Enchanted and Desired (15 page)

“Simon!” Before she can say anything else he sweeps her up into his arms, spinning her around like she weighs nothing.

“You were phenomenal Sof, just amazing. You get better every time I watch you.” As he sets her back on her feet he turns her to face me. My nerves are somewhat settled by Nate’s presence. I can sense that the spotlight will be firmly off of me with him at the table.

“Sofia I would like you to meet my girlfriend Jess.” A tingle runs up my spine at his use of
that
word again. I hold out my hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Sofia. You are an exquisite dancer. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.” Her blush at my words is so endearing – it reminds me of Lily. I know I’m going to love this girl.

“Thank you so much. The pleasure is all mine. Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear my big brother use the word ‘girlfriend’ in a sentence??” I laugh at her declaration.

“From what he’s told me…I’m guessing a really long time.” She glances in his direction, a slight frown marring her flawless features. I watch as an unspoken conversation passes between them. Simon closes his eyes; a pained look on his face as he shakes his head ever so slightly, giving her the answer she needed. I’m desperate to ask what’s going on and why it’s linked to him calling me his girlfriend, but I can tell from the look on Simon’s face that this is not a subject he wants to discuss…with anyone. He seamlessly shifts the conversation to an equally tense topic.

“Look who we bumped into.” As her gaze locks with Nate’s the atmosphere becomes charged with the most intense sexual chemistry I have ever witnessed. I mean, I know Brandon and Lily have crazy heat; and Simon and I…we are thermonuclear in the same room, but this…what I’m picking up on between Sofia and Nate is off the charts. He leans in to greet her, kissing her cheek, lingering for an extra beat when she returns the gesture, her lips leaving a mark. She gently wipes the lipstick from his face, caressing his stubble long after the lipstick is gone. If they keep this up one of two things will happen – either Simon will kill Nate for looking at his baby sister like he wants to do very naughty things to her, OR, I’m going to do very naughty things to Simon because I am so damn turned on watching these two.

“It’s so nice to see you again Nate. You look…well.” She devours him with her eyes as she speaks.

“It’s…nice to see you too Sofia. It was a genuine pleasure to watch you dance tonight. You were breath-taking.” I turn my gaze on Simon as this intimate exchange takes place. He looks like his head is about to explode.

“Alright. Enough with the fucking long lost hellos. Are we going to get some dinner or not? I’m hungry.” I guess he picked up on their obvious connection too; he’d need to be blind not to have noticed. I take his hand in mine as I lean in to whisper in his ear.

“I like it when you call me your girlfriend.” I dart my tongue out; catching his ear before pulling back to gauge his reaction. It’s had the desired effect. His playful, sexy, naughty streak is back, and his focus is firmly on me.

“Just wait ‘till I get you home…
girlfriend
. I have plans for you tonight that you will definitely…
like
.” And there it is; the familiar buzz, coursing through my body, readying me for the promise of an earth-shattering night ahead.

The restaurant is stunning, the food sublime, and the company is second to none. The four of us have a fantastic night and I get the feeling that Sofia will fit in perfectly with Lily and I. She is funny, sassy and she doesn’t take any crap. I love her already! Nate isn’t the flirty guy I know and love tonight. Instead he’s more reserved, his answers are more measured and careful, but he’s still great company. I really like him, and he’s definitely not sore on the eyes! When Simon asks about Alexis the tension at the table is unbearable, Sofia’s face looking pained; but we quickly move past it and onto lighter topics.

The wine flows, the conversation has me doubled over laughing at points, and we find ourselves the only customers left in the restaurant come midnight. It’s the first time I’ve eaten out with Simon and managed to keep my hands to myself. Progress! Although, I am definitely desperate to get him back to my apartment now. Watching him laughing and joking with his sister and Nate is a beautiful sight to behold. His carefree laugh is like music to my ears, and the smile that splits his face is just freaking gorgeous. I could watch him forever and never get bored.

When it comes time to leave, Simon plans to drop Sofia off at her apartment before taking me home, but Nate won’t hear of it. “Seriously Si, take Jess home. I can make sure Sof gets home safely. It’s the least I can do after you paying for dinner. I’m buying next time, okay?” I slide my hand up Simon’s back, hoping he’ll take the hint and get me alone, behind closed doors as quickly as possible.

“Okay. Thanks man. Take care of her or I’ll beat the shit out of you.” We all say our goodbyes and I exchange numbers with Sofia, making plans to meet up with her while she’s in town, and as we part ways, I can’t help but wonder…what is the history, if any, between Nate and Sofia? The warm arm that snakes around my waist steals my focus to the amazing man beside me. “Are you ready to go home baby?”

“I’m ready to be alone with you. There are far too many clothes between us right now.” The fire in his eyes ignites at my words.

“Fucking right. Give me five minutes to get you back to your place and I will remedy that problem immediately, and have you screaming my name by the sixth.” He stays true to his word…Oh. My. God…does he stay true to his word.

Three months later

SIMON

My life is unrecognizable from the way it was six months ago. Jess and I have been dating properly for months now and it’s fucking amazing. I never thought I could feel this way about a woman. I closed the door on that so many years ago, I didn’t think it would happen for me. I figured I would probably end up like Heffner, but my reality is so much better. After introducing Jess to Sofia three months ago they have become really good friends. They’re always texting and chatting and fucking Facebook…Oh My God. Sometimes I think I share her with the damn thing, but watching her and Sof becoming friends has been amazing. They clicked as soon as they met, and the weeks following our dinner, when she was still in town, were great. The three of us spent a lot of time together, and I could see in their eyes that they understand each other in a way that only they can. That brokenness that I see in each of their eyes…has drawn them to each other, but as far as I’m aware they haven’t discussed their pasts – I know Sof would never tell anyone; that’s the way she wants it, and I would never betray her trust.

Jess and I spend the majority of our free time together, either at her place or mine. We rarely spend a night apart, but I know better than to ask her to move in with me. She would freak-the-fuck-out! I’ve learned to read the signs; I know when to back away from a touchy subject, and I know how far I can push her. She still hasn’t opened up about whatever it was that happened with Gavin, but I can be patient. She’ll tell me when she’s ready…I hope.

I knew months ago how I felt about her, and I’m even more certain now that I am
completely
in love with her. I’ve bitten my tongue so many times when I’ve wanted to tell her, but she isn’t ready and I don’t want to ruin what we have. Everything about her has me hooked. She is funny, sweet, smart and sexy as hell. She’s trying to give our relationship a chance and I really admire her for it; I know how hard it must be for her – I struggled myself in the beginning, but the difference between us, is that I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I want her in every way possible. She still has reservations, but do I think she loves me? Yes…in her own way. Do I think she’s in love with me the same way that I’m head over heels with her? No, but I’m just fucking hoping that she will be one day.

We’ve made plans to go to the Hamptons with Brandon and Lily this weekend and I’ve decided it’s time to tell her. If I hold it in any longer I might just fucking burst. If I had my way she would have been living with me months ago and we would be planning a wedding in the next year. I know that won’t happen, so the most I can hope for is that I tell her I love her, and she accepts it, or best case scenario – says it back. I’ve told her she doesn’t get to just shut me out anymore, and she knows I fucking mean it. I hate to admit it, but I would be fucking lost without her in my life now. I’m so whipped it’s unbelievable, but Christ Almighty, I just fucking love the shit out of her.

Jess got a job in advertising about six weeks ago and her schedule has been crazy. She’s loving it; it’s what she trained for; but our time together of late has been limited to fucking and sleeping. The sex is still out of this world fucking-fantastic, but I’m missing her crazy sense of humor and the sweeter moments we share. This weekend is going to be a welcome opportunity to spend time with her without the daily distractions of work, and it will be great to hang out with Brandon and Lily. They got engaged about two months ago which was awesome – he went all out on the proposal and we organized a big party for later that night. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous of those two and how open they are about how they feel for each other. The wedding is planned for Italy in two months’ time and I can’t wait. I have family over there and my folks will be flying in for it, along with Sofia. I’m going to take Jess on a short trip after the wedding and show her some of the sights I grew up with during my summer vacations.

Brandon arrives at my place in the SUV with Jess and Lily already giggling in the backseat.

“It’s been too long since we did this Si. Let’s not wait so long next time.”

“Too fucking right man. Although…it was pretty different the last time we were up there. No ladies allowed overnight; remember that rule? And look at us now – a couple of pussy whipped losers.” Brandon throws his head back and laughs at my choice of words.

“We were losers back then Si, let’s call a spade a fucking spade. I would take being pussy whipped by the gorgeous blonde in the backseat any day.” He’s right!

“You’re a fucking wise man Brandon. I don’t think I would be here now if you hadn’t talked me around and made me realize what a dick I was after my ridiculous man-whore streak. I really fucked things up with her that week and you were the one that saw the light at the end of the tunnel when I couldn’t. Thanks bro.”

“Now you really do sound like a pussy. Get in the fucking car before I make you wear a dress you sappy son of a bitch.” He gives me a friendly shove towards the passenger side with a shit-eating grin on his face. What the hell is Jess doing to me? I’m feeling all this…this shit, and now I’m spouting it to my best friend? I really fucking need to get my girl under me and get inside her; to feel only our passion, and desire, and pleasure.