CHAPTER Eleven
Nellie
My room smells of man. Hot man. I open my eyes to find him face down, lightly snoring into one of my pillows. Honestly, I thought he might leave in the middle of the night like he was never here. But nope. He’s most definitely not gone anywhere. My bed is only a double and he’s taking over half. The muscle in his arm tightens as he stirs in his sleep. I involuntary lick my lips while appreciating the view.
Last night was just what I needed. He wasn’t gentle or cautious. Instead, he took what he needed, allowing me to enjoy the ride. My temperature rises at the thought of the great sex we’ve had. This is something I could easily get used to.
The door to my bedroom creaks, and Ainsley’s head peers around it. I pull the duvet up to my chin. My lustful thoughts burst as I start to feel uncomfortable under her gaze.
“Hey,” she says.
“Morning. Is there something wrong?” I ask.
“No, but I need to get to the gymnastics competition for noon.” Her eyes skim over the body next to me but quickly avert. Luckily, the covers are mostly hiding Christopher.
“What time is it?”
“Eleven.”
I must have overslept. Pulling my hair away from my face, I climb out of bed naked. “Just give me a few minutes.” Ainsley nods before leaving me to dress quickly. I work late, but usually, I’m not one to sleep in. Grabbing clothes from my drawers, I put on underwear, followed by leggings.
Christopher’s eyes blink open a few times as I fasten my bra. “What are you doing?” he asks.
“I’m going to be late. Ainsley has a gymnastics competition.”
“Can’t your mum take her?”
“She’s not here.” I pull a t-shirt over my head, then tie my hair up. “You can let yourself out, right? There’s a key under the doormat.”
He frowns. “Original. You know, that’s probably not a great idea. Anyone could find the key.”
“Maybe not. Now you know where it is, I’ll move it when I get home.”
He laughs. “That’s not what I meant.” He pulls back the covers, revealing his beautiful self. His muscular body clouds my thoughts for a few seconds, but I shake off any lust that would delay my departure.
“Sorry. I’ve got to go.”
He sits up moving to the edge of the bed and reaches for my arm, encircling me. He presses up against me with his tall, lean body, demanding my lips. He gives me a toe-curling kiss before releasing me. “Have a great day.”
“You too.” I give him one last peck on the lips. Turning, I head for the door as he moves back to the bed. Ainsley’s waiting for me in the downstairs hallway. She follows me out to the car and we get in without speaking.
“So, that’s Christopher? Your new boy toy?” she asks once we’re on the road.
“He’s not my boy toy.” I laugh.
“He kind of is. You already told me there wasn’t going to be a relationship between you and you like playing with his… parts.”
I touch my head. “Gosh, Ainsley. What am I teaching you if you think he’s my new plaything?”
“Come on, Nellie. I’m old enough to know about the birds and the bees.”
“When you’re intimate with a guy, I want you to be in love.”
“Do as I say not as I do. Yeah, yeah. I got it.”
“Exactly.”
“Did you love the first guy you were with?”
A frown immediately appears on my face. Hell, I was na?ve back in high school. My mum was as shitty then as she is today and I thought love was going to save me. Robbie Dice was the coolest guy in school. He always talked about going places. Turned out, the local golf course was where he took all the girls and I was just one of many. “Yes. I loved him. He just didn’t realise how lucky he was.”
“His loss.” Ainsley pats my leg.
“Absolutely.”
We arrive at the competition, and Fredrick Lightwood is the first person we see. I groan. “This guy never gives up.”
“Just show him your charm and tell him to buzz off. I’m going to get changed.” Ainsley leaves me to deal with whatever annoyingness Lightwood is going to bring.
Avoiding his gaze, I make my way to the seating area. He doesn’t take the hint and comes over to sit next to me.
“Afternoon. Ainsely’s looking good for bronze today.”
I squeeze my fist, wishing I could punch him with it. “She might surprise you.”
“Maybe. With me, her medal would be guaranteed.”
“Nothing is certain. Not even you.”
“Harriet Reynolds will take gold, and Beth Rodgers is looking good for silver.”
How does he know this? The event hasn’t even started yet. I try to shut out his negativity and enjoy the performances. When the judges make their announcements, I want to punch Mr Lightwood even more. The obnoxious ass is right, and the smile on his face needs wiping off.
Ainsley smiles for the pictures, and I hug her before she goes to get changed. Mr Lightwood follows me to the door. I stop and turn to look at him. “Just leave me alone.”
“Do you know how I knew Beth would do better this time around?”
I’m not sure I’m going to like his answer, but I am curious. “How?”
“She’s having extra lessons.”
“Fantastic,” I say with as much venom as I can muster. Then I leave before I say something I’ll regret.
Ainsely comes out to the car a few moments later. She throws the medal and her bag down into the footwell. “Definitely not gold,” she says in a huff.
“You did your best.”
I start the car and drive out of the car park, making Mr Lightwood move out of my path. The man doesn’t give up.
My emotions are wrapped in a ball of frustration. I want the best for my sister, but there is only so much I can give.