Fuck, I’m an idiot.
Chapter Three
It’s been three months since Layla and Chase started dating, I haven’t really seen much of her. I usually invite her over here so I can effectively avoid Kade. Whenever she invites me over there I think of any excuse I can, hell, I even made a stupid one up, saying my cat was sick. I don’t know why I said that, everyone knows I don’t have a cat. Kade tried coming over a few more times, but I pretended I wasn’t home.
Last week I ran into him at some bar. I didn’t see him at first, but when I felt hands on my hips while I was dancing, I spun around and there he stood. He looked so damn sexy, wearing his trademark low jeans and a black shirt. We didn’t really talk, just danced for a bit, and he’d glare at any man that tried to approach me. I had way too much to drink that night and started acting like my normal slutty self. I may or may not have tried to get him to f**k me in the bathroom. He stormed off and I haven’t heard from him since. I’m not sure if I’m pleased he has given up so easily on me or not. He probably thinks I’m a whore and wants nothing to do with me. Hell, I honestly don’t know what to think about anything at the moment, but I am on my way to Layla’s house for dinner because I love her cooking, and I can’t avoid Kade forever. I’m just going to suck it up and face him. We're both adults, and can be in the same room together. I can control myself.
I hope.
I walk into the house and greet everyone, avoiding any eye contact with Kade. I take a seat next to James, and I can feel Kade’s disapproval, but too bad for him I need some self-preservation. We eat together, and I pretend I can’t see the daggers Kade is staring at me. As the men clean up, Layla and I watch one of our favorite movies. I laugh and look over at her to find her fast asleep. I try to make a quick exit, but Kade sees me and grabs a hold of my arm.
“What was that, Nikki? You won’t sit next to me? You won’t even look at me! So tell me, what the f**k is going on?” he growls.
Shit, I'm not ready for this confrontation. He's the one that stormed out of my house. “Nothing, Kade. I didn’t realize I had to sit by you. Is there a reason I can’t sit by James?” I ask, acting obvious.
“Have you been seeing someone else?” he asks, his tone heated. Wait, what?
“What the hell are you talking about? You just saw me last week, before you stormed away all pissed off.” I say, throwing my hands up in exasperation.
“You and anyone else, not gonna f**king happen!” he hisses between his teeth. “Yeah, I f**king walked away, I was pissed you would think so little of yourself to let me f**k you in a dirty bathroom in some bar.”
“Seriously, Kade? We barely know each other. Let me go, I need to get home. Tell Layla I’ll call her in the morning.”
He lets go of my arm, and I quickly make it to my car and climb in. I see him standing in the doorway, watching me leave with his arms crossed. What the f**k was that about? I turn my radio on, and Demi Lovato’s ‘Heart Attack’ is playing.
Puttin’ my defenses up
‘Cause I don’t wanna fall in love
If I ever did thatI think I’d have a heart attack
Well, f**k.
I turn the radio off, and sulk to myself.
When I’m nearly on my street, my phone beeps with a text from an unknown number. Curious, I quickly check it and try to keep my eyes on the road at the same time.
Unknown : I meant what I said. – Kade.
I wasn’t even aware he had my number.
I have no idea what he’s on about, the man is so much drama.
Instead of responding, I drive myself home and jump into bed.
******
The next morning, I’m getting ready for classes when my phone rings.
“Yeah?” I say a little rudely, my voice still husky from sleep.
“Is that any way to answer the phone, beautiful?” Kade purrs into my ear.
“What do you want, Kade?” I ask, resigned.
“Meet me for lunch,” he demands.
“Yeah, no. I have classes to get to. Later.” I hang up before he can argue.
K – Don’t hang on up me again. I’ll spank that beautiful ass of yours if you do.
N- I’d like to see you try. You will get nowhere near this ass.
K – Don’t say things you don’t mean, beautiful.
I don’t bother texting back.
Chapter Four
I’m sitting in class, slightly bored, when my lecturer asks to see me after class. Well, f**k. These kinds of things are never good.
When class is over I stay seated until everyone leaves, playing with my hair nervously.
“Nicole, I want to talk to you about your grades this semester,” he says, pushing his spectacles further up on his nose.
“Um, okay. Is something wrong?” I ask, my brows furrowed.
“Not at all, in fact, the opposite. You have done extremely well. I sent in a recommendation letter to Regal, and they are interested in taking you on as an intern. If you’re interested, of course.”
I’m stunned.
“Here are all the details,” he says, handing me a book and pamphlet. “They would like for you to start in two weeks and here is your boss’s contact details. He is waiting to hear from you.”
My mouth opens in a small O. “Thank you so much,” I manage to blurt out, still in shock. My lecturer chuckles.
“You did all the work, Nicole, not me. Looking forward to seeing where you take your career. Don’t forget, that big project is due tomorrow,” he says before he walks off.