Chapter Thirteen #2
“I’m sorry.” She wiped at the wet spot on his shirt. “I didn’t mean to make a mess of your shirt.”
He grabbed her hands. “I don’t care about my shirt, I care about you.”
The ache in her chest turned sharp, making it feel like her ribs were digging into the soft tissue. Why did he have to say that? It just made this so much harder. She blew out a shaky breath. “It’s about the clinic.”
He led her over to one of the benches that lined the path in front of the arena, and pressed her to sit. The metal seat was warmish due to the sunshine. He sat next to her, angling his body so they faced each other, and took her hand. “What happened?”
“We received a letter yesterday, giving us thirty days to vacate the premises.” She swallowed back the bile crawling up her throat. One embarrassing show today was enough. There was no way she was throwing up as an encore.
His eyebrows did that scrunchy thing again. “How is that possible? I’m assuming you have a lease.”
She nodded. “We do, but I guess it wasn’t as air tight as we were led to believe.
There was no clause protecting us against a foreclosure on the building.
So, because the bank sold it at as a foreclosure, the new owners don’t have to abide by any previous agreements.
” She felt her shoulders slump, the defeat and disappointment balancing on them like deadweight.
His expression went from confusion to anger. “Well, that’s seriously shitty. I’m so sorry.”
She waited for him to give the same old platitudes everyone did. It was okay because everything would work out. This was obviously what was meant to happen. The usual bull-crap.
But he didn’t. In fact, he didn’t say anything. Just stared at her, letting the words sit in the space between them.
And in that moment, she realized Nick Sadler was amazing.
Or rather, even more amazing than she’d already thought. Which was impressive, because she’d already thought he was pretty damn spectacular.
He didn’t try to make it better, or cheer her up. Tell her things would get better. He acknowledged the situation was crappy, end of story.
It took all her willpower to not throw her arms around him and show him just how much she appreciated it. Appreciated him.
Instead, she nodded. “Thanks.” She tried for a smile, and although it felt a little wobbly, it was genuine.
“What are you guys going to do?”
She knew the question was coming, but it still made her feel scraped raw. “Move forward.” It was the only thing they could do. And lucky for her, she was good at it. She just wished the universe would stop making her prove it.
He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, okay?”
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She wasn’t sure if actual words or a sob would come out if she tried.
“Do you still want to go out tonight? I totally understand if you don’t.” He kept his voice even, but she heard the hope in the question.
Part of her wanted to tell him no, she didn’t feel like going out, and then heading home to lick her wounds.
But the other part of her knew hiding was not the healthy option, especially considering Em wasn’t home.
She’d be alone, wandering through the house like a lost soul.
One of those sad, bitter people, shutting themselves away.
Besides, her time with him was limited. Why would she voluntarily give up even a second of what was remaining? There’d be plenty of time to dwell and fret later.
At the reminder there was a ticking clock looming in the background, a bubble of disappointment floated up her throat, but she swallowed it down. Something else for her future self to unpack.
She pushed it all away. Learning to compartmentalize had been how she’d gotten through the last decade, and she wasn’t sure now was the right time to analyze how good it was for her mental health. Another future Alex problem.
This time when she smiled, it felt easier. “Yeah, I do still want to go out tonight. But would it be okay if I invite Janelle? She could probably use the distraction, too.”
“Of course. I’d love to get to know Janelle better. I know how close you guys are.” He squeezed her fingers.
Her stomach did a cartwheel, followed by a full front flip. He obviously didn’t mean anything by such an innocent statement. It absolutely did not mean he wanted to get to know more about her, or the people in her life. She was being ridiculous.
She stood and chewed on her lower lip for a moment. His gaze zeroed in on her mouth. “I’m just going to swing by my place and freshen up a bit.”
“Sure. I’ll text you the name of the restaurant.” He pushed to his feet. The move put him right in her personal space.
The spicy scent of his aftershave swirled around her.
She wanted to bury her face against his chest again, this time for very different reasons.
Not that she was thinking about those right now, either.
She needed to get home and wash her face.
Maybe put on a little makeup, change into something more impressive than jeans and a sweater.
Not that this was a date, or anything. This was just friends getting together for a meal and some fun conversation.
Right?
Right.
She pushed up onto her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. It was so not what she wanted, but she didn’t have time for anything more. Anything hotter.
“See you soon,” she said, and spun, heading toward her car in the parking lot. His gaze remained on her the whole way, the burn lighting her up until her skin buzzed. Anticipation and need made her feel tight and tingly.
Without looking back, she climbed into the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
Nick glanced at the door of the restaurant, drumming his fingers on the table top.
Ty laughed and took a sip of his beer. “Man, have you got it bad.”
Nick looked at him. “What?”
“That is the fifth time you’ve looked at the door since we sat down ten minutes ago.” As if to make his point, Ty lifted his glass toward the front of the restaurant.
He resisted the urge to glance in that direction again. Jesus, he needed to get a fucking grip. He wiped one of his palms on his jeans. “I just don’t want them to miss us. This place is pretty busy.”
“Uh, huh.” Ty took another sip of his beer.
The asshole was clearly taunting Nick with that stupid, delicious looking beer. His mouth watered, aching for a taste of the bittersweet, malty brew. He grabbed his glass of water and took a big swallow.
Alex had said she’d meet them here at six thirty. It was now six forty-five. What if something had happened? Maybe he should check to make sure she hadn’t tried to text or call. He reached for his cell phone, which was in the pocket of his coat hanging on the back of his chair.
Ty blew out a breath that was just this side of a whistle. Nick looked up and his heart damn near stopped.
Alex stood near the hostess stand, an attractive Black woman at her side.
She still had her hair down, but had curled the ends so it hung around her shoulder like golden spirals.
She was also wearing makeup. Not a lot, just something that highlighted her eyes, and some shiny gloss slicked over her lips.
Gloss that caught the light, making her lips look extra plump.
The hostess pointed to the table where he and Ty sat. Alex’s gaze swung toward them and she smiled. And damn, if his heart didn’t do that stupid fluttery thing again. She was so fucking beautiful.
She made her way toward them, weaving around the tables. He couldn’t look away. As she neared the table, she undid the tie on her coat. The sides of her coat slid open. He forgot how to breathe.
She wore the most incredible dress he’d ever seen.
It was a dark red, and made of some silky, almost shiny but not quite, fabric.
His palms itched to run along it, see if it was as soft as it appeared.
He knew absolutely nothing about fashion, but this dress was something special.
It wasn’t tight, but it formed to her body, ending just below her knees.
It also had a slit in the front that gave him a glimpse of her long, lean thigh with every step she took.
“You might want to roll your tongue back up.” Amusement peppered Ty’s tone.
Nick glanced at him. “What?” Which he quickly followed up with, “shut up.”
Ty laughed quietly and stood. Alex and Janelle stopped next to the table. He scrambled to his feet.
“Hi,” he said, and then wanted to kick his own ass for being so fucking dumb. Ty made some sort of noise beside him, one that sounded an awful lot like a snort. At this rate, his friend would be lucky to not miss his flight tomorrow, due to the fact he’d be in traction.
“Hi,” Alex said. Time seemed to stop, the two of them just staring at each other.
Ty cleared his throat. “Hi, I’m Tyler.” He held his hand out across the table.
That seemed to break whatever spell had fallen over them. Alex gave a tiny start and angled herself in Ty’s direction.
“Hi, I’m Alex,” she said, her voice open and friendly. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m a big fan.” She shook his hand, her cheeks turning that adorable shade of pink.
Jealousy flared hot in Nick’s chest. His fingers twitched, wanting to grab her and yank her into his side. Very Neanderthal. And very unappealing. He quietly blew out a breath and unclenched his jaw.
Ty turned to the woman standing next to Alex and held out his hand.
“Janelle.” She shook his hand. She was very attractive, with medium brown skin and dark eyes. Her hair was a crown of natural curls. She wore a pair of black flowy pants and an emerald green blouse.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Alex bonked herself on the forehead with the heel of her hand. So. Fucking. Cute. “That was really rude of me. Janelle,” she turned to her friend and then indicated Nick with a sweep of her hand. “This is Nick. Nick, my friend and business partner, Janelle.”