Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Nico
Ifind myself ordering a drink at the bar as soon as we arrive at the restaurant.
Then, promptly knocking it back and ordering a second before the waiter even has time to ask if anyone else would like anything.
I feel judgmental gazes come from Carly’s parents as I do so.
I’ll admit, it’s not exactly the move you bust out when you’re meeting the parents, but I’m losing my goddamn mind over here.
My eyes move to Carly’s litter sister who unfortunately ended up in the seat across from me.
Cassi.
I’ve heard about Cassi off and on for years.
Carly has had more than enough to say about her.
Saying they don’t see eye to eye puts it mildly, from my takeaway, they hate each other to the core.
There is no familial bond, no sisterly love.
Just jealousy and spite, at least that’s the way Carly has always told it.
Would have been nice if Carly showed me just one picture of Cassi, though. Would have prevented the huge fucking mistake that was last night.
Maybe. Maybe not. Technically speaking, there is no guarantee.
The low lighting, the masks and the overall lowered inhibitions and encouragement to live in the moment could have just as easily dulled my mind enough to not recognize her even if I did know her.
So, it’s not my fault. I did nothing wrong here.
Maybe I made an error in going upstairs once I figured out the front deskman sent me to a secret sex club. Chalk it up to curiosity, I suppose.
Everything was supposed to be easy, a release of sorts. Carly and I had broken up, it wasn’t cheating and I was…ready to feel something other than numb with another human. Even if it was only for an hour inside a sex club.
And feel I did. A little too much.
My eyes locked on the gorgeous red head from the moment she stepped up to the demonstration area.
I figured it was a good of area as any to find a suitable partner for the night, One that, for once, shared my proclivity for things such as that.
The instant her bright eyes, smooth skin and wicked mouth curved up into a smile, it was decided.
The demonstration we put on in front of a room full of people only confirmed it further.
The energy between us was practically magnetic.
Like a tangible buzzing pull that drew us together.
I’d half convinced myself it was just the drinks that went to my head, the next morning I convinced myself that it was in my head altogether.
Except for some odd reason, I felt it again in the bathroom at her house. Carly’s house. Her parents. Christ this is a fucking mess.
When I went to that club, I had the full intention of never seeing Carly again.
I was done with her, with us. Then, I woke up the next morning, my head throbbing and body satiated in a way I didn’t know was possible.
I also had about fifty seven missed calls, thirty nine text messages and even a few voice messages of her begging for forgiveness.
I’m not sure what made me call her back. I certainly didn’t owe her anything. Maybe it was something out of habit or maybe it was just what I felt was the ‘right’ thing to do. Either way. I called, she came to my hotel room, we talked and we had sex.
In the moment, I didn’t feel guilty. Sure, we agreed to come together for this weekend, a trial run of sorts to put on a good front for her family and then we would work our shit out properly in Boston.
I didn’t feel guilty for picturing the redheaded goddess that I had spent last night with while I fucked my girlfriend of three years.
I didn’t feel guilty for hearing her moans over my girlfriends, imaging it was her soft curves riding me, not Carly’s lean, albeit bony body.
I truly didn’t feel guilty until I realized that the woman I was lusting after, fantasizing about while I was inside my girlfriend was none other than her little sister.
What are the fucking odds of that shit?
Blinking myself out of my thoughts, I look up just in time to catch the tail end of Henry, Carly’s dad, question me about my career.
Turning on the charm as high as I can manage given the current state of things, I dive into how my company was built with the three foundations of integrity, diligence and hard work.
I spieled him about how important the work we do is, how it’s so much bigger than any one person. And he ate it up.
You don’t get ahead in life because you have a great idea or business model.
You get ahead in life by figuring out what someone needs, what they crave, a delivering it to them.
In this case, Henry Fischer is looking to ensure that his first born is in well and capable hands.
Though it’s not an act, I can’t promise how long it’ll stay this way if his spoiled rotten daughter doesn’t get her attitude under control.
As if she can hear my thoughts, her hand rests on my thigh, perfectly manicured french nails digging into the material of my slacks as she smiles at me. I attempt to smile back at her and based on her pleased look, I think I do a decent job.
Carly and her mother dive into conversation about shopping and I effectively tune out, my eyes landing on the disinterested woman across from me.
Slowly, I lift the bourbon to my lips, taking slow sips as I watch her.
Honestly, I’m not even trying to. I’d give anything to never set eyes on this woman again.
Something in me can’t look away, like a car wreck, or something equally horrific.
Maybe that is a touch dramatic but the feeling remains the same.
I expect her to shirk under my gaze. Look away or continue to ignore me altogether. It’s what Carly does when she’s uncomfortable. I shouldn’t feel surprise, though, when those bright green eyes land on me, a fire to them as she rests her elbows onto the table as she speaks.
“Can I help you?”
This gains the attention of her father, as her mother and sister remain in conversation. I lift an unimpressed eyebrow as I set my glass down.
“I’m certain not in the slightest.”
Her eyes flash with something akin to dangerous, or at least she believes it to be.
“Do we have a problem, Nicholas?” she asks, the sound of my name on her tongue sharp, threatening almost.
The threat is just on the tip of her tongue.
She could expose us both here and now, though I’m certain she hasn’t thought this through.
Her parents may look at me as the one in the wrong but we both know Carly will not see it that way.
I can even pinpoint the exact moment Cassi’s mind lands on the exact thought.
Her fight dims slightly as she removes her elbows from the table and looks at the menu.
I do the same, alluding to absolutely nothing as I peruse the menu.
When I’ve decided on my meal, I set my menu back down and begin staring once more.
I’d like to say that I want to, that I crave to.
That I desire her in such a way I can’t help it.
At least that would explain why I feel so goddamn out of control.
Unfortunately, none of the above is true.
Instead, I’m irritated, intrigued, and overall bothered by her presence.
We had a wonderful memory, one that was intent to remain perfectly preserved.
Now, whenever I think of that enchanting redhead from that night, all I’ll see is this side of her.
Carly’s bratty little sister who may even rival her own attitude. I didn’t think that would be possible.
A new waiter comes over this time to take our meal orders, and he smiles politely to me before his eyes pause on Cassi. A recognition passes in his gaze as he takes her in.
“Cassi?”
Her head moves up from her menu before those green eyes round with shock.
“Alec?”
“Oh my goodness, what a small world!” Mary, Carly’s mother smiles. “How are you dear?”
“Doing wonderful, Mrs. Fischer, and yourself?”
“Just lovely.”
Henry stands up, offering a handshake to the guy.
“Good to see you.”
“Sir,” Alec nods, shaking my Henry’s hand as his gaze skates over myself and Carly before settling on Cassi once more.
She hesitates for a moment before pushing out of her seat and standing.
Alec takes the opportunity and wraps his arms around her.
It’s an appropriate one, like two long lost friends.
Though, I don’t miss the way his head nuzzles into her neck just so.
Is he smelling her hair? Who the fuck is this creep?
When they pull apart, she smiles up at him and shakes her head.
“How long have you been back in town?”
“A few months. I graduated early and needed to come back home and look after my grandma.”
Carly squeezes my thigh before she sits a little higher.
“Alex, this is my boyfriend, Nicholas. Nicholas, this is Cassi’s high school boyfriend, Alex.”
“Alec,” Cassi corrects with a roll of her eyes.
He nods towards me and Carly, though he doesn’t offer any pleasantries to us as he continues practically fawning all over Cassi. Talk about a lack of professionalism.
“What are you up to now? How is life? It’s so good to see you…so good,” he says, his words carrying a heaviness to them that I don’t know what to make of.
Cassi smiles at him, a smile I had been gifted not twenty four hours ago. Looks like she hands them out to any sucker that is foolish enough to look her way. Poor guy.
“Sorry,” Alec says as he clears his throat. “Are you all ready to order?”
“Yes, I think I’ll do the chicken parmesan,” Henry answers first.
Alec begins jotting down everyone’s order one by one until he finishes with Cassi.
A smile curves his face, emphasizing how young he is.
The kid can’t be older than twenty one, twenty two at the most. Then again, I believe Carly had told me Cassi was somewhere around that age so makes sense, I suppose.
“Five cheese ziti but with alfredo instead of marinera?” he guesses.