AllFreeNovel
Share Us
8
Crisis Averted
Ivan
Ican'tgetCassidyoff my mind. It has been two days since our midnight dip in the ocean. I have tried to focus on my work, but nothing can take away the image of her in my arms and the feel of her naked body against me.
Every time I close my eyes, desire rushes over me, and I know that no matter how hard I try to deny it, there is something between us. Something powerful and electric.
I promised never to settle down years ago, and I’m determined to keep that promise. I thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle that I lived. The bachelor life is the only one I wanted to be a part of. No commitments, no strings attached, infinite women. After all, isn’t that every guy's dream?
So, why did it suddenly feel worse than not being able to have Cassidy?
Being in a committed relationship isn't for me. Forget about having a wife reminding me what to do all the time. I want freedom and independence. And kids? No thanks - they take too much time and take years off your life. They seem like nothing more than little nuisances. That's why settling down has never appealed to me. I'm just not cut out to be anyone's husband or father.
Cassidy is a beautiful woman who tests me as no other woman has before, which only fuels my attraction to her. But she is completely unavailable to me. I need to get a handle on my feelings before I end up doing something I will regret.
I don’t like it, but I had to respect it. Right?
Cassidy has been keeping her distance for a few days, and I can't blame her. We've been out with Antonio and had dinners at the house, but I could feel her being distant. Polite, but distant. Her putting this space between us is driving me crazy. Tomorrow is our last day on the island, and I want to soak up as many of the glorious beaches as possible. Cassidy and Antonio are enjoying a father-daughter lunch, so I head to the beach behind the house to lounge on one of the chairs.
The sun is shining brightly, and the sky is a perfect shade of blue. The sand feels soft beneath my feet as I walk toward the beach. The salty air fills my lungs, along with a hint of barbecue. A nearby house must be grilling.
The trees sway in the warm breeze, casting long shadows on the sand. Gently breaking waves lap at the shoreline, creating an inviting scene.
I lay my towel on the chair, put on shades, and stretch out on the lounger. I need some rest, and maybe I'll take a dip later.
Bzzzz.
I open my eyes. The sun is low in the sky, and I remove my sunglasses.
"What time is it," I say aloud as I look at my Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
Bzzzz.
I frown and sigh, already sure I know who it is, but I’m in no mood to talk with my brother. The PR guy is handling the photo situation, and yesterday I released the statement he wrote for me. Hopefully, that smooths things over.
The ringing stops, but then it picks back up again. I finally answered it. “Yes?”
“Why the fuck do you sound so tired?” Ezra asks. “It's early evening. Aren't you on Martha's Vineyard?"
"It's been a rough day," I answer sarcastically.
The sky is turning a deep pink, but it's still warm. It's been hot the last couple of days on the island. I frown as I sit up from the towel, sweat slicking my back.
"I hope you aren't tired because you've been with some random women. I would think you're tired of all the negative attention."
“What do you want?” I ask.
“Nothing,” he answers. “Do I need a reason to call and check in with my little brother?”
“Funny,” I return. “How’s Paige?”
“Sleeping, thank fuck.” He let out a sigh of relief. “I love her, don’t get me wrong, but damn.”
I laugh. Ezra’s eight-year-old daughter Emma is a ball of energy, and his nanny recently quit. He’s so picky about a nanny that finding one takes him forever. I love my nieces Paige, and Dane’s daughter Emily, but I don’t see myself ever being a parent.
Ezra gets on my fucking nerves, but he’s full of wisdom, and I can use some advice about Cassidy. He’s the only person I can talk to right now. He can help clear up some of my confusion about this girl.
