Page 19 of Imperfections Seduced
Kate takes a deep breath, sits up straight, and gives Ava a tight smile. “That’s what I was saying, men in general.”
“If you ask me, I wouldn’t push too hard on that whole protection thing. Forbidden fruit is the sweetest; you might bring the wolf to the door, Kate.”
“Well, I didn’t ask you! I’m just trying to look out for my little sister. That’s what family does for each other.” No one pays attention to the sharp tone in her voice, because Ava and Kate have always been like this.
Ava grabs Kate’s hand, catching her by surprise. “That’s good to know. Sisters should have each other’s backs. Consider me part of the sister circle. Cat and I are like sisters, and I have her back all the way. It’s a good thing she has sisters like us, isn’t it?” Like she’s been bit by a rattlesnake, Kate snatches her hand back.
I think the wine is getting to me; I’m on my fourth glass now. I giggle at the scene in front of me: the man I’ve wanted since I was thirteen is now engaged to my sister,who’s sitting next to my best friend. They can’t stand each other and they never will. Welcome home!
Finally, I see the waiter with the damn check. About time, I was ready to leave this dinner party before I walked in the door.
Cat
Irode back home withChris. I didn’t feel like talking, and Chris thought I was tired and that I had a little too much to drink, so he left me alone. I think he knows something’s up, but he’s not going to say anything until I say something to him—unlike Jay, who’ll come right to me and say it. That’s the way it’s always been between us; he waits until I’m ready to come to him and then he gives it to me straight, no matter how hard the truth may be for me to hear.
The clockon my night stand says eleven thirty when I breeze in my room. After I wash the makeup off my face, I take my shower and dress in comfy sleep shorts and a soft blue tank. I lie down on my bed, but it’s a little early for me to go to sleep, especially when I’m thinking about Nick. I’m not as upset with him as I was when we first got toBlue. How can I be? I’m still a little buzzed from the wine, thinking about his eyes, his smile, and those lips.
I’ve thought about those lips touching mine many times over the years, right here on this bed, not to mention all the other places I would like him to touch. I waited too long, and I missed my chance. I can’t really be mad at him. He never promised me anything. I’ve been gone for four years, and I shouldn’t expect to come back and find him single, waiting to welcome me home with open arms. I should leave that fantasy in the movies and sappy romance novels. But he could have had the decency to tell me he was seeing my fucking sister. I deserved at least that. He would have told me about any other woman he was dating. I wouldn’t expect Kate to tell me, we never had conversations about the guys we were dating.
My cell phone starts jumping up and down on my nightstand. I reach over and pick it up.
“Speak of the devil.”
Nick:Thinkingabout me? ;-)
Cat:No! :-|
Nick:Liar. :-)
Cat:How did you know I was awake?
Nick:Easy, I know you never go to sleep early, but you like to wake up early. If you sleep later than 8:30 a.m., you feel like half the day has passed you by and it was wasted.
He’s right, damn him.
Cat:For your information, that was the old me. I’ve started going to bed early since I’ve started my exercise regime.
Nick:So what are you doing up now? Let me guess. Thinking about me.
Cat:Conceited MF’er, aren’t you?
Nick:Yes. I notice you’ve added a few new words to your vocabulary.
Cat:Do you have a problem with that too? I’m not exactly the teenager I was when I left. I’ve changed and I’ve grown up some.
Nick:I know you’ve changed and you’re not exactly the same. I was being an ass earlier tonight.
Cat:Yes, you were a total and complete ass!
Nick:Do me a favor, let’s call a truce for tonight. I miss my friend. The one I could call at two in the morning. When I was cramming for an exam back in the day, my stress reliever. You can be mad at me tomorrow.
Cat:Truce. For tonight.
Nick:What if I told you I was outside your window right now watching you?
Cat:I would say you done turned into a stalker. Do I have to call the authorities, Mr. Alexander?
Nick:Oh, you’re a comedian now. You have jokes, Ms. Reed.
