She looked to Nicolas who explained, “I visit every time.”
Her lips fought a smile knowing that wasn’t far away. “Yeah, see you in the New Year.”
Once they were inside the car and off to the airport to meet the private jet, Nicolas looked at her. “I’d apologize for my father not seeing you off, but I think it’s for the best.”
She nodded mutely.
His hand reached for her chin, forcing her to face him. “Are you okay?”
Her eyes stung at the question. “I’m fine.” He didn’t seem to buy it, not hiding his unimpressed look. “I’m just thinking about my family, that’s all.”
From the way his expression softened, she knew he was aware of their fall out. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked hesitantly.
She gave a forced smile before turning to face the window. “Maybe some other time.”
21
“The minute I saw the fucking Lamborghini I knew it was you!”
“Nice to see you too, Chase,” Nicolas responded dryly but couldn’t hold back a smile when he was brought into a hug.
After giving him a pat on the back, he looked at his best friend, Chase Carvalho.
When Nicolas had touched down in New York after Emily met his family, he’d received a rather threatening message to meet at their old spot situated downtown in a high-end bar.
“You’ve gotten buffer.”
That proud smile of his appeared and Nicolas could’ve hit himself over the head for eliciting it.
“Chicks dig it.”
Guess some things never change.
“Jonas, you remember him?” Chase yelled over the music. They were walking to their private area. “The one with the model wife who can’t walk for shit? Told him I was back so he had the employees prepare atreat for me. The guy practically owns this place so I’m tempted to not pay a damn cent tonight.”
“You’re the owner of one of the biggest luxury clothing lines in the world and you’re ripping off a mere investor?”
“Rich people are the stingiest. I thought you’d learned this over the years.” Chase laughed as he flung his arm over his shoulders.
“You say it as if you’re not the most generous rich person I know,” Nicolas muttered.
“I’ve missed that icy attitude of yours, you know that?”
The two found themselves in a secluded area, at the farthest corner, with remnants of confetti on the table and floor.
“As I was saying, the employees did a little event for me before you came. A welcome back celebration. I made sure to leave some of the cake for you,” Chase explained, noticing his friend’s expression. He uncovered a dish on the table which revealed a ridiculously tiny piece of cake.
“Gee thanks,” Nicolas sneered.
“Don’t be a hater. I know you’re selective about your sweets anyway. You only like the stuff from back home.”
“It’s the thought that counts. You leaving a fun-size cake for me surely shows where your heart is at.”
“I thought we were over this part of our relationship already,” he sighed. “Yes, Nick, you’ll always be in my heart. As a friend. I don’t play for the other team so unfortunately for you, that’s not enough to make my dick throb. So yeah, no whole cake for you.”
Nicolas shook his head as a server came up to them.
“Good evening. Are you gentlemen ready to place your orders?”
