Nora is stunning, but we’re too comfortable. She will always be my friend. I could never go there. Anaïs, obviously drop dead gorgeous, but I’ve been there, done that, got the broken heart to prove it. Then Athena… She’s effortlessly beautiful, but it’s a no go. I don’t mix work and relationships, it doesn’t work, I know that.
“You’re fucked.” Kai whistles through his teeth then nestles back into his chair looking as smug as ever.
“Arsehole.” I flip him off and turn my attention to my coffee.
Chapter Six
Athena
The morning whizzes by.I spend most of it talking to Edel, who would have stayed on longer, but she was falling asleep.
I’m showered and dressed for my meet up with Royce, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel nervous. I can feel the anxiety swarming in my lower stomach, nerves teasing the base of my neck.
I pick mom style jeans and a black vest top; I slide my feet into my chunky sandals. I had no idea what to wear, so went for casual. I can’t see us going anywhere fancy. It’s just coffee.
I slip my phone, card, and key card into my back pocket and grab my sunglasses. My curls are loose and tumble over my shoulder. A scrunchie is locked around my wrist as no doubt it will get on my nerves within the hour. I stop to check my makeup before I walk out the door; I have a subtle red blush, a soft natural lipstick, and mascara frames my amber eyes.
Closing the door behind me, I make my way down to the lobby and see him standing by the check in desk. He’s dressed in an oversized white tee, wide leg blue jeans, and trainers. My eyes roam over him, and I hate to admit it, but he looks good.
We stride towards each other until we’re both toe to toe. Ice blue eyes flick across my face, as if searching for something. My lips pull into a smile.
“Hi.” My voice is low and I catch his smile.
“Hey.” He steps aside and begins to walk for the door.
I follow, catching him up with a few quick steps. “Where are we going?”
“Just a small coffee shop calledLittle Rogue.”He glances down at me. He isn’t very tall, but he feels big next to my five-foot-four frame.
“Cool,” I whisper as we walk into the sunshine and God, it feels good on my skin.
“Nice?” His voice breaks through to me, and the corners of my lips turn up.
“So good. It’s so cold back home,” I admit, eyes close, face turned up.
“Sun’s good for the soul.”
“I agree.” I hum just as Royce starts speaking to the valet.
“You okay with me driving?” he asks, one hand folded into the pocket of his jeans.
“Of course.” I give him a confused look. “Wait… you can drive, can’t you?” I tease and he chuckles, playfully pushing my shoulder and slightly unbalancing me. “Only playing.” I wink just as the valet brings his car around—a blacked out jeep. It’s not what I would have expected him to drive, but I know better than anyone, you never judge a book by its cover.
“Ready?” he asks as he walks towards the valet and takes his key but not before slipping him a tip.
“Yup.” I skip towards him and climb into the passenger side.
He leans across and straps me in, and I find myself eyeballing him.
“Sorry, safety freak.” A hint of a smile graces his lips.
“Fine by me,” I say, my breath catching at the back of my throat as he slowly rolls his body up, his eyes locking on mine for just a second.
“Good,” he replies, his voice barely audible.
A moment passes and I’m snapped back into reality when the door closes. Catching my breath, he climbs into the driver’s side and starts the engine. Soft music fills the car, something classical in vibe, and I lock my eyes on the display, furrowing my brow.
“Isn’t he a driver?” I point to the screen where it shows the artist and Royce turns to look at me, giving me a nod.
