One Unforgettable Favor

by Nicole Vidal

  “Why would you even ask me that? You’ve known me for seven years. When is the last time I slept with anyone? What is the real problem, Kate?”

  She takes a deep breath and exhales harshly. “You’re going to leave me. Even in the brief time you’ve been dating him, you’re different.”

  “Kate.” She’s right. Cash makes me happy.

  “You glow when you say his name. You care about him already. I don’t want to be here alone. We have a pact. Neither of us can fall in love, and you’re going to break it.” Her tone shifted. She’s happy for me, but sad for herself at the same time.

  “Kate, I love you like a sister. It was an impossible pact from the moment we curled our pinkies together. One of us was going to break it wide open. I care about Cash very much. So much so that I’m scared. I’ve never been scared before in a relationship because I haven’t made it this far.”

  “He’s right there with you. No man gets on a plane to check on a woman after just one date unless he’s in deep. He cares about you too. I may not be able to find the guy for me, but I can see love. Cassius Morgan is well on the path to falling for you.” Kate throws her arms around my neck. “I’m sorry I was a bitch. How was your trip?” After asking, she walks into the kitchen, whips open the fridge and starts pulling out a massive amount of ingredients. Kate cooks when she’s unsettled. Far be it for me to stop her, if she needs to cook, I’ll eat. While Kate busies herself making dinner. I clean up my mat and check my messages.

  Cash: Hi gorgeous. I’ll call you when I get home from the gym.

  I smile. “Did you call Keyton?” I ask her as I wash the cooking dishes she has already dirtied. She turns from the stove and glares at me. “Why not? He looks like a surfer with pale blue eyes. He’s your type, hands down. He’s persistent and genuinely likes you.”

  “What if he falls flat too? What if the problem is me?” Kate has had a string of bad luck with men like me—until Cash.

  “You don’t honestly believe that, do you?”

  Kate plates the food and carries two dishes to the terrace. “No, not really. I just don’t want to be alone for the rest of my life.”

  “Keyton has been courting you for the last few years. Say yes. Go out on a date with him. We’ll always have half-price apps and exemplary service even if it doesn’t work out. If it does, then both of us will be happy in love.”

  I dig my fork into the pile of food that Kate served. How she made this with the stuff in my fridge is beyond me, but either way it’s delish.

  “I’ll consider it. That’s my final offer.”

  “Good. What’s on tap for this weekend? Any parties planned? Cash will be here on Thursday for the long weekend. He agreed to talk to my students about one of his jobs.”

  “That’s nice of him. Is he coming to Kiely’s?”

  “I don’t know when he will get here yet. Would that be an issue?”

  “No, just wondering. Keyton said something about a bonfire on Saturday night.”

  “That sounds fun.” Any amount of time I can snuggle up with Cash sounds amazing to me. He seems to have a need to touch me all the time. I love when his hands are on me.

  “I’m sorry for barging in here. I always thought it would be me breaking our pact. I’m glad you found each other. I’ll miss you when you leave.”

  “I understand. Thanks, babe.”

  After washing her plate, Kate hugs me tightly and leaves. I hurry through the shower before talking with Cash.

  I answer his video call near eight.

  “Hi, tesoro. How was your day?”

  “Hi. It was great. I confirmed the guests for Friday and prepared the program. What about you?”

  “What are you wearing?”

  “I ordered a few sets of pajamas a few months ago, but they were backordered.” I lift my phone further away so he can see more. There were three sets: red, teal, and black that include a silky camisole top and shorts for sleeping. I chose the black tonight.

  “Holy hell. You look sexy in the clothes you have been sleeping in. What am I going to do with those?”

  “Same as you do with the other ones: look, touch, and take off.”

  He groans before a sly smile overtakes his face. I feel a tad guilty for torturing him from a distance, but it’s what we have right now.

  “Images of you in that is going to keep me up tonight.”

  “I would apologize, but I’m not sorry.” We chat more about his day and our potential plans for the long weekend before hanging up. Soon I’ll be able to fall asleep wrapped in his strong arms.

  17

  Cassius

  As I predicted, I sleep horribly. Noelle covered in lace and silk is impossible to put out of my mind, especially when our call is just before I’m supposed to sleep. After two cups of French press coffee, I trudge out onto the sidewalk toward my office.

  “Good morning, Mr. Morgan. How was your evening?” Myles asks as I approach my office.

  “Fine and you?”

  “Same. Your meeting with Mr. Sanders is set for eleven. Otherwise, your schedule is clear for the day. Also, quarterly reports are due in three weeks.”

  “Thanks, Myles.” I step into my office and review my plan before meeting with Stacy. In the back of my mind, I consider how this will affect Noelle and me. Finding an investment for my future couldn’t possibly make it worse; we already live on opposite sides of the country.

  After letting out a deep breath, I knock on his office door, divulging my innermost thoughts to someone other than Noelle and Sam is just moments away.

  “Come in, Cash.”

  “Stacy, thanks for seeing me.”

  “Anytime. What can I do for you?”

  “After some recent soul searching and a push from someone I care about, I need to make a change. I would do this myself, but I want everything to be carefully reviewed and vetted before I take this huge step.” After that intro, I explain to Stacy what I want to do, why, and how soon.

  “I’ll need a detailed plan and a letter of intent as if you were my client.”

  I hand him a copy of my plan and a letter of intent executed by me for the holding company I created for this purpose.

  “Thorough as always. Are there any restrictions on location?”

  “I would prefer to stay in the continental United States, ideally in the tri-state area. If that isn’t available, the Northeastern U.S. and then Colorado.”

  “I can work with that.”

  “Stacy, I would like to keep this private as long as possible. The circle is exceedingly small, just three people other than me.”

  “Understood. On one hand, I’m surprised that you’re willing to take this risk, but on the other, I’m proud of you choosing to live your life fully.”

  I rise from the chair, extending my hand to him. “Thanks, man. I’ll see you in the ring after work. Please say hello to Jocelyn for me.” Stacy and his wife have been together since college. They have had some issues having a family and recently decided to adopt. The process is long, especially considering they are seeking a newborn. Hopefully, soon they will have a family. It has been hard on their marriage.

  “See you then. I’ll let her know.”

  Leaving his office, I feel lighter and know who I want to call. I know she isn’t available for a few more hours during her lunch. I don’t want to tell her this news over the phone even though her sound advice pushed me to take this chance. My gut is telling me it will work out, but my head and my heart aren’t fully on board. I’m talking about the deal, not her. I know she and I will find a way to make our relationship work. It’ll likely require change or sacrifice for one or both of us, but for the first time in my life, I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I have never met someone like her, and I doubt I ever will again.

  Me: I’m counting the hours until I can see you again. Call me at lunch if you can. xoxo

  Placing my lunch order with Myles, I sink back into my office chair, considering the gravity of what I just pu
t into motion. I’m not having second thoughts. I already ran through the comprehensive list almost daily for the last two weeks. Cautious optimism is a more apt description. I contemplate letting Mina in on my plans, but decide to wait and just check in.

  Me: How are you?

  Mina: I’m well. You?

  Me: Same. I’ll be gone for the long weekend, but Sam will be available.

  Mina: I’m fine. I have Peter. Love you bunches.

  Me: I’m still getting used to that.

  Mina: I know.

  Me: Love you bunches more.

  After wolfing down my lunch, I research a few more opportunities for my latest client. He’s looking for a storefront in a beach community as close to the water as possible. This store will hopefully be the first of at least five locations. Personally, I think he is out of his mind, and due to my long history with him, I told him as much. He’s adamant about moving forward with this investment. I even had him sign an acknowledgement that I warned him his strategy wasn’t sound. Surprisingly, he signed it without a second thought. At least I know I covered myself and the firm when this deal goes sideways. My gut says it will. My gut is rarely wrong.

  Evan and Stacy took turns throwing punches at me last night in the ring, and Stacy pounded me mercilessly tonight. My focus wasn’t solely in the ring. Even with her admonishment in my head, my mind still wanders to her in every unfilled moment and even some when I should focus on boxing gloves flying toward my face. I’m exhausted, but I know that less than a day from now, I’ll be able to spend time with Noelle. I’m excited to see her at work and speak to her students. She sent possible questions from her students for Friday afternoon. They range from: Is it hard to fly a plane? to can I try on your hat? Grabbing my bag from my locker, I head home to pack for a long weekend in sunny California, but first, I want to hear how her day was.

  “Hi, tesoro,” I answer while lowering myself into the chair in my sitting area.

  “Hi. How was your day?”

  “Pretty great actually. I found a potential investor for a client and started the process for another client. The best part is I get to hold you tomorrow.”

  “That’s fantastic! I love that last part quite a bit myself.”

  “What about you? How was your day?”

  “I planned for every potential hiccup for Friday. Hopefully, I didn’t miss any. Each presenter has a ten minute window to talk and ten minutes for questions. That puts the overall program at two hours. It’s long for some of the students, but most will be engaged for the entire presentation.”

  “I know you prepared from the questions you sent, but damn, that’s down to the minute. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks. We’ll see if I pull it off.”

  “Of course you will. I have no doubt.”

  I smile. “You believe that because you want to snuggle with me.”

  “That’s only partially true. I believe that because you will pull this off with precision, and it will be amazing. Not only do I want to hold you in my arms, but I want to kiss you until you can’t breathe.” I want to explore her luscious curves in depth. Thinking about her in my arms wearing next to nothing and the taste of her on my lips tents my shorts.

  “Holy hockey! Yes, please.” She fans herself. Good to know that I affect her with the same tenor as she affects me. “What time will you be here tomorrow?”

  “I should be able to meet you at Kiely’s if you and Kate are still going after work.”

  “I can go home instead, if you want.”

  “No, not at all. Private air travel is less structured than commercial. We could leave later or earlier depending on the clients or available runways. In this case, it’ll be the runway because my client is always on time to visit her grandson. I’ll text you when I land and see where you are. Does that work?”

  “Yes, that works. Get some sleep. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

  “I can’t wait to kiss you until you can’t breathe.”

  “So much for sleeping tonight. Good night, Cassius.”

  My reaction to her using my full name is visceral. She’s the only woman who makes my name sound decadent. I will never let another woman use my full name for the rest of my life.

  “Good night, tesoro.” As I take a deep breath before ending our call, she drops her phone to the floor. She doesn’t realize she hasn’t ended the call yet. When she leans down to pick it up, I have a clear view of her ample breasts. Now I’m more aroused than I was before.

  “Tesoro, you didn’t hang up.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m clumsy when I get anxious.”

  Concern rushes through my veins. I worry about her enough being basically alone. What is she anxious about?

  “Do I make you anxious?”

  “Yes. No. Not exactly.” She sighs.

  “Please explain.” In this moment, her West Coast address is screwing with my head. I want to be there to soothe her more than I want my next breath.

  “You’re just….”

  I wait patiently for her to continue like I did in my car after picking her up at the airport.

  “You’re everything. The idea of us scares the hell out of me. How I feel when we talk, and especially when you’re with me, it scares me.” She exhales, holding the bridge of her nose between her thumb and index finger. “Thinking about you or when I’m with you, I feel like I’m losing control. Then you touch me and I’m instantly calm. Am I imagining all of this? We just seem to fit too perfectly, at least this soon. Does that make sense?” Hearing her feelings out loud makes my chest tighten.

  “No, you aren’t imagining any of it. Our chemistry and connection are off the charts. I feel it too. Being with you is effortless and comfortable, like we’ve been best friends since childhood. However, kissing you… touching you, rocks my world.”

  Even though the screen is small, her eyes turn stormy with lust. Hermione’s time turner would be useful right now.

  “Thank you for listening. All of this is new to me.”

  “You’re welcome. Me too.”

  “You should get some sleep before you need to fly tomorrow. We can talk about this more while you’re here.”

  I nod despite my desire to keep her talking. “I would have preferred to have that conversation in person.”

  “Me too. We’ll finish it in person.”

  “Good night, tesoro.”

  “Good night, Cassius.” This time I wait until she ends the call.

  18

  Noelle

  I don’t regret spilling my feelings to Cash last night, but they made for a restless night and a long day at work. Mason was at the center today. As each day passes, my hope of keeping my job increases.

  “You look terrible,” Kate says as I drop onto the stool next to her at Kiely’s after work.

  “Thanks.” Always great to hear a dose of reality from your bestie.

  “Shouldn’t you be all blissed out and excited?”

  “I didn’t sleep well last night, and the kids were crazy today. Plus, Cash and I talked about a few topics that should have been done in person.”

  Kate’s eyes move to the bar. Keyton is chatting up a blonde sitting alone. Her show of jealousy happens every so often, even though she hasn’t said yes to his invitation.

  “Would you just say yes, already? Put both of you out of your misery.”

  Keyton delivers the blonde’s drink before approaching our table with our standing order.

  “Hi, Keyton.”

  “Hi, Noelle. You look like you had a crappy day.”

  “I did.”

  He sets our drinks on the table.

  “Yes!” Kate blurts out.

  “What?” Keyton and I ask in unison.

  “If your offer still stands, I would like to go out with you. Does it?”

  Keyton sets the tray on our table and walks around to Kate’s side. Offering her his hand, he helps her stand. Keyton towers over Kate.

  Looking down at her, he says, “Yes, my of
fer still stands. It’s about time you accepted. I’m going to kiss you.” Keyton cups her face, bringing his lips to hers. Cheers from his coworkers erupt from behind the bar. After pulling back from her lips, Keyton whispers something to Kate before grabbing his tray and walking back behind the bar.

  “Oh my God! That was fantastic! I’m so happy for you!”

  “I can’t believe I just did that!” Her skin is flushed.

  “What did he say?” I ask, wondering if I were in her situation would I share. I probably wouldn’t.

  “He said he would kiss me properly without an audience.”

  “Wow! Wow! Well, cheers to you and Keyton!” Kate and I clink our glasses together and take a celebratory sip.

  “What are we celebrating?” His voice sends shivers over my entire body. I turn to see Cash just inches away. Before I can answer, Cash slides his hand around my jaw, dragging his thumb across my lips before kissing me.

  I take a moment after he pulls away to gather my senses before replying, “Kate finally accepted Keyton’s invitation for a date.”

  “Kate.”

  “Cash.”

  Not even Cash’s presence can make the stupid smile on Kate’s face dim. Maybe, just maybe, my bestie will be lucky in love this time around. I certainly am.

  “How was your flight?”

  Cash sidles up next to my stool, pushing his bag beneath the table. I should have just gone home so he wouldn’t have his bag here. “Nice and smooth.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t think about your luggage.”

  “It’s no problem. How was work?”

  “The kids were off the wall today because of the long weekend, and I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  Leaning forward so only I can hear him, he says, “I’m sorry, tesoro. I didn’t sleep well either. Maybe we should have kept talking.”

  Holy hockey! When he calls me that, I seriously feel gooey inside and lose my ability to think straight. That isn’t true; Cassius Morgan makes me feel like that every second of every day.

  “We can talk more later. Do you want a drink?”

  “I’ll get it. Do you want another?”