Chapter 14
Cas
The day had been utter chaos. When I got to the site, I found Cole, once again, almost ripping his hair out. He said some kids had been on the site again late at night and damaged some of the equipment and work we had done over the past few weeks. I couldn’t believe this had happened again, something was off, it didn’t feel like it was just kids pissing about. I couldn’t help the sneaking suspicion that this was the work of Count Dickless or maybe that was just my jealous streak coming out because I couldn’t stand the guy.
Regardless, I had spent the entire day cleaning up the mess made by whoever decided to play rage. I asked Cole if he had managed to get anything off the CCTV, but he said they had also been damaged. Knowing in my gut it wasn’t right, I get my phone out to message Vik, if anyone could find out if someone were messing with my family's business, it would be him and his connections.
Me
Hey someone damaged the site again last night. I need you to take a look into it for me. I have a hunch it could be the creep ex that keeps hanging around waiting for Emmy
Vik
Got it leave it with me. You coming to the club tonight?
Me
Thanks man. No, I can’t I have a date to plan for *wink face emoji*
Vik
Say no more my man. Catch you later
I feel bad for not going to the club again, lately though it’s taken a back seat and just isn’t one of my priorities. Plus, it doesn’t feel right dancing for other women when I have Emmy sat at home waiting around for me, not like we’re an official couple but I don’t want to jeopardise anything by making her feel uncomfortable. I don’t know how to approach it with Vik, so I do the only thing I know and ask my brother's advice.
Me
So, I need to ask you all a serious question…
Cole
Shoot…
Archie
Is it about that rash on the end of your *egg plant emoji*
Me
Archie wtf is wrong with you?!?!? I really do mean a serious question
Nate
I am sure the doctor can give the advice you need. I don’t need to be here for rash talk
Me
*eye rolling emoji* I don’t need advice for my dick! I’m thinking about dropping the dancing at the club and just funding as a silent partner. I’ll have Vik run the day to day and be there to make any important or joint decisions
Cole
Wow… I did not see that coming. That club is your baby, I thought you would eventually quit working for the family company and work their full time. Is this because of Emily?
Rafe
Holy shit… guys this is getting serious now for sure
Nate
Ok I’m back! Do I need to buy a hat? *Heart eyes emoji* #weddedbliss
Cole
Can we not start with the hashtags again? Rafe almost cried last time *cry-baby gif*
Rafe
Suck a fart Cole *middle finger emoji*
Archie
Oooh burn Cole… but more importantly back to the more pressing thing. I’m assuming since you didn’t actually ask us a question CJ that you want our input? I say go for it and do what makes you happy…
Me
Thanks Arch. What do the rest of you think?
Cole
You never answered my question, is this because of Emily?
Me
Yeah… I just feel weird now. I know we aren’t a couple YET, but it doesn’t feel right going to the club of a weekend and dancing for other women. I’d hate it if it were the other way round
Cole
My advice would be to talk to her and ask her what she thinks *person shrugging emoji* I just wouldn’t rush anything, you haven’t even been on your first date yet
Ethan
Cole is right CJ, just talk to her about how she feels about it. Have you planned your date yet?
Me
Yes, all planned I just need Lacey’s help with something and I’m set
Cole
What do you need Lacey for?
Archie
Chill out Cole…we all know she prefers me anyway #hotgirl #soulmates
Rafe
Archie don’t piss him off or we’ll never hear the end of it #friendzoned
Nate
Let’s not be mean…#friendswithoutbenefits
Ethan
#giantwusspuss just ask her out Cole and stop growling at everyone that talks to her
Me
replying directly to Cole – don’t worry I just need her connections for my date
Cole
I knew CJ was my favourite the rest of you are just a big bag of dicks
I close out of the chat and leave my brothers to bicker between themselves. I set about firing off a message to Lacey about helping me with my date this weekend. I’m nervous as shit but I just hope that Emmy enjoys it.
**********
On my way home I stop to grab something to eat for us, deciding on Italian and ice-cream for dessert. I’m walking down the aisles and see Hayleigh, she notices me and comes over giving me a hug.
“Hey, where’s Em?”
I return her hug and say, “She’s back at home. I just thought I’d pick up some food for us tonight.”
I see Hayleigh’s fiancé Pete walking around the corner with a scowl. It's funny that the guy has never had an issue before when I’ve been with Emmy.
“Home is it now?”
his tone is pretty hostile, what the fuck is wrong with this guy. He might be the same height as me, but where he’s lanky and thin, I’ve got about another 50lbs compared to him, and most of mine is muscle from hard work. I feel myself wanting to tell him to go fuck himself but instead I just paste on my easy going guy smile.
“Yeah man. Home.”
I stare him down, and Hayleigh even notices something going on. She turns to him in confusion, and glares at him.
“Anyway, Hayleigh, I need to get back to Emmy. I’ll catch you guys later”
as I’m walking away, I can hear Hayleigh whisper shouting about what the fuck was that and Pete telling her to drop it. I get a funny feeling about that guy, something is off with him but maybe it’s because blood is thicker than water and he’s pissed off I punched his brother.
I get back to the house a little later than I planned and it’s started to go dark. I told Emmy before I left for work that she wasn’t to take Scruff out in the dark on her own, just in case, with what happened the other night, but when I get in, she’s nowhere to be found downstairs. I put our dinner down in the kitchen and go to find her, hoping to God she hasn’t gone out without me.
I head up the stairs two at a time and find Scruff sleeping on the landing outside the bathroom, I bend down to pat him and he stirs awake, “Hey buddy, where is she?”
he gives me a look and goes back to sleep.
Figuring she’s gone straight to bed, I decide on a shower, head to my room, strip off, grab a towel, and throw it over my shoulder, I peek out of my room to make sure the coast is clear and head to the bathroom. I open the door and stop dead in my tracks when I see Emmy in my giant clawfoot bathtub, candles lit around her and bubbles everywhere. Now, obviously I can’t see anything, but I’m a man. So I do what any man would do, and just stare.
Now, I never said that was the smart thing to do, but the thing a man would do.
Just knowing she was naked under all those bubbles makes me hard and yes you can now imagine the scene, I’m standing here in my bathroom, towel over my shoulder, painfully hard just staring at a clueless Emmy in the bath. I know she’s clueless because that’s when I spot the earphones in her ears.
I try and back away slowly and quietly because I’m not some pervert who was standing there staring for a full 5 minutes, but it was at least a minute. Just as I’m backing out her sixth sense must be going off because she opens her eyes and meets mine, then her eyes travel down and I can’t help it, but I flex…but that’s not all I flex, it’s a reaction!
She sucks in breath and gasps but at the same time she lets go of the bath handles and she sinks. I grab the towel from my shoulder, place it in front of me, and hurry to the bathtub. She’s coughing and spluttering and I’m trying to wipe her face as she’s trying not to splash about, basically utter fucking chaos.
“I am so sorry Emmy, I wasn’t being a pervert I just assumed you were asleep and didn’t even think to check if anyone was in here”
she grabs the towel from me and pats her face then bursts out laughing.
When she calms down, she says “No don’t apologise, it’s my fault, I just wanted a relaxing bath and my bathroom doesn’t have one. You’re not mad, are you?”
I shake my head, no, and once again I’m reminded that she’s had a shit deal with relationships.
“No, of course I’m not mad…but if I could have my towel back that would be great. If I stand up, I’ll be eye level…so…”
her face flushes, she turns away, one arm covering herself and the other thrusting the towel at me.
I take it and hold it before me when I stand up, but I know I shouldn’t do it. Still, I do anyway, when she turns back round she’s most definitely eye level but now the towel is covering it up, all she can see is the bulge, her eyes go wide and as I tell her I’ll leave her to finish up I back away, her eyes don’t leave the towel. I turn around but leave my ass out, before I get to the door, I give it a wiggle and hear her burst out laughing again. Fuck I love that sound.
**********
It’s been a few days since the bathroom fiasco and whenever Emmy looks at me, she blushes. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve offended her, so I message the one person I think can help.
Me
I need help! SOS!!!!!
Lacey
Where’s the fire? I’ll suit up and be ready to go
Me
No fire but I think I’ve fucked up…
Lacey
Please tell me you haven’t ended things before they even began? *Face palm emoji* I love you like a brother CJ but I swear to God if you’ve hurt Emmy I’m telling your mother and father and I will dick punch you so hard you won’t be able to pee straight for a year!
Me
Jeez fucking hell Lacey graphic much? There will be no punching of dicks and no I haven’t hurt her I never would BUT that being said I think I’ve embarrassed her. I need your advice, but I need to know you won’t tell Cole or any of my brothers?
Lacey
My lips are sealed…now shoot what’s wrong?!
Me
A few days ago, I brought dinner back for us but couldn’t find Emmy anywhere so I assumed she wanted an early night and headed to bed. I stripped down, got my towel and walked into MY bathroom and there she was…in the tub. Obviously, she was naked and I was naked and it felt like she had a good look but what do I know? I mean I made her laugh when I walked out but now every time, she looks at me she blushes and turns away…be honest Lace have I fucked this up????
I see the three little dots appear then disappear. I wait with bated breath and then her reply comes in.
Lacey
*crying laughing emoji* *covering eyes emoji* *skull emoji* hang on while I die laughing, I’ll come back to you
Me
Real mature Lacey…I thought we were friends
Lacey
Oh, we are but you’re also such a fucking dork! You have not embarrassed her! I can guarantee that every time she looks at you, she’s remembering your crown jewels *crying laughing emoji* you might just have given yourself a boost!
Me
Crown jewels *crying laughing emoji* thanks Lace I appreciate it…just remember do NOT tell Cole or any of my other brothers I’ll never live it down. Are we all set for tomorrow?
Lacey
You sure are. Just make sure you get there for 5:30 and ask for Cindy.
Me
I owe you one. My brother’s an idiot!
Lacey
Yeah, he really is.
I go downstairs and find Emmy making our lunches for work in the kitchen. She looks up when I walk in and gives me a small smile while her cheeks blush. I walk over to where she’s working and lean on the counter just watching her.
She blushes more “What are you staring at Cas? Do I have something on my face?”
She wipes her cheeks, and I smile and shake my head, no.
“Just think you’re looking beautiful this morning”
she looks taken aback by the comment “Do you want to ride me this morning?”
her head snaps up and I realise what I just said “fucking hell”
I swipe a hand down my face “Ride WITH me not on…me…but yeah…uh” I give up and go to the coffee machine to get us started and hear her giggling away softly. Well at least my embarrassment makes her smile.
Her phones on charge near the coffee machine and it flashes with a message from Hayleigh, I don’t mean to peek, actually I’m a nosey fucker so yes, I do. All I can see are the words ‘OMG Em was it really that big…did you…’ then it cuts off. I smirked. I could give myself one guess as to what that was about.
Clearing my throat, I say “Hayleigh just messaged you”
Emmy dives to her phone and opens it up.
Her cheeks fire red now as she clears her throat, “Oh, she was just asking about…erm…something”
I smile back at her and hand her the coffee I made for her, and we head out to work together.
**********
It’s late in the afternoon, and Cole sent Emmy to go and have her lunch because she’s been sorting invoices and other paperwork all morning and forgot to take a break. I’ll need to talk to her about that; she can’t neglect to eat and work herself to the bone. I go into his makeshift office and he looks up and smiles…actually a full blown Cheshire Cat grin. It’s fucking creepy.
“Are you constipated, Cole?”
he wags his finger at me and says nothing. Weird. “I came to ask if you needed Emmy tomorrow?”
He’s back to being serious, Mr Business now, he raises a brow, “Why?”
“What do you mean why? I literally told you the other day, I’m planning a date with Emmy tomorrow, but I need her free during the day”
“Oh yeah, I remember now. Nope, don’t need her, she’s done that much of a good job today, there isn’t much left for her to do tomorrow”
“Great, can you let her know when she comes back?”
“Sure, thing Captain Towel”
I’m about halfway through the door when I mutter “Fucking Lacey”
then Cole loses it and guffaws like the ridiculous arsehole he is. I stand there with my hands on my hips and wait for him to finish…only he doesn’t finish, he just goes on and on and on and…you get the picture.
I give him the middle finger on my way out, running straight into Emmy. She falls backwards on the floor with an ‘oof’ and I’m quick to get her picked up “Shit Emmy I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going then. Are you ok?”
She dusts herself off and smiles “Yeah I’m good don’t worry about it”
it’s the first time she’s looked at me in days without blushing, instead now she looks…kind of like she wants to kiss me. I move a piece of hair out of her eyes and tuck it behind her ear, and her breath hitches a little, but before we can go any further, an obscene amount of honking from a car fills the air.
When I look where the noise is coming from, I see lanky Larry, sorry Pete, get out of the car. He waves at us like we’re all best friends, and I can’t help but tense.
Emmy must notice “Is everything ok, Cas?”
I shake off the feeling “Yeah, course it is”
I wrap her in my arms and hug her.
She hugs me back and says, “Cole said earlier I could finish early, so when I messaged Hayleigh to see if she was home, she said I could come by for a few hours and sent Pete to pick me up. I hope that’s ok?”
“Yeah, of course it’s ok, Emmy, you never need to check that with me, ok?”
She nods and heads off to where Pete's parked after grabbing her bag from the office.
Cole comes out of his office, “Hey, who was that?”
“Hmm…what? Oh him?”
Cole nods, “That was Pete, he came to pick up Emmy and take her to Hayleigh. Why?”
Cole shakes his head, but I know when something’s bothering him, “No reason, just thought I recognised him, but I must be wrong. You can go now if you want. You’ve got a date to prepare for”
Weird. He’s right though, I do have a date to prepare for and it starts with enlisting the help of another friend.
It's 9 pm and I’m finishing the final touches on the present I got for Emmy. I leave it on her bed with a note ready for when she gets home. She sent me a quick text earlier telling me she would be having dinner at Hayleigh’s house and as Hayleigh calls it ‘shitty box wine’ and not to expect me to wait up. She said she would either get a lift home or stay the night there, so I made myself something to eat, walked Scruff, and now I’m twiddling my thumbs. Fuck it, I get ready and decide to head to the club for a bit.
When I walk through the doors of Club Envy, I see that it’s booming, and the guys on the dancefloor are killing it. The shrieks from the women in the crowd have me smiling. I head over to the bar and grab a seat while Birdie brings me a beer, I shake my head, “No thanks, Birdie, I’ll take a diet coke, please. I’m driving.”
She swaps out my drink and then rolls her eyes at me before going to serve another customer. It takes 5 minutes before Vik comes out and grabs the seat beside me. He looks like a kid in a sweet shop.
“Guess who your bestest friend in the whole wide world is?”
his head rests on his hands and he bats his lashes at me.
“Well, it was you, Vik, but you’ve turned into a 13-year-old girl for some reason. What’s gotten into you?”
He laughs “I found something out…”
I gesture for him to get on with it, “The break-in at your site, twice now, well, I found out it wasn’t kids. It was one man. Now from the CCTV was able to recover…”
I go to interrupt him, but he gives me the look that says don’t ask, and so I don’t “Well, what I was able to recover didn’t show his face, just that he’s tall and likes to dress in black. I got a car just out of the frame, dark in colour but no make, model or plates. I’m sorry I couldn’t get more”
I shake my head, “No, don’t be ridiculous, you have no idea how useful that is. Emmy’s ex is tall and drives a dark blue car. It could be him, right?”
Vik nods “Want me to fuck him up for you?”
he says it so seriously that for a second I’m stunned, Vik is more behind the scenes take you down but then he bursts out laughing and so do I.
“So, how’s things going with Emmy? I haven’t seen you round here in a while”
I sigh knowing he’s right and deep down I think he knows the reason and what I’m going to say next.
“I honestly fucking like her Vik. I’m trying to take it slow, give her time, but I can tell you she’s…she’s definitely the one for me”
he spits his drink out and Birdie swears and brings over her towel.
“Thanks, a fucking lot you dickbag. Here, clean it the fuck up. I’m taking a break,”
and with that Birdie storms off.
I laugh at the stunned look on Vik’s face, “Wow, our staff really know how to deal with the boss, eh?”
Vik gives me a death stare at my comment.
“Oh yeah she’s a regular charmer but I must admit dickbag is a new one”
he starts to clean down the bar and moves behind it.
“Is something going on between you and Birdie that I need to be aware of, Vik? You would tell me right?”
He looks cagey but nods, “Yeah, course I’d tell you but honestly…”
he sighs “, there is nothing there”
he looks so down when he says it, but before I can say anything more, he stuns me by saying, “so I guess that’s it for the dancing then? I take it you just want to be the silent partner now?”
I smile and nod, “Yeah, I think so. Is that, ok?”
Obviously, I don’t want to leave my friend in the lurch, but he smiles and says, “If I found what you have, I’d do the same”, he looks off toward where Birdie went. Yeah, he’s fooling no one.
After spending a few hours with Vik and Birdie, I leave. The house is in darkness when I get there and I don’t know if Emmy is in bed or staying with Hayleigh and the creep. After locking up, I peeked into her room, but she wasn’t there.
I go to my room and get ready for bed, but just as my head hits the pillow, I hear the lock go downstairs and the alarm beeps. I listen to Emmy whispering and shushing someone as she tries to put the code in.
When I get downstairs I see she’s alone and talking to herself. She turns around and jumps then dissolves into fits of giggles. She tries to stand straight but sways to the side…ah the infamous box wine must be to blame.
She looks at me and curtseys “Well good evening good sir”
she’s a funny drunk.
She tries to hang up her bag and coat but misses the hanger completely and her things clatter to the floor, with an ‘oops’ she turns away and heads to the stairs. I pick her things up and catch up before she gets to the bottom step.
“Come on, let’s get you upstairs to bed.”
She dissolves again into fits of giggles “Oh I’d like that good sir.”
I shake my head and laugh, “Emmy, stop calling me ‘good sir’; Cas will do fine.”
We get to the top of the stairs as she says “or Captain Big Cock”
then she’s laughing again and for once I’m thankful it’s dark because now it’s me that’s blushing.
I don’t pull her up on it if she didn’t mean to say it out loud. I help her in her room, move the present from her bed, set it on the chair, and then get her in bed. I grab her a water and some painkillers for the morning, shitty box wine hangover’s can’t be pretty. When I’m sure she’s asleep I go to my room and sigh when I get between the sheets. I lift them and look down underneath my pants…hmm Captain Big Cock beats Captain Towel.