sauntered out of a Forever 21. A tall blonde stepped forward. “Cash,” she purred, reaching out to touch his arm. “We’ve missed you! It’s been so long since you visited town.”
“Or visited us,” one of her friends said from behind. The woman pushed back her long black hair and placed her hand on her hip.
Cash smiled, licking his lips. “Ladies! Nice to see you again. Have you met Ruthie? She’s my date.” He motioned at Ruthie, who smiled politely.
The women pursed their lips and nodded their heads in Ruthie’s direction. She nodded back in acknowledgement, all the while reveling in the fact that Cash had called her his date.
“If you can excuse us, ladies, we’re about to go to a quieter place.” Cash’s voice was as smooth as silk and the women visibly melted into puddles of lust.
“What? We’re not invited this time?” the tall blonde pouted.
“Maybe next time.” Cash laughed. “Now if you’ll excuse us…”
He grabbed Ruthie’s arm and gently guided her towards the balcony. She followed aimlessly, feeling as if her knees were spaghetti. She couldn’t believe that Cash had flat out rejected the Amazonians for her! If that wasn’t a confidence booster, she didn’t know what was. Before Cash shut the French styled doors, she stole a quick glance at the Amazonians and caught them staring at her shamelessly. Catching eyes, Ruthie watched as the women raised their hands and wiggled their thin fingers at her. With tiny smirks, the women wore identical masks of envy and something else Ruthie couldn’t place. It was almost as if they knew the punchline to a joke she wasn’t privy too.
Ruthie quickly turned away and attempted to shrug away her unease. All the while, she couldn’t help but wonder if somehow she was the punchline.
***
Cash ushered Ruthie inside the empty room, nodding at his body guard to keep watch outside. As Ruthie walked towards the black leather couch, Cash calmly pulled the velvet curtains tightly in place. He turned around and gave Ruthie a once over.
“What do you think?” he asked, stretching his arms out. “Pretty sweet, huh?”
Ruthie folded her hands together and placed it on her lap. She began to nervously bounce her legs. Ruthie wasn’t stupid. She knew why Cash had brought her into VIP and it wasn’t just to talk and play board games. What scared Ruthie the most was that she didn’t mind. In fact, she was looking forward to anything he may have planned.
Cash sauntered over beside her and placed his drink down on the glass table beside the couch. He eyed her slowly and licked his lips. “So, tell me about yourself.”
Ruthie gulped. She watched as Cash made himself more comfortable on the couch. At this point, Ruthie’s insides were squirming and blood began pooling in unspeakable places. Having never been reckless before, she found herself thirsting for something she knew she might regret.
“Um…” She took a deep breath, also licking her lips. “Nothing much to say about me. I work in publishing. Client relations, actually.”
“Relations, huh?” Cash said smoothly. He reached out and ran a single fingertip down Ruthie’s exposed arm. A trail of goose bumps followed his path, and as if Ruthie’s body wasn’t already warm enough, she felt herself heat up a few degrees.
Ruthie nodded dumbly. “Yeah, I’ve been working there for a few years. Just waiting on my big break.”
Cash leaned forward. “Big break? Like what?”
Ruthie shivered as she felt his breath tickle her skin. Trying hard to remain composed, she whispered, “I’m working hard to be promoted. I really want to travel and schmooze, you know?”
His eyes brightened and his sensual tone gave way to his normal one. “You like to travel? Have you been to New York?”
Ruthie was taken aback by the sudden change in subject. “I’m sorry?”
“We’re heading back to New York next week. You should go!” he suggested.
Ruthie refrained from telling him that leisurely travel wasn’t exactly what she meant, but she couldn’t reject another chance to hang out with Cash. Unfortunately, her wallet might prevent any chance of it. “I’m sorry, but with Celine’s wedding and everything, I really can’t afford it.”
“Who said you’d be paying?” he asked. His face scrunched up, and if Ruthie didn’t know any better, she’d say he looked offended.
With an apologetic smile (though she didn’t know what she’d apologize for) Ruthie replied, “No, it’s not that. I mean, you’ve already done so much for me…er, us.”
“I haven’t done much…yet.” Cash’s voice deepened once again. He leaned over, cupping Ruthie’s chin. He pulled her in closer in a move so smooth it wasn’t hard to see he’d done it numerous times before. His breath mingled with hers for a brief second before he allowed his lips to gently brush against hers.
After years of imagining what his kiss would feel like—would taste like…After spending her teenage years kissing the poster above her bed…All that combined couldn’t compare to what it felt like to have Cash’s lips pressed against hers. Hungrily, he caressed her lips, forcing her mouth open. She happily obliged and relished the feeling of his tongue against hers. She lost herself, only allowing a tiny gasp to escape when she felt his fingers glide down the bare skin of her back.
To her dismay, he pulled his head away from hers. “I’m happy to have met you, Ruthie,” he whispered, trailing his lips down her neck.
She gulped and ran her hands down his back. “Mmm, yeah,” she ground out, not even making any sense.
His fingertips trailed the waist of her skirt. The light touch caused her to tremble from head to toe. She knew there was no hope for her. Whatever Cash wanted to do, she’d agree to. No questions asked.
Chapter 18
The black SUV rolled to a stop in front of Ruthie’s duplex. Celine sighed and turned her head to look at Brian. She was surprised to admit that she actually felt genuinely happy. Sure, a better half of the trip was filled with guilt and trepidation, but after the long drive she felt as if she had reconnected with an old friend.
“Thanks for the ride, Brian,” she said, leaning over and touching his arm. “I have to admit, I was a bit worried about how it would go.”
“Were you afraid of falling for me again?” he joked, though Celine could detect a hint of hope in his tone.
She ignored
the observation and shook head. “Shut up, Jerk.” She laughed. “No, I guess sometimes it’s nice to have a hint of your childhood again. Especially when adult life grabs you by the neck and demands change…” She quickly stopped talking. Where did that come from?
Brian grabbed her hand and smiled warmly. “I hate to say goodbye, so I won’t. I know I’ll be seeing you again.”
Celine gulped. “What do you mean?”
With a serious look, Brian answered, “I hate to say this, but I’m sure you’ll have to pick up Ruthie’s pieces sooner or later. Just be prepared for that.”
“Oh…”
“But it was really great to see you, Celine. Congratulations on everything.” Brian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“Drive safe,” Celine replied. She hurriedly jumped out of the car and headed to the back. As she reached for the latch of the trunk, a hand jotted out and stopped her. She yelped in surprise and jumped back.
“Sorry for scaring you!” Brian laughed. “You are still so easy to freak out! That’s what was always fun about you.” He opened the latch and set her luggage down on the floor. “If I’m playing chauffeur I’m doing the job justice. No way I’d let you get your bags by yourself.”
Celine pursed her lips and nodded. “Thanks, but I can take it from here. Great seeing you, Brian.”
Without warning, his arms shot out and grabbed Celine, taking her into a tight bear hug. She blinked and slowly raised her hands to pat his back.
“Bye, Celine,” he whispered into her ear. He abruptly let go and took a step back, eyeing her, his expression unreadable.
She opened her mouth to speak, but decided against it. Instead, she nodded her head one last time and grabbed her bags. Somehow overcoming the intense feeling of being watched, she managed to make it up the front steps and quickly unlocked the front door. She didn’t allow herself to look back until she was in the safety of the foyer. Turning her head, she caught a final glimpse of the SUV driving away. The rising sun cast an orange glow on the roof of the car, adding a dramatic flavor to the scene.
“Goodbye, Brian,” she whispered.
Celine sighed as she made it inside the living room. Despite Ruthie’s uncharacteristic behavior, she found herself greatly missing her best friend. She wanted someone to talk to and confide in. Being stuck in her house alone was the last thing she needed at that moment. She considered calling Noah, but knew she’d only worry him if she called at such an early hour.
Begrudgingly, she entered her room and plopped down on the bed. Even with her lack of sleep, she had no urge to get any shut-eye. She hated to admit it to herself, but a big reason she insisted on moving in with Ruthie before the wedding was because she was scared. She was scared Ruthie was right and everything would change. She loved Noah more than anything and she always dreamt of being his wife, but she also loved the way her life had been going. Having always been fearful of change, the thought of beginning a new chapter was both enthralling and frightening.
She shook her head vigorously. She had to snap out of it. Everyone gets cold feet, right?
Without giving it a second thought she grabbed her phone and began to dial Noah’s number, not caring that he’d probably shit bricks seeing that she was calling at five in the morning. As expected, his answering voice was filled with worry.
“Babe? Are you okay?”
She smiled and felt herself instantly calm at the sound of his voice. “Yes, sorry. I just got home and I couldn’t wait to talk to you.”
He yawned and paused. “Just got home? It’s almost five-thirty!”
“Yeah, it’s a long story,” she sighed. “Want to get breakfast?”
“I have work today,” he replied, groggily.
“Please?”
“Are you okay?” he asked, sounding more awake. “Did something happen?”
“I just really need to talk to someone,” she whispered.
Noah paused. “Fine, I think Greg can handle the restaurant today. It’s been weeks since I’ve taken a day off and it’s about time I took one. I’ll be at your place in an hour.”
“Thanks.”
She hung up the phone and fell back onto her old pale pink sheets. She turned her head and began running her fingers on the threadbare cloth. These were sheets she had owned since she graduated college, but due to sentimentality could never bear to get rid of.
“If I can’t throw away these sheets, how do I expect to change my whole life?” she mumbled to herself. It was only a matter of time before her eyelids drew shut and she drifted off to sleep.
“Celine! Open up!” a loud voice yelled, followed by a loud pounding on the door.
Celine’s eyes snapped open. Sleepily she turned and glanced at her clock. Six-thirty!
“Crap!” Celine stumbled out of bed and ran quickly to the door. As if playing an invisible game of hopscotch, she jumped from foot to foot in attempt to avoid the cold wooden floor. She yanked the door open and was immediately greeted by Noah’s tight embrace.
“You worried the shit out of me!” he exclaimed, never letting go of her.
Celine shut her eyes and pressed her cheek against his chest. Her eyes began to water as she felt the rapid pounding of his heart. “I’m sorry, I must have fallen asleep.” Her fingers dug into his cotton shirt and she inhaled his scent. The musky cologne tickled her nostrils. It was a scent all too familiar. She had gifted him the cologne on their first anniversary and from then on he never switched. The familiarity rushed over Celine and she didn’t want anything else but to stay in his arms forever. For the first time all weekend, she felt safe. She finally felt at home.
***
Noah stretched his muscular arm over Celine’s thin shoulders. The warmth of his arm eased her slight shiver. “I never understood why restaurants insist on blasting their AC system,” Celine muttered, still trembling. Noah leaned over and kissed her temple softly. She instantly relaxed and shifted so that her head rested against Noah’s neck.
They were the couple people usually hated. Squeezed together on one side of the booth, they were the barf-worthy, lovey-dovey type. It was something Celine relished and this day more than others she really needed it.
“Noah?” she said quietly, glancing at the menu. There was no way she would be able to eat. She was still stuffed from French toast.
“Hmm?” he asked, scanning the weathered looking menu.
“What made you decide to marry me?” her voice came out meek. She instantly regretted asking the question, but she knew it would nip away at her if she didn’t.
Noah shut the menu and shifted his body so he could look into her eyes. “So I was right! You did fall in love with Intensity, didn’t you?” A twinkle in his eye told Celine he was only kidding, but the question made her uneasy. Sensing her discomfort Noah sighed, “I was afraid this was going to happen.”
“You were?” Celine asked. Her eyebrows knitted together. Did he know about Brian? Brian was just a friend to her, nothing more.
Noah took a deep breath and shook his head sadly. “I figured moving in with Ruthie was a sign of cold feet.”
“What?” Celine’s mouth dropped open. She turned her body as best she could, given the tight space in the booth. “What are you talking about? Who said I had cold feet?”
Without answering her, he asked, “Do you really want to know why I wanted to marry you?”
Celine nodded weakly. She really did.
“Because I love you.” He grabbed both sides of her face. “I know that answer may be too simple for you, but it’s true. From the day I met you, I knew I wanted to wake up to this face.” He paused and squeezed her cheeks together, eliciting a grin from her. “I knew from the moment we shook hands and exchanged pleasantries that you were meant to be my wife, the mother of my children, and the center of my world. As much as you hate to admit it—I know you do—you’ve always had a bit of self-esteem issues. I don’t know why. To me you’re the most perfect person in the world.”
Celine
’s eyes began to tear up. She looked at her hands and tried her best to bite the tears back. Why was she even scared of her life changing? It was going to be changing for the better! Noah was more than she ever deserved.
She looked down at her fingers and bit her lip. Though nothing happened between her and Brian she knew it was only right to tell Noah about him. “I, um…got a ride from an old friend. That’s why I got home at such a weird hour.”
“I meant to ask you about that, but I figured something probably happened between you and Ruthie.” He shook his head. “That’s so strange to me. You never fight.” He cocked his head to the side. “What happened?”
Celine rolled her eyes. “Let’s just say Ruthie’s teenage fantasies are probably coming true as we speak.”
Noah raised his eyebrows. “I don’t even want to ask.” He reached over and placed his arm back around Celine’s slim shoulders. “Who drove you home?”
“Well, our old high school friend, Brian, happened to be Intensity’s manager. He’s the one who gave me a lift.” She attempted to keep her voice light, but couldn’t hold back the slight tremble in her tone. Luckily, Noah didn’t notice.
“Wow! Small world!” he exclaimed, flipping through the plastic menu.
“I know, right?” Celine laughed nervously. She had no idea how Noah would react to her being in a car alone with a strange man for three hours.
“Why’d he drive you home?” Noah narrowed his eyes, but other than that, he didn’t seem the least bit perturbed.
“He didn’t think it was safe for me to be stuck in a car with a stranger. He said he would have better peace of mind if he drove me,” she explained.
“Well, remind me to thank this Brian guy.” Noah smiled and added, “Better tell him to keep an eye on Ruthie while we’re at it.”
Intensity Page 10
