Chapter 22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Karen
As I said good morning to the others, Paisley came over, a sweet smile adorning her pretty face but I saw how tired she looked. “Hey,” She was pale too. I smiled a little back at her. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, thank you,” her hand moved to her perfect, rounded baby bump and stroked it lovingly.
“This one kept me awake most of the night though, he thinks it’s funny to use my bladder as a punchbag and my rib cage as a goal post.” She grinned tightly as she rubbed.
“I must’ve got up ten times to pee through the night.
And…” she took in a breath, “look at my ankles, this heat is bloody killing me.” Her foot kicked out in front of her from the stool she was perched on, my eyes widened at how rounded and puffy her ankles were.
“And how the bloody hell are you wearing a hoodie?” She fanned her face, “You’re making me hot just looking at you. ”
“Are you sure you’re alright? You look flushed.” I looked down at myself as I sat on a stool next to her. “I mean, I don’t think it’s that warm. And I get cold all the time.”
She scoffed, “Look at my hands. What’s wrong with me? Her fingers were also puffy, and her rings looked like they were embedding into her skin.
“Paisley, you need to take your rings off. That’s not right.”
“I can’t take them off, I’ll feel weird.” Roman came over and stood on the other side of her, I leaned forward and looked around her.
“Roman, tell her she needs to take her rings off, look at her fingers.”
She held them out in front of her for him to see.
“Jesus! Take them off.” As a frown settled over her eyes, a pout pushed out her lips.
“Don’t sulk. It’s for your own good,” he said as his hand snaked around the back of her head, bringing her forehead to his lips to kiss her.
They were so damn sweet, it made me smile so much.
I was such a romantic at heart. “Babe, you’re thirty weeks in a couple of days, you can put them back on when he decides to come out of there.
It’s not much longer now.” He soothed sweetly.
As her head rested on his shoulder, he moved his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side.
“I know. I’ll take them off when this is over.
” A pointed look was shot between us as she moved her head from side to side.
I gave her my answer in a smile, and Roman looked more than pleased with himself.
“Good enough for me, sweetheart.” Roman brought her closer and held her as Nikki called out to everyone.
My gaze lifted at Gav opposite me, right in my eyeline just to torture me a little bit more.
But it did give me the advantage to eye him up secretly.
His cup was clasped tightly between his fingers, with his head dipped down, like he didn’t want to be here, or at the least, not interested in what was being said.
Nikki stood next to him with Rhys flanking the other side of her.
I’d soon noticed that Rhys was always where Nikki was.
I’d always thought it, but last night it was more obvious.
I wanted Gav to look up, I hoped he would catch my eye, but he never did.
It was weird this morning, I couldn’t get a read on him.
He’d locked his emotions away. He was so different from the Gav I had a coffee date with at the park, and much different from the one last night.
But was this the real him? Grumpy and sullen?
I wanted so much to go over there and stand next to him, just to inhale his scent if nothing else.
Oh man, did I have it bad or what? And the worst of it all was, I didn’t feel like I could talk to anyone about my amazing night last night.
Nikki went on about security for Roman, and of course Paisley, being his wife and heavily pregnant, too. They needed to be on high alert, people can get crazy.
All the time Nikki was talking, my gaze wandered to Gav.
I tried to keep it discreet but then I wasn’t sure how discreet I was being.
I can’t say I didn’t care, because I did.
I didn’t want to walk away from my job with Roman because I loved it, and relationships always get in the way.
To be honest, I think I put paid to that last night.
If I had to walk away now it would break me…
no one could fall that quickly, surely. That’s all that stayed in my mind as Nikki droned on about how things would happen.
“So, the opening is at six p.m.” Nikki’s voice echoed around the large kitchen, it made my eyes spring back to her, instead of undressing Gav mentally.
“Roman will cut the tape and then it’ll be official photos with the owner and whoever else he wants in them.
Then we’ll be taken on a tour of the casino and eventually through to the VIP area, where we’ll be able to hang loose and enjoy the rest of the evening, have drinks.
Of course, while we’re there you need to be on high alert.
Mr Stone, the owner, has his own security for the place too, so it won’t be light on the ground, but please always be professional.
” Nikki’s gaze slid across to Gav, even if everyone else missed it, I certainly didn’t.
His top lip curled as he pointed a pissed look her way, then went back to dipping his head and folded his arms across his chest. “Any bets that are made are to be picked up by yourselves.” Again, a sly roll of the eyes Gav’s way, made my inquisitiveness prick up.
I wanted this meeting over with now. But the question was, did I question her actions or not.
“Nik, are we nearly done here?” Paisley asked pinching her brow.
“Almost,” she nodded. Paisley closed her eyes as her fingers rubbed across her forehead.
“Paisley?” I asked again. Her head shook as she slipped from the stool and stood on wobbly legs, her hand reached out to steady herself. I grabbed it and helped her as she blew out a breath.
“I’ve got a banging headache.” Paisley said, gaining concern from everyone in the room. Roman stood and moved in front of her, his hands framed her face as he tipped her head back ever so slightly to look into her eyes.
“What’s up, baby?” He kissed her cheek then her nose, “Why don’t you go and lie down. Do I need to get a doctor?” he asked, his tone full of concern for his wife.
“No, I’m fine. Just a headache and a bit dizzy, that’s all.”
“Hmm,” he pressed his lips to her forehead, “come on, I’ll help you up the stairs and maybe we should make an appointment to see him.” She looked at him, but you could see she didn’t have it in her to argue and just quickly nodded. He gathered her into his arms and led her out of the kitchen.
Nikki watched her leave the room then finished the meeting off.
To be honest, I didn’t think there was anything left to go over.
She’d already told us it would be a convoy and what would happen on the night, she’d told us the rules, and then a yawn came from across the room.
I looked up and smiled when I saw Gav exaggerating a yawn, his fingers tapping his lips.
“Really, Gav?” Nikki asked in a high-pitched tone.
“Sorry, you were boring me.” He said and pushed from the counter. “If we’re done here then I’m off.” They had a sort of standoff as they stared at one another. Gav looked relaxed and smirked a little, while Nikki was tense and clearly angry with him. Were they always like this? I wondered.
“Are you okay to do this? If not, we’ll get someone else?” I listened hard as Nikki lowered her voice. I shouldn’t have done. I should have been out of there like a freaking shot but again my inquisitiveness knew no boundaries. I pulled out my phone and scrolled through social media as they spoke.
“Of course, I’m good. He’s my best friend, I should be there.”
“Not if this is going to cause problems, Gavin.”
“Well, Nicola, I don’t need you on my fucking case.” Gav sneered with a small shake of his head as he said her name.
Maybe this was a good time to get the hell out of here. I stood up and pocketed my cell. “Right then, I guess it’s done?” I asked, interrupting.
“Oh Karen, can you hang on just a minute for me. I just want to go over the shoot.”
“Of course.” I nodded as Gav walked around her and looked my way as he reached the kitchen door.
His mouth tipped up at the one side in a smirk as he threw me a wink.
That small gesture had my heart beating out of my chest. I need to get a grip on myself otherwise I was going to fall, quick and fucking hard… that’s if I hadn’t already.
My head was so fuzzy this morning, I felt quite sick, I did drink quite a bit last night though, but honestly, I was a lightweight.
It was either that, or it was from how Gav made me feel.
I’d popped two Tylenol with a cold bottle of water as soon as I got indoors, it instantly refreshed me and I’d set about getting changed in record time.
I could still feel him everywhere and to be honest, I didn’t want that feeling to end.
“Right, so,” Nikki brought me back to now and I crossed the floor to her.
“We’ll take some pictures outside the casino, then according to the manager they’re going to have the tape just outside of the double doors that leads into the main gambling room.
It’s two floors so they’re expecting him to open both rooms. Then more pictures, pictures, pictures.
” she repeated herself and smiled. “Are you okay with all this?”
I quickly nodded, “Of course, I can do whatever you need me to. It’s what I’m paid to do. I’m looking forward to it,” I took in a breath, “One question though?” I breathed out gently.
“Go on.” Nikki replied as she typed something on her cell.
“What do I wear?”
Nikki’s finger stopped suddenly, she glanced up, and a wide smile stretched her lips. “Anything.”
“I don’t have the types of dresses they wear at casinos. You know, flashy, expensive dresses. I was a struggling photographer before I met you all.”
“Sounds like a shopping trip to me.” She smiled even wider. “We’ll find you something, or you can borrow something of mine. I’ve got plenty.”
“Really?” I asked, “I mean you don’t have to do that, I’m sure Holly has something, she’s always dressing up.”
“Yeah, really.” she looked at her watch, “So, are you okay with everything for next week?” I nodded again and watched her fingers fly over her keyboard before she glanced up again.
“Okay then, I’m going. People to see and all that.
” She stepped around me and lifted her huge purse from the counter that sat along the far wall.
Her heels clicked on the tiled floor as she made her way to the door, “Oh, and great night last night. We should do it again.”
“Definitely.” I smiled.
Her hand rested on the doorframe as she spun back to me with her eyes narrowed. “You and Gav looked like you were getting along last night.”
Her forced grin betrayed her eyes, I knew she was fishing for information. My tummy physically turned with her statement as that sick feeling returned. It made me remember that I still hadn’t eaten. “Um, yeah. He’s nice.”
Nikki snorted lightly, “Sweetie, there are many things you can call Gav, and ‘nice’ is not one that I usually hear.”
“He was nice to me.” I shrugged. “He makes me laugh.”
“Yeah, he’s a joker alright. Right, I need to go. Speak later, babe.”
Nikki breezed out like the whirlwind she kind of was, and I left soon after.
On the way home I thought about stopping for fast food, I really could’ve done with some greasy food so I could soak this feeling up in my stomach, but as I passed Maccy D’s I thought better of it.
Instead, I carried on home. I’d find something more appealing in the larder at home, and it’d be much healthier for that matter.
As I drove, Paisley entered my mind again. I hoped she was okay. I’ll drop her a message later to see. She didn’t look well, that was a sure fact.
I got back in the house and grabbed some bread to make a sandwich. I slapped some cheese on it, cut it in half and took a bite just as my stomach grumbled on cue, moaning through every chew until I’d swallowed.
My cell chimed with a message as I sat down with a fresh coffee, the rich aroma wafted up my nose, making me want it even more. As I reached around and took it from my pocket, I saw Gav’s name as I entered my passcode.
I’m outside your place, what number is yours?
What was he doing here?
Without too much thought I quickly answered.
5B second floor. I’ll leave the door on the latch.
Suddenly, my stomach flipped. Why, I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t like this was the first time we’d been alone, fuck, he brought me to orgasm three times last time.
While I tried to come up with an excuse as to why he was here, the door knocked. I stood in the doorway that led to the hall and watched it open slowly. “Hello?” God, I loved his accent.
“Hey,” My voice sounded much more confident than I was feeling. “Come in.” I tugged it open for him as he strolled in with that confident swagger of his. He looked around my small flat, it was probably only half the size of his whole apartment. “So…” I said, “what can I do for you?”
He slowly turned until he came face to face with me.
His stare bore into me, I felt like he was trying to get into my head.
“How about what I can do for you.” With my hand pressed to the door I pushed it closed, his saunter had me stepping backwards but he followed me.
The door clicked loudly as it shut behind me, my back pressed flat against it and as Gav’s arms caged me in, his body very lightly brushed mine.
My skin tingled as he brought his hand up and cupped my jaw, his fingertips softly teasing my skin.
“Oh damn, Gav.”
He pushed his lips out in a pout, “Shh.” In less than a beat his lips were on mine, and again I was surrendering myself to him. “I’ve been dying for this.”