“He told me to come get him if a hot redhead walked in.” She places her hands on her hips. “I’m Nikki by the way,” she says.
“Nice to meet you, Nikki. So where’s your brother?” I ask.
“He’s over there, beating the shit out of my boyfriend,” she smirks, pointing to the cage with two men inside.
Fuck, that’s hot! Nikki starts to walk in the direction of the cage and I follow.
“Hey, Nick, your girl’s here,” Nikki yells as we approach the cage. Nick looks in my direction and smiles. He immediately receives a punch in the mouth from Jase.
“Thanks, baby,” Jase says without taking his eyes off Nick. Jase and Nick stop and exit the cage. Nick immediately comes up to me and pulls me into a passionate kiss. His kiss has a metallic taste. There is a small amount of blood in the corner of his mouth. I assume this is where Jase hit him. He has a little blood on his bicep too, but I don’t think it’s his. Jase is bleeding a little from the side of his eyebrow.
“Nick, get off the girl. You’re going to get her sweaty and bloody,” Nikki says, a disgusted look at her brother.
He releases me and grabs a towel. “It’s my sweat and blood, so who gives a fuck,” he says to his sister.
“Maybe she does,” Nikki retorts.
“She doesn’t,” he replies, walking up to me to towel off the small amount of blood he left from the kiss. Strangely, I don’t mind. His sweat and blood taste rather good. Why does this not gross me out?
“Nick, have you eaten lunch yet? I’m starving,” I say when he removes the towel from my mouth.
“Holy shit, he lets you call him Nick?” she asks, looking at me and laughing hysterically. “He’s never let anyone get away with that except me,” she says, continuing to laugh uncontrollably.
“Fuck off, Nikki.” Nick glares at his sister.
“Get off the man’s back, Nikki. He can’t help it if he’s pussy whipped after two days,” Jase says, taking the towel Nikki is holding out for him.
“Fuck you,” Nick responds, eyeing Jase. Jase and Nikki laugh. He turns to me. “Yes I could eat. Let me shower and we’ll get out of here,” he says, and leans down to kiss my forehead. He walks off in the direction of the back of the building. I assume that’s where the showers and locker room is.
Fifteen minutes later, he emerges and looks killer wearing a white Ralph Lauren polo shirt, jeans that fit perfectly, and sneakers. This man is hot.
Hot like sin I tell you.
“Let’s go, babe,” he says while guiding me to the door.
* * * * *
Fifteen minutes later, we are settling into a booth in a small pub. He orders a Heineken and I go with a Red Stripe. He hands me a menu and I scan it deciding on a grilled chicken club sandwich with honey mustard and chips.
Hey, a girl’s got to eat!
The waiter returns with our drinks and I tell him my order. Nick orders the same thing, but without honey mustard. “So what did you have to do today?” he asks after taking a long pull of his beer.
“Did some shopping, stopped by work to check on Jenny and then I got all my things from my apartment or…former apartment I guess I should say,” I reply with a small laugh and take a small sip of my own beer. It’s cold and feels nice sliding down my throat.
“You what?” he says, looking concerned. “You didn’t go there alone, did you?” A look of shock forms across his face.
“Yes, of course I did. I used to live there and needed my things,” I say and take another sip. Maybe I should have left the last part out of my story. No, it would have come up later when he saw all the stuff in my car.
“Why didn’t you fucking tell me? I would have gone with you,” he barks. I think he’s getting angry with me.
Really?
“I didn’t need anyone’s help. What’s the big effin deal?” I ask. My tone is a bit of a bark too, but I want him to get my point. I’m an adult and I don’t need a bodyguard.
“What’s the big deal? Are you serious? That asshole assaulted you…twice. That’s the big fucking deal.” The last part is said through clenched teeth.
“Calm down and drink your beer. You look like you need it.” I really can’t believe he’s acting like this, and then again, I really don’t know him all that well. I continue, “Luke didn’t assault me. Well, not really, or at least not intentionally. The first night he was really drunk, and yesterday...well, I wouldn’t call a scratch an assault.”
“I’m not going to calm down, and yes, he did assault you,” he says as he’s balling a fist.
“Fine, next time I’ll ask you to go with me so you can hold my hand.” I don’t hold back my sarcasm.
“There won’t be a next time,” he says as he tosses the entire half a glass of beer down his throat.
The waiter brings our food and we eat in silence. Nick seems to be calming down, so I’m going to keep quiet. I would probably say something smart mouthed and piss him off at this moment.
I finish my meal and down the last of my second beer. Nick pays the bill and we walk out. Or rather, I walk out and he follows behind me. When I get to the car and reach for the door, he stops me and turns me to face him.
“I’m sorry, okay? I just don’t want you to get hurt; the thought makes me crazy,” he says. He pushes the hair off my shoulder and bends to kiss right below my ear. He can’t reach his favorite spot on my neck because my t-shirt comes up too high, but he seems to like this spot just fine.
“Forgive me?” he asks.
“Yes,” I murmur, closing my eyes, letting his kisses wash over me. It’s warm and heavenly, and I want to melt into his arms. All is forgotten. He pulls away and opens the door for me. I get in. He closes the door and walks to the driver’s seat. Once inside, he starts the ignition.
“I’m going to drop you off at Knocked Out so you can get your car, then let’s go home,” he says, and I nod in agreement.
Home? His home. Not mine. But I feel so comfortable in his home and that’s a little scary. I don’t need to stay there too much longer. I need a place to call my own. It will be good for me. I’ve never lived alone. I went from living at my mother’s, to a college dorm, and then moving in with Luke. I like to think I’m an independent person, but am I really?
* * * * *
Arriving back at his house, I park next to his car. I get out and grab the stuff from the passenger seat. Nick walks over to take my belongings from the back seat.
“You can leave that stuff in there. There’s no point in pulling it out just to put it back when I move into a new apartment next week,” I say while walking to the front door.
“Who says you’re going anywhere?” he replies while coming up behind me and unlocking the front door.
Following him inside, I walk to the kitchen to place the bags on the counter. He doesn’t follow; instead, he takes my bags to his bedroom. I unpack where I am, just my few bits and pieces I’ve brought in with me. I put my clothes on the counter in the laundry room. I really need to wash all my things. I need to get the scent of my old life off my clothes.
I let the dogs in and sit on the couch waiting for Nick. Niko jumps on one end of the couch and curls up. I pick Charmin up, place her in my lap and start petting her. It’s only about five o’clock in the afternoon, but it’s already been a long day.
First dealing with Allison’s drama, then being hit on and asked out by a client who weirds me out every time he’s around, and then Nick freaking out at the pub.
What next?
Four days ago, my life seemed simple and free of drama. A picture perfect life, or so I thought. How wrong I was!
I lie back on the comfy couch with Charmin in my arms. I shut my eyes while I wait on Nick who seems to be taking forever in his bedroom.
When I open my eyes back up and look out the window, it’s dark. I must have falling asleep for at least a few hours. When I sit up, I see Nick sitting in a chair staring at me. He’s holding a small glass of amber liquid. I look to my right and
Charmin is now curled up with Niko on the other end of the couch. I beam from ear-to-ear. They are so cute. Beautiful really.
“How long was I asleep?” I ask, placing one leg underneath my butt, getting comfortable on the couch. The way he’s watching me makes me nervous, much like the first night I met him.
“About three hours,” he says, still looking at me. He downs the rest of his drink, but he doesn’t stop watching me with his intense blue eyes.
“What have you been doing?” I ask as he stands and walks to the couch. He kicks off his shoes and takes a seat in the corner of the couch. He gets completely on the couch, feet and all.
“Watching you,” he says as he pulls me back to lean against his chest. I lay my head back against his shoulder and inhale his scent. I could overdose on this man.
“For three hours?” I question, not believing him. Who in the hell watches someone that long, and why?
“No, only about half an hour.” I can tell he’s not joking. It’s a bit weird. I don’t think I’ve ever just watched someone. Then again, I’ve never been around someone this beautiful, so maybe I’ll give it a try. Yeah, probably not. I just don’t get it.
“Glad I could be your entertainment,” I say. I turn on my side and wrap my arms around his waist. I snuggle into him and get comfortable. His body is hard and his arms wrap around me tightly. I know he’s only squeezing me a fraction of his strength, but it’s like he’s holding me and never going to let go. I don’t want him to.
“Oh, I’m always entertained when you’re around,” he says, kissing the top of my forehead. “So what’s all the stuff on the island about?” he asks and I glance over the couch to the kitchen.
All the dog stuff I bought is laid neatly out, covering the entire kitchen island. I rise up off Nick, get off the couch, and walk into the kitchen. “I’m sorry. I probably should have asked first. I really didn’t think when I bought these.” I say apologetically.
He walks up behind me, wrapping his around arms around my neck, looking down at everything. “It’s fine. I’m just not sure why it’s all needed,” he says, gesturing to everything.
I pick up the large black dog collar and fiddle with it. “I walked past a dog store and decided to go in and buy treats. Then I remembered Charmin isn’t wearing a collar, and Niko’s is a bit old, so I bought them. Then when I passed the beds, I remembered I didn’t see any in your bedroom and got those too.” I say, taking the tag off.
Touching one of the pillows, Nick laughs a little. “They’ve never complained about the carpet in there,” he says. He seems amused.
"Now they never will,” I reply with a smile as Nick removes the tag from Charmin’s collar.
“Pink…not exactly the color I would have picked out,” he says sarcastically as he walks to the living room where the dogs are still on the couch.
I follow, taking Niko’s collar with me. “She’s a girl,” I point out. “The color will stand out next to her white fur. She’s going to look pretty,” I say.
“Yeah, well, now she is officially your dog. I’m not claiming her while she’s wrapped in pink,” he says seriously while fastening the collar around her neck. She jumps off the couch and starts scratching at it. She doesn’t like it.
I laugh at her. She looks so cute trying to get it off. “She can’t be taken away from Niko. He loves her.”
“She’s not going anywhere.” I look up at his remark. What does he mean by that? He couldn’t possibly be insinuating I’m not leaving either. No, that’s crazy.
I change the subject. I don’t want to get into this, nor think about what I think he means. “I’m going to get my pajamas out of my car.” I grab my keys from the counter.
“You pajamas aren’t in your car. They’re in the bottom drawer of my dresser,” he says casually. Did he just fucking move me in? No, he wouldn’t; he couldn’t.
I turn on my heel to face him. “What else did you bring in?” I place my hands on my hips waiting for his answer.
“Everything that was in your car,” he says as he walks to the refrigerator and gets a beer out. After opening it, he tosses the top in the trash and takes a long sip.
Does he not realize I’m going to have to repack everything in a few days when I move into an apartment? Perhaps a condo? An investment isn’t a bad idea while rates are so low.
“Nick, I didn’t want to repack everything next week.” I sound a little harsh.
“Why would you have to repack anything next week?” He takes another long sip and finishes his beer. Tossing it in the trash, he gets another one.
“Bringing all my stuff in your house was pointless. I don’t live here. I have to find an apartment on Monday.” I pass by him, going to the refrigerator. I need a beer after this conversation.
“Now you do,” he says, opening his second beer; he tosses the cap in the trash. I freeze for a moment, standing in front of the refrigerator with the door open.
“Now I do what?” I ask not so sure I want his answer. Shit, I’m pretty damn sure what he is insinuating, but I have no idea why.
“Now you live here, so go shower and change. The pizza I ordered while you were asleep will be here shortly.” He takes another sip of his beer. He looks a little annoyed that I’m questioning him.
“Excuse me?” It’s all I can manage to say. He’s lost his fucking mind. That has to be it. Why would he move me in? We’ve known each other for two seconds.
“Shannon, I don’t want to argue. Just go shower or change, or do both, but hurry up.” He is definitely annoyed. This is too much, but I’m too tired to fight him on it. I want normal, sexy Nick back, not crazy, sexy Nick.
“Fine, I’ll be back in fifteen minutes,” I huff as I exit the kitchen walking to his bedroom.
EIGHT
The shower was needed and felt so good on my tired body. Walking out of the bathroom into his bedroom, I head for the dresser to retrieve some clothes.
I open the drawer and pull out my black Victoria’s Secret crop pants that have PINK spelled out across my butt in the color pink and a plain racer-back pink tank top. I find my underwear in the top drawer. I let my towel pool to the floor and I dress, but I don’t bother with a bra. I hate wearing them at night and I want to be comfy.
Hearing the doorbell, I assume the pizza has arrived. I walk back into the bathroom and brush my hair into a ponytail, wrapping a band around it. All my bathroom products have been put into their place. I’m still in shock. I just don’t understand the man.
Nick is calling my name as I make my way to the kitchen. As I enter, Nikki and Jase are both sitting Indian-style on top of the granite island. Jase is taking a sip of a beer and Nikki is taking her first bite of pizza. Suddenly, I remember I’m not wearing a bra. I grab my boobs. “Oh, shit,” I say announcing my arrival. They both turn to look at me as Nick is walking in the back door.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize other people were here. I’m going to go put on more clothes.”
“Don’t change on my account. I think you look great,” Jase laughs out. I hear Nick curse under his breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear. I turn on my heel and head back to the bedroom, embarrassed.
Walking into the bedroom, I quickly grab my only bra out of the top drawer and put it on. I walk into the closet and find a pair of flip-flops on the shoe rack.
Walking back into the kitchen, I head straight for the pizza. I’m hungry. Once I take my first bite, I get a beer out of the refrigerator and hand it to Nick to open. My hands are full with my pizza and I have no intention of setting it down. Yum…mouthwatering.
“I thought you were going to put on more clothes,” Nick says, eyeing me up and down. He’s barking up the wrong tree if he thinks I’m going to change to appease him. If there was approved attire for hanging out, then he should have told me his best friend and sister were coming over.
“I did.” I take my beer from him and take a sip. Nothing is better than pizza and beer. I stand in front of him and he wraps his arm aro
und my shoulders. The tension I felt from our earlier conversation is gone. It feels like heaven when his skin is touching mine.
“Get off her case, Nick. She looks hot.” Nikki kicks his leg from the granite island where she is sitting. She barely grazes his.
Jase hops off, tosses his empty bottle of beer in the trash, and grabs another from the refrigerator. “Dude, let’s go play pool. I owe you an ass kicking.” He walks out of the kitchen.
Nick releases his arms from my shoulder, leans down and kisses my neck. “Come watch?” It’s more of a question than a demand.
“She’s staying with me. There’s finally another girl that I want to be around. You and Jase run along.” Nikki is shooing her brother out of the kitchen with a hand motion.
Nick laughs as he walks down the hall. Damn, he has a fine ass in those jeans. Maybe I could watch a person for hours, if that person is him. I smile as he rounds the corner and is out of my line of sight. I take another piece of pizza from the box. The pepperoni and cheese melt into my mouth.
“So, has he moved you in yet?” I stop mid chew and look at Nikki. She is crossing her legs Indian-style on the island counter top and looking at me with a devious wide smile.
I finish chewing my pizza and swallow. I know my face must match the color of my hair. Does he do this often with women he’s sleeping with?
“No, of course not. I have a couple of appointments next week to look at apartments.” This is a lie, but I don’t want his sister thinking I’m some kind of leach. Come Monday, I will be looking for a new place.
I grab my beer and down the rest of the contents in one gulp. I must steer this conversation in another direction. I think she senses the awkwardness in the room.
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