Chapter 67
Author’s Note: If you haven’t already, now might be a good
time to take a break from this, and quickly read CMWD - the short.
It’s not necessary, but might help you bring it all together.
“I
don’t WANT to get my mind off of things, Erika. I just want to rest.”
“Well,
we’re goin’ out. Come on, Nicky. You know you wanna.”
So
he went. He’d been out with her once, maybe twice. Mostly with other friends.
She was um…intriguing to say the least. Silicon filled, make-up enhanced, and
strip it all away? She was boring as hell. But, she was companionship and that
had been all Nick had been after this past year. A companion. Even if it was
for a night. He hated being alone. It started as a way to forget about Ciara, but then…well, then it almost became habitual. Women
were easy to come by, so he was rarely alone. But, after a year of it, he was
tired of it all. Tour had been hell and now he was finally home. He wanted to
settle down, get a grip on things and rest up to start it all again. Erika had
other thoughts in mind and he was too tired to fight. So, here he was driving
this bimbo to a local pub, wasting another evening. Maybe the band would be
good anyway.
They
made their way inside through the back. He didn’t think anyone here would know
him, but he liked to be prepared, especially fresh off of tour. Seemed every
fan’s radar was in full force. He was NOT in the mood to be a Backstreet Boy
tonight.
Ordering
a
When
the band returned to the stage for their second set, his eye landed on
something wonderfully familiar. Long auburn curls moved seductively against a
bare, slightly freckled back. As he continued to watch the woman from behind,
he knew. No wonder the atmosphere was so wonderful in here.
Ciara.
He
willed his feet to stay put and just watch as she moved to the music, flirted
with the band and drank her beer. Fortunately, Erika had found a new play mate for
the time being and he was free to be alone with this thoughts, his fantasies,
and the possibility of those being fulfilled. Suddenly, Ciara
turned back, almost as though she felt his eyes on her.
Their
eyes locked and he quit breathing. Was it possible that she had become more
beautiful in the past year? No way. He’d been such a fool to walk away
completely. He should have fought harder. But now, maybe he had another chance.
Before
one more thought could process in his head, she turned away, moving and
grooving to the music, acting as though she’d never seen him. But he knew. Her
moves were more seductive, her demeanor was definitely of a woman putting on a
show. Standing from his seat at the table, he moved to lean against a back bar
and watch. He wanted to see her completely, watch her body shift in her chair, see if he could peek at her face and drink in everything she
was doing. It was for him. He knew it.
What
a nice view it was. He pretended to be watching the band, keeping his gaze just
over her, but when he looked to her again, he couldn’t stop. She was no longer
dancing in her chair but approaching the bar. Knowing Ciara,
she was up to something. But what? He had to chuckle at his exhausted mind as
lyrics to one of their songs popped into his head.
Don’t
pretend you’re sorry.
I know you’re not.
You know you’ve go the power
To make me weak inside.
He watched breathlessly as she made her way from the bar over to
him. She was coming over. She was beautiful. Looking confident, almost cocky,
she carried two shots in one hand and two plates of limes and salt in the
other. Oh yeah, she knew exactly what she was doing. Making him crazy.
He
continued to watch the band and act like he hadn’t seen her. He was sure he was
failing miserably, but he had to try to be cool here. Finally, when he felt her
almost at his side, he turned to look and his eyes lit up realizing he was
finally standing in front of his dream…his girl. His Cici.
“Cici!!!!!!!!!”
“Nicky!”
She
put the shots on the bar and they quickly wrapped their arms around one
another. But, before he knew it everything around them seemed to stop. He was
taken with the peace and comfort felt in her embrace, realizing how much…just
how much he’d truly missed her. Running a hand through her hair, he sighed,
“it’s been too long, Ci…how
are you? You okay?” He pulled her back and took her face in his hands. “God,
I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve
missed you too, baby. You resting up good?” She kept her arms wrapped around
his neck as they talked, and he spread his legs a bit to make it easier on
her…make himself shorter. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her, couldn’t
believe he’d seen her tonight.
“Yeah,
just being home is rest enough. It’s been too long. I’m sorry…” He tentatively
reached up to touch her face, afraid that if he touched her, she’d disappear
into thin air.
“Don’t
worry about it. I’m just so glad to see you. You look wonderful.”
“Not
looking so bad yourself. “ Nick mindlessly looked up to find his date, seeing
her practically lap dancing on one of the patrons. God. His glance didn’t go
unnoticed. Cici’s hold on Nick grew tighter.
“So,
Baby…who’s the hootch tonight?” She looked him in the
eye as she brought her body in closer, making him shift his stance and take a
tighter hold of her hips where his hands had never left. She knew just how to
drive him crazy.
Shaking
his head and trying desperately not to get lost in the longing in her eyes, he
finally tried to pull away. This might be dangerous tonight. He was too tired
to think clearly. He’d missed her so much, but it had been a year. Should they
really just pick up where they left off? Not able to pull away from her gaze,
he knew. Yes, they should. He had to try.
And girl
you leave me breathless,
But it’s okay
Cuz you are my survival
“Why do you always do this to me, Ci?”
Not
letting go, she simply smiled. “Because I like to see you squirm, Nick.” She
raised up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I brought a couple of
drinks…old times’ sake?” She finally let go of his neck and reached around to grab
the shot glasses.
Every time
I breathe I take you in
And my heart beats again.
Baby, I can’t help it, you keep me drowning in your love.
Without another word, Nick took the glass from her, smirked at her
idea and leaned into her neck. God, she smelled good. Before taking a lick, he
just paused breathing in her perfume, her smell…and the memories it brought
back. Finally, he took a quick lick, reached around for some salt and a lime,
added salt to the wet spot and licked again, slower this time, wanting to taste
her, silently moaning as it all came flooding back to him. She smiled up at
him, offering him the shot and a wedge of lime. As he leaned in to take it from
her teeth, he kept his eyes in hers as long as physically possible. Damn. So
green. So open. So deep.
They
reversed the process laughing at how she had to get on her tiptoes to even
reach his neck. Lick. Salt. Lick. Memories. Damn. He offered the shot, knelt
down to her level for the lime and wondered himself if he could stand upright
after taking in the lust in her eyes. They were friends. Fuck buddies. Why did
it feel different all of a sudden? Could it be that this is where his dreams
were going to land tonight? No. Couldn’t happen. She’d said so a year ago. It
couldn’t be any different now could it?
Every time
I try to rise above
I’m swept away by love
Baby, I can’t help it, you keep me drowning in your
love.
Before he could react, she tossed the lime in a nearby ashtray,
offered a quick kiss and started to walk away. “It’s been real, Carter. Nice
seeing you again!” As she turned toward the back door, she quickened her pace.
Maybe I’m a
drifter. Maybe not.
Cuz I have known the safety
Of floating freely in your arms.
No. No way was she walking out of his life again. Absolutely not.
He looked up again for Erika and smiled, seeing her giving some toothless dude
a tongue bath. Perfect. More her style anyway. Why the hell had he wasted an
entire year on bimbos like this? What a moron. Nope, this was too perfect. He
couldn’t let it go.
And I don’t
need another lifeline.
It’s not for me.
Cuz only you can save me,
Oh, can’t you see?
Just as he saw her reach the door, and damn it was a good thing
that hallway was so long, he caught up to her and grabbed her arm, whipping her
around. Before she could focus, he covered her mouth in a searing kiss. Hard,
passionate, and yes…familiar. Ciara. He smiled
against her as she gave into his advance with a moan. He had her.
Go on pull
me under
Cover me with dreams, yeah
Pulling back, he bore his eyes into hers, wanting to make full
impact. “How about I make you squirm?”
Love me
mouth to mouth now
You know I can’t resist.
Before she could answer, he leaned down for another kiss. Less
forceful, more passionate, more wanting. He could tell she wanted to get out of
there, but for some reason, she didn’t move. He could not force her into
staying, but hoped that she’d hear what he was saying without a word.
Suddenly,
without warning, she gently pulled away. No more words were exchanged. She
simply smiled, turned and walked out the door.
Cuz you’re
the air that I breathe.
No. No, no, no, no, no. She could NOT leave. What to do, what to
do? He watched her go, frantically calculating his next move. Chase? Let her
go? No, not an option. He made one more check for Erika, caught her eye and
motioned that he was leaving. Like she cared. He quickly ran through the
parking lot trying to find his car keeping an eye on the direction she’d taken
off in. Hell, if nothing else, she should not be out walking the streets this late.
Finally
working his way around the one way streets he found her. Keeping his distance
behind her, he tried to decide what to do. He could not just let this
opportunity go. But, he also knew you did not push Ciara.
She turned back, knowing she was being followed and Nick freaked. He backed
into a curb side parking spot and squealed out of it, quickly changing his
mind. Maybe he should just call her later or something. He drove around for a
few more minutes weighing it all in his head, unable to leave the neighborhood,
unsure of what to do.
But
then…as the song continued to dance in his head, he knew. He had to go. He had
to get her. He had to make it right again.
I can’t
imagine life without your love
And even forever don’t seem like long enough.
***
