No we didn’t. What was said and done was over. “Don’t think so.”
I waited a moment and she replied.
“Please. I’m sorry. I was indifferent and hard to deal with. Let’s talk.”
If I had loved her this would be different. But what we had was empty and we were wasting both our time. It was easy and I no longer wanted easy. Not at that price. Being with Bliss was a different kind of easy. The kind that made me feel something inside.
“We didn’t work. You know that as well as I do. I don’t want what we had.”
It was hard but you could talk to Octavia that way. She was blunt and harsh. No need to sugar coat things with her.
I waited for a response. When I didn’t get one I dropped the phone and went to get dressed. I’d call my mom and tell her about my visit next week and my summer plans. She wasn’t the kind to call and bother you all the time. She let me call her and because she was so easy to deal with I tried to keep her updated. Besides if I let her get too worried my dad would kick my ass.
Tonight I’d go to Live Bay. Get to know Bliss’s friends and fit into her world. I wanted her to want this as much as I did. Because there was no turning back now. One of them may even know a place I could rent.
My phone buzzed and I ignored it. Octavia was saying something more. I didn’t want to be mean but that was over. She needed to get that. I wasn’t the guy for her. I never was.
I could tell her about Bliss and that would make her stop. Her pride wouldn’t let her keep trying if she knew I had moved on.
Stepping into the bedroom I smiled at the messy bed. It was also wet from our soaked bodies getting out of the shower. Tonight I’d take her there. Sweet and slow. Not that she didn’t seem to enjoy the rough stuff but she needed to be treated special too. If I could keep my dirty mouth from shooting off was the only thing.
Taking the wet sheets off I made plans for our evening.
Bliss York
I DIDN’T HAVE to see him walk in to know he was there. Although I’d been looking for him all night. It was well after ten. The place had been busy tonight. Larissa had me working the side of the room that had our bunch sitting in it. No one else wanted to deal with them when they were being rowdy like this.
Micah was arguing with Jude while Damon was flirting with Saffron. He knew better. But he was drunk. Holland had thankfully come tonight with Saffron. She was the only one quietly observing the wild mess going on at that table.
I had a tray full of drinks to deliver to them when I turned to see Nate headed my way. The smile was immediate. I couldn’t help it. Seeing him made me all giddy and happy inside. It was like there was that summer and there was now. All that happened in-between was gone. No longer mattered.
“Hey,” I said feeling shy allof the sudden.
He walked up to me slipped his hand around my back and kissed me. Right there. It wasn’t a hot sexy kiss but a casual “hello this is my woman” kiss and I liked it.
“Hey,” he said when he pulled back slightly then grinned. “Sorry I’m late. Had to go to Grandpop’s and workout some details of my new job with him.”
His new job? “What?”
His smirk remained in place like he was enjoying the confusion on my face. “I needed a job and he offered me one. Said he needs extra help for the summer. Next step is finding a place to live. Know any good rentals?”
He was getting a job and a place to live. Holy crap! The smile that broke out on my face was all I could do. I had a tray full of drinks or I would have very likely thrown myself into his arms.
“You’re staying?” That was very close to a squeal but I didn’t care.
“Of course. I don’t want to leave if this is where you are.”
That said more than any other words he could have said.
“I really want to grab you and kiss your face,” I told him.
“Let’s get this tray to the table. You’ve stood there having to hold it long enough. Introduce me to your friends again because I don’t think I’ve met all of them. The others, I don’t remember names.”
I had a definite pep in my step as we walked over to their table. Micah stood up and started taking everyone’s drink order from my tray.
“Nate Finlay, did I just see you kissing our girl?” Micah asked sounding amused.