CHAPTER Nine
Nellie
It’s been too long since I had sex. Christopher seems to be everywhere. He fills my pussy, satisfies my lips, and creates beads of sweat all over my body. He fucks like a pro, and I have no complaints.
By the time I’m moaning his name, he’s picking up the pace. He fucks me until I’m seeing stars. He comes loudly before collapsing on top of me.
“That was amazing,” he says.
“Agreed,” I say, completely satisfied.
Once he’s caught his breath, he cuddles me for a few moments. Then he heads for the bathroom, which is adjacent to the stairs. When he closes the door, I make a grab for my clothes. Pulling them on quickly, I make sure I’m dressed when he returns.
He seems impressed with my decision not to linger in bed. He smiles, reaching for his trousers and pulling them up his legs. “Shall we take a look at your car?”
***
It’s Saturday before he messages me again.
Christopher: What shift are you working tonight?
Me: Six until closing.
Christopher: Great. I’ll be the one propping up the bar and giving you the come-to-bed eyes.
Me: My sister will be sleeping when I’m done with my shift. You’ll need to be quiet if you want to follow me home.
Christopher: I can be silent. Although the same might not be possible for you. ;)
Me: I can control myself.
Christopher: We will see.
I’m already excited about the possibility of having him over. Last time, it was fun, and there was zero awkwardness. Neither of us lingered after the sex. It felt natural to move on. We both know what this is. Friends with benefits works for us.
Pulling my duvet cover off, I clean up my room. Just because this isn’t a relationship doesn’t mean I want him to think I’m a slob. I freshen my sheets before doing laundry.
Ainsley’s watching TV in the living room when I’m done.
“Hey. I’m going to work in a few minutes,” I say.
She doesn’t look up from her programme. “Okay. I’m going to stay in tonight.” I don’t make any effort to move and, eventually, she turns her head in my direction. “Did you want something else?”
My feet fidget against the carpet. “Erm… I might be coming home with a friend when I’m finished.”
She eyes me suspiciously. “A girl friend?”
I rub the back of my neck before shaking my head. “No. Christopher might stay over.”
“Oh. The farmer?”
“Wait. I didn’t tell you he had a farm.”
She shrugs. “I wouldn’t be a good sister if I didn’t check out the guy you’re interested in.”
Her words bring a smile to my face. Of course, she’s right. We only have each other. If she started dating someone, I’d do the same thing, not that Christopher and I are in a relationship. “What did you find out?” I ask curiously.
“You know, the usual. He has a cute grandpa, he likes horses… hasn’t had a girlfriend since high school. I think she broke his heart.”
I slide onto the sofa next to my sister. “That’s next-level staking. I knew he was close to his grandpa. That was easy enough to find out, but how did you get the juice on his ex?”
“Please.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m a fifteen-year-old girl. I found his ex and stalked her too. Jayne Peters married his best friend.” She covers her mouth like it’s a big scandal.
I get her to show me what she’s talking about. It’s been five years since he left school, and maybe what she’s saying is true, but social media doesn’t cover emotional scars. He might not care that the picture has changed from him and Jayne to her and his friend. Jayne looks happier with the other guy, even though it seems like the time between the two guys was non-existent.
“At least I don’t have to worry about your future career. If gymnastics doesn’t work out, you can join the secret service.”
“Shame I can’t find our mum.” She frowns. Ainsley’s becoming increasingly worried about her. She never called back after the last time, if it was even her, and we have no way to contact her if she doesn’t pick up her phone.
“I’m sorry, babe. You have me, though.” We hug it out. “I’d better go or I’ll be late.”
“See you later.”
“Have a good night.”
***
My boss is taking up most of Christopher’s time tonight. He glances my way, but we haven’t really had a chance to chat. They’re staring at the work laptop, and my boss has paperwork in front of her.
When I’ve cleared the customers from the bar area, I make my way over to them. “Can I get either of you a refill?” I ask.
“We need a clear head for this. We’ll have coffee,” my boss says. She waves me off, but not before I get a glimpse of the papers.
Sweet Cocktails is up for sale. Holy crap, I might lose my job. How come nobody told me about this? Heading back to the bar, I start making the hot drinks.
Polly brings an order to the bar. “Three vanilla martinis for table three.”
“Thanks,” I say, taking the note. “Hey, Polly, did you know Sweet Cocktails is up for sale?”
“That can’t be right.” She shakes her head.
“I just saw the paperwork. It definitely said Sweet Cocktails for sale.” I put the coffee on a tray. “I’m taking these drinks over, so I’ll see what else I can find out.”
“Let me take them. You have googly eyes for Christopher, and we need to focus on the info.” Polly holds her hands out for the tray.
“I do not.” As soon as the words are out, I realise it’s a lie. “Fine. You take them and come straight back.”
“Okay. Here I go.” She takes the tray and walks over. She lingers longer than I did, and my boss doesn’t shoo her away.
While I’m waiting, I fulfil the drinks order she left me. I line up three glasses before collecting the cocktail shaker. Pouring in the vodka, liqueur, and a squeeze of lime, I mix up the ingredients. Sharing out the liquid, I finish the order. Polly is still busy, so I take the drinks to the table.
There’s a guy at the bar when I return. “What can I get you?” I ask without looking at him. The suspense is killing me, and Polly is taking too long.
“A beer and a house red wine.”
“You know this is a cocktail bar, right?” I snap without meaning to.
“I’ll just take the beer and wine.”
“Sure thing.” I pull a pint and get the wine from the fridge. Polly comes back to the bar as I take his money, and he walks back to his table. “Tell me everything,” I say.
“You got it wrong.” She looks over her shoulder, checking the coast is clear. “Sweet Cocktails is opening more bars in England and one of the silent partners who has shares in this location is thinking of selling.”
“Oh. That makes more sense. Thank God my job is safe.” Relief instantly fills my chest.
“You know there are plenty more bars in Liverpool that would hire you in seconds.”
“Yes, but not as classy as this one. I like Sweet Cocktails.” This bar has been my lifeline for so long that I’m scared to lose it.
“You know if our boss moves to one of the other locations, there might be a manager job opening up.”
“What does that have to do with Christopher?” I ask, looking over at the people we’re talking about.
“I’m not sure. Maybe she wants him to buy one of the properties. You’ll have to ask him.”
“Are you going to apply for the manager’s job if it comes up?” I ask.
“It has your name written all over it. Besides, I’m only here until I finish my degree.” She pats me on the arm.
“Do you really think I stand a chance?”
“You’ve been here the longest and work the most hours. She’d be crazy to pick someone else.”
“Thanks.” Manager of Sweet Cocktails. That’s something to dream about.