Chasing Trouble

by Sonia Stanizzo

  When she got back to her room, she googled the symptoms of stomach cancer, and he showed no signs of having the disease. Either Bella got her wires crossed or she had masterminded this scenario for some reason. She concurred it was the later. Tomorrow she’d get to the bottom of it. And if she had to go ask Olivia or her father, she would, whether Bella liked it or not.

  Picking up her phone, she opened the message Nick sent an hour ago.

  Get your sexy arse here so we can continue what we started.

  They hadn’t done much in his office, but it was enough for her body to quiver. Usually when she wanted a guy, it didn’t matter where they were. Club bathrooms were always popular. But Nick stopped it from going further because they were at the workshop, and it surprised her that she was happy about it. Sex with Nick wasn’t something she wanted a shop full of mechanics overhearing. It was something she only wanted to share with Nick. A knot tightly twisted in her chest. She rubbed her hand over it to try to release the tension, and felt the fast pace of her heartbeat.

  Quickly sitting up, she wiped the heels of her hands over her eyes. Nick was a friend with benefits, nothing more. A couple of days with him wasn’t going to alter her opinion on relationships. She never chased after a man and wasn’t going to start now. It was why she was still in her room and not at Nick’s place even though her body wanted her there. He’d asked her to come over, and she’d told him she’d try. But she never made plans with men—that came under the relationship category. What was she thinking when she’d suggested spending time together? It was so unlike her.

  Obviously, she hadn’t been thinking when Nick’s hands were on her body. It was never enough with him. Well, it had to be. She’d made a big mistake suggesting they continue seeing each other while in town.

  When the phone rang, she wasn’t surprised to see Nick’s name illuminated on the screen. The temptation to ignore it was strong, but now was as good a time as any to tell him she’d changed her mind. Telling him over the phone instead of face-to-face would be best. Because you’re a big chicken.

  “Nick,” she answered.

  “Have you stood me up?” She could hear a light teasing in his voice.

  “I never promised to come by. I said I’d try.” But she’d purposely stayed in her room.

  “Well, what are you doing now?”

  Sighing, she got up from the bed and paced the bedroom, the plush carpet soft under her bare feet. “It’s late, I’m not coming over. Nick, I need to tell—”

  “It’s a good thing I’ve come to you,” he said, cutting her off.

  “What do you mean you’ve come to me?”

  There was a soft tapping sound against the glass of the bedroom window. Pushing back the curtains, she slid open the sliding door and walked out onto the balcony and into the cool evening air. Nick was getting ready to pelt another rock. When he saw her, he dropped the pebble and grinned.

  “Just like old times, eh?” she said.

  A smile tugged at his lips, and she couldn’t help smiling back.

  “If my dad caught you here, he’d still shoot you,” she said into the phone.

  He waved an arm. “Then you better come down here before he catches me.”

  Nibbling at her bottom lip, she took a moment to decide what to do. It was silly to tell Nick things couldn’t go further on the phone while he stood only meters away. Making up her mind, she said, “I’ll be right down.”

  Stuffing her feet into a pair of Ugg boots that were still in her wardrobe, along with some of her old clothes, Ava snatched the throw blanket off the bed, wrapped it around her shoulders, and hurried down the stairs. As quietly as she could, she unlocked the door and slipped outside. It really did feel like old times.

  Dashing around the corner of the house, she slammed into Nick. He caught her by the shoulders to stop her from falling. Had she sprinted outside so quickly because she was eager to end things or because she was excited to see him? The latter was the truthful answer.

  A light flicked on in an upper bedroom, and Nick covered his lips with a finger, grabbed her hand, and led her on quiet feet away from the building. Stealthily, they ran through the dark, just like they used to. Years melted away and she was the same young woman in love with the farmer’s boy.

  A gasp escaped from her mouth. The ‘L’ word, and the feelings it pulled up with it, froze her on the spot. The word slammed into her heart like a sledge hammer, trying to break free. Anxiety spread through her chest. It was only the memories of the past that had her feeling this way, right?

  “What’s wrong?” Nick searched her face.

  Hopefully she didn’t look as shocked as she felt. “Nothing.” She ducked her head so he couldn’t read too much into her expression. “I think we’re far enough away from the house.”

  The iridescent glow of the moon shone a pale light through the maple trees they were standing under, and a soft whinny came from the stables close by. It was then she got a closer look at Nick. The stiff smile on his face didn’t reach his eyes. Acting on instinct, she held onto his hand and stepped closer. It was her turn to ask the same question. As she stared at his face, pain poured from his eyes, and he swallowed hard, like he needed to clear his throat.

  “Mum wants to sell the farm.”

  “Oh, Nick. She did mention she was thinking about it.” Her shoulders sagged over his obvious heartbreak.

  “I had a feeling she might have spoken to you about it.”

  “She didn’t say much, but she’s lonely there by herself.”

  “I told her I’d stay.”

  “You did?”

  “I can’t imagine not having my parents there. If it meant she’d stay, I’d stay with her,” he said.

  That sounded like more than sadness at seeing your childhood home being sold. “Why are you having trouble letting go?”

  For a moment, he just stared intently into the night, and she didn’t think he was going to answer. But then he ran a hand through his hair and said, “It’s all that’s left of him.”

  She knew he was talking about his father.

  “Oh, Nick.” She placed a hand on his chest, caressing above his heart. It shook under her palm. “Your father isn’t the piece of land. He’s part of you, Brad, and Maggie.”

  “But he loved that place.”

  “He loved his family more and would want you to be happy. The farm isn’t making Maggie happy, and is it really making you happy?”

  Staring into his eyes, she wanted to see the truth when he answered, but he averted his gaze and hesitated a moment. “I could be happy,” he finally said.

  Cupping his face, she forced him to look at her. “Would it really make you happy?”

  “No, it wouldn’t,” he replied, answering honestly. He began caressing his hands over her shoulders and along her arms. The blanket she had hastily wrapped around her when she went rushing from her bedroom slipped off and pooled at their feet.

  A shiver ran up and down her spine, and not because of the cool night air. It was because of the man standing in front of her. The raw emotion projecting from his gaze tore at her heart. The decision to let the farm go must have torn him apart.

  She couldn’t bring herself to end things with him tonight. Not when his heart was ripped open. And before she was ready to let him go, she needed him one more time.

  Continuing to stroke his hands slowly on her arms, his touch caused her body to ignite with a magnitude of sensations, most of them targeting all her good spots. When he stared down at her with heat blazing from his eyes, her heart fluttered frantically, like a caged bird behind her ribs.

  Ava stepped closer and pressed up against Nick, and his eyes darkened with something more powerful than lust. She didn’t know what it meant, nor did she dare to analyze it. So, she trailed her hand to his good spot, cupped him, and was pleased to see his eyes turn hungry and almost roll to the back of his head. That was the look she knew how to deal with, and she planned to keep it there.

  Tak
ing care of his buttoned fly, Ava slipped her hand in his jeans. Nick growled his pleasure. But before she could continue with her exploration, he removed her hand, brought it to his mouth, and kissed the palm.

  Then, stepping away, he picked up the discarded blanket and spread it on the fragrant, soft grass. Kneeling, he held out his hand for her to join him. With a hesitant step, she placed a trembling hand in his strong, steady one and knelt next to him. There was something about the way he watched her that was different from the last few days, and it scared the hell out of her. She shivered.

  “Are you cold?”

  She shook her head. “Doesn’t this remind you of an old horror movie when the canoodling couple gets attacked by an ax-wielding maniac?” she said, trying to lighten the mood. Why did she feel like such a nervous virgin? When Madonna’s song Like a Virgin started playing in her head, she knew she’d officially lost the plot.

  “If we hear a noise, I’ll send you to take a look. It’s always the poor guy who’s murdered first. Let’s change it up.” He laughed.

  The laughter soon died when he slipped the strap of her top off her shoulder and placed firm lips on her heated skin.

  Lost in pleasure, she dropped her head back and her eyes drifted closed. Gentle kisses nipped at her shoulders, neck, and then claimed her mouth with a deep, drugging, curl-your-toes kiss. Her heart picked up in speed and she could hear it thumping in her ears. Could Nick hear it too?

  Moonlight, like fairy lights, filtered through the leaves of the tall trees they sat under, and it was too sweet and romantic for Ava to take. So she tugged frantically at the fly of his jeans and yanked them down as far as they’d go and nudged him so he fell on his back. She tried to straddle him, but he drew her down and rolled her onto her back, pinning her under the weight of his firm body. And he began to torture her with slow, gentle caresses.

  She couldn’t take this tenderness, not when she knew she had to walk away.

  “Please, I need you now.” The words came out in a strangled whisper. His leisurely exploration was going to kill her.

  Either he didn’t hear the desperate plea or chose to ignore it, because his hot mouth nibbled at her neck and his hand palmed her breasts, ripping a long moan from her lips.

  Soon she was so lost to his slow manipulations she withered under him, forgetting about wanting things to move quickly and reveling in the unhurried ecstasy of his touch.

  “I need you so much.” The expression on his face was so passionate she had to bury her face in his neck so he wouldn’t see just how much he was affecting her.

  What the hell was wrong with her? She couldn’t take all these emotions ramming through her body; her heart didn’t know where to place them. But one thing she did know where to place was growing impressively against her thigh.

  Taking control of the situation, Ava positioned herself, squeezed his hips, and guided him to where she needed him.

  With a rough growl that vibrated through to her core, Nick dropped his head on her shoulder and didn’t move. Their heavy gasps of air were the only sounds in the still night.

  When he slowly began to shift, the blood in her veins turned to liquid fire, and all she wanted to do was stay like this forever. Wrapped in the arms of the man she lov… Christ, there was that ‘L’ word again.

  But all thoughts were lost when he lowered his head and suckled her breast. Arching her back off the ground to press closer, her hands traveled over his shoulders, caressing the smooth, taut skin of his back and landing on his firm arse. Digging her fingers into the solid flesh, urging him to move faster. A fire was building, and she was ready to explode. She couldn’t hold back much longer.

  Taking the hint, he picked up his pace. Moving eagerly inside her, their eyes locked, and her heart trembled right before bright lights burst behind her eyes. Gasping for breath, she found her release. Nick moaned, low and guttural, a moment after as he found his.

  They kissed long and slow as they both came back to earth from their high. When they broke apart, Nick pushed a lock of hair away from her flushed cheek with a gentle finger and brushed a feather-light kiss on her jaw.

  And that was when bright lights exploded behind her eyes for the second time. But this time it wasn’t due to an earth-shattering orgasm. No, this time it was because, goddammit, she was in love.

  * * * *

  It was past midnight, and Ava felt ridiculous sneaking into the house. She wasn’t a teenager anymore slinking in past curfew. Not that she ever got away with it then. Her dad always busted her every time.

  A light flicked on in the study next to the entry, and she blinked a few times to adjust to the sudden burst of light. Her father stood in the doorway, dressed in his robe and slippers. Busted again.

  “It’s late. Where have you been?” he asked with a hard tone in his voice.

  “I didn’t realize I still had a curfew.” Ava’s shoulders stiffened at being spoken to like a child.

  “You were with Nick, weren’t you?” At her silence, he continued. “What were you doing with him this late? No, don’t answer that. By the looks of you, up to no good like always.” He pointed a finger at her. “Stay away from Nick. He’s trouble.”

  This needed to stop. She was a grown woman with an intelligent mind of her own. She’d already decided that seeing Nick again wasn’t a good idea, but she wasn’t going to give her father the satisfaction of knowing that.

  “Don’t you think I’m a little too old for you to tell me what to do?” She started to walk past him to head up the stairs to her room, but he stepped in the way. Boy, he moved fast for someone who was supposed to be sick.

  “You’ll never be too old, and while you’re under my roof I expect you to do as I say.”

  She threw her head back and laughed, but without humor. “Are you hearing yourself right now?” His only response was a clenched jaw. “Good thing for the both of us I’ll be gone in a few days.” She stepped around him. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Ava.”

  She stopped on the bottom step of the staircase but didn’t turn around.

  “I only want what’s best for you. I’m… I shouldn’t…” Struggling with the words he wanted to say, he instead said, “Good night.”

  Her heart squeezed. Many times she’d wanted things to be different between them. Continuing up the stairs, she called back, “Good night.” Then she paused and turned around. “Dad.”

  He stopped at the study doorway. “Yes?”

  “If there was something wrong with you, like if you were sick, you’d tell me, right?”

  A frown creased his brow. “Of course I would. Why do you ask?”

  “Just making sure.” She continued up the stairs, relief washing over her.

  Chapter 16

  Ava didn’t bother knocking when she barged into Bella’s room. Although it was just past eleven, it was probably considered the crack of dawn from a teenager’s perspective. Bella was on school holiday and apparently wanted to sleep through most of it. But half the day had already passed, and Ava wasn’t waiting any longer to find out what her twisted sister was up to.

  Throwing back the curtains, drenching the room with golden light, she waited for any sign of life from Bella. The only response was a muffled groan, her head being buried under the Pooh Bear blanket Ava had bought her when she was five. A smile tugged her lips at seeing Bella still sleeping with it.

  “Isabella, wake up!” She pulled back the blanket, and Bella covered her face with her hands like the sun was damaging to her eyes.

  Harry wiggled through the blankets and poked his little white head from out of the covers, not looking pleased about being woken. Yawning, he stretched then sprang from the bed and shuffled out of the room.

  “If you don’t wake up, I’m going to toss water on you.”

  “Okay, okay. Geez,” she said as she shoved her tangled hair from her face.

  Shifting to a sitting position, she leaned back on the headboard and rubbed her eyes. With
her hair sticking out around her head and the oversized One Direction t-shirt she wore, Bella could have passed as a ten-year old. Not a teenager with the knowledge—though thankfully not the experience—of sex.

  “Tell me the truth. Is Dad sick?” She knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from Bella. And then she could leave and get back to her life. Well, that was if her car was ready then she could leave.

  She needed to put as much distance between her and Nick as possible. The ‘L’ word still played with her mind. When she woke up this morning she’d hoped it had all been a misunderstanding, caused by the old memories and the romantic setting. No, it pounded in her mind and heart like a drum, and her chest grew warm and fuzzy. It had to stop. Nothing good could come from it.

  Fidgeting with the sheet, Bella blinked rapidly. “Y-yes.”

  “Isabella.” She stretched out her name and looked her straight in the eye. “I want the truth.”

  “I am telling the truth. Why would I lie?” Her tone was defensive.

  “I don’t know why you’d lie, but I know you are.”

  Bella opened her mouth to speak, but Ava continued before she could deny it.

  “He’s showing no symptoms and is looking healthier than ever.” And she believed her father when he said he’d tell her if he was sick.

  “So? It’s too early for symptoms.”

  Pinching the bridge of her nose, Ava let out a long sigh. “If Dad’s really sick, I’m going to make an appointment to see his doctor today.”

  “No, you can’t.” Bella’s voice cracked and tears sprang from her eyes. Her shoulders sagged, and she dropped her face into her hands.

  “Why not?”

  “Dad’s not sick,” Bella admitted.

  Ava sighed and sat on the bed next to her. “Then why the story?”

  She raised her head, and Ava’s heart broke at seeing the pain etched on her sister’s face. “I want us to be a family.”

  “We are.”

  She shook her head. “No, we’re not. You never come home, and when I visit you it’s only the two of us.”

  Guilt sat heavy on her chest. She always knew she should’ve been around more for Bella but hoped the regular phone calls and her sister coming to visit her would be enough. But as the tears fell from her sister’s miserable eyes, she knew she should’ve put her animosity toward her dad aside for Bella.