I’ve been helping Layla take care of the baby. He’s just so damn cute. My heart hurts a little because I can’t help but think if Kade and I had worked out, we could be having a child together one day.
My mind made up, I walk up the stairs to Ryder’s apartment. I’ve never been here before, and the place looks pretty neat. Ryder is just locking up his front door as I approach.
“Hey, Nikki, is everything okay?” he asks as soon as he sees me.
“Everything is fine. I actually just wanted to talk to you about us,” I say, mustering a small grin.
“Us?” he asks, confused. “What about Kade?”
Kade, Ugh.
“Kade and I are over, have been for a while now. I was thinking maybe we could give us a shot? If you’re still interested?” I ask him, my gaze drawn to his lips. He has sexy lips. Not like Kade’s, but still sexy as sin.
“I think we should give this a go, Ryder, don’t you?” I add, when he stays quiet for a few moments.
“I guess we could give us a try, or we will always be wondering what if,” he says, still sounding unsure. To help him with his decision, I lean forward and kiss him. I just touch my tongue with his when I hear a gasp from behind me. I spin around and see the back of a woman, blonde hair and a stunning figure.
“Who was that?” I ask, eyes narrowing. At least with Ryder I know that the other women don’t mean anything to him, it won’t be a Kade repeat.
“A friend,” he says softly. Regret in his voice.
“Are you sure you want to do this, Ryder?” I ask him when he doesn’t say anything else.
“No, I think we should give this a shot,” he says with a smile.
There's only one problem.
The smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
******
Chase works his magic and gets me an apartment in the same building as his. I almost choke on my coffee when I find out that he does, in fact, own the whole building. Typical, just typical. My apartment is two bedrooms, one bathroom, and decorated all in white, black and grey. It’s very modern and classy, and I'm completely in love with it. The best part is I can see Layla and Cole whenever my heart desires. I can also babysit for Layla anytime she needs me. I splurge and buy myself a new bed with a wrought iron headboard. It’s simply gorgeous. To add some color to my room, I put on an emerald green bedcover and satin sheets. I do a little dance. I'm gonna love living here.
I’ve been living on my own for a week now, and I have to say, this f**king sucks. I feel so lonely. Layla is always busy with the baby, so we really don’t get much time together. James stops over a few times during the week, but doesn’t really stay for long before he gets a call and needs to leave. He’s been great to hang out with. We also never talk about Kade. Last I heard from Layla was that James and Kade have been fighting. James is pissed about the whole Kade and Ashley thing.
I’m just lounging out on the couch, feeling depressed, when there is a knock on my door. I’m shocked to see who's on the other side. Lucy.
“Um, hey, Lucy, come in.” I’m sure the shock is plastered all over my face.
“What have I told you, Nikki? Call me mum,” she says while giving me a hug. “I just wanted to see how you’ve been doing. I heard about your accident. I’m sorry I haven’t visited sooner, we’ve been away overseas.”
“I’m fine, actually. I was really lucky.” We go into my living room and sit down. “Would you like anything to drink?”
“No, thank you.” She gets comfortable on my couch and then sighs. “I heard about you and Kade breaking up.” She gives me a sad smile.
“Yeah, it was bound to happen. I don’t know why he just doesn’t get with Ashley, they act like they're together anyway.”
Lucy shakes her head. “Kade doesn’t feel that way about her, he never has. Their whole friendship basically stems from Damon, and that damn letter.”
I frown. “This is the third time I’ve heard about Damon, who is he?”
Her eyes get watery. “He was Ashley’s big brother and Kade’s best friend. He died in the army.” She shakes her head and the watery eyes disappear. “I hope Kade comes to his senses about her soon, I’m still convinced you're the one for him.” I smile sadly, knowing I’m not his number one priority, and probably never will be. I don’t say anything back to her about Kade. We make more small talk for a while, and then she gets up to leave, telling me to call her any time.
Chapter Forty Three
For our first date Ryder and I decide to go to the movies. I drag him out to see the latest Twilight movie (sue me, I’m a Twi-hard).
“Seriously, Nikki? Twilight?” he says it like he’s going to get shot for being here. I laugh at him.
“Trust me, it’s good.” I smile sweetly at him.
“If you say so. But if it sucks, I’m making you watch BASEketball.” I instantly groan because I hate that f**king movie.
We find our seats and move up the arm that’s resting between us, out of the way so we can snuggle. I have to say when I think certain people died, I bawl like a baby, and Ryder just laughs at me. Jerk! He laughs even harder when I scream out loud, “You have got to be f**king kidding me!”
When the movie's over we walk out hand in hand. “So, what did you think?”
“Actually, not too bad. I didn’t know it was a comedy.” I smack him.