Page 30 of Reckless Intentions
Chapter Sixteen
Asense of dejection descended over Olivia as she walked through the Arrivals hall at Gatwick. Coming back to reality after the past week in Alcudia felt like returning from holiday.
And rebounding from a holiday fling.
She shivered, partly from the temperature that was much lower than she’d left, and also from remembering Brody’s touch that morning as they’d made love for the last time. While she knew he would be coming over to work on The Indigo Lounge, they were going to have to be careful.
The conversation they’d had the previous evening had gone along the lines of, ‘we need to see how things go, let’s not tell anyone about us yet, it can be our secret’. Olivia longed to be able to talk to Caro, Eva or Poppy about Brody, but had promised she wouldn’t. It was killing her not to be able to tell her best friends.
“Hey hon!”
Olivia spotted Eva in the waiting crowd and was thankful she had been the one deployed to pick her up. Caro would know immediately that she was hiding something.
“Wow, you look amazing. Anyone would think you’ve been on holiday.” Eva hugged her.
“I think you’ve got the email trail to prove that I wasn’t.”
They chatted animatedly on the drive home about work, and how Eva and Richey were settling into their new place. As they got closer to North Ridge, a knot of apprehension formed in Olivia’s stomach along with the million questions that were whirling around in her head.
What if Nic hadn’t taken all his stuff from the flat?
What if he’d decided to stay there after all?
What if he hadn’t taken that other place?
What if he found out about her and Brody?
Almost as if Eva could sense what she was thinking about, she said, “You don’t have to worry. Nic’s definitely found another place to stay. He won’t be there.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.” Olivia let out a hard breath, relief washing over her.
“Anyone catch your eye while you were in Mallorca?” Eva didn’t take her eyes off the road, so didn’t see how Olivia’s cheeks flamed at the question.
“I wasn’t looking,” she bluffed. “I was there to work.”
“Did you meet that builder guy Caro was talking about? I thought he was meant to be hot.”
“I did, although I didn’t notice if he was good looking or not. There was too much to do.”Lies, all total lies.She wasn’t ready to admit anything about what had really gone on.
The apartment seemed cold and unwelcoming when she entered. She had grown used to Caro’s light and airy apartment looking out onto the beach. The North Ridge canal didn’t quite hold the same allure.
Eva dropped the suitcase she was carrying in the hallway, placing it next to Olivia’s other luggage. “Caro said to go over to The Indigo Lounge when you’ve unpacked and sorted yourself out. She wants a full debrief.” She gave her a swift hug, “I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.”
“Yes, boss.”
Once Eva had left, Olivia went around the flat checking for any signs of Nic. There was nothing left, no clothes on the floor of their room, none of his toiletries in the bathroom, no games in the living room and even his energy drinks were gone from the fridge.
He truly was gone.
For once, she decided that everything could wait. She’d unpack properly in the morning. Opening her case only long enough to find her wash bag and make-up kit, she headed into the bathroom, desperate to strip off her travelling clothes and get a shower before going out to see Caro. As the water cascaded over her head and body, she thought about Brody, and her hand sneaked between her legs. The thought of Brody’s calloused fingers playing across her skin made her bite her bottom lip and she pressed against the cool tiles of the wall, her own fingers giving her what she needed. She gently stroked herself to a small, yet satisfying, orgasm. A rasping breath escaped her lips as she came. It hadn’t even been twenty-four hours and she was already having to pleasure herself.
Refreshed and relaxed, she dressed in tight black jeans and an oversized striped jumper, paired with heeled boots. It was the opposite of what she’d been wearing in Mallorca. She pulled on a leather jacket, grabbed her bag and made her way to the club.
It was starting to get dark already, another thing she’d have to get used to again, but at least she knew exactly where she was going. There was no chance of going in the wrong direction and being confronted by a group of youths who wanted her handbag. Which also meant no chance of Brody coming to her rescue. Shaking the thought from her head, she pulled open the door to the club.
Olivia found Caro in the VIP area working on her laptop. When she saw Olivia, she jumped up and embraced her.
“Great to have you home, hon.” Caro held her at arm’s length. “You look good. The break clearly agreed with you.”
