by E. L. Todd
His attitude changed so quickly it was hard to understand. “That’s not what I’m saying…”
He continued to stare at me.
“Slade, what is this? You like having sex with me but you also like…being with me.”
“Yeah, you’re a really good friend, Trinity. But that doesn’t mean I’m your boyfriend. Don’t get attached to me. I told you I wouldn’t change for you. I specifically warned you.”
I was getting irritated. “Slade, shut up! I’m not asking for anything. I’m just trying to understand what I mean to you. You do so many thoughtful and romantic things for me. It just seems like I mean more to you than you let on…but then you sleep with someone else.”
He rubbed his hands together then averted his gaze. His breathing had increased, like he was in fight or flight mode. He said nothing for a long time. Silence stretched for several minutes. I assumed he wouldn’t say anything at all. “Trinity, you mean nothing to me.” He looked me square in the eye. “I know we’re friends and I know we care about each other…but that’s as far as this goes. Do you understand me?”
Did I?
“I’m not the right guy for you. You need a man that will treat you right. That’s not me. And it will never be me. I need to know you understand that. Because I can’t deal with the stress or the pressure.”
His words hurt me more than I expected. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I understand.”
“I will sleep with whoever I want whenever I want. You have the same freedom. So don’t analyze my actions or behaviors. I promise you, you’ll never figure me out.”
“Okay.”
He turned back to the TV. “Do you want to watch it?”
I couldn’t care less what we did. My mind was elsewhere. “Sure.”
Slade got comfortable on the couch then motioned for me to lay on his chest. For a moment, it felt awkward. We were going to pretend like we didn’t just have that conversation. We were going to pretend like he didn’t just sleep with someone. And then it hit me.
Slade really felt nothing for me. I was just a friend whose company he enjoyed. And he liked to have sex with me. He was superficial and shallow. His thoughts didn’t run as deep as I thought. There was nothing more to him than a crystal clear stream.
Skye and I headed to a classy bar in Boston. It was a hundred bucks just to get in, but of course, Skye and I didn’t have to pay a dime. But I wasn’t sure if it was because the bouncer thought we were pretty, or they just recognized our last names.
When we walked inside, a piano played lightly in the background. People were having quiet conversations at nearby tables. Every girl wore a classy dress and sparkling jewelry, and every man wore a suit. It definitely wasn’t the normal bar we frequented, but I was sick of looking for something new in the same place.
“This place is nice,” Skye said quietly.
“Well, I assumed it would be since it’s overpriced just to walk in.”
We moved to a table and sat down. Skye wore a deep purple dress that looked great with her hair color. She wore light make up and kept her hair over one shoulder. A golden bracelet adorned her wrist.
I decided to wear a gold dress with black heels. Since I was pale with bright blonde hair, dark colors really contrasted against my skin. Wearing something neutral didn’t make me stick out so much.
“You look really pretty,” Skye said.
“Thanks.” She would say that whether she thought it or not.
“What do you want to drink?” she asked. “I can grab them.”
“I’m not sure… I’m thinking an apple martini.”
“That does sound good.” She nodded her head slowly. “But maybe I’ll get a cosmo…”
The waiter approached our table wearing slacks and a button up vest. “Two apple martinis from the gentleman at the bar.”
“Damn, that was fast,” I blurted.
“Enjoy, ladies.” He dipped his head slightly before he walked away.
Skye didn’t turn to look at the bar. “Who do you think sent those?”
“I don’t know…” I eyed everyone in the room. Most of the people seemed older than Skye and I, particularly the men. I wasn’t against dating older men but I didn’t prefer it. And anything over thirty was just too old. “It’s hard to tell because no one is looking at us.”
“Because they are discreet—unlike men our age.” She sipped her drink. “Damn, that’s good. I can’t remember the last time I drank.”
“Since you and Cayson got together,” I jabbed.
“Hey, when you’re settled down, you’re less inclined to go out. You’ll see what I mean someday.”
I immediately thought of Slade. Most of the time, when we were together, we were cuddling in the bathtub or watching a movie. His quiet companionship and attention was all I ever needed. When he stayed over last weekend, we never left the house. And his constant presence never bothered me once. “I’m sure I will.” I grabbed the stirring stick then ate the green apple right off it. It was sour but not unbearably so.
“So…see anyone you like?”
“I can’t tell. It’s so open and quiet that it’s hard to look without being spotted.”
“Since when do you care about being spotted?” Skye asked with a laugh.
“This is a fancy place. It’s a little different here.”
Skye rolled her eyes. “Rich or poor, people are all the same.” She continued drinking her glass until she finished it.
“Cayson was fine with you going out?”
“Why wouldn’t he be? He goes out with Slade all the time.”
“But you’re at a bar wearing a short dress and your knockers are practically balloons.”
She shook her head. “Cayson doesn’t care what I do. Now that Zack isn’t a problem anymore, Cayson isn’t concerned. But he did ask me to call him for a ride if we drank too much.”
“We might have to take him up on that offer.” I eyed her empty glass.
“What? I was thirsty.”
I picked up my glass then downed the rest of it. As soon as I returned it to the table, the waiter appeared.
“Two apple martinis from the gentleman at the bar.” He set them down.
Skye and I exchanged a knowing look.
“Which gentleman?” I asked.
“The one in the gray suit,” he answered.
“They are all wearing gray suits,” Skye said.
“He’s sitting at the very end.” He took his tray and walked away.
“The very end?” Skye tried to look out of the corner of her eye without turning her head. She looked like she was having a stroke.
“I want to look but he’s probably watching us right now. He immediately knew when we needed a refill.”
“Forget this. I’m looking.” Skye turned her head.
“Be cool,” I hissed.
Skye quickly turned back to me. “Oooh…he’s cute.”
That got me excited. “Like, how cute?”
“Like, a nine.”
“That sounds promising. Age?”
“I can’t tell. He has facial hair but it looks like Cayson’s when he doesn’t shave for a few days.”
“Is he wearing a wedding ring?” I asked.
She gave me a hard look. “You better not be into that like my brother.”
I gave her a look that clearly said, “Don’t be stupid.”
Skye looked again. “Okay, he’s coming this way. Be cool.”
“I am cool,” I argued.
“Well, be cooler.”
The man approached our table. His posture was upright and one hand was in his pocket. “The drinks were from me. But judging by the way you two were practically giggling at the sight of me, you already knew that.”
Okay, I immediately didn’t like him. Arrogance oozed out by the bucket. If his nose was up any higher, it could be used as a teacup when it rained. “Well, thank you for the martinis.”
He eyed both of us, clearly staring at our chests. “I
’ll buy you plenty more—as many as you want.”
I wasn’t sure if I wanted another drink from him. He was obviously cocky, and not in a good way. And I wasn’t sure who he was going for, me or Skye. If he was into Skye, then he was wasting his time.
“After a few more rounds, how about you ladies come back to my penthouse with me?”
Penthouse? Ladies? He wanted us both? “Um, we appreciate the offer but no, thank you.” And I came to a fancy bar to find a guy who wouldn’t immediately want to take me back to his place. I just assumed there were more gentlemen on the rich side of the economic ladder.
“Oh, come on,” he said with a smile. “Are you girls into BDSM?”
Was this a joke? “No, I can’t say we are.”
“Then let me teach you.” He leaned forward, getting too close to me.
Creeper. “This whole Christian Grey thing isn’t working, so I suggest you take a hike.”
He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Unless you want that suit to be covered in my drink,” Skye added.
He growled then walked out of the bar.
When he was gone, we both laughed.
“What the hell was that?” Skye said through her laughter. She made her voice deep and manly. “You into BDSM?”
I covered my mouth and tried not to laugh too hard. “I know, right?”
“Does that work on other girls?”
“It must have before.”
“And was he going for both of us?” Skye asked. “He was cute, but not that cute.”
“In his dreams.” I rolled my eyes.
“Cayson will laugh his ass off when I tell him.”
“He won’t get jealous?” I asked.
She shook her head. “He’s not the jealous type.”
“I don’t know…it’s different now that he’s your boyfriend.”
“No,” she said. “He was pissed off at me when I claimed him in front of Jasmine. Believe me, he’s not a hypocrite.”
I still wasn’t buying it. “I’m going to run to the restroom really quick. Will you survive alone for a few minutes?”
She glared at me. “I’ll be fine, Trinity.”
I grabbed my clutch then headed to the bathroom. After I did my business, I checked my make up in the mirror. Geez, I was pale. This winter made me realize I needed some serious vitamin D. I was clearly deficient in that department. Then I walked back outside.
“Ouch!” I was knocked to the ground and my clutch came loose.
“Shit, I’m sorry.” A man kneeled then grabbed my arm. “Sorry, I’m an idiot and wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. Are you alright, miss?”
Miss? No one ever called me that. “I’m okay.” I finally sat up and looked into the face of my assaulter.
Concern was etched into his crystal blue eyes. They contrasted against the pale sclera of his eyes, and looked like a winter wonderland. I was stunned for a moment by their brilliance. I could see every emotion inside them.
When I examined the rest of his face, I spotted prominent cheekbones. A firm jaw was clenched tight in anxiety, and a thin line of hair from not shaving was seen under the dim fluorescent lights. I suddenly noticed his cologne. It was pleasant and not overbearing like most men.
“Are you sure?” His voice called me back to reality. “Honestly, it was a mistake but I loathe myself for it anyway.” He stood up and pulled me to my feet. When he spotted my clutch, he grabbed it then handed it to me. “Make sure you don’t lose this.”
There was such honesty in his eyes that it caught me off guard. I felt I could read him like a book. He was nothing like the other man I had the displeasure of meeting. He seemed confident but humble, and there was strength in his stance and height. Over six feet, he made me feel short even though I wore heels.
“Again, I’m very sorry,” he said quickly. “If there’s something I can do to make it up to you, please let me know.”
Nothing came to mind. Even words failed me. No guy had ever made me tense up like this. I wasn’t my usual witty self. I felt like a schoolgirl who saw a cute boy for the first time.
This guy was a perfect ten in appearance. He had a thick build but was on the slender side. His suit made his shoulders noticeable and broad. His fair skin was unblemished and perfect. His hands were warm when they touched me, and I noted their size.
But I couldn’t get over those eyes. They were chilling.
He stared at me, waiting for me to say something. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
I knew I needed to speak up. “Yes, don’t worry about me.”
He nodded slowly. “Okay. Um, well…I’ll let you get on with your night.” He turned around.
Wait, no! Why didn’t he ask me out? He was perfect. This is the part where he helps me to my feet then says he has to take me out to dinner. That’s what happened in books and movies. Why wasn’t it happening now?
He joined a friend at his table. A beer was in front of him and he began a conversation.
Sad, I walked back to Skye.
“What the hell happened?” she asked as soon as I came back.
“He bumped into me and I fell.”
“I saw that,” she snapped. “Why didn’t you ask him out?”
“I’ve never done it before…”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”
“Well, why didn’t he ask me out?” I countered. “He must have a girlfriend or something.”
“You won’t know unless you ask,” she hissed.
I sipped my drink. “Nah, it’s okay.”
She slammed her fist down. “Where’s my sassy best friend? You’ve never cared about putting yourself out there and getting rejected. You’re a strong and intelligent woman. Now march over there with that confidence and ask him out.”
“He just saw me fall on my ass!”
“Which makes your confidence even more attractive. Now go!” She gave me a threatening look. “We aren’t leaving until you talk to him.”
“That’s how it’s going to be?” I asked incredulously.
“Trinity, I’m about to go over there and do the talking for you, but I have to admit, that’s very junior high. It’ll be a much better sales pitch coming from you.”
I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Fine.”
She clapped her hands in excitement. “Yay!”
I stood up then straightened my dress. As I approached his table, his friend stopped speaking. I looked at him and gave him a quick smile. Then words failed me.
What the hell was I supposed to say?
Uh…
Shit.
He stared at me, waiting for me to speak.
“I…I lost my phone. Did you happen to see it?”
Oh my god, this is the most embarrassing thing in the world.
“No, I didn’t. But I can help you find it.”
Right at that moment, my phone went off.
Shoot. Me. Now.
His friend across the table smirked then drank his beer.
I dug into my clutch then silenced it without looking at the screen. “Oh, I guess it was here all along.”
He stared at me with those bright blue eyes as I turned to mush.
I couldn’t do this. I’d already embarrassed myself enough for the night. When I got back to Skye, I would just say he turned me down. “Well, thanks anyway…” I turned around and walked away, feeling humiliation course through my veins.
When I was halfway to my table, an arm grabbed my wrist. “Reid—my name is Reid.”
I turned and looked at the man I was admiring. “Um, Trinity.”
He smirked then extended his hand. “Sorry I didn’t introduce myself before. I think I was just so embarrassed because I knocked you over that I didn’t have the guts to do it.”
“Oh.” I shook his hand. “It’s really not a big deal.”
“Trinity.” He said it slowly. “That’s a beautiful name.”
“Thank you. So is Reid. I mean, it’s nice.” Why w
as I behaving like this?
He nodded. “Thanks. I’ve never had a problem with it.”
I stood there, waiting for something to happen. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
He put his hands in his pocket. “You want to know a secret?”
“Sure.” My voice came out quiet.
“I’ve had my eye on you all night. I was going to send you a drink but I noticed you already had a stack of them from another admirer. But when I ran into you, I realized I could never make a move—because I completely humiliated myself.” He spoke with confidence even though he seemed embarrassed.
I wasn’t expecting him to say that.
“So…I’m going to ask you out now. But before I do, I think it’s fair to give you my resume. I don’t want your decision to be based on my ability to knock over a beautiful lady.”
I chuckled.
“Alright…about me.” He thought for a moment, searching his brain. “I’m a CEO for a family-owned bank. My grandfather started the business and it’s been handed down ever since. In my spare time, I enjoy working with Build-A-Home charity where we raise money to give families a place to live when they’re in need. Um, what else?” He rubbed his chin. “I like to run marathons and I train every day but Sunday. I really like walnuts but I can’t stand eating them in other foods. I have a sister but she’s annoying.”
I laughed at that part.
“I like to play basketball with my friends. I grew up in Manhattan but I moved here to take over one branch. I went to college at a state school in California…and I really love pancakes at any time of day. Yep, that’s about it.” He dropped his hand then looked at me. “So, now that you have a more rounded picture of me, would you like to have a drink with me?”
My mouth stretched in a smile. “I’d love to.”
“You got suspended?” I asked incredulously. “Why?”
He laughed then ran his fingers through his hair. “Geez, it’s so embarrassing. We were doing a lab experiment and I accidently left the Bunsen burner on even though there was no flame. So when a kid on the other side of the room lit a match, a small fire erupted.” He shook his head. “The fire alarm went off and the fire truck arrived…it was the worst day of my life.”