CHAPTER FIFTEEN
NATHAN
I watch as Anika hugs the old man before placing a quick kiss on his cheek. We’re leaving the Simmons estate after an extremely eventful stay. Our mission coming here was successful though and the Phantom House painting is currently sitting in the back of the car, wrapped and ready to go.
“Thank you again for everything. The hospitality and your kindness,” Anika tells him softly. “I still can’t believe you’re choosing to give us the painting for free.”
“It’s the least I could do after you gave me that beautiful painting, Miss Cameron. And the pleasure of your company of course. You remind me of my daughter. She’s beautiful and immensely talented as well.”
I was really surprised when the old man offered up the Phantom in exchange for Anika’s painting. I thought he was a stingy collector that only cared about art and money but he’s really shown his softer side around Anika. I guess she brings that out of people.
“I’m glad I could provide you with some peace. And remember our deal. You’re not allowed to just give up without trying.”
“I won’t, sweet girl,” he assures her.
They hug again and I step forward, offering Mr. Simmons a handshake.
“It was a pleasure doing business with you, sir.”
He nods, “Let me know when that art center of yours opens up. Maybe I’ll donate a few pieces before I kick the bucket.”
I smirk. “I’d appreciate that, Mr. Simmons. Good bye.”
He offers Anika one more smile before making slow steps back into his house, the both of us watching him.
“He must be so lonely here in this big house with no one else.”
“You think he’ll reach out to his daughter?”
She shrugs, turning to look at me. “Maybe. I have no idea.”
I hum in agreement and there’s a lull in conversation. An awkward silence that feels like a massive voice. Robert went into town first to fill up the car and ensure it’s in good condition before coming back here to pick us up. He sent me a text two minutes ago that he’d arrive soon, so we’re left standing here waiting for him.
Which would be fine if what happened last night hadn’t happened. My mind flashes to earlier this morning when she woke up in my arms. She fell asleep last night right after I was finished finger fucking her to oblivion.
A lot happened last night. And there’s so much to unpack. But when we woke up this morning, Anika and I came to a silent agreement not to mention anything about it. She kissed me on the cheek, offered me a smile and left my room. We’ve been acting cordial all morning, pretending like nothing happened.
I feel both irritated and relieved. Delving into what happened will cause us nothing but trouble. But there’s also a part of me that aches to hold her like that again. To kiss her and to draw those soft, sweet moans from her lips.
She was perfect last night. But that wasn’t surprising. I always knew she’d be.
Soon enough, the car pulling up. I open the door for her and she climbs in with a murmured thanks.
“I was thinking, we could play some other fun games on the way this time,” Anika suggests about ten minutes into the drive.
She’s not speaking directly to anyone but the way she’s facing forward makes it pretty clear she’s only addressing Robert.
“Haven’t you played enough games?” I interject, a little annoyed that she’s ignoring me.
I would also hate to have to let go of whatever relationship we had before having sex. Like it or not, Anika’s a fixture of my life in this moment and I’m not ready to lose that. Plus, riling her up is a surefire way to get her out of her shell.
“And what would you suggest we do on this three hour ride, Mr. Billionaire?” she asks.
She thinks that nickname annoys me. And it did before. Now it’s just a sign of a normalcy we can hopefully get back to.
“I suggest silence,” I say on a smirk.
Her eyes narrow, “You’re no fun.”
“You weren’t saying that last night,” I murmur, unable to help myself.
Wide eyes meet mine, her expression chastising. I grit my teeth before sighing softly and pulling out my tablet.
“Alright fine. You can play your games with Robert,” I tell her conceding.
She happy to do just that, while I spend the next three hours shutting her and the rest of the world out. If only it was easy to shut off my thoughts as well.
We arrive back in Edenton without any other problems. I’m a little relieved to see the small town. It’s a place I would have never voluntarily stepped into a couple of years ago. It used to be a symbol of pain in my life. And it still is. But bringing my daughter here has changed things a little as well.
I can’t very well hate a place she seems to love so much.
We drop Anika off at her house and I don’t miss the fact that she doesn’t meet my eyes as she gets out of the car. A part of me is starting to regret last night. I help her into her house, carrying her box and bag for her.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, standing in the doorway of the house.
She grabs her stuff from me and is turning around when I grab her wrist, stopping her in place.
“Hey, wait,” I prompt, pausing for a second because I’m not sure why I even want to say this. I huff out a breath before speaking, “You know things don’t have to change, right?”
Her nose scrunches up in confusion, “Meaning?”
“I mean you can keep being you around me. I would hate for us to go back to a time when we weren’t speaking anymore. I know you like to annoy me. That doesn’t have to change, regardless of what happened last night.”
Her lips press down into a thin line. “So basically you’re saying you want me without really wanting me?”
I flinch at that, “That’s not what I meant.”
She has no idea how much I fucking want her. But I can’t want her, that’s the point. She has to understand that with this, the truth is that all roads lead to heartache and pain.
Anika sighs, “No, it’s fine. I get it, okay. I just, need to get away from you for a bit.”
“Right. I understand. See you later, sweetheart.”
I let go of her wrist, a chill going through me at the lack of contact. I know I’m not really putting her in a fair position, but this is the best I’ve got right now.
“Bye, Nathan.”
My lips rise in a small smile. As long as she keeps calling me by my name, I’m sure we’ll be okay. I turn around to head back to the car, hearing her front door close behind me. I climb into the front seat beside Robert once I reach the car, asking him to take me home.
It’s only been a day, but I’ve missed my daughter. A lot. And she did too, which is made clear as soon as I step through the front door of the mansion.
“Daddy!”
“Hey,” I chuckle, dropping to my knees, right in time to catch the rocket that launches herself right into my arms. “Hey, princess.”
I hold her small frame tight to my chest, shutting my eyes in relief. Being away from Kara is always hard. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned by your parents, even while they’re alive. And I would never want my daughter to experience that. Which is why I try my best to always be present.
“How was your trip?” she asks, pulling away from me from.
Which is good because left to her old man I would hold her like that forever. I smile, running my hand through her long brown hair.
“It was okay. I’m sorry I missed dinner last night,” I tell her.
“That’s okay, dad. You’re allowed to miss dinner sometimes. Plus, I had a lot of fun with Joshy,” she exclaims.
Which makes me aware of the man standing a couple feet from her. He offers me a small smile and I dorky wave.
“Welcome sir.”
“Hello to you too, Joshua,” I state before rising to my feet. I extend my hand towards my daughter and she doesn’t hesitate to grab it letting me lead her in the direction of the living room. “So tell me, princess. What did you get up to yesterday while I was away?”
The two of us take a seat on the couch.
“So much, daddy. First Joshy and I watched a movie, then he took me to the playground and I met this other girl, Lila. She has blonde hair and she also had really pretty bows in her hair. She was nice and we’re friends now. We made plans to have a sleepover but Lila’s mum said I had to ask you first if it was okay for her to come here.”
I share a questioning look with Josh about this new friend she’s found. He offers me a short reassuring nod.
“I’m not sure about the sleepover, baby,” I say carefully. “I’d have to look into it a little first.”
“Why?” Kara questions crossing her arms over her chest.
“Because people can be dangerous, princess.”
“Lila’s not dangerous. She’s eight, just like me,” she argues.
“I know. And you’ll still get to have your sleepover, Kara. Just let me make sure it’s safe, okay?”
She pouts and I can tell she doesn’t understand. And I want more than anything to make sure she never has to. The world can be dangerous but I’ll do anything in my power to protect my little girl from harm.
Kara tells me a little more about what she got up to and then she starts to get bored. I let her go back to her room and then it’s just Josh and I in the living room. He takes a seat adjacent me, a big goofy smile on his face.
“What?” I question, arching an eyebrow.
“Nothing boss. I just heard you got up to a lot on your trip,” he replies suggestively.
For a second, I wonder if he somehow knows about Anika and I, but that would be impossible.
“What are you talking about, Josh?” I ask tiredly.
“Nothing. Did you enjoy your trip with Miss Cameron?”
“If you have something to say, spit it out.”
“Robert says you both seemed close,” he states.
“Robert needs to learn to shut his damn mouth,” I snap.
Josh winces, “Right. Sorry sir. I was out of line.”
“Don’t worry, Joshua. I’m getting used to it,” I mutter. “Tell me what happened with the center while I was gone.”
“Nothing much,” he replies. “Oh, I did get an email from a man called Edward. He’s the lead singer for a band called, Soul Face. He wanted to know if it would be possible for them to play on one of the nights at the center’s opening.”
My eyebrows rise, “Did you say Edward?”
“Yeah, apparently the band’s local. They’re all from Edenton and I know you and Carson are trying to prioritize the locals in the opening. Apparently he and his band had been on tour these past couple of months but they’re back and they’d like to be a part of the community center.”
I scoff. I’m pretty sure there’s only one guy in this town with that name and a pathetic career choice. The thought that he’s back in town has me gritting my teeth.
Fuck. This is the last fucking thing I needed.
“Sir?” Josh calls. “What would you like me to say to him?”
“I’ll take care of it later,” I mutter. “Just leave it for now.”
I’m not sure what I’d do if I ran into Anika’s ex-boyfriend. A part of me wants to punch him in the face while the other part wants to pull her into my arms and kiss her in front of him just to make him suffer. He’s probably the biggest idiot I’ve ever encountered.
I can’t believe he was foolish enough to let a woman like that go.
Then again, I might as well be doing the same thing right now. And the thought stings.