“Thank f**k!” I say in relief.
“Want to tell me why you have been so lovey dovey with me today?” she asks, her beady eyes narrowed.
“Bet with Kade and James,” I tell her with a sigh.
“Figured,” she mumbles back.
“Wanna just drive me there, and go our separate ways?” I ask.
“Fine, but I’ll drop you off at home too; don’t want Kade mad at me.” Of course she doesn’t.
“Deal,” I say as she starts the car and we drive to the mall. She cranks up the music so we don’t have to talk, which is the best thing she has ever done. We shop separately for two hours then meet at her car. Wordlessly, we drive to Kade’s, and I mumble a thanks for the ride as I get out.
And that’s my side of the bargain done.
KADE
I'm loving every single moment of this bet. It gives me a glimpse into how much easier my life would be if these two stubborn girls would just get along. I can’t help but laugh when I think of Nikki, and how hard she was trying to be nice. Half the time when she smiled at Ashley she looked like she was going to be sick.
“Think they will kill each other before they get home?” James asks, laughing to himself.
“Maybe. We should probably follow them just in case.” Knowing Nikki, that’s probably a good idea.
“Let’s do it then.”
We follow them at a few cars behind, and watch as they get out of the car and head into the mall. We stay back just enough so they don’t notice we’re there, but enough so we can see them. As soon as they enter the mall they split up, heading in opposite directions.
James nudges me and chuckles. “Well, at least we know they aren’t going to kill each other then.”
“Let’s get home,” I say, shaking my head. Those two. How much longer are they going to be like this for?
A few hours later I see Ashley drop Nikki off. I run to the door and open it for her. “How’d shopping go?”
“Awesome, I bought new sexy panties.” Nikki says, winking at me.
Calm down Junior, I have more questions first, I think to my dick.
“Did you and Ashley have fun?” I ask innocently.
She looks up and grins. “Sure did.”
“Good, then you won’t mind if we bring her out with us next week for our date night?” I ask, biting back a grin.
Nikki and I decided at least once every two weeks on Thursdays, it was our date night. Just the two of us. It’s kept her off my back about Ashley always being around.
“Fuck off! I don’t think so!” she hisses at me through clenched teeth.
“What, I thought you two were getting along?” I ask simply.
“Fuck you and your f**king bet. Do you know how badly I wanted to ram my knee into her face?”
She’s fuming. Although pissed that she’s always considering physically hurting Ashley, I have to chuckle at her for being so mad. She’s cute.
“Not funny, Kade! Thank f**k the bet is over! And any future bets, Ashley is not going to be a part of them, okay?”
With that she walks away, slamming the door behind her.
******
I inwardly smile as Nikki hands me over the rent money. On the dot, every Monday, like clockwork. What she doesn’t know is I take the money and put it in a bank account I opened in her name. As if I’m going to accept money from my woman to live in this house. The mortgage is fully paid on this house, so I only have to pay for the bills and any extras. I have a lot of money saved away for a rainy day, and I want Nikki to have that, too. I know she's going places with her career, and she's going to do well. She can use this money for whatever she wants- go shopping, take a holiday, whatever. It’s already accumulating, and I’ve been adding to it as well. I’m good with money, always have been. I think I've handled this rent money situation way better than Chase did. The thought makes me chuckle.
Chapter Twenty Eight
NIKKI
Things have been going really well with Kade and me. I’m falling for him, and falling hard. We’re going out tonight to celebrate being together for three months. I’m dressed to the nines in a tight black maxi dress and strappy heels. My hair is running wild, let down and curly. I spray myself with my favorite perfume ‘Rock Princess’ by Vera Wang before I make my way out to the living room. James and Kade are chatting together, and I take the time to check my man out. Kade looks bitable in all black. Hmm, maybe I should have worn panties after all.
“Hey, Kade, I’m ready when you are,” I say.
His gaze rakes me from head to toe and back again, before whistling. “You’re stunning, Nikki.”
I smile. “Why, thank you, handsome.”
“You look hot, Nikki.” James smiles his approval.
“Hey now,” Kade says, frowning. James chuckles.
Kade takes my hand and walks me to the Hummer. He lifts me up and into my seat, earning himself an eye roll. We chat along the way, my hand resting on his thigh, just enjoying being in each other’s company. The restaurant is a very lavish place, and I’m glad I got a little extra dressed up tonight. A little warning would have been nice, because I usually would have just worn a pair of skinny jeans. I’m pretty sure this place is one of those swanky upscale restaurants that have a long waiting list.
The hostess eye f**ks Kade as we walk in, and I hear Kade clear his throat. We get seated, and watch as a waitress walks up to take our order.