by E. L. Todd
“Oh.” It wasn’t the position I wanted, but I’d take anything at this point. “Well, that’s good news.”
“And editors make more than the writers.” He winked at me. “So, you’re buying me a drink when you get promoted.”
I laughed. “I owe you a lot of drinks. You’ve been really helpful.”
“And I like Skittles, just passing that along…”
“I can take a hint.”
He sipped his beer then watched the game. “You want to come over and watch the game tomorrow?”
I’d never been to his place. I wasn’t even sure where he lived. “That’d be cool.”
“Cool,” he said.
“My sister usually has people over but I can ditch her once in a while.”
“If you’d rather go there, that’s fine.”
“No, it’s okay. My sister is annoying. Oh yeah, you met her so you already know.”
He chuckled. “She’s a lovely girl.”
“Ha.” I couldn’t help but release a sarcastic laugh. “More like an annoying girl.”
“What’s so annoying about her?” he asked.
“I can’t fit twenty-something years of bratiness into a five-minute conversation, so just take my word for it.”
“Okay.” He finished his beer then ordered another one.
“You’re like a camel who loves beer.”
“In Ireland, it’s common to drink a lot. In America, I look like a bit of an alcoholic. Oh well.”
“I’m not judging you. By the way, my sister is off the market so don’t waste your time with her.”
“I was under the impression she was single,” he said coolly.
“She is, technically. But there’s a bunch of drama between her and Cayson. Trust me, just stay out of it.”
“Like I said, she isn’t my type.”
“Phew,” I said. “You dodged a bullet.”
“Apparently…”
“Are you seeing anyone?” I asked bluntly.
He looked into my face, his eyes intense. “No. Are you?”
“You don’t even have a booty call situation going on?”
“No,” he said calmly. “I’ve never been that type of person.”
“All of my regulars are in Cambridge,” I said with a sigh. “Now I have to start over.”
“I’m sure a good-looking guy like you doesn’t have a problem finding dates.” He watched the TV while he said it.
“That’s not the problem,” I said. “It’s hard to find girls that aren’t clingy, you know?”
He didn’t answer my question.
“Do you ever have that problem? When a girl is blowing up your phone left and right with images of center pieces?” I shivered. “It’s creepy…especially after just one date.”
“I can’t say that I have.” He rubbed his chin while he watched the game.
“Then you must have a good system,” I said. “They know exactly what they are getting.”
“I tend to be honest in my romantic relationships.”
“Do you ever want to get married?”
He turned back to me. “I do—very much.”
That took me by surprise. Heath was a good-looking guy that made good money. He had the physicality that girls liked, and he was down-to-earth and nice. He could play the field for a long time before he decided to let a girl tame him. “I’m not sure if I want to.”
“Why not?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Marriage seems boring.”
“Starting your life with someone sounds like an adventure to me.”
“My parents have been married for a long time and they do everything together. It’s like, don’t they ever get sick of each other?”
“It sounds like they’re a good match,” he said coolly. “It’s pretty clear they’re still in love.”
“Last year they renewed their vows.” I gave him a look that clearly said, “Dumbest shit ever.”
“Where?” he asked.
“The Plaza.”
“It must have been nice.”
“Lame, more like it,” I said.
“You know, you tease your family a lot but you’re awfully close to them.”
I shrugged. “When I don’t see them every day, it’s easier to be nice to them. When I move out again I’ll probably be able to handle them more often.”
“And it sounds like you hang out with your sister willingly.”
“No,” I said immediately. “We just have mutual friends.”
“You know what?” he said.
“What?”
“I’m jealous,” he admitted. “You have a good family and good friends. Sadly, a lot of people don’t have that.”
“You have that,” I said. “I mean, they’re in a different country but it still counts.”
“I suppose.” He seemed more interested in the TV than looking at me.
“You want me to bring anything on Sunday?”
“No. Just yourself.”
“Okay.”
We finished our beers while we watched the game. Heath was quiet the rest of the time, and I assumed he was just tired from the long week. My eyes hurt from reading so much. I was grateful I was making a good impression at work, and I hoped I would be getting paid soon.
Chapter Eighteen
Cayson
I thought about the conversation I had with Trinity days after it was over. She stormed into my apartment like she wanted to kill me. She was demanding and angry, a crazed look in her eye.
I agreed with everything she said, and I understood the truth of her words. Even though I wasn’t ready to take back Skye, if I didn’t change my mind soon it might be too late.
Skye was the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen. She had curves that made heads turn, and her inner beauty was brighter than the sun. I couldn’t be the only man who was obsessed with her. And I wondered if Ward shared my infatuation.
Since Trinity made it clear Skye wasn’t into him, I didn’t stress about it. But when I saw them together, it was clear Ward found her attractive. He was attentive to her like he respected her, and he snuck glances at her legs when he thought no one noticed. I couldn’t blame him for wanting Skye. Who wouldn’t? But since he worked with her father, it would be stupid for him to make a move. It was totally unprofessional, and if Sean found out Ward hit on his daughter, he’d fire him on the spot. So, I wasn’t threatened by him.
If Skye were into him, that would be a different story.
I picked up a pack of beer before I went to Skye’s apartment. When I thought about going to her place every Sunday like I used to, I realized how odd it felt. Going back to being friends felt awkward. Would she and I ever be friends? Did I really want to be?
I just wished I could take Trinity’s advice and ‘get over it’. It would make my life easier, and I’d definitely be happy. But every time I entertained the idea, my body tensed up in anger and I pushed her away. Every time I thought about what she did, it somehow made me more upset than the previous time.
I knocked on her door and heard the sound of voices. The TV was on in the background, and I could hear the commentary going.
Slade opened the door. “Dude, just walk in.”
“Sorry, I forgot.”
“Well, remember next time.” He turned to the TV so he wouldn’t miss the play. “Seriously, he couldn’t catch that?”
“Interception!” Conrad yelled. “Oh yeah!”
“Fuck,” Slade mumbled. “I got fifty bucks on the line.”
“Maybe you should stop gambling because you’re poor,” I noted.
“Maybe you should start fucking pussy since you’re single,” he snapped.
I ignored the comment then carried the beer into the kitchen. Skye was standing at the counter and pulling plates down from the cabinet. When she wasn’t looking, I took advantage of the opportunity to watch her. She wore tight jeans that fit her ass and legs snugly. Her long-sleeve V-neck fit every curve of her body like it was made for her, and the end o
f her strands of hair were curled. The smell of rose hips came into my nose once I was near her. I was taken back two years ago when I walked into her apartment at Cambridge. It was a day just like this one, and little did I know she would be mine in just a few short months. Now I walked inside knowing she would never be mine again. It was a sad thought.
She moved on her tiptoes to reach the plates, but she was just a tad too short.
“I got it.”
She turned at the sound of my voice. “Hey. I didn’t hear you walk in.”
“I need to be louder next time.” I came to her side then grabbed the plates for her. When I set them on the counter, I felt cold.
I imagined this moment in the future. She was my wife and she was cooking in the kitchen. Too small to reach anything, I was always there for her. Our kids were in the living room watching cartoons. It was a sunny afternoon in the city.
I held the plates in my hands for a while, letting the daydream disappear from behind my eyes.
“Thank you,” he said. “I need to get a step ladder.”
I didn’t hear what she said. I turned to her, feeling hollow and empty. I looked into her eyes, and the look she returned was different than one I’d ever seen. It was guarded and hurt, like she expected me to reject her.
I couldn’t handle the pain anymore. A moment of weakness washed over me and I circled my arms around her waist and pulled her into my chest. Once I felt her body against mine, I took a deep breath.
My arm curved around the small of her back, and my head rested on hers. I held her tightly, like she might slip away. Her arms circled me and held me with the same force. Her face was pressed against my chest, and she breathed hard against me.
I held her for a long time, saying nothing.
The kitchen door opened and Slade walked inside. He stopped when he spotted us together, his eyes wide. I looked at him, silently telling him not to make a sound.
He raised both hands in the air and mouthed, “Getting back together?”
“Just go,” I mouthed back.
He rolled his eyes. “Just take her back!”
“Go!” I was getting tired of mouthing a conversation.
Slade jerked off with his hand then pointed at Skye.
I had no idea what that meant. “I’m going to kill you if you don’t leave,” I mouthed.
He gave me the bird then walked out without getting a new beer.
I turned my attention back to Skye and treasured the moment I had with her. She felt small in my arms, just the way she used to. I didn’t know what I was doing, but this felt right. It always did. I forgot about what happened between us, and I just cleared my mind.
She was the first one to pull away. She moved slowly then looked up at me, longing in her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I just…couldn’t help myself.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “I hope you can’t help yourself more often.” Her hands moved to my arms and she felt my forearms. She stared at my chest for a moment, her eyes guarded. “I miss you…”
“I miss you too,” I blurted.
Then she stepped away. “I should probably get these plates out there…”
I felt frozen and hollow. While I made myself feel better, I knew I just made her feel worse. I tempted her with my embrace and let her down when I couldn’t give her anything more. I gave into my weakness, but I hurt her in the process. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “It was worth the pain… I can’t remember the last time you hugged me.” She carried the plates out of the kitchen, leaving me standing alone.
I leaned against the counter and rubbed my temple, wondering what the hell I was doing.
Slade walked inside that moment. “What the hell is going on?”
“Nothing,” I said quietly.
“You guys just hold each other like that?” he asked incredulously. “I don’t do that with my old lovers.”
“Just get off my back, alright?”
“Just forgive her already!”
“Keep your voice down!”
“Dude, you’re killing me here,” he said. “I don’t like Skye but you obviously love her. Just be with her. Everyone agrees with me.”
“Well, nobody understands how I feel,” I snapped.
“Actually, I do,” he said firmly. “And I swear, I’m just keeping your best interests at heart.”
Now I felt bad for snapping at him. “I’m sorry.”
“Just…think about it, okay? Skye will wait forever for you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speed things along.” He snapped his fingers impatiently. “Chop-chop.”
I took my time selecting my beer and opening it before I walked back into the living room. The dining table had a few pizzas, and everyone had helped themselves to lunch. I moved to the spot next to Slade, who had his arm around Trinity.
Trinity shot me a glare before she looked at the TV again.
Slade must have told her what just happened.
“Where’s Roland?” I asked to offset the tension.
“He’s watching the game at Heath’s,” Conrad said. “I guess he invited him over.”
“Jealous?” Theo asked.
Conrad rolled his eyes then drank his beer.
A knock on the door made us all look at each other. Everyone was here so we didn’t know who else was coming.
Skye walked to the door, uncertainty on her face as well. When she opened it, she said, “Ward?”
“Hello, darling. Sorry to barge in on you like this.”
I hated his accent. It was so annoying.
“No, you aren’t intruding,” she said. “Come in.”
Or don’t. Whatever.
“You have people over for the game?” he asked.
“I usually have people over on Sundays.”
“Well, that sounds like fun. Whom are you rooting for?”
“The Falcons,” she said. “But I like birds.”
He chuckled. “That’s cute.”
I tried to watch them in my peripheral vision without turning my head. He was wearing dark jeans and a gray t-shirt. He was built like he worked out often. And I hated to admit it, but he was taller than me.
“So, what brings you here?” she asked warmly.
He lowered his voice. “I left my shirt and tie here. I was hoping I could get it back.”
I almost dropped my beer. What did he just say?
“Oh right,” she said. “Of course.” She walked to the hall closet then pulled it out. She put it on a hanger for him. His black tie dangled. “Here it is. I ironed it for you because it got wrinkled from lying on the couch.”
“Thank you,” he said. “I appreciate it.”
My mind automatically kicked into overdrive. Did he sleep here? Did he sleep with her? Were they together? Was she into him? Were they serious? My head was about to explode.
Slade told me Trinity said Skye wasn’t into him. So why were his clothes here? Why would he be over here? What the hell was going on?
“Would you like to stay for the game?” Skye asked. “There’s tons of pizza, more beer than will fit in the refrigerator, and we got cheesecake.”
“Cheesecake, you say?” he said enthusiastically.
Ugh, I hated this guy.
“Yeah,” she said. “I made it from scratch.”
“Really?” he said, impressed.
“My mom taught me. She knows her way around the kitchen.”
“Your father mentioned the same thing.”
“So, are you staying?”
“Of course,” he said. “I’d love to.”
I looked at Slade, silently having a conversation with him.
Without speaking or reacting, he answered my unspoken question, saying he had no idea why Ward’s shit was at her place. Slade and I could communicate on a different wavelength. I couldn’t even describe it. I asked him to question Trinity about it, and silently, he agreed.
Ward put his clothes down then approache
d the dining table with her. They sat down and talked quietly while he ate. He crossed his ankle with his knee and gave her his full attention. Skye didn’t seem to care about anyone else.
A pain thudded in my chest, and I started to feel panic. Was there something going on between them? Why were they so chummy? They saw each other outside of work often?
“Practiced your swing?” Ward asked.
She chuckled. “No matter how many times I try, I’m terrible.”
“Nonsense,” he said. “Just keep practicing. We’ll go tomorrow after work.”
Go where? Do what? Were they golfing?
“If you let me drive the golf cart this time,” Skye said.
Were they dating now?
“Hmm…” Ward considered the offer. “I’ll have to think about it.”
“I’ve driven one before,” she said.
“I recall Mike mentioning Conrad crashed a cart before…?”
She laughed. “Oh yeah. That was funny.”
I hated the fact he was close with Sean and Mike. He was obviously responsible enough to handle the London office on his own, so he was high in the ranks. Why couldn’t he just go back to London already? Hadn’t he been here long enough?
They lowered their voices and kept talking. The sound of the TV drowned them out.
When I returned my focus to the ground, everyone was staring at me. Silke shook her head slightly like she thought I was an idiot. Conrad eyed me hesitantly like I might explode. Trinity had her arms across her chest and she gave me a look full of gloating.
Now, I was freaking out.
***
When the game ended, people started to leave. I purposely stayed behind, not wanting Skye to be alone with Ward in her apartment. My heart was strained, and my head was about to explode.
Slade noticed I was lagging behind. “Do you want me to stay so you don’t make it so obvious?”
I nodded.
Slade turned to Trinity. “I’ll come by later.”
She grabbed his face and kissed him hard. “Okay, babe.”
He gave her a dark smolder. “We’ll pick this up again when I get there.”
“I look forward to it.”
He smacked her ass as she walked out. His eyes were glued to her form until the door was closed and he couldn’t see her anymore. “My lady is fine.”