Chapter Thirteen
Cassi
Igot the hell out of there. I mean, I had to.
The moment was too intense, his words were too perfect.
I could still feel where Alec sucked on my neck while I rode his cock and there I was standing in my family’s kitchen ready to risk it all with my sister’s boyfriend.
I had no choice, I bolted away from him before he could say one more perfect thing and took off for my room.
I ended up tossing and turning for over two hours before I was finally able to fall asleep. Unfortunately for me, my alarm came way too fast and the deep dark circles beneath my eyes are proof of that.
Despite taking a practically cold shower in hopes it would wake me up, I’m dragging my feet through the house as I put on my makeup with barely open eyes and slip into an outfit for work.
Jeans and a short sleeved blouse is more than dressy enough for my boss.
He’s pretty laid back unless my shirt hangs down a little too low.
The man is a prude to say the least, which is odd because I didn’t think men had it in them, I thought they were all whores who thought about sex all the time.
Not David, though. A little cleavage to him is like garlic to a vampire.
I was grateful I was the first person up this morning but even knowing that, I wasn’t going to run the risk of going to the kitchen for anything. I don’t need a repeat of last night.
Heading straight for my car, I start it up as I glance at my phone for the first time.
A few concerned text messages from Alec because I didn’t text him that I was home safe last night.
Shit. Guilt gnaws at me as I quickly type out an apology and let him know that I’m on my way to work.
His reply comes way too fast to be coincidence.
He was waiting for me, and now I feel like a fucking ass.
Alec: I’m glad you made it safe. Have a good day at work. I had the best time last night.
I smile at the text, though I can tell it’s not a full smile.
It’s a tight one, a sad one, because I had a great time last night too…
right until we got to his bedroom. It’s not that it was bad.
I came, he came. It was fine. It was the context behind it, the underlying thoughts and desires that has the encounter soured in my mind.
This messy web of feelings, illicit desires mixed in with an old flame has me feeling like I’m brewing up my own personal Molotov cocktail than starting an actual relationship.
I also see that I have a missed text from Naomi and one in our group chat from Arianna saying the cell service is shit out at the family lake but she can’t wait to talk to us soon. I heart Arianna’s message and decide to Facetime Nay for ease.
Clicking my phone into the window holder, I back out of the driveway as I head to work. The call rings and rings before she finally answers.
“Do you know what time it is?” she rasps.
“Ass crack of dawn, but your alarm goes off in ten minutes anyways.”
She glares at me through the phone. Despite the room being practically pitch black, I still see her nose wrinkle in irritation as she wipes the sleep from her eyes.
“You know how blissful those last ten minutes are?” she groans as she rolls over in bed.
“About as good as an orgasm, oh wait, you wouldn’t know what that’s like, would you?” I ask.
She doesn’t respond, just scoffs and shakes her head.
I can’t help but poke fun from time to time.
I mean, she’s twenty one and a virgin. By choice too!
Guys have been breaking down her door since her ass came in and her tits filled out Freshman year of high school.
Still, she’s wanted nothing to do with it, or men in general.
Ari and I have asked her several times if she’s sure she just isn’t attracted to men.
Nay always says she is, she’s just not ready and leaves it at that.
Ari drops it but I definitely pick at the subject more than I should, I mean, c’mon.
She’s gorgeous, and sex is great. My bestie is missing out and she doesn’t have to be.
“What has you looking like death this morning? Late night?” she asks, throwing it back to me.
I can’t help but enjoy the verbal spar. I like mean Naomi.
“I went out with Alec last night. We went down to Charlies, had a few drinks and then…went back to his house.”
“Okay well you could have started with that,” Naomi says as she practically presses her face against the screen. “Tell me everything, did you guys do it? Was it as good as it used to be? Better?”
“You sure your delicate virgin sensibilities can handle it?” I tease.
She rolls her eyes as I continue.
“It was…good. Kinda like coming together after a long break. Easy. Everything sort of clicked into place like a puzzle.”
Naomi nods. “Well, that’s kinda great! You were so in love with Alec. Now you can officially shove your sister’s piece of shit boyfriend far out of your head once and for all.”
“Yeah,” I agree as I keep my eyes on the road.
“Cass,” she says gently.
“Sorry, I’m at work. I gotta go,” I say before hanging up the phone.
I still have a twenty minute drive but I’m not ready to talk about what happened last night. In my head at Alec’s or in the kitchen with Nico. It’s messy and confusing and honestly I don’t even have any answers to it, nor explanations. It’s all just…messy.
Grabbing my phone and my purse, I step out of the car and head for the front door, unlocking it and turning on the lights of the waiting room. A rustling sound comes from the back and I already know it’s Maddie who is this morning’s opener dental hygienist.
Moving to the break room, I drop my purse in there and poke my head into the back where she is gathering supplies.
“Morning,” I say.
“Morning,” she calls out before turning to face me. “Oh shit!”
I frown at that. “What?”
“Dude, what story are you using? A curling iron mishap or a vacuum that went rogue? Because your neck is looking sluttttty.”
Her words take a moment for my brain to comprehend before I’m rushing to the bathroom and looking in the mirror.
Oh fuck. I forgot to cover the hickey. I mean, how could I honestly?
The thing is an ugly red and purple monster.
Honestly, I know Alec thought he was being cute and possessive but honestly, it screamed high school.
People have jobs and lives. No one is marking each other up anymore. At least not for others to see.
“Shit, shit, shit,” I mutter as I run for my purse and begin rifling through it.
Sometimes I will have some concealer in here or something. Unfortunately for me, I come up empty.
“I have a scarf I keep forgetting to take home,” Maddie offers.
I stare at her blankly. “It’s seventy two degrees outside.”
She tosses her hands out and shakes her head.
“And your other options areeee? You know if Daniel sees that he’s going to send you home.”
Letting out an irritated sigh, I hold my hand out and she moves behind me and grabs the purple and grey scarf that has been floating around the breakroom since February. I tie it around me neck and turn to face Maddie for approval. She lets out a choked laugh and shakes her head.
“I mean, paired with the short sleeved blouse and sun streaming in through the doors, it’s definitely a look.”
I roll my eyes and scoff. “You’re a bitch.”
She cackles at that as I head to my desk, firing up my computer for the day. She’s not actually a bitch. I really like Maddie. She’s the perfect work friend. We get along, work well together and she also likes half priced margaritas on Monday down at the restaurant on the corner.
Daniel walks through the door, nodding in greeting before he pauses. His eyes glance to my scarf as a tint of confusion colors his face.
“Is that your scarf that’s been in the breakroom all this time?”
“Oh, no. It’s Maddie’s. I was a little cold and forgot a jacket,” I say with a shrug like it’s the next obvious solution.
Daniel nods slowly before moving to the back while I turn around in my chair and shake my head.
Once the workday is done, I pull out my phone and see a few missed texts from Alec and my mom.
Alec: How is your day going?
Mom: What time will you be home tonight?
Alec: Are you doing anything tonight?
Mom: We are taking Nico and Carly to Pike Place Market if you want to join us for dinner?
The idea of having dinner with Nico and Carly is enough to have any semblance of appetite gone in a moment.
Maybe with a little bit of a buffer, though, it won’t be terrible.
Besides, two birds one stone. Besides, I can’t let Nico think that his behavior or presence has any sort of affect on me.
The more unaffected I can behave, the better.
So, yeah. A buffer is definitely needed.
I give my mom a quick call to find out where they are at currently before shooting a text to Alec for him to meet us. He agrees almost too quickly and I head for my car before battling traffic through the city towards downtown.
Mom said they already finished up at Pike Place and shot up to Capitol Hill to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. It takes me at least twice as long as it should to get up there but when I do, I only have to circle the block twice to find an empty parking spot. Lucky me.
I strategically pull my hair to one side, conveniently concealing the rapidly darkening mark that Alec left on my neck. Not like anyone at dinner would care, but it wasn’t like I was going to wear Maddie’s scarf into the night.
Stepping through the doorway of Poquitos, I spot my parents in the back instantly, excitedly waving to me.
I can’t help but smile at the absolute dorks they are as I weave my way through the beautiful restaurant.
Gorgeous lights, stone flooring and a fireplace warm up the fusion restaurant, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
And I could literally eat my bodyweight in their guacamole so, win, win.
Looks like they secured a long table with six chairs.
My mom and dad are beside each other with Carly beside my mom and Nico across from her.
I hesitate between the two empty seats. Do I take the one beside Nico or the furthest one away?
Am I overthinking this? Definitely, it’s not like anyone cares where I sit. Wherever I’m most comfortable, right?
As soon as Nico’s chocolate eyes look up to me, practically locking in on mine, though, the anxiety inside me only amplifies.
“Sit down,” he says.
His words aren’t harsh or brash, but they are firm.
It’s not quite a command but it isn’t a request either.
For some reason, I do as he says, slowly sinking into my seat.
Conversation picks up organically with my dad asking Nico something but I still can’t take my eyes from him because my god I can’t figure this man out.
He carries such a large presence about him.
He’s quite yet steady, firm but gentle. He’s a fucking anomaly in every aspect and as much as I hate myself for it, I’m completely enamored.
“Do you need something, Cassi?” Carly snarks, snagging my attention from, well, her boyfriend.
My eyes snap to her, embarrassment filling me for half a moment before I decide I don’t give a fuck what Carly thinks of me. Kinda makes me want to look at her man more, honestly. Just to piss her off. Though, pissing my sister off is like coming at a hornet’s nest with a bat.
“I’ve got my loving family, what else could I need?” I smile with the biggest fuck you smile.
Smoke practically billows out of my sister’s ears and before she can pop off, a hand touches my shoulder. I look up to see Alec smiling down at me.
“Hi everyone,” he smiles to the table before pressing a kiss to my forehead as he takes his seat.
Everyone says hello back, except Nico who is staring at my forehead with a glare. His eyes slowly move to Alec, a disinterested look passing across his face before he looks down at the menu.
“So glad you could join us, Alec,” my mom smiles.
“Thank you so much for having me,” he nods happily.
Our waiter comes over and takes our menus before my dad strikes up conversation with Alec.
“So, you mentioned before that you have a job waiting for you on the east coast. You must be pretty special for them to wait on you like this.”
Alec shrugs with a gracious smile.
“I’m really grateful that they have been so understanding during this time. Technically, I’ve already started onboarding and have begun doing some light training remotely.”
“What is the company called again?”
“Sanders & Son. They are based in Boston. Their reputation is impeccable and they are ranked one of the best places to—”
“Are you shitting me?” Nico cuts in.
All eyes turn to him as he stares at Alec with a lethal edge.
“Sorry?” Alec asks, defense sharp on his tongue.
“You work for Sanders &Son? You were hired? Who do you report to?”
Alec’s brows furrow in confusion as he looks to me before back to Nico.
“Lawrence Jennings, why?”
“You’re the new IT prodigy?” Nico scoffs like he can’t believe it.
“I’m sorry, I’m lost,” Alec admits.
“Sanders & Son is Nicholas’s company,” Carly says. “You work for him.”