by Todd, E. L.
“Thank you. I like what I’m hearing.”
I kissed him then snuggled next to him. “You’re so good.”
“I think it’s just because you haven’t had it in so long.”
‘No, Tony. You are amazing.”
He turned on his side and pulled me to his chest. “I like these compliments.”
“I feel so much better now. I was going crazy for a while there.”
“My services are always available to you.”
“I think I’ll take advantage of that.”
“Good. I was hoping you would.”
I wrapped my arm around his waist then stared at him. I realized he probably wanted to leave. Guys never liked to cuddle. “You can go if you want. I understand that you have other things you need to do.”
“I don’t,” he said. “And I would rather stay here with you anyway.”
My eyes softened. “I guess I should tell Janet about us.”
“Don’t,” he said.
“Why not?” I asked.
“It’s none of her business. That’s why.”
I stared at him. “Are you embarrassed of me or something?”
“Not at all,” he said. “I just don’t want my sister to be weird about us. She’s always been protective of me. She didn’t introduce us for a reason. I don’t want to know what that reason is. I really like you and you make me happy. Let’s just be happy.”
“But I’m lying to my best friend.”
“We’ll tell her eventually. I don’t like being deceitful. Actually, I hate it. And I don’t care what people think. But I do care what my sister thinks. You’re just too good to be true. I don’t want to lose you.”
“I don’t want to lose you either.”
“I’ve been dating for years and I haven’t found anyone. Some of the girls were cool, but none of them got me excited. Not the way you do. If this doesn’t work out, I want to treasure what we have in the moment.”
I stared at his face and looked at his beautiful eyes. “I really like you too.”
He came close to me, his breaths falling on my face. “Is it cool if I sleep here?”
“You want to sleep with me?”
“Of course I do.”
I smiled. “I would love that.”
“Good. Because I wasn’t going to leave if you said no. After that performance, I’m exhausted.”
“You didn’t even last that long,” I teased.
“Hey,” he said. “Do you know how hard it is not to come when the girl you’re making love to is enjoying it so much? It’s really difficult.”
“So you’re blaming it on me?” I said with a laugh.
“Yep.”
“And we were making love?”
“We certainly weren’t fucking. I don’t fuck girls I like.”
I wasn’t expecting that. “You’re really sweet, Tony.”
“I’m not, actually.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“I’m sweet when I care about someone. And even then, I’m not that nice. Just ask my sister.”
I laughed. “You have a point.”
He grabbed his phone and set the alarm. “Do you make breakfast in the morning?”
“I can,” I said.
“I just need coffee.”
“I can do that.”
He kissed me on the cheek. “Goodnight, Cassie.”
“Goodnight.” I listened to the sound of his breathing before I fell asleep.
6
“I can tell you got laid,” Orlando said.
I blushed then shut the door. “Keep your voice down.” Tony and I had been dating for a month. The sex was great and I couldn’t get enough of it. But my joy and satisfaction was evident to everyone around me. Orlando finally picked up on it.
“How was it?”
“Amazing,” I said. “It felt so good.”
“So he rocked your world?”
“Definitely,” I said.
“I have to see what this guy looks like,” he said.
“He said he wanted to be exclusive so I guess we could do on a double date.”
“What does exclusive mean?” he asked.
“We don’t see other people.”
He rolled his eyes. “I know that. Does that mean you’re in a relationship?”
“I don’t think so. We’re just dating but not dating other people. I really like him, Orlando. A lot.”
“He sounds like the real deal.”
“He doesn’t want to tell his sister though.”
“Why?” he asked.
“He says she might be weird about it and break us up.”
“I wonder why.”
I shrugged. “He said she’s protective of him.”
Orlando sat down and spun around in the chair. “Do you think Janet won’t want you to date him because you aren’t good enough for him?”
That made me sad. “I hope not.”
“Or maybe it’s the other way around,” Orlando said. “Maybe he’s a jerk.”
“I doubt it,” I said. “He’s a huge sweetheart.”
Orlando stared at my face. “You’re totally falling for him.”
“I already did,” I said.
He laughed. “At least you admit it.”
Winnie and Gloria walked out of the changing rooms with the new gowns I designed. I stared at them with approval.
“She’ll love them,” Orlando said. “I would wear them if I knew I wouldn’t be shot.”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
Gloria spun around. “I hope Pia doesn’t like it so I can take it home.”
“If she doesn’t like it, I’m going to scream,” I said.
Orlando peeked down the hallway. “She’s coming,” he whispered.
Pia walked inside, looking pissed as usual. Her assistant’s face was stoic and blank. They both looked like statues, not animated or interested in any way.
Pia walked around the dresses and made the models stand in different poses. I waited patiently while she searched for things I couldn’t see. It was hard to tell if she liked what she saw. She had the best poker face in the world. “No.”
“No?”
She glared at me.
“What’s wrong with them?”
“You call this fashion?” she snapped.
I kept my anger back. I wanted to keep my job so I remained calm. “Please let me know what you’re looking for. I will deliver.”
“You’re the fashion designer,” she said while she stared me down. “It’s your responsibility to create pieces of art, not me. Don’t give me that attitude again. Get it right next time or I’ll find you a replacement.” She walked out with her assistant trailing behind her.
I wanted to scream.
Orlando immediately came to my side. “We’ll figure it out.”
“This is bullshit,” I snapped.
Gloria and Winnie both look frightened. They never heard me get upset before.
“I should just quit,” I said. “I hate working her anyway.”
“Don’t go crazy,” Orlando said. “Just sleep on it and we’ll go from there.”
I marched into my office and slammed the door. I took deep breaths and controlled my anger. Without knowing what to do to survive the rest of the day, I called Tony. We hadn’t been dating long, but he was already the closest person to me. The sex was amazing, the conversation was unforced, and he was just an awesome guy. I loved spending time with him. He was starting to mean more than he did ever before. He was my greatest lover and my best friend.
“Hey,” he said. “Is everything alright?”
“I’m just having a stressful day at work.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.”
“Okay,” he said. “The Rangers are playing next week. You’re coming, right?”
“I’ll be there.”
“I got you something today.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a surprise.”<
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“Come on. Spill it.”
“I got you a Rangers jersey. Now we match.”
“That’s so cute,” I said.
“Am I going to get some hot sex out of it?”
“You were going to get hot sex either way.”
“You’re so awesome.”
He already made me feel better. “How’s your day?”
“It’s okay. A little boring.”
“What time do you get off work?”
“Well, I work from home so whenever.”
I still didn’t understand what he did for a living. It seemed like nothing.
“Can I see you tonight?” he asked.
“I’m going out with the girls.”
“That’s right,” he said. “Scott mentioned it.”
“We should tell Janet soon.”
He sighed. “I know.”
“I’ll talk to her tonight.”
“No, have fun. We’ll do it together sometime.”
“Okay,” I said. “Well, I should go. Thank you for making me feel better.”
“Always.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
After I went home and changed, I went to the bar to meet Layla and Janet. When I sat down with them at the table, I immediately felt awkward. It was hard keeping such a big secret from my two best friends. And I felt like I was betraying Janet.
“You don’t look happy,” Layla said.
“I had a bad day at work,” I said.
“What happened?” Janet asked.
“My boss doesn’t like anything I make and basically threatened to fire me if I don’t get it right next time.”
“Then do as she asks,” Janet said.
“It’s not that simple,” I said. “She gives me absolutely no feedback. It’s basically a process of trial and error.”
“I’m sorry,” Janet said. “Your drinks are on me.”
I smiled. “That’s nice of you, especially since I’m about to be broke.”
Layla looked at me. “Kyle can get you a job at Satin Magazine if you really need it.”
“Thank you,” I said. “But I’ll figure it out.”
“Can we join you?” Scott said.
We turned to see him standing there, a beer in his hand.
“What are you doing here?” Janet asked.
“Tony and I just came here to watch the game.”
Janet rolled her eyes. “Don’t you have any other friends?”
He came to her and kissed her gently. That shut her up.
My heart raced when I realized Tony was there.
“Hello,” he said as he came to the table. He looked at me first, his eyes moving over my body then back to my face. He turned to his sister. “Hey, sis.”
She glared at him. “I’m so pissed at you.”
He looked alarmed. “Why?”
“You convinced Scott to gamble ten thousand dollars!”
Tony laughed. “What’s the big deal? He won.”
“That doesn’t matter,” she snapped. “I don’t want Scott to ruin his life savings.”
“Well, it’s his money,” Tony said. “He can do whatever he wants.”
She glared at him again.
“Are you going to introduce me to your friends?” he asked.
She sighed. “This is my brother, Tony.”
I looked at him. “Hi.”
He nodded.
Layla shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Tony said. He took a seat at the table directly across from me. It was hard for me not to stare at him. I wanted to kiss him or embrace him in some way.
Janet looked at her brother. “How’s it going with Jasmine?”
He looked uncomfortable. “We stopped dating a while ago.”
“You just went out with her a few weeks ago.”
My heart clenched painfully.
“It was a month ago,” he corrected. “I haven’t seen her since.”
“What was wrong with her?” she asked. “You were dating for a while.”
“She wasn’t the right person.” He looked at me then turned away.
Now I wondered if he had been dating her while he was dating me. I really hoped not. I’d grown very attached to Tony. I loved spending time with him, going to the games with him, out to dinner, and sleeping with him.
Scott’s glance kept moving back and forth between us. I wondered if Tony told him the truth.
“Why haven’t you introduced me to your friends before this?” Tony asked, changing the subject.
She looked away. “No reason. It just didn’t happen.”
Tony didn’t look convinced.
Scott wrapped his arm around Janet’s shoulder. “Do you want anything at the bar?”
“I’m okay, babe.”
I felt sick to my stomach so I left the table and went to the bar. I needed a moment. If I went to the bathroom, everyone would know something was bothering me. Now it looked like I just wanted another drink.
When I sat down, I ordered a scotch.
Tony appeared at my side a moment later. “I wasn’t dating her at the same time,” he said without preamble.
“It sounds like it,” I said without looking at him.
He stood over me, very close to my arm. “I was dating her the first time we went out. After the game, I knew how much I liked you. When I went home, I broke it off with her. We were never exclusive, but I felt guilty dating her while I was dating you. And that’s why I didn’t kiss you. I felt like that would be disrespectful to both of you.”
I finally looked at him. “Really?”
“That’s the truth.”
“Okay.”
“You believe me?”
I nodded.
“We’re okay?”
“Yeah.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “I was scared for a second.”
“You haven’t been seeing anyone else, right?”
His eyes narrowed. “Of course not. I said we were exclusive. And I’m with you all the time. When would I have time to date someone else?”
“I’m sorry I said that.”
“It’s okay,” he said. “I know you’ve had a rough day.”
I drank my glass then ordered another. “Does Scott know about us?”
He nodded. “He said he wouldn’t tell her.”
“I don’t think I can keep this up any longer. I just want to be honest about it.”
“Give it some more time.”
“What are you waiting for?”
“Let’s just wait a little bit.”
I sighed. “Well, you should go back to the table so it doesn’t look suspicious.”
“It’s hard for me to leave you when you seem upset.”
“I’m fine, Tony.”
“Okay.” He walked away and returned to the table. I downed another scotch then swallowed the bitter aftertaste.
“Cassie?”
I turned in my seat. “Danny?” My heart stopped beating altogether. I hadn’t seen him in almost two years. I never ran into him on the subway or at a restaurant. I thought I would never run into him. And that’s what I wanted. To never see him again.
He sat in the chair next to me. “How are you?”
“I’m good,” I lied.
Danny stared at me with the gray eyes I used to love. “I’m glad you’re well.”
“Yeah…” Now I just wanted him to walk away. There was nothing to say.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
I didn’t know what answer I should give. I was seeing someone but he was a secret. And I didn’t know if he would ever not be a secret. He was standing in this very bar but I couldn’t acknowledge him as such. “No.”
He eyes shined a little brighter. “Are you still a fashion designer?”
For now. “Yes.”
“That good to hear.”
“How are you and Emily?”
He averted his gaze when I said her name.
�
��She had to come up at some point, right?”
“She and I broke up a few months ago.”
“Oh,” I said. “I’m sorry.” Actually, I wasn’t sorry. But I felt like a bitch saying that.
“She left me for someone else.”
“Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it?” It flew out of my mouth before I could stop it.
“I deserved that,” he said quietly.
“So, who are you dating now?”
“No one,” he said. “I’ve been single for a while.”
I stared at my empty glass.
“Can I get you another?”
“No, I’ve had enough.”
“Are you alone?” he asked.
“No, I’m here with my friends. I just wanted to take a break from their chit-chat.”
“You know, I would love to take you to coffee,” he said. “I feel like we never really had a chance to talk after—you know.”
“My number hasn’t changed,” I said. “You could have called me whenever you wanted.”
His eyes sagged. “I know.”
“So, I don’t think there’s anything for us to talk about.”
“I would still love to see you.”
“I’ve been nice this long, but my politeness is wearing thin, Danny. I’ll never give you a second chance. And if your request is genuine and you want to spend time with me as a friend, I don’t want that either. You obviously have no respect for me after what you did.”
He nodded. “That’s fair.”
“So just go, please.”
Danny didn’t move.
Tony came to my side and wrapped his arm around me. The heat from his hand almost burned my skin. He came close to me, touching me possessively. I felt the intimidation leak out of him. His eyes burned with hatred. “Baby, is this guy bothering you?”
Danny moved away slightly.
“No,” I said.
Danny looked relieved.
“It didn’t look like it,” he said. He kept glaring at Danny. “Get the fuck away from her.”
A few people at the bar turned toward us.
Danny looked at him. “She said she doesn’t have a boyfriend, so you’re obviously the one bothering her.”
Tony looked at me. “You said that?”
“Well…I didn’t know what to say. Janet is here…”
Tony didn’t look pleased. “I’ll repeat myself one time. Get the hell away from her or I’ll beat the shit out of you.”
Danny stood up then brushed Tony’s shoulder as he passed. He turned around and looked at me. “I’ll call you.”