“What are you doing up here?” I asked.
He let out a deep breath. “I’m shit today I can’t work out.” He confessed guiltily.
I’ve had enough. “Why the hell not?”
“My damn ankle feels like a fucking elephant stomped on it. I can barely get to the bathroom.”
I growled and walked to the center of the room. “You’re going to tell me right now what the hell you’ve been doing to your ankle.” I demanded.
“Mel…” Nick began and I cut him off.
“Oh no, you’re not getting out of this one buddy now spill. What did you do?” I asked again.
He ran a hand down his face. “Fine! I’ve been doing lifts with the weights when you leave.”
I exploded. “What the hell Nick? Why would you do that? Do you know how dangerous that is? Do you even know what you’re doing?” I asked folding my arms across my chest.
His eyebrow rose in challenge. “Yes, I googled it. I might’ve just done one too many.”
I waved a hand at him. “Show me what you’ve been doing.”
He sighed and sat up. The pain was evident on his face but I didn’t care, right now I didn’t have any sympathy for his hard headed ass. He put both feet down on the floor and began lifting his leg in a weird motion and I swear I felt the steam come out of my eyes.
“Nicholas Rivers, what is your problem? One, you don’t start off at the maximum they tell you. Two, you’re not even doing it right which means you’re most likely messing up your ankle even more and three, which is the most important, this is MY JOB! Not yours Nick I know what the hell I’m doing and had you listened to me you would’ve probably been ready to move into the gym this week but No. you have to take matters into your own hands and now look you can’t even get out of bed you big fucking monkey.” I yelled at him and my chest was heaving.
He was looking at me amused and the corners of his lips twitched. “Did you just call me a monkey? Out of all the possible insults you could’ve come up with you chose monkey.” He pointed out.
I growled. “Now is not the time to be cute Nick.”
He gave me a cocky grin. “But I am cute.”
“Nick….”
“Mel…”
“Would you stop it? You’re not going to get yourself out of this by joking and trying to be charming. You will promise me that you will not keep this shit up you hear me?” I asked.
“Alright, damn woman I’ll stop.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m being serious you can’t just tell me anything and I know that wasn’t genuine.” He picked his head up and met my eyes. It’s like he was able to look into me and I was in a trance. I was brought back to all those years ago when we communicated best through our eyes.
“I’m serious Mel.” He told me holding my eyes and I nodded. I couldn’t move or speak it was like he was reeling me in and he was only watching me. I knew he meant it this time, him looking me in the eyes was more powerful than saying he promised. This was a reassurance that you couldn’t question.
I shook my head. “So what are you going to do today? You can’t even get out of bed?” I asked.
He shook his head. “You could just stay here and help nurse me back to health.” He suggested and I raised an eyebrow.
“Is that so?” I asked.
He nodded. “I haven’t even eaten yet because I couldn’t imagine walking down the stairs. You’re going to let me sit here and starve to death?” he pouted.
I scoffed. “Whose fault is it that you can’t move? It sure as hell isn’t mine.”
He rolled his eyes and gestured to the bed. “I learned my lesson ok?”
I groaned. “What do you want Nick? Matter of fact I take that back because there’s no way I’m making everything that could possibly fall on the breakfast menu. I’ll be back.” I told him and walked away as his laughter trailed behind me.
Nick
I spent the rest of the day driving Mel crazy. I know it was petty but I liked the fact that she was taking care of me. Cooking and shit for me and not that dick. Alright so over the last few weeks I realized that I wasn’t over her but I’ve been able to keep those feelings at bay. I’m trying to continue to keep distance between us but it was like a natural pull that my body and mind finds almost impossible to fight. I’ve been able to bury my feelings deep but it’s like she’s trying her hardest to drag them out. Her corny jokes, the way she wears exercise clothes that show off her body like the tease she is, the worst part was having her hands constantly on me. I’m getting used to it and after some training I’ve gotten my body under some semblance of control although it doesn’t always work.
After being confined to bed I kept true to my word and only engaged in the exercises that Mel had me do. It took another three weeks but we finally made it to the gym. I knew it was my fault so I didn’t complain anymore. I know it’s childish but I couldn’t even bring myself to tell her that she was right. They started off easy but as I grew comfortable with each one she increased the use of my ankle. I was walking around without my crutches now but I still had on my brace.
One day we had just finished working out and it was raining heavily outside. There were flood advisories and warnings to stay off the road due to low visibility. When Mel got her stuff to leave I snatched her arm. “Where are you going?” I asked.
Her eyebrows flew up. “Home…?” she said more as a question out of confusion.
I shook my head. “No you’re not.”
She sighed. “I am Nick, what’s this about?”
I shrugged. “I don’t feel comfortable letting you leave is all. The last time that I remember weather like this it was a long night.” I replied referring to my uncle Dean. My parents had died in a plane crash and I moved in with him. He died thanksgiving night on his way to a hotel so that he could meet with a client. That incident has made me nervous to harsh weather and well I couldn’t let Mel go out. No matter how strongly I felt about her and everything that happened between us, I couldn’t take it if something were to happen to her. Like if she got into an accident or worse. The thought made me break out in a cold sweat and I was surprised she couldn’t see my heart thumping against my chest. Those thoughts solidified my resolve.
“I’m sorry Nick. But I don’t know about me spending the night here is all.” She said and bit her lip worriedly.
“I have guest rooms you can have one for the night or until the weather clears up. It’s just not safe.” I told her.
She sighed. “Fine.” She excused herself and went to make a call. I’m assuming to her husband and I wanted to snatch her phone and toss it out the window.
“Essie, what’s for dinner?” I asked going into the kitchen.
She laughed. “Whatever I made, is that a problem?” she asked.
I held up my hands in surrender. “No ma’am. You win I don’t want any problems.”
She took out two plates and began putting food on them. “Oh, we’re having company for dinner tonight.” I told her.
Her eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “Oh really? And who might the guest be?” she asked with a knowing look.
I rolled my eyes. “It’s Mel now quit it.” I told her.
She laughed. “Quit what? I haven’t done anything Nick.”
I gave her a disbelieving look. “Yea right.” I walked back to the breakfast bar and took a seat. Mel joined a few minutes later and she looked stressed, I wanted to ask but I didn’t because I knew it wasn’t my business. Essie called me to help with the plates and I got up. I grabbed two and some glasses while she held the last one and a pitcher of juice. I put a plate down in front of Mel and pulled out a chair for Essie. “I’m sure you two have met already but Essie this is Mel. Mel this is Esmeralda the only woman in my life.”
Essie rolled her eyes. “You’re only nice to me because I feed you.” She said.
I laughed. “And you make sure I have clean drawers. What would I do without you?”
“Eat your food and quit it.”
she scolded me. I saluted her and dug in I didn’t need to be told twice.
“This is really good.” Mel praised her in between bites.
“It was easy dear. I wouldn’t mind showing you a few recipes if you want. You don’t have to spend all of your time with this one.” She told her while gesturing to me with her fork.
When we were done eating I washed the dishes as Essie put away the food. When I was done I joined Mel in the living room. She was watching Criminal Minds and I kind of got into it. It was pretty awkward sitting here with Mel watching TV almost casually. We were both sitting at opposite ends of the couch and hadn’t said a peep to each other. My back was ramrod straight and it took everything in me not to look or watch her. She looked just as uncomfortable as I felt that at around eight she said she was calling it a night. I knew she wasn’t tired but she probably couldn’t stand sitting here any longer like this and I didn’t blame her. I showed her to the guest room across from mine. Sure I could’ve put her on the opposite side of the floor which I probably should’ve did but I didn’t. I tend to do that a lot when it comes to her. After I dropped her off I went to my room.
It was about an hour later when there was a knock on the door right before she let herself in and looked around the room nervously. I eyed her in question and she sighed in resignation. “The rain hasn’t let up and I checked the news, they said it probably won’t until the early morning so I guess I’m really staying.” I nodded and then she began wringing her hands.
I sighed. “What else?” I asked.
She bit her lip then looked down at her feet as she began fidgeting. “Well I don’t have anything to sleep in.” I got up without a word and went to the dresser where I grabbed a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. I walked over to her and handed it to her. My hand grazed hers and I felt a bolt of electricity flow up my arm. She gasped so she must’ve felt it too. I snatched my hand back like I’ve been bit. “Thanks” she muttered and practically ran out of my room.
I tossed and turned all night but I couldn’t fall asleep. All I kept thinking about was the fact that she was only a few steps away asleep in my house in my clothes. At this point my cock couldn’t get any harder and I refused to beat off to her. I got up and took an ice cold shower until it cooled down my entire body. My teeth were rattling by the time I got out and I had Goosebumps all over my body but it was totally worth it. Once I got back in bed and the covers warmed me up I was finally able to get some sleep. I woke up at my usual time and I was dog tired. I barely got any sleep but I was grateful for the few hours I did get. I walked downstairs for some coffee and Mel was at the table with a mug in hand with the clothes on that I gave her last night and I groaned.
“You look like shit.” I told her and she did. She had bags under her eyes and her hair was a mess almost as if she’s been tossing and shit or running her hands wildly through it.
She glared at me. “Ditto pal.”
I shrugged and made me a cup of coffee. I sat down across from her and took a sip. “I couldn’t sleep well.” I admitted.
She grunted. “I know the feeling.” She muttered into her cup. I decided not to look too deeply into that one.
“Are we going to work today?” I asked. I wasn’t sure if she would want to go home or anything.
She nodded. “Yes and if you don’t mind me taking a shower and giving me something clean to wear it would totally help me… you know from having to drive home and come right back.”
“Yea, just go into my room and take what you want.” I told her.
She laughed. “You’re still a lazy fucker you know that?”
I threw my hand over my heart feigning offense. “And what is that supposed to mean missy?” I asked.
She arched an eyebrow. “What I mean is do you just let everyone just go through your shit so that you don’t have to?”
I laughed. “You know me better than that. I don’t worry about that shit because I don’t have just anybody in my home let alone sleeping here. No one besides family and Essie… but she is family to me now I guess, but they’re the only people really welcomed in my home. Sure Phil and some friends come by but they’re not allowed past the first level.”
She looked at me nervously. “Only people you trust I know.” And I saw her smile into her cup as she took a sip. It took a moment for me to realize what she was implying, I let her in my house she even has keys and she has free reign. To be honest I didn’t even think about how she just came upstairs to my room on her own when she first started working here. That type of thing could get a person’s ass beat and fired normally. I sighed to myself and tried to focus on other things.
Her phone rang and she looked at the screen and sighed. She watched it until it stopped ringing and shook her head. I saw it said Roger from where I was and this time I couldn’t stop my curiosity. “Trouble with the hubby?” I asked.
She frowned. “What?” she asked.
I nodded to her phone. “You’re ignoring your husband’s calls… it was only an observation.” I told her.
She rolled her eyes. “Oh. I was confused what you were talking about. I’m not married.” She said with a wave of her hand.
My eyebrows rose. “What do you mean you aren’t married?”
She laughed. “What are you a damn parrot Nick? I’m not married. We never got married.”
Now I was confused. “Didn’t he propose to you like five years ago or something like that?”
She sighed. “What’s there not to understand? We’re still just engaged we haven’t done the whole wedding thing yet.”
My head cocked to the side. “Why not? I thought that was like the highlight of every girl’s life getting to dress up in all that frilly shit and being the center of attention.”
She cracked up laughing. “I guess so. I mean at one point in my life I did think about what my wedding would be like and all.” She shrugged. “For some reason I can’t picture my wedding anymore and I guess soon we’ll just get it all over with.”
I frowned. “Get it over with? You know when people get married it’s usually because they intend to spend the rest of their lives with that person. It’s not something you get over Mel.” I was truly confused, none of this made any sense. They’ve been together long enough and I just assumed that they would’ve done it by now.
“Yea I know that’s why I don’t want to rush it.” she told me.
“But you two already have a kid and all together, you’re not sure is what you’re telling me?”
She scowled and pushed back her chair. She glared at me and pointed an accusing finger, “Don’t bring my daughter into this. It has nothing to do with her.”
I threw my hands up in surrender. “Look I wasn’t saying anything I was just curious is all. But I get it, it’s not any of my business I’m sorry for being nosy damn girl.”
She ran a hand through her hair and let out a deep breath. “I’m going to take a shower. We can start when I’m done.” She turned abruptly and practically ran up the stairs.
I watched her leave and frowned. I didn’t get her reaction to any of this stuff, it’s weird. Mel was never the type of girl to be so nonchalant about something so important and it threw me off. She came back down a half hour later and I noted that she had on one of my older shirts. I’ve had it for a while and it used to be one of her favorite shirts to sleep in. I guess that’s why I was never able to really let it go. She had to have been looking for that thing because I knew for a fact it was in the back on the bottom of one of my t-shirt drawers. She paired it with a pair of black briefs and I took in her bare legs and feet. Her hair was wet and she’d put it up in a messy bun.
I got up to freshen myself up and when I went to my room I noted that my toothbrush was wet. That girl used my damn toothbrush? I figured she didn’t walk around with them in her bag but I’m sure that I have some spares here because I switched every couple of months. I noticed my deodorant sitting on the sink cabinet and there was steam on the mirror. So she just decided to
get ready in here and use all my shit. I smiled then brushed my teeth and washed my face and made my way downstairs. We worked out and I had to literally pry my eyes away from her. I noticed she wasn’t wearing a bra and her breasts definitely were larger than before. They kept swaying in front of me begging me to give them some attention. This girl was going to be the death of me I tell you. When we were done for the day she put on her yoga pants over my briefs and kept on my t-shirt to head home. When the door closed behind her I did a two-step in excitement. That loser was going to see her, in my shit. Score for fucking Nick.
CHAPTER 2
Mel
When I got into my car I groaned. It was hell trying to sleep last night when all I could do was smell him all over his clothes. I felt like an ass each time a thought went through my mind of climbing into his bed and begging him to hold me just so I could get some sleep. Roger has tried it plenty of time before but I just can’t sleep with him touching me. We barely even have sex if I’m being honest. It feels like a chore more than anything. When we first started dating it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. I figured that with time it would get better once we learned what each other liked and such. It did initially but as the years progressed we became more and more like an old couple. I also realized he had a temper and jealous streak. Once he proposed to me he showed more and more jealous tendencies and I tried my best to avoid arguments. Occasionally he pisses me off when he acts all high maintenance or makes comments like I’m a housewife or something. When I spoke to him last night I knew he’d be pissed about me staying with Nick. He knows more than enough of our history and the last time I was with him at Lucy’s wedding he pretty much exploded once we were alone. That fight almost made me leave him, he was so angry that warning bells ran rapidly inside my head. He calmed down and apologized and all seemed well.
Needing Her (The Lexington Series Book 3) Page 3
