Nicky: You should have been here when I woke up.
I rolled my eyes, then put my phone on silent, and placed it back in my pocket.
“Everything okay?” Veronica asked, taking a sip of her water.
“Yeah. Nicky’s pissed that I left after he passed out. He’s being all caveman like and it’s confusing as hell.” I wasn’t sure if we would ever be able to talk about our feelings that he didn’t want to admit to. I tried to this morning, and it ended up in sex. It was not healthy in the least.
“It’s funny because my ex actually demanded to know who I went on a date with. I guess someone saw me out with you and relayed it back to him.”
“Shit. I’m sorry.” I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “You good?”
“Oh yeah.” She gave me a small smile. “It’s just annoying because he can date and fuck whoever he wants but when it comes to me, it’s not allowed.”
I grunted. “Shocker. I remember telling Nicky about a date I went on a while ago and he lost his shit. Eventhough he led me to believe that he was fucking other people the whole time he had been sleeping with me, it wasn’t allowed when I did it.” That fact alone pissed me off all over again. “It was toxic, and I called him out on his shit. He apologized and it hasn’t happened again. Until now anyway.”
“You probably don’t want to hear this but I’m going to tell you anyway.” Veronica took a deep breath. “I think he’s in love with you.” She lifted her hand, stopping me from interrupting. “I know. He went to say it after you did, and you put an end to that real quick. I get it.”
“You do?” Even my friends didn’t get it. They just assumed we had issues communicating and maybe we did, and that was why we weren’t together. They also thought that because Nicky traveled for a living, that he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants and that was the main reason he didn’t want to settle down. I thought that was the case at first too but when he confessed to not sleeping with anyone while he slept with me for the past few months, I had to wonder.
My fingers burned, needing to check my phone and see if he responded.
Veronica laughed. “Check your phone, Noah.”
I smiled, letting out a slow breath. “I clearly have a problem.”
“Nah.” Her smile widened. “You’re in love. Big difference.”
If only Nicky thought the same thing.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked it for any new messages. Five had come in from Nicky. Five that only got more demanding as each text was sent.
Nicky: Why aren’t you responding?
Nicky: Where are you?
Nicky: I will find you, Noah. This city isn’t that big.
Nicky: I now know where you are thanks to my brother.
Nicky: I’m coming for you, Noah.
I was going to murder Presley. He only knew where I was because I ran into him after getting changed. He was stopping by the apartment for something he needed for work. I should have lied when he asked what I was doing today.
“What did Nicky say?” Veronica asked, taking a bite of her salad.
“He’s on his way here. His brother told him where I am. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She frowned. “But if you need to leave so he doesn’t find you here, I understand.”
“I shouldn’t do that.” Should I?
“I think you should. You’re clearly the one who has been chasing him for a while. Let him do the chasing this time. I’ll cover for you.” She winked.
“Okay.” I could do this. I rose from my seat and went around to her side of the table. “Thank you. I owe you.” I kissed her on the cheek and left the restaurant. I knew Nicky would be pissed when he didn’t find me there, but Veronica was right. Yes, I was in love with him, but it didn’t mean that he could take advantage of me.
While I was walking to Coffee Beans & Love, I looked over my shoulder. I expected Nicky to be right there stomping toward me, but when he wasn’t, I let out a sigh of relief. I knew I would pay for this later and a part of me, that masochistic part, couldn’t wait.
FOURTEEN
