Take It

by Francesca Penn

  Dex placed his hands on both sides of her face and studied her closely. Kalilah could see a seriousness in him that most people probably missed. He was sharp, and she felt like he was looking into her soul. His eyes softened when he found her secret.

  “Does he know?”

  Kalilah stared up at him in stunned silence. She had barely admitted to herself that she had strong feelings for Nick, and his brother came and pulled it out of her without her saying a word. Dex nodded understandingly.

  “What exactly should I know?” Nick asked angrily. “Besides you two being all over each other.”

  “It’s not how it looks, Nick,” Dex began, but Nick cut him off.

  “Save it. I thought you outgrew this.”

  Dex shook his head. “No, Nick, I will never outgrow what I was doing.”

  Kalilah tried to ease the tension in both brothers. They were both hot when they were angry. She momentarily understood men’s obsession with girls fighting. She took a step towards Nick.

  “Nick, remember…”

  Nick held up a hand to stop her. “Shut up, Kalilah. I’m talking to my brother right now.”

  Kalilah flinched as if she was slapped, and Dex turned his attention to her. “Kalilah. Let us have a moment.” He grabbed her purse and handed it to her. “I’ll talk to him, and he will call you later.”

  “I will not.” Nick shook his head and refused to look at her.

  “Nick,” Dex warned. “Don’t say anything, bro. You’re angry, and you cannot take words back.” Dex opened the door for Kalilah. “I’m sorry, go home before he says something he cannot fix.” Kalilah fought back her tears and he looked at her sympathetically and whispered. “I’ll fix it.”

  Kalilah rushed out the door and got into her car. She refused to cry. Not until she made it home at least. Even with all the time they’ve spent together, he still didn’t trust her. He had officially accused her of going after his dad and brother. She hated being right, especially when it meant that his opinion of her hadn’t changed months after they’d gotten to know each other.

  Kalilah hadn’t learned how to listen to her instincts yet; she had signed herself up for another case of heartache. She didn’t have the energy to complain to Natalia and Cayla. Kalilah opted to lie in the dark with a blanket over her head.

  Nick was so mad he couldn’t see straight. Dex was only in town for a few minutes, and Kalilah had already fallen for his bad boy routine. What was so unappealing about him that a woman could go from begging him to make love to her to being seconds from kissing his brother in a matter of minutes?

  In the time it took for him to take the bread out of the oven and open a bottle of wine, his brother had already gotten under her skin. She’d immediately announced that she was not his girlfriend, then everything went downhill fast after that.

  Nick’s heart hurt when she’d left. She didn’t even have the decency to face the music. Somehow, he ended up being the bad guy, and Dex was the savior of whores.

  “Nick. The things you are thinking are why I sent her home. I got her out of here before you could blow any chance of getting her back. You’re overreacting…”

  Dex’s statement pissed him off more than him admitting his mistake and asking for forgiveness.

  “I am not fucking overreacting. You were practically kissing her! Oh! And what did you say? You’ve been waiting for her all your life. You were really laying it on thick.”

  Dex held up his hands in surrender. “You heard that out of context. Nothing was going on. But, I will tell you what just happened – in reality. In the real world, you just overreacted your way out of what looked like was about to be some hot sex.”

  The crushing pain in his heart outweighed his anger. “Out of all the girls, Dex…”

  Dex expression softened. “Nick. She’s yours. All I did was test her…”

  Nick was too tired to have this conversation with Dex right now. He thought family was supposed to stick together.

  “Out, Dex. I can’t deal with you right now.”

  Dex nodded and grabbed his things. He paused at the door before leaving.

  “She passed, Nick.”

  Nick was left alone in the silence with a breaking heart. He grabbed the bottle of wine. He didn’t bother getting a glass and headed to his room. It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 14

  K alilah was not surprised that Nick didn’t call her Sunday. She also was not surprised when he cancelled their lunch meeting on Tuesday. She scoffed to herself in her office. Who was avoiding whom now? He even kept the privacy glass activated all day Monday and Tuesday. Now on Wednesday, she was ready to burst into his office and tell him he was an idiot. From the looks of it, this issue would not be resolved before she left for Dallas.

  She chose him and still lost. When she returned after lunch, she had an unexpected visitor in her office. She could tell by the glassed over expression on her assistant that it was going to be the Sinclair that she wasn’t looking forward to seeing again. She knew this wasn’t Dex’s intention, but it was also partially his fault.

  She entered her office to see him leaning on her desk. Damn, if he didn’t look good in business clothes. The classic combination of a black suit with a white shirt looked good on him. He wasn’t wearing a tie, and the top button was left open. Even in the suit, she could tell he was all muscle.

  “Hey…I expected him to cool off by now,” he said by way of greeting. “I can tell by the way you are looking at me that he hasn’t called you either.” Kalilah shook her head and threw her purse on the couch. “I’m sorry.” His apology was sincere.

  Kalilah shook her head. “It’s not your fault. You were a catalyst, but it’s obvious that he still has trust issues. You didn’t tell your parents, right?”

  Dex hit her with a megawatt smile. “Darling, I’m out of touch, not stupid.”

  Kalilah couldn’t help but smile. “I know first-hand how smart you are. That is why we’re in trouble now.”

  Dex laughed a genuine laugh that caused her to join in and her assistant to peek into her office and ogle Dex. Of course, since the universe hates her, Nick chose that exact moment to come out of his office. Her heart stopped; even mad she was happy to at least see him. She could feel his eyes piercing into her across the hall. If looks could burn glass, she would no longer have an office. Nick looked like he was going to say something, except he turned and went back into his office.

  Kalilah stared at the floor. Nick’s rejection pained her to the, core and she didn’t want Dex to see her in her feelings right now. Dex, however, was his perceptive self and zoned in on her pain.

  “Kalilah?” His voice was gruff. She looked at him and was shocked by his sudden seriousness. There was a hint of anger simmering in his gray eyes.

  “If you are going to be with my brother, the first thing you need to learn is that he is stubborn. You must be ready to fight. Are these offices sound-proof?” She nodded. “Good. I’m about to test them.” He patted her back. “Are you going to be okay?” She nodded.

  He strolled across the hall. Even his angry stalk was sexy. Kalilah shook her head. They should really bronze their DNA.

  Nick knew who opened his door without looking up. “Not now, Dex. I’m not in the mood.”

  Dex sighed and closed the door. “Well, get in the mood because this is happening now.”

  Nick glared at him. “I’m working, Dex.”

  Dex laughed a humorless laugh. “You’re hiding. Instead of going over there and telling her you miss her and you’re sorry. You’re sulking.”

  Nick’s head snapped up shocked. “What in the hell am I apologizing for? You two should be apologizing to me for starting some sort of relationship under my nose. Laughing and joking like you don’t have a care in the world while I am in here hurting…”

  “Enough!”

  Nick raised his eyebrows. Did Dex just yell at him? Has Dex ever yelled at him?

  “I’m sick of your shit, Nick. You w
alk around like the world is abusing you. Yes, some girls have preferred me. I turned each and every one of them down. Do you think you are the only one who was targeted by a gold-digger? Do you know what it’s like for a girl to come after you because she thinks you’re a pretty boy without a brain? Last I checked, no one has ever questioned your intelligence. Or, have you ever thought you connected with a girl only to find out that you were a rebound fuck because you looked like a lot of fun?”

  The hurt in Dex eyes was profound, and Nick sat there stunned. He was mad at himself for not being a better brother. He was too busy being wrapped up in his own pity party that he didn’t realize that Dex could be treated just as bad as he was, even if it was for different reasons.

  Dex took a breath and spoke in a calmer voice. “Pay attention this time. I put the moves on Kalilah to test her loyalty to you. She ignored every subtle hint I threw at her. I asked her out point blank. She didn’t flinch and turned me down without any hesitation.”

  Dex words were a healing balm on Nick’s bruised heart. “She did?”

  Dex nodded his blonde head empathically. “Yes, Jackass. I told you that Saturday. We’re just friends. According to DD, you keep finding a way to fuck things up.” Dex looked at his watch. “I have a late lunch with Dad. I’ll see you Saturday.”

  Dex was gone before he could respond. Nick was floored by his colossal mistake. He was so busy waiting to be betrayed that he allowed himself to believe the worst of his brother and Kalilah. Dex was right. He needed to re-evaluate some things before he talked to Kalilah. What did she say to him? Stop apologizing…pay more attention to his words and actions. He would do that.

  He was pretty sure he’d already missed her; he heard through the office grapevine that she was leaving this afternoon for Dallas. He would talk to her Saturday or Sunday, depending on when she returned from her business trip. In the meantime, it appeared that he had a lot of catching up to do with Dex.

  It was a warm Saturday morning, and Nick was feeling pretty good. Granted, he needed to talk to Kalilah, and he was aware that he would most likely have to grovel, but he hoped this would be the last time. Nick knew she was exactly what he wanted. He could see them having a future together. He just needed to convince her not to freak out on him again. He also had to work at giving her the benefit of doubt. Nick knew relationships required work; he just hadn’t had one that he wanted to work on. Until now.

  Nick pulled into the supermarket and looked at his list. His parents were hosting a Pre-Independence Day family barbeque, and he had to get a few things for the party. He looked over at Dex and smiled. This is one the first times they had been in each other’s presence, and there wasn’t an ounce of tension.

  They’d met for beers the night before and hashed out all their differences. Nick was unconsciously blaming him for all his women issues, and Dex felt like he couldn’t come to Nick with his problems. They apologized, laughed, and cried a little, but they were better than ever. Nick promised Dex that he would be a better big brother and confidant. He’d also joked that he would not understand or be able to help with all of the issues. Dex laughed and assured him that he would be the advisor for all sex-related issues.

  DD was in the back seat all wrapped up in her latest favorite novel. They’d just picked her up from the airport an hour ago. He loved having his siblings local, although, they would be crowding his house.

  “Nick?” DD asked without looking up from her book. “Did you patch things up with Kalilah yet? I wanted to meet her while I was in town.”

  Nick shook his head.

  “Not yet. I sent her a text and left a voicemail. I’m not sure she has the iPhone with her. I accidently erased her Android number when I updated my phone.” He felt two pairs of eyes boring into him. “Yes, I know that was stupid. I just have to hope that she turns on the iPhone. You two stay here. You slow me down when you come in the store.”

  “Yes, Moooooom,” they said in unison. Nick rolled his eyes and got out of the car. He loved them. Nick looked like he was about to spend the weekend in The Hamptons, but he wasn’t self-conscious about the look he’d let Dex craft. He felt comfortable in his navy shorts embroidered with little white anchors. His shirt was pink in his mind, but Dex corrected him and said it was “salmon.” He wore aviator shades and boat shoes. The Nick from almost four months ago would have been appalled.

  Nick chuckled to himself as he got in line at the deli. His mom wanted an assortment of meat, cheeses, and fruit. He read over the rest of his list until he heard a familiar voice talking on the phone.

  Nick felt an onset of nerves and a mix of different emotions ranging from relief to anger.

  “David?”

  David turned around. He didn’t recognize Nick immediately, but once he did, he set his jaw and looked at him with thinly veiled judgment. What in the hell was his problem?

  “Hey, Nick. You look different.” It wasn’t exactly a compliment.

  “Hey, Nick. Glad to see you came out.” The blood drained from Nick’s face as another familiar voice flanked him. “Look at your makeover! Did your boyfriend pick this out?”

  If Nick wasn’t in a supermarket he’d probably choke a woman today. “Meg? What in the hell are you talking about? And what are you doing here?”

  Her blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and she was dressed in the latest summer fashion which included barely-there shorts. He felt nothing. She grabbed David’s hand.

  “Grocery shopping with my boyfriend. Where is yours?” David flushed slightly.

  Nick started to piece things together. Blood rushed to Nick’s head, giving him a sudden headache. David disappeared around the same time Meg walked out on Nick.

  Nick was two seconds from losing his shit on both of them when a welcome familiar voice started to speak.

  “Nick? Baby, I thought I wasn’t going to see you until later tonight.” Kalilah grabbed his hand and locked her fingers with his. And kissed him on the lips.

  He hugged her. “You’re back in town early. I could have picked you up from the airport.”

  Kalilah smiled sheepishly. Nick knew she was up to something and made an unspoken promise to go along with whatever she said.

  “Well, I tried to get here early to confirm something before talking to you. But you know the saying, ‘Man plans, God laughs.’”

  “Confirm what? Why is your hand behind your back?”

  “Wait, who are your friends?”

  Nick shrugged and looked at four pairs of shocked eyes. “I wouldn’t call either of them friends, but this is David and Meg.”

  Kalilah scrunched her face as if she was thinking hard. “David…oh, the disappearing best friend.” She looked at him in his now red face. “Where did you go? Wait, don’t tell me. A top-secret mission? Are you in black ops or something?” David didn’t answer. He just looked down at Meg.

  Kalilah continued. “Meg…” She tapped her chin. “Sorry, I’m drawing a blank. It’s nice to meet you, though.”

  Nick suppressed his laughter when Meg turned a bright shade of red. “I was Nick’s girlfriend for six months.” She gave Kalilah a smug look.

  Kalilah made a pained expression and looked at Nick. “That bad, huh?”

  He could kiss her. She was good. “Well, apparently, David likes it.”

  Kalilah shrugged. “That explains his disappearance. Your ex-best friend ran off with your ex…” She let the statement linger.

  “No.” David finally found his voice. “Meg came over crying. She said that you came out. I stopped talking to you because she said you admitted to being secretly in love with me.”

  Nick could feel the tension in his jaw. Kalilah squeezed his hand.

  “Wow. Well, maybe I should leave y’all to hash this out and tell you my news later?”

  Nick shook his head. “Nope, Tell me now? What’s up, babe?”

  Kalilah took her hand out from behind her back. She was holding three different pregnancy tests. “Well, I took one, and i
t was positive. I came to try other brands to confirm.” Nick smiled so big his face hurt. She was brilliant. “Are you team boy or girl?”

  “I’m team Nick and Kalilah. As long as the child is ours, I don’t care.” Nick kissed his favorite pair of glossy lips and gave her a big hug. Some random nosy lady told them congratulations, and Kalilah beamed as if she were actually pregnant.

  Nick shifted his focus back to the traitors. David was glaring at Meg, and she was glaring at Kalilah.

  “I am and have always been very much straight. Meg, it wasn’t me. It was you. You didn’t do anything for my libido. I can see why you would be confused about my sexual orientation.”

  Meg scoffed. “Apparently, I wasn’t dark enough for you.”

  Kalilah giggled. Nick tensed. “No. You weren’t woman enough. You were too much of a brat to turn me on and apparently, you still haven’t changed.” He looked at a very embarrassed David. “You were so willing to listen to a piece of ass that you didn’t give me the benefit of doubt. I would have thought six years of friendship would have given me that luxury. I was wrong. You two deserve each other.”

  Nick took the tests from Kalilah, left them in Meg’s cart, and pulled her out of the store. There was no way in hell he was letting her go again. As soon as they were outside, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He had so much to say to her, but his need to kiss her was stronger.

  He said things like, “Forgive me” and “I’m sorry” between kisses.

  His desire took over, and he kissed her with all the longing he’d felt all week. He barely registered David storming out the store without Meg and speeding off.

  He hardly noticed Meg stomping out of the store and being flicked off by Dex and DD before she yelled, “Get a room.”

  He’d ignored his siblings yelling things like “ewww” and “where are the groceries.” All he cared about was Kalilah.

  Kalilah broke the kiss. “They’re gone, Nick.”

  Nick was confused. “Who?”