CHAPTER NINETEEN
NATHAN
“I feel betrayed.”
Spinning around in my chair, I face Josh who’s standing in the middle of my office. I hadn’t heard him come in, and I definitely had not asked him to. But the door’s wide open. Carson Cameron just left. And he was in a mood. A mood I definitely aggravated.
Winding up the Cameron siblings is fast becoming a favorite past time of mine. Especially Cameron and his incessant need to butt into his sister’s life. I already told him that wasn’t going to fly with me. Anika can take care of herself. He doesn’t need to act like her bodyguard or a knight protecting her from the dangers of the world. I would never intentionally do anything to hurt her.
He walked out when I told him point blank to mind his own business. Safe to say, we’ll probably never be best friends. It’s a good thing he’s a professional though, makes being business partners easier. He doesn’t have to like me to work with me.
“What are you talking about, Joshua?” I question dryly.
His eyes narrow accusingly, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you and Miss Cameron were dating. I mean I suspected it but some confirmation would be nice.”
I stare at him for a beat, taking in his messy boyband blonde hair. He’s wearing a grey vest over his shirt and his pants are creased. Sometimes I wonder if he understands the parameters of our relationship. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve warned him about crossing the lines, he goes straight to doing it again. He’s not taking me seriously.
I’ve gone soft. Which is annoying. I think he knows I’m not going to fire him. Unfortunately, Josh has someone wormed his way into my life. My daughter likes him, he’s efficient at assisting me and a part of me has grown fond.
I open my mouth to speak but he cuts me off, “Before you threaten me and tell me to mind my business, I’d just like to point out that I’m allowed to be upset that I managed to miss such a big and important change in your life. And I’d also like to say that I’m happy for you.”
I quirk an eyebrow, “You done?”
He nods in reply.
“Anika and I aren’t dating,” I inform him.
“But I-”
“But nothing. If you have enough free time to engage in gossip, you can make a quick supply run to Greenville,” I tell him
He frowns and I can tell he wants to say more but all he does is nod in acknowledgment. His shoulders hunch and he turns to leave the room. I spin my chair around so I’m facing the wall again.
“And Josh,” I call. “You’d be the first to know if something significant like that happened. Not because I’d tell you, but because you’re too nosy and refuse to stay out of my business.”
“Of course, sir,” he states, a smile his voice.
I hear him leave, shutting the door behind him. The room relapses into silence. I grit my teeth, trying to displace the urge to grab my phone and text Anika. Or maybe even call out and ask how she’s dealing with the fallout of the situation I caused. She didn’t show up to work today. I told her she could stay at home since we just closed another purchase successfully.
I’m now regretting telling her not to show up because a part of me really wants to see her face or at least hear her voice.
In hindsight, it probably wasn’t a good idea to start rumors about a non-existent relationship. But I simply can’t bring myself to care about that right now. In my opinion, the end justifies the means. And at least now, that fucker, Edward will stay away from her.
Or at least I hope he will.
I eventually get out of my head and back to work. I’m practically swimming in approval forms and checks that I need to get cleared in order for the center to run smoothly. I sign document after document, my eyes starting to grow bleary from all the words.
I don’t even realize where the time has gone until I hear the ringing of my phone. I look up with a frown, wondering if Kara’s calling because it’s almost time for dinner. I grab the phone on my desk noting that it’s past 7pm already.
But it’s not Kara calling. My lips tilt up in a small smile at the sight of Anika’s name flashing across the screen. I pick up before the call drops leaning back in my chair.
“You couldn’t stay away from me for a day, sweetheart?” I question.
“We have a problem,” she replies, her tone making it clear she’s not in the mood for jokes.
I sit up, immediately worried. “What’s wrong?”
“No, I’m fine,” she quickly reassures me. “It’s just I was invited out tonight by a couple of friends from high school. We meet at a bar called Lacies.”
“Okay and?” I ask, wondering where she’s going with it.
“I was also told to bring my new boyfriend along,” she grits out.
“Ah,” I say in understanding.
“Ah? Nathan this is a really big issue. Everyone’s going to be there. I’ve known these people since I was a teenager and now I’m going to have to look them in the eye and confess to them that we’re not really dating. I’m sure Edward’s going to be there as well. He’ll live it up for sure.”
That has my eyes narrowing, “Stein’s going to be there?”
“Yeah, like I said, everyone. I’m willing to bet he’s the reason they’re asking me to bring you along in the first place.”
“I see.”
“I would have declined the invitation but Danielle’s been on my ass about socializing again and this is a good chance to catch up with everybody.”
“Who’s Danielle?” I ask curiously.
“My best friend.”
I realize there’s still so much of her life that I don’t know. And a part of me wants to know everything.
“Don’t do that,” I state.
“What?”
“Don’t tell them we’re not dating. I’ll go with you. Let them see that we’re actually together.”
“But we’re not,” she says flatly. “Seriously, Nathan what are you playing at here?”
She sounds so confused it’s adorable. And she won’t believe me if I tell her I’m not really playing at anything. Although if I’m being honest, I saw a chance and I took it. I simultaneously took care of her asshole of an ex-boyfriend while figuring out a way to keep her by my side a little more.
“Come on, Anika. It’s just a little fun. You remember how to have fun, right?” I state.
She pauses for a couple of moments, “Who are you and what have you done with my hard ass, stuck up, Mr. Billionaire? You’re asking me to have fun? Really? You?”
I chuckle, “When do I have to show up for the hangout?”
“Whenever you can. I’m going to head there first but I know you’re probably busy so take your time.”
“I’ll come after dinner with Kara. So maybe around 9?” I suggest.
“Yes, that’s fine,” she agrees. “Wear something pretty. Not black.”
I frown, “But I like black.”
“I know. But switch it up for me tonight, please? You dragged me into this, so you owe me.”
I huff out a breath, “Fine. See you in two hours.”
***
Lacies turns out to be a charming timeless looking building. I’m guessing it was built right around the time I left town. I turn the door open by grabbing one of the long brass pulls that stretches almost the full length of the wooden frame.
Instead there’s a long bar that runs the full length of the left side of the building and high tops tables dot the main area. Further back, there’s a raised section with a pool table, black leather couches and a fireplace. It’s pretty cozy.
I make my way over to the raised section, spotting Anika seated on the couch between a couple of people. She’s laughing, completely at ease around them. She’s wearing a sort of halter neck top that cinches around her waist tucked into a black skirt. She’s listening attentively to some guy with red hair that appears to be telling a story to the group. Except he’s right beside her and I’m not a fan of the fact that he’s touching her arm every five seconds between telling the story.
I make sure my face is a mask, hiding every emotion as I finally arrive in front of them. Anika’s eyes land on me almost immediately and I watch as she takes me in with a small smile. She gets to her feet, walking over to me and in the process drawing everyone’s attention as well.
“Hey,” she says softly, placing her palm on my arm.
“Big group,” I mutter, looking around and taking in the 10 people sitting on and around the couch.
Not to mention all the other people spread out across the bar who have had their eyes trained on me since I walked in here. It’s unnerving.
“Nice t-shirt,” she says, eyeing my outfit.
It’s nothing much. I simply threw on some blue jeans and a green shirt but the approval in her eyes does make me feel good.
“Come on, let’s go. Everyone’s excited to meet you,” Anika informs me.
“Wonderful,” I say dryly.
She rolls her eyes before grabbing my hand, intertwining our fingers like it’s second nature to her. The touch is calming and I find myself exhaling a soft breath as I allow her to lead me towards the group.
“You guys, this is Nathan Wolfe,” she states pausing before adding, “My boyfriend.”
Her announcement is met with a few wary smiles from a couple of the guys. The women seem genuinely happy though. One of them, a brunette claps, doing a small wolf whistle.
“Congratulations to you both,” the brunette says with a grin.
“We’re dating, not getting married, Danielle,” Anika says shaking her head.
Ah, the best friend.
“Knowing you, Nika, you might as well be,” one of the guys at the end of the couch speaks up.
His tone isn’t exactly friendly and the look he gives me makes it clear I’m not welcome here. I quirk an eyebrow in his direction.
“Yeah, you spent ages with our boy and now you’ve got yourself a new man. Must feel nice,” another one with green eyes says.
“They’re Stein’s friends?” I murmur quietly to Anika.
She sighs, “Yes. That’s Jerome and Cliff. Ignore them.”
“Shouldn’t they be happy you found yourself a real man?” I ask, intentionally increasing the tone of my voice, so the entire group hears.
Anika’s eyes widen at that. Both men start to glare at me, their expressions becoming even more hostile. But I also hear a couple laughs, the loudest being from Danielle.
“Yeah I definitely like him. Come sit, both of you,” she prompts, gesturing to Anika’s original seat beside her.
I’m glad to finally sit down, maybe that way I’ll stop feeling like I’m the subject of a microscope. I’m also happy to put some space between Anika and the red head who had been beside Anika earlier. He introduces himself as Spencer. He’s apparently a businessman like me. I’ve heard of his start up before. He’s doing well for himself in DC where the company is based. He also has a wife so my earlier jealousy was unwarranted.
Anika introduces me to a couple of other people on the couch, whose names I forget in quick succession. Eventually after a few mundane questions about my work and how we met, the group moves on to other conversations. A waiter appears to ask me what I’d like to drink and I order a simple beer.
I notice there’s nothing in Anika’s hand however.
“Not drinking?” I lean closer to murmur in her ear.
She shakes her head, “I’m the designated driver. Got to make sure Danielle and Pepper get home safe. So are you having fun?”
“Of course I am, can’t you tell?” I say dryly.
Anika laughs, “No. But you should try smiling a bit more. You look much more handsome when you smile.”
“So you’re saying you like my smile, sweetheart?”
Our conversation is said in low tones, effectively cutting us off from everyone else around us.
“If I say yes, will you smile more?”
“Maybe,” I reply.
“Good because you look scary, scowling at everybody like that. You work in business, shouldn’t you be more charming. Carson always likes to joke that his company’s so successful because he’s charming and pretty.”
“Your brother’s an idiot.”
“No arguments from me on that,” she laughs.
“Also, I know how to turn up the charm. I charmed you into liking me, didn’t I?” I ask, poking the middle of her stomach gently.
She slaps my hand away with a laugh, “Who said anything about liking you? I tolerate you at best, Mr. Billionaire.”
The small blush on her cheeks make it pretty clear she’s lying though.
Anika does that sometimes. She toes the edge between sexy, bold vixen and a sweet, shy princess. It’s cute.
She’s pulled into an argument about something that happened in their senior year of college.
“Anika was the ringleader that night. She dared us all to go skinny dipping in the pool,” Spencer narrates chuckling.
“I did not!” she denies, doe eyed wide and blinking innocently, “We made the decision together. It’s not like I forced you guys.”
“It was freezing too. I swear we almost died,” Pepper, a brown eyed, slim blonde adds in between laughs. “Babe, you almost got us killed.”
“Too many times to count,” Danielle says on a nod.
Anika crosses her arms over her chest, “You guys are ganging up on me.” She turns to look at me, “I swear that never happened.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I already know how wild you are,” I smile, shooting her a wink.
Her lips part in surprise as she stares at me. Meanwhile there’s a couple snickers from the group. She leans closer to say something in my ear just as something else draws the groups’ attention.
“You’re weirdly good at this,” she whispers softly.
“Good at what?”
She’s opening her mouth to reply when there’s the sound of loud obnoxious throat clearing. We both look up and standing at the edge of the couch is none other than Edward Stein. He’s in his trademark dumb outfit. There are several rings on his fingers, his dark hair is in a ponytail. His eyes are narrowed in a glare directed right at me.
“Hey man,” Jerome, the dumbass at the edge of the couch greets, offering his hand for some sort of bro shake. “You got here late.”
“I was at the hospital. Almost died yesterday so I had to get checked,” he replies still staring straight at me.
I roll my eyes, leaning back in the couch and taking a sip of my beer. I already told him to report me but he’s a coward. And he knows he has no real power. Nothing that could help me if he ever wanted to take me on.
“You good now?” Cliff asks.
He nods, eyes leaving mine to stare meaningfully around the group. Anika shifts beside me, clearly uncomfortable with his presence. Left to me, the bastard would never look at her again or be within ten feet of her. I place a hand on her elbow, my thumb moving in a soothing motions.
Her gaze shifts to mine and she offers me a small grateful smile.
“What? There’s no room for me to take a seat?” Edward questions, raising an eyebrow.
“You can pull a chair over here, Eddy,” Pepper tells him.
“No. I want to sit on the couch with you guys. Maybe we kick out the guy who’s not from here. Who doesn’t belong,” he states.
“He’s from here, genius. His family’s probably lived in Edenton longer than yours,” Danielle says on an eyeroll.
“Right,” Edward nods. “I forgot you had to move after your mother died. From what I hear, you and your dad practically ran from the town with your tails tucked between your legs.”
I hear a sharp intake of breath beside me. Edward’s words are met with silence. Eyes swing towards me waiting for a reaction. But I’m not going to give the bastard the benefit of one. I keep my expression blank, except for a slight ticking in my forehead.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Anika asks angrily.
“It’s fine, sweetheart,” I murmur, stopping her before she goes off on the guy. “Come here.”
Her brows furrow in confusion as I grab a hold of her wrist, pulling her up and into my lap to make safe for Stein. Anika stiffens at first, then she slowly relaxes, resting against my chest. It’s amazing how perfectly she fits in my hold. I wrap an arm around her waist, placing my palm against my stomach.
Her scent permeates my space. Fucking addictive lilies.
It’s crazy how before I met Anika, they were a symbol of painful memories in my past. And now the scent is more erotic, has me thinking of bending her over and fucking her until she forget every other man she’s ever been with or seen.
Especially the fucker that’s currently throwing a stupid tantrum.
“There, that way the child can take a seat,” I say lowly, but I’m sure hears.
When it becomes clear he won’t be able to get a rise out of me, he throws both hands in the air before walking away from the couch. His two lackeys follow.
“Good riddance,” Danielle mutters.
The woman’s really growing on me.
“Sorry about that man,” Spencer says with a small awkward smile, placing a hand on my shoulders.
I shrug, “It was nothing.”
They get back to talking, meanwhile Anika shifts slightly so she can look at me. She doesn’t make a move to get off my lap, despite being more than enough space on the couch. My hand around her also stays in place. She feels too good in my arms right now.
“Are you sure you’re okay? He was so out of line. I’m so sorry he said that to you,” she says softly.
My eyes narrow, “Don’t apologize for him.”
“Okay I won’t. But you’re okay right. I know you don’t like to talk about your mom.”
“And you know that how?” I ask my voice low.
“Because you never talk about her. Now that I think about it, you never talk about your dad either. And he’s still alive,” she says, her tone prodding.
“My dad’s alive. And an asshole. We’re not really close.”
“Everyone’s an asshole to you, Nathan,” she says smiling.
“Except you, sweetheart.”