As I enter my apartment, the guys are all still sitting around the couch, but I can smell E has made dinner. “Hello everyone.”
“Thank god. Did Sunshine talk sense into you, Alex? Cause I gotta say, man, avoiding us was not cool,” Seb says.
“I am sorry about that. I have been trying to find a solution to this problem.”
Nick shakes his head at me.
“Can you make your own announcement that it was a mistake?” Bay asks.
“It is not that simple. I need to avoid a scandal.”
“It’s better than getting married, Alex,” Bay says. “Talk to your dad and get his advice.”
I nod and then turn to E to ask about what I missed. His grandparents finally laid out all their plans for him. I am not surprised. Unfortunately, E will not change their minds on anything. He does not know them very well.
Summer
That evening, I vent to Zander about Alex and E. He agrees with my position but reminds me that people need to make their own mistakes in order to grow and learn. That’s hard to let your friends do when you know they'll get hurt.
Chapter 10
Summer
With Patrick’s recent foray into photography, Nick asked me to do more training sessions. To accommodate his Monday and Wednesday teaching schedule, we’ll meet on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Tuesday after school, I hop in the Jeep with Nick and Seb as E follows us home. Zander left for Savannah this morning for 3 days. He considered cancelling the trip, but I convinced him to go.
Once I talk to Jake, I meet the guys out back. E and Seb are harvesting from the garden while Nick and I train. We go for a quick run, then he begins to train me in Krav Maga. He’s patient but firm with me, as always. Apparently, the basics will only take months to learn, but it’s very effective.
By the time we've both showered, E has supper ready for us. We enjoy a meal together, then move to the living room to relax.
“How did the talk with Alex go?” I ask. We didn’t mention it at school, but Reesa was still wearing the ring.
“He’s at least talking to us again,” Seb shrugs. “I don’t think he’s decided what to do yet, but said he doesn’t want to be engaged.”
“He’ll stay engaged,” Nick says, seeming sure.
“I hope not. That boy needs to straighten out,” I reply, shaking my head. How have I ended up with two wealthy friends who are being molded by their families and letting it happen?
“Whatever you talked about has him thinking Summer, so that’s something,” E offers.
We settle in to watch a movie. After it’s over, I get ready for bed, but Nick does the same. “Are you staying, Grumpy?”
He nods in response. I check him over to determine if he’s overly tired, but he doesn’t seem to be. There are no bags under his eyes, and he’s not fidgeting. “Do you need me?”
Nick looks up at me, searching my face, and I have my answer before he says anything. “I’ll be right back.” Walking into my room, I find Seb and E chatting on the bed. “Guys, Nick needs me tonight. He’s staying. Are you okay in here? I’ll join you tomorrow night.”
“Go ahead, Sunshine. We’re fine,” Seb says, as E gives me a nod.
I wish them goodnight, grabbing pajamas before going into the bathroom. Once I complete my nightly routine, I return to the guest room. Nick is in bed with his laptop on his legs. Crawling to the far side, I snuggle up beside him. “What are we watching tonight?” I ask.
“Depends,” he responds.
“On what?” I ask, looking up into his eyes. I have a moment to register the scorching heat before Nick attacks my mouth with a searing, punishing kiss. The soft give of the pillow cushions my head as he pushes me back, the scent of his cologne sharp and intoxicating. Our tongues tangle in a frantic dance. A deep groan rumbles in his chest as he pulls away to set the laptop on the nightstand. He’s back in an instant, dragging me flat, his weight warm and solid settling against me. My arms and legs wind around him as his kisses deepen, both passionate and urgent. My heart pounds a frantic rhythm against my ribs until I’m sure he can feel it trying to beat out of my chest.
My hips start to roll, a smooth rocking motion against his tall frame, but he’s so tall I’m rubbing against his stomach, which doesn’t give me the friction I crave. Nick’s powerful arms gently roll us to our sides. His fingers, long and calloused, slip beneath my panties and shorts, finding their target with practiced ease. I bite my bottom lip to keep quiet as the pleasure builds, burying my face in the comforting scent of his chest. Nick’s body tilts back, pulling my shirt up over my chest, his lips finding my nipple with a searing pull. A muffled moan escapes as he slides his finger lower, one thick digit invading my heat while his thumb traces hypnotic circles against my clit. “Nick,” I pant, grabbing his man bun.
“Let go, Shortie,” he growls before biting my breast.
