"So, let me get this straight. You've never had ice cream?" Nikki shouts causing me to chuckle. She's got a nice warm smile and her cheeks are flushed. If I've learned anything from tonight, it's that Nicole drinking, is something to see."I've had ice cream.""Really? How often do you indulge in sugary substances?""It's not often." I shrug and laugh when I see her throwing her head back cackling at my statement.We've been here at the restaurant for hours. I've answered call after call from Rand and Jim, telling them that we are done and that we will be home soon, only each time it's time to leave, Nikki starts a new conversation causing us to stay out longer. It's nearing eleven o'clock and the manager of the restaurant has yet to come and kick us out.The diner was fantastic, some of the best I've ever had and when I devoured my plate, I looked up to see Nikki looking at me with a smug look. I had to give her credit, this place was not only amazing, I found an amazing opportunity i
I glare at Landen as he chuckles but does as Bronson requested and places two small pain killers into the palm of my hand.Wine.Who the hell invited wine anyway?"I hoped you've learned your lesson Miss Myers, drinking needs to be within a controlled environment." Bronson smirks. He's been that way all morning and now that we are on the plane, his jokes and sense of humor have made an unfamiliar appearance.What the hell did I say to the man last night? And why is he acting so nice to me?"Humor doesn't suit you when I'm suffering through a hangover." I mutter, then take my pills, downing them with a gallon of water. This morning I was woken up by a very chirpy Bronson. he came into my room, pulling back the deep marron curtains, revealing the harshest sun I have ever seen. I tried throwing my pillow at him, but he only chuckled and shook his head, left, then came back into the room with breakfast. I don't know what was said last night, being drunk can have that affect, but I hope I d
What was I thinking?That's the question that was continuously running around in my mind. What the hell was I thinking?"Are you coming?" I turn and watch as Nikki giggles then pushes the loose strands of blonde hair out of her face. Her eyes are dancing with humor and her cheeks are flush from the cool breeze November is bringing us."Are you sure this is what you want to spend your free day doing?" I take one more long look around the front of the amusement park and shake my head in disgust. When I told Nikki that I was willing to grant her this wish, to do something from what she calls fun, I had no idea it would result in us going to a small-town amusement park.What was I thinking?"Bronson." My eyes match up with hers and I see the excitement growing in waves. "Let go. For once in your controlled life, just let go and have some fun with me."Nikki extends her hand out towards mine. I don't hesitate when I take it and allow her to lead me through the throng of people in line. Nik
The ride begins and ends as quickly as it started. Nikki and I laughed the whole time at my attempt to sit upright on the uncomfortable metal bord. I may have done most of the falls on purples to see the woman laugh and smile.We're walking out of the small red and white tent and heading for the next ride when Nikki stops, grabbing my hand and pulling herself closer to my side. She speaks softly, so soft that I have to hold her form tighter to mine and lean my head down to listen. Anyone walking by would assume we are a couple of love birds that can't keep their hands off each other."I know this isn't exactly what you thought I would have in mind for doing something fun, but the truth is, I've embraced this trip as something more. You were right in pushing me. I was afraid of your original words to me because they spoke in volumes of truth.""Nikki…" I start. I hated the cruel words I said to her when I first met her. I wanted to save her, but it wasn't the right way to go about it.
I'm an idiot.How could I do something so daring? So pathetic? So completely stupid and ruin everything I have been working hard on?My phone chimes in the background and I cringe automatically. Mick has been trying to get a hold of me since yesterday morning, but I didn't want to answer him, I didn't want his voice to ruin what Bronson and I shared.He told me he was going to grant my request and do something fun, I had nothing planned, just didn't want to be cooped up in another hotel room while he went out and played mogul. I found the first thing that caught my mind, a small amusement park that was going on fifty years old. It was spontaneous, but just seeing Bronson's face register with shock as I revealed what we would be devoting the remainder of our day doing was worth it, even if we chose not to go inside.Instead, he surprised me. He laughed, had fun, even spoiled me with hidden glances and light humor. Everything was perfect, until it wasn't.Another chime from my phone goes
The plane lands swiftly and without any complications. I stand once I see the seatbelt lights flicker off and walk right over towards Nikki.She's been ignoring me all morning and with this being our last city, I know I need to mend things with Nikki, to mend the friendship that I felt growing. I know I need to speak with her about Cassandra, especially with her being home in the next few days, but I've been enjoying our time together so much, I want nothing to ruin that.Nikki's eyes look up at me with a boring expression marring her natural beauty. Her eyes take me in from head to toe, like they often do, only this time when she reaches my eyes, they quickly look away. I understand she's upset, but it seems like so much more than that. Indifference maybe? Whatever it is, I won't allow her to pull away from me. Not when I've done so much work tearing down the massive wall she's put in place of her feelings."We're here." I announce like an absolute tool. Of course, she knows we've lan
Thirty minutes later, we enter the city of Chicago, my next venture, and the one I am most eager to obtain. It's close enough to home, that I can fly out anytime and check on my investment. The CEO of Northington Enterprise is one of the most technical establishments. It's low on the podium for its size but something I saw extreme potential in. Especially when I heard that they are now dipping into medical machinery.The SUV pulls up at the Viceroy Hotel and I exit the car and come around the other side to wait on Nikki, a fact she ignores by walking right past me and right for the entrance. She's still angry with me, but it's starting to feel like so much more.What the hell happened in the last two days?Why is she treating me with such anger and resentment?Shaking my head, I follow her lead and head right for the entrance, stopping short when I see a man quietly speaking with Nikki. Her body is stiff and her posture tight. Rand beats me to the man by stepping in between the two, pu
My hands pull the opening of my pea coat closer together as the breeze flows through my hair. I'm used to the cold, used to the frigid air being harsh on skin not covered by any type of clothing, but that's not why my body is shivering.My hand comes up and stops mid knock as every fiber of my body stays undecided if it's warm or cold. Shaking my head, riding it of the doubt circling around, I whisper a quick 'f*ck it' and knock three times.I wait.And wait.And wait, but the heavy steal door with wrought iron vines throughout the paneling, mocks me by remaining closed.I turn, shaking my head at the dumb idea of coming here, of even attempting to get a few pieces of my messed-up life, but I stop at the unmistakable sound of the door opening from behind me. I turn, one again, and this time come face to face with the only woman to show me love after my parents died and my aunt and uncle learned how to jump off the face of the Earth."Nicole?" My eyes close instinctively when I recogniz