Overwhelmed By Love (The Full Circle #4)

Chapter 1

I wasn’t sure what I hated more, Friday morning meetings or Nicky Scarborough. Nicky was the son of the founder of Scarborough Publishing and barely twenty-six, just one year older than me. He was smug, brash, and gorgeous, with his slicked-back sandy blonde hair, square jaw, and flame blue eyes.

Nicky had been head of the editor’s department for Scarborough all of five minutes but yet he felt that he needed to exert his dominance over us, lowly assistant editors and proofreaders. His father, Robert Scarborough, recently appointed Nicky to his position of power because he was taking a leave of absence to travel on his honeymoon with his bride, who was half his age.

The apple didn’t fall very far from the tree because Nicky had a penchant for younger women, too. The rumor was that he screwed two of the summer interns who were barely eighteen. I disliked him the moment I met him. He called me into his office to announce his supremeness. I remember it as if it was yesterday, even though it had been two months ago.

“Your name is Emmy Stanford?”

“Emma,” I corrected.

Nicky adjusted his square black hipster glasses and glanced at my paperwork. “Emma. Sorry. I have a lot of people working under me, so it will take time for me to learn everyone’s name.”

Besides the fact that you have my fucking folder in front of you with my full name. Dickhead. I smiled and nodded my head. My mother taught me if I couldn’t say anything nice, then not to say it at all.

“I’m developing a new protocol for manuscript edits. It will be ready in a matter of days. I expect all my editors to follow the rules. I don’t wish to reprimand anyone this early in my tenure.”

How nice of you. “I understand.”

He smirked. “That is all. You can go back to your desk.”

I thanked him and headed to the door.

“Uh, Emmy, I see you’re working on Ryman Delahomme’s follow up to his bestseller, Firewalker. See that you’re careful with the margin notes. I want to get this right.”

I didn’t need a guy who wasn’t trained as an editor to tell me how to do my job. I worked on Ryman’s first novel, and the second, Rainmaker, was assigned to me because of my meticulous editing on the first one. It was my most significant achievement so far at Scarborough.

“I plan on it. It should be completed by the end of the week.”

“Thanks.”

I wanted to scream when I left his office. I worked in a shitty cubicle with my coworker, Angelica Garza. We had little space to move with all the paperwork stacked here and there, but we made due. Nicky had a spacious office with a personal bathroom just for having the name Scarborough.

I took my seat at the conference table next to Angelica, smoothing my black pencil skirt as I sat down. Nicky, with all his smugness, stood at the head of the table with a large cup of coffee, his glasses perched on his head, and a three-day growth of beard on his face. He chatted with the head editors like they were old friends, but I knew better.

Nicky was disliked by most of the office. He had imposed ridiculous rules, such as no personal effects on the desks. I had family pictures of my nephews and niece which sat in my drawer because of him. We weren’t allowed to drink near our computers lest we spill something on them, yet Nicky always seemed to sit near his with an ever-present cup of coffee.

“What a moron he is. Ten dollars says those glasses aren’t even prescription,” Angelica whispered.

I shooed her away from my ear because just at that moment, Nicky looked up at me and narrowed his flame blue eyes in my direction. I doubt he heard what Angelica said but just to be on the safe side. He cleared his throat at exactly 9:00 AM and asked everyone to take their seats.

Nicky loved to drone on about this or that. It was trivial information he was pouring out to us, but it made him feel good to gather the troops for a team-building meeting for the upcoming week. Ugh!

I counted the minutes, and the times he said “uh.” You would think a guy working for a publisher would have a better command of the English language or at least pretend he did. He just loved to hear himself talk. And of course, while he droned on, my purse buzzed several times as my cell went off. Dammit, I forgot to put it on silent.

Fortunately, it silenced at the same time Nicky did. The meeting was over, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I just wanted to work the day out and enjoy my weekend. Nathaniel, my roommate, who was an in-demand DJ, was supposed to be working the stage at Haze, a hot new club owned by the actors, Dino Persky and Vinnie Labotta. I wanted to go, and Nathaniel was my ticket inside.

As we filed out of the conference room, Nicky scowled at me, and I gave him a curt smile. I smoothed my long blonde hair as I walked by. I didn’t care what he had to say, screw him. He was clueless.

When I got back to my desk, Angelica was pretending to page through a manuscript as she turned to me.

“I heard your phone buzzing, was it Nathaniel?”

“I haven’t checked yet. Nate said he would text me if we were on the list.”

Angelica secretly had a crush on my handsome roommate. He was tall with a lean muscular build and always was without a shirt when he was at home in our apartment. His emerald eyes were almost the same shade of green as mine. He liked to keep his thick brown hair spiky, and I often ended up assisting him before one of his shows.

I had told my parents Nathaniel was gay, and he was anything but. He was straight as an arrow with several “regulars” he shared his bed with, sometimes two. On weekends, our dining table almost always had guests for breakfast, which was usually at noontime.

I, on the other hand, was in a prolonged drought. I hadn’t slept with a man in three years. Nathaniel would often ask me if I was the one that was gay. I would laugh, but it was true, I might as well be because, besides Nathaniel, I had spent very little time with men recently.

In high school, I started dating Ricky Ingram from the third week of my freshman year. We dated until the day after prom when Ricky told me that it was over now that we were attending separate colleges. I thought we were going to spend the summer together. He broke my heart, and I’ve been hesitant to get involved ever since.

I dated one other man, Leo, for a few weeks. We had sex, and it was over. Of course, in my foolishness, I thought it was true love when, in reality, he was just trying to get in my pants. The minute I let him, he was gone. So now I just casually date, but it rarely goes beyond the first .

I get a free meal or a movie, a little groping or kissing and it’s over. I’m not a prude by any means, I want to have sex, but it has to be right. I won’t make the same mistake again as I did with Leo. Nathaniel has become very protective of me. He likes to intimidate men that I bring around. That might be another reason why I don’t get second dates.

“Hey, Emma, check your phone.”

I pull it out of my purse and see from the text Nathaniel sent telling me we have a seat in the VIP section. I wonder if any of my friends would like to go. Hunter and Rory might be interested, but I doubt my sister, Megan, or her fiancé, Chase, would go. They’ve become shut-ins since they got engaged, and I hate to think about what they do all night. However, I would give anything to have a love like theirs or like my other sister Lexi and her husband, JC.

“Is it just us?”

“I guess unless you have someone you want to bring.”

“What about Matty? Is he available?”

Matty was a friend of my sister Lexi. He was handsome and a few years older than us, but he was fun and like Nathaniel, protective of me. He saw me as his little sister. I had no romantic interest in him even though Angelica did. She told me I was surrounded by beautiful men. I guess it was true since JC, Lexi’s husband, his brother Hunter, Nathaniel, and Matty were gorgeous.

“Matty is in Atlantic City this weekend.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Hunter mentioned it last week. So we’re on our own tonight. We’ll be safe.”

“I’m not worried about that. I just like a big group to go with.”

“What about your brothers?”

Angelica had two brothers, Cruz and Ricardo, who were both in their twenties. They were handsome but resided in New Jersey, where their parents lived. Angelica would come across the river each day to go to work at Scarborough. I lived in Manhattan, which is why I needed a roommate. My salary would not support an apartment on its own.

“They’re leaving for vacation today, so they’re out.”

“It’s barely June. Where are they going?”

“Peru to visit my Abuela. I wish I could go because I miss her.”

“How much vacation time do you have left?”

“Two weeks, but I want to go to the Jersey shore in August. I already put in for it. You should come.”

“I haven’t been there in years. My parents used to take us when we were kids.”

Our conversation is interrupted by Nicky.

“Ladies, don’t you have some work to do? Emma, I’d like to see you in my office.”

I exchanged glances with Angelica and rose from my seat to follow Nicky to his office. I wonder what he has to bitch about now. He’s been on my ass the past few weeks. He holds the door for me than practically slams it before he sits at his desk.

“I’m highly annoyed with your behavior at the meeting this morning.”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Don’t you? I saw your coworker whispering in your ear. And then while I was trying to speak, I heard your phone buzzing. It’s a policy that you keep it on silent during office hours. If you can’t follow the rules, I’ll ask that you leave it at home, or I’ll take it until the end of the day.”

“Nicky, I’m not a child. I accidentally left it on vibrate, and we weren’t talking about anything that concerns you.”

“You’ve had lapses of judgment over the past few weeks. You made quite a few editing mistakes with several manuscripts. These were rookie errors that even a new editor would catch. Is something going on at home? Trouble with a boyfriend, perhaps?”

I glare at him as he steeples his fingers and leans forward as if I’m going to reveal my deepest, darkest secrets to him .

“They weren’t major mistakes. My workload has been heavy. We need more editors, and anyway, the proofers would have caught what I missed.”

“So your excuse is that you have a lot of work to do? You should consider that you spend quite a bit of time gossiping with office mate. You get paid to work, not spend time on the latest garbage going on in the media.”

I can’t believe he’s chastising me. Nicky is one to talk since he spends a lot of time on the internet. I had lunch with Pedro from the tech department last week, and he told me that Nicky just loves to frequent sites like “Just Jared.” What a hypocrite.

“And I am working. My productivity is up.”

“But it wouldn’t be if you spent a little more time carefully reading each manuscript. I’d rather you scale back your speed, stop talking so much and polish your editing.”

I’m so angry that I want to tear him to shreds, but he is my boss, and I need this job. Nathaniel makes enough to support the apartment, and he’s been after me to find another job, but I can’t ask him to do that. I’m going to have to swallow my tongue and kiss Nicky’s ass so I can go back to my desk and lick my wounds.

“I promise to make changes.”

“And?”

“Stop gossiping.”

“Thank you. I expect your work to be top-notch again by next week. You’re dismissed.”

He sits there staring at me, his fingers still steepled as I get up and leave his office. I can feel how hot my face is from the flush that has crept in. I plop down in my chair, and Angelica looks up from her work.

“What did ass face want this time?”

“To tell me that I gossip too much with you, and my work is sub-par.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? You’re one of the hardest working editors in this place. ”

“He’ll never give me the recognition I deserve. Obviously, he has a problem with me.”

“Everyone in this place gossips, but he chose to single you out?”

“I know. Tonight I am definitely going to need some drinks.”

“I can’t wait to go. I heard this club is awesome. It’s nice to know people.”

“It sure is.”

For the rest of the day, I keep my head down and my mouth shut, even working at my desk during lunch. Nicky walks by, and I see a stupid smirk on his face. I’d love to slap it off. By five, I’m more than ready to get out of here for the weekend. I tell Angelica that I’ll meet her at Haze by 10:30 PM. She’s going to sleep at my apartment, after which is something we’ve done often.

I walk to the subway and take the train home, walking the four blocks to my apartment. Nathaniel is lounging around in his underwear and nothing else. His hair is flat, and I know that means I’ll be working on it before he leaves for the club.

“Hey, baby girl. How was work?”

“It sucked. Fucking Nicky gave me a hard time.”

“Why don’t you just let me have a crack at him? I’ll put him in his place.”

“And get me fired. I need this job.”

“I told you I could handle the rent for a little while. My schedule is so packed for the summer that the money is just going to roll in. My manager has been talking about a tour through Europe in the summer.”

“That means you won’t be here.”

“I know baby girl, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be back. I’ve gone on tour before.”

“Yeah, but only for a few weeks. This sounds like a longer tour.”

I knew Nathaniel would eventually be moving on from being my roommate. His star was on the rise for the last two years. He is making more than enough money to live in a nicer apartment and not have a roommate, but he chose to stay with me.

He rose from the couch and pulled me against him. I buried my nose in his bare chest. Nathaniel’s scent comforted me, a mix of cologne and soap. I had met him three and a half years ago at a club. He was on a break from the DJ deck, and some guys were bothering me. He pretended to be my boyfriend and told them if they didn’t leave me alone, he would fix the problem. I’d been friends with him ever since. It was a bonus that he was sexy and handsome.

“I’ll always take care of you. If you ever need me, you just call.”

I would never do that because he needed to work. He grew up in a trailer park in Florida and worked his way north when he was seventeen. His parents were a couple of drunks, and his only brother was in jail somewhere for petty crimes. He never wanted to look back.

I grew up just the opposite. My parents were stable, and both had decent jobs to provide Lexi, Megan, and me an upper-middle-class lifestyle. We always went on summer vacations and never had to want for anything. Nathaniel didn’t have that stability growing up, and I would never expect him to drop his ability to earn for me. Not when I had a loving, supportive family.

“I love you, Nate.”

“I love you too, baby girl.”

I spy a bra on the floor by the kitchen island, “Did you have a guest last night?”

Nathaniel looks at me sheepishly. “Actually, two.”

“How can you have so much sex?”

“How can you have so little sex? I would be crazy with lust by now.”

“I try not to think about it. I’ve had guys ask me, but I don’t want that.”

“Just once to prime the pumps. How long has it been?”

“Three years. ”

“Three years! I can’t fathom. You need to get laid, girl.”

“Maybe this summer will be when I find him.”

“Find who?”

“My prince charming. My one.”

“Sweetheart, if you’re waiting for your prince, you’re going to wait a long time. I’m not saying he’s not out there, but you know the saying about kissing frogs.”

“I’d just like to find one frog.”

“And I’m saying just screw one of them to get back in practice. Not all guys are like that shithead Leo or Ricky. Neither one of them deserved you. I hope Ricky is fat and balding. Who does that to a girlfriend? Dumps them after prom.”

Unfortunately, Ricky was not fat and balding. He was still hot and owned a car dealership in New Jersey. Of course, his father gave it to him, but he was a business owner at the ripe old age of twenty-five. I didn’t want to go home in case I ran into him and had to smile while I told him about my boring life in Manhattan.

“Ricky did, and I’m sure he’s had plenty of women after me.”

“Then you should do the same.”

Nathaniel grabs me by the shoulders and walks me to the foyer, where we have a mirror above a small table.

“Tell me what you see?”

“Some gorgeous guy holding me by the shoulders.”

“What do you see in yourself?”

“Nathaniel, I hate when you ask me these questions.”

“You know what I see? A beautiful person with a smoking hot body who’s wasting her life. You have so much to offer and not just the outside package. You just need to put yourself out there and not always wonder that someone is out to hurt you. Not all guys are like that. Not all of them want to fuck you and leave.”

“You’re that way.”

“I make no bones about it. Women know what I want, and I look for those that want the same thing. My life is so busy I don’t have time to devote to a relationship. I know that, and I make it known. You’re different. You want a relationship, so don’t be afraid to look for someone that wants that too. There are plenty of men out there looking.”

“Maybe I should go on one of those dating sites.”

“Hell no. You’re going to find someone without one of those creepy dating profiles. Maybe you’ll even find someone tonight.”

“Who are you bringing?”

“Angelica.”

Nathaniel groans.

“She’s one of my best friends.”

“Yeah, but she looks at me like a piece of meat.”

“You’re hot, and she likes you.”

“I only want to fuck. Does she know that’s my thing?”

“I’ve told her, but do me a favor, don’t get involved. I can’t have my two best friends at odds. If you have sex with her and she wants more, it’s trouble.”

“Okay, so no fucking Angelica.”

“No, definitely not.”

I know that Nathaniel will heed my warning. He doesn’t need Angelica. There are plenty of women he can fuck. Most of the ones he sleeps with are socialites or serial club goers. They’re not looking for relationships either. Angie is just like me; she wants a meaningful relationship.

“What time is it?”

I check my watch, “It’s almost 6:30.”

“I have to get dressed. I need to do a soundcheck at 8:00. Dino is coming tonight, and I want to look good. He mentioned that he has a couple of clubs in LA, where he wants me to DJ. I can’t make a bad impression by being late. Can you do my hair?”

I laugh, “What are you going to do when I’m not around?”

“Shave it off.”

“No, you’re not. You love your hair now that it’s grown in.”

“Then you’re going to have to teach me.”

“I’m dreading what that means. ”

“Baby girl, I’ll never be far from you even if I am geographically.”

I hug Nathaniel, and he goes to his room to get dressed. I head to mine to decide what to wear. Nathaniel is always telling me that my legs, ass, and breasts should be showcased, so I look for the perfect outfit to do that. In my closet, I pull out a silver dress with a short skirt and plunging cowl neckline that exposes my back. It’s probably a bit risqué, but I’m feeling sexy after Nathaniel’s pep talk.

I pair it with five-inch black heels to accentuate my legs. I hunt for a matching purse that I can wear around my wrist. If I’m going to dance, then the last thing I need is to keep a bag under my arm. Nathaniel knocks on my door.

“Come in.”

He’s dressed in ripped jeans and an untucked dark purple dress shirt. He looks hot as usual.

“Do my hair. I have to leave in a little while.”

Nathaniel enters my room and notices the silver dress on the bed, which he picks up by the hanger.

“You’re wearing this?”

“Yes. Too small?”

“Nope, not at all. You’re going to look fucking sexy. I’ll have to ask security to keep an eye on you.”

I scowl. “Please don’t. I can take care of myself.”

Nate frowns at me. I know he worries that I’ll get into a situation I can’t handle.

“I won’t say anything, but I have a bird’s eye view from my booth. I’ll be watching you. Come say hello when you get there.”

“I promise I will. Let’s get your hair done.”

He hands me a jar of pomade and sits down on the bed. I put a bit on my fingers and run it through his hair, pulling it up into a thick spike. I’m between his legs, and he leans into my breasts.

I push away. “Hey, nose out of there. ”

“You smell good. If I didn’t think it would ruin the friendship, I’d fuck you myself.”

“Well, thanks for the offer, but I think I would rather not see you naked.”

Nathaniel laughs because we’ve seen each other naked more times than I could count. I’m not sure I could handle the size of his cock anyway. He’s enormous without being hard; God knows how big he gets when he is. He must make women he sleeps with sore.

I finish styling his hair, and he stands to look in the mirror, giving a few of his wisps a shaping until he likes what he sees.

“You’re a master. I should pay you for your services.”

“When you’re rich and famous, remember that in your interviews.”

“I can only hope, baby girl. I’ll see you later. I put you on the list with a plus-two in case you want to bring someone else.”

“Thanks, but it will just be Angie and me.”

“Suit yourself,” He bends down to kiss me on the cheek and exits my room, leaving the lingering scent of his cologne.

It’s after seven, and I hunt around the refrigerator for something to eat. I’m not sure I should stuff myself, but I don’t want to drink on an empty stomach. Usually, we get free drinks when Nathaniel puts us on the list, which is good because sometimes a vodka cranberry can run almost twenty bucks. I like mine with Absolut so they can get expensive.

I settle on three-day-old steamed dumplings Nathaniel and I ate sitting on the floor and watching reruns of seventies shows. We always order way too much food, so there are plenty of leftovers to choose from. Neither of us are good cooks. My last foray into cooking had the fire department at our door. I burned a roast beef, and it smoked up the entire apartment.

Now if we want to have dinner together, it’s usually sandwiches or take out. Maybe that’s my problem, I can’t cook, and guys want a wife who cooks. Megan and Lexi are excellent cooks, but I can’t even boil water without making a disaster. My cell buzzed with an incoming text from Angie.

Are we all set for tonight?

I told you we were. Meet me at the club at 10:30 unless you want to come here first.

Could I? I’d rather bring some stuff to your place rather than borrow clothes.

It’s early, so you have time. When will you be here?

Just have to pack. Should be there by 9:00.

See you then.

I should change my sheets since it’s been almost a week, and Angie is going to share my queen-sized bed. She slept over so much during the winter that she practically became a roommate. The weather was so bad it was easier to travel to the city from my apartment rather than Jersey. I quickly change the sheets, give a swipe of the bathroom, put out fresh bath towels, and plop on the couch for an hour.