When the Heart Lies (14 page)

Things were getting interesting. No doubt Jackson would get the slant on Nick’s character now. He couldn’t quite place where this little interruption was going.

Red-faced, Angela shook her head and smiled. “Oh Nick, really. Of course he knows where she is. Kinsley’s in Florida visiting relatives with Max.” She toyed with her silverware keeping her eyes lowered as she spoke. “Her mother’s been ill.”

Jackson looked from Xavier to Olivia to Angela. All three straightened up and became quiet. Their eyes wandered about the table. The only one looking at anyone was Jackson, and he wasn’t going to miss the show. He hadn’t been expecting entertainment, but Nick’s initial response to seeing this gorgeous red head didn’t seem favorable, and Angela’s lying sweetened the mix. Sitting right next to them was like having a box seat. 

The woman was cozying up to Nick in a big way, but it appeared she wasn’t someone who warranted an introduction. She pulled him in closer and whispered in his ear. “Take me for a ride when you finish up here.”

Nick’s expression turned dreamy, except for the sly grin paired with the light in his eyes. “I suppose I could take you for a ride,” he said, speaking in an oddly normal volume, in contrast to her whispering.

“You certainly have before,” she whispered, a little louder this time as she played her fingers in the nape of his loosely curled, collar-length hair.

Nick looked into her eyes and placed the back of his hand softly against her cheek.

The two had the entire table’s attention, except for Olivia’s. She kept knocking Jackson’s leg with her own under the table. He supposed she wanted him to stop staring. Good luck with that. He had a hunch this was going to be one of the most interesting family dinners he’d ever attended.

So, I’ll meet you later at the bar?” she said to Nick.

“I’d love to meet you.” The back of his hand slid slowly from her cheek to the curve of her neck. “Except I can’t because you just reminded me of something.”

She smiled, lifting one shoulder. A modern day Marilyn Monroe. “What’s that Nick?”

One brow rose, and he pitched his head to the side, answering in a humorless tone. “Why I married Kinsley instead of a gold digging slut like you.”

The women gasped. Jackson covered his mouth with his fist and pretended to clear his throat while attempting to hold back laughter. Not because the comment was funny, but because of the absurdity of the statement. Were Nick’s balls actually this big, or were they just the best money could buy? Witnessing this scene almost made up for having to fly to New York.

“Jesus Nick,” Xavier said, grimacing and shaking his head.

She stood and slammed her chair into the table. “I’m no more of a slut than you are, Nick, and everyone knows it.”

“You’re right, Stephanie. Only difference is, I was plowed when I screwed you. If I hadn’t been, I would’ve remembered that you don’t know how to keep your mouth shut.” The unavoidable slap in the face came fast. It was brisk, but no more than a provocation. Everyone stared at Nick as Stephanie stomped away.

Both of Nick’s hands flew into the air and his mouth opened. “What? You can’t deny she had it coming.” He glanced around the table. When no validation came, he shrugged and returned to his steak.

Angela cut in. “I have to excuse myself to go to the ladies room and freshen up.”

Once she left, Olivia turned her attention to Xavier. “Xavier, do you think I could talk to you in private for a few minutes.”

“Sure. Let’s go over to the lounge.” Xavier stood and held his hand out, signaling to Olivia to take the lead as they headed in that direction.

Olivia’s maneuver effectively gave Jackson the time alone he’d need with Nick. Once Xavier and Olivia were out of sight, both he and Nick began to talk at the same time.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” With a nod, he signaled Nick to continue.

“No worries.” Nick said. “Just tell me to mind my own business if I’m being too forward. Are you two exclusive?”

Evidently, Nick wasn’t the type of guy who hinted around. His direct nature would make Jackson’s job a lot easier.

“No. Not at all. We’re friends—with benefits, occasionally.” He wasn’t comfortable labeling himself and Olivia that way, but he
was
posing as her date. Chances were he’d have to remind her of that. “Feel free to tell me to get lost, too—when I ask you what the hell just happened?”

Nick threw his glance in the direction Stephanie hightailed it to after she laid one on him and huffed away. “Like my mother said, she has some nerve. The woman nearly cost me my family. I took her out a few times. She got clingy and the entire club found out about the indiscretion within weeks. Happened nearly six years ago. I suppose she thought my wife would dump me. Kinsley’s not like that. She kept it in the family, and it blew over. We had our issues over it.” He motioned toward the lounge where Xavier and Olivia went. “You probably guessed. “
That
―has nothing to do with business.”

Jackson laughed. “Yeah, she told me about him ahead of time.” He wondered if Nick knew anything about what was going on with Kinsley. Xavier and Olivia stayed tight-lipped about Nick’s role when it came to Kinsley, and Nick talked about her as if she was still with him.

Nick widened his eyes briefly. “Sounds like a nice arrangement.” He lifted his chin toward the lounge. “She followed him around like a puppy dog for years.”

Unable to imagine Olivia exhibiting puppy-like behavior, he smiled. “Are you sure you don’t mean Rottweiler?”

They laughed.

“I’m sure she could be that, too,” Nick said. “Sexy woman, though. No disrespect, but I’d take a shot at her myself, if I didn’t think he might be love with her.”

The way Nick talked—infidelity was the most natural thing in the world. It didn’t appear he was trying to impress him either; clearly, this was his typical line thinking.

“Told me she couldn’t break him down in the long run, and he broke it off,” Jackson said.

“I don’t see why she couldn’t. He and my mother have been in separate bedrooms for a few years now. I guess they never recovered from the affair. The guy makes me come across like a vulture. He’s always doing the right thing, nearly a saint, other than Olivia for Christ’s sake.”

Jackson took a sip of his drink and stared at the glass he was rotating slowly in his hand. “Everyone has their secrets.” He met Nick’s eyes.

Before long, they picked up the conversation where they’d left off. When Angela came back from the ladies room, they immediately stopped talking. She glanced from one to the other. “A person would think you’re talking about them, the way you cut off conversing.” She eyeballed the empty chairs with pursed lips. “Where did Xavier and Olivia go?”

“They had some business to take care of,” Nick said.

“Don’t you mean she’s off trying to seduce my husband again? I mean, really, can’t the woman get the hint. He’ll never leave me.” She cast her eyes away and finished her after dinner cocktail. “Oh, Jackson, I’m so sorry. What was I thinking saying such a thing in front of you?”

“Smiling, Jackson leaned his forearm onto the table to rest his drink. “Don’t even think about it.” He maintained eye contact until she glanced away uncomfortably. He’d surmised early on that Angela always knew exactly what she was saying.

Xavier and Olivia returned to the table. Awkward silence hovered around them. Before anyone could speak, Xavier turned to Angela. “Well, Angela, I’ve taken care of the check. Are you about ready to leave?”

“That would be splendid. I’ve had a long day. The three of you enjoy yourselves. Call a car if you drink too much. Nice meeting you, Jackson.” She stood as she spoke, not making eye contact with him. Instead, she tilted her head toward Olivia. “Olivia.”

When Xavier and Angela left, Nick turned to them. “Well, unless you drive into the city not much is going on here. How would you feel about coming to my house? I could call my friend, Mia. Might be nicer with the four of us.”

“That sounds great,” Olivia said, glancing over at Jackson for confirmation.

“Olivia, you remember where my parents live. We’re down the road about a mile from them, 316 Sentinel Drive. We’ll meet in twenty minutes.”

~ ~ ~

After enduring a few more hours with Wayde, Savannah, and Remy, Kinsley got up from the table. If she had to spend one more minute with the three of them, she’d go batty. “I’m going to bed.”

Wayde grabbed her wrist. “Wait for me, darlin’. I’m comin’ in a minute.”

She yanked her arm away. “I’m sleeping with Max.”

Wayde glared at Kinsley and then shifted his cold eyes toward Remy and Savannah, letting her know she’d better shut her mouth.

Remy sneered at her. “You handle your problem, Wayde. I’m taking my woman to bed. She wouldn’t think of givin’ me any trouble. Would ya, baby?”

“Why would I want to?” Savannah corkscrewed her neck and upper body, batting her lashes for effect, and headed to her room, dragging Remy along by the hand.

When the door to Savannah’s room closed, Wayde said, “Don’t you go embarrassing me in front of my friends. You better cut your shit. Go get in bed.” Motioning her off with a whip-like movement of his head, he opened and began to pack a fresh box of Marlboros, pounding the box hard against the palm of his hand several times.

“I said I’m sleeping with Max.”

He got up fast, tipping the chair over; it fell to the floor with a thud. Both stood silent not breaking their stare. He stalked toward her slowly, grabbed her by the throat, and maintained a brutal grip. She couldn’t get a breath out. She tried to move away, but he seized her around the waist, pulling her closer.

Squashing his cheek against hers, he whispered into her ear. “You git your ass into bed, and if you make a goddamn sound to embarrass me, I’ll be beat the shit out of you right in front of them.” Then he looked at her. His eyes were menacing as he spoke through gritted teeth. “And I’ll make sure it’s a good show.” When he nodded toward the bedroom, she headed in.

Wayde closed the door behind him when he entered and took a seat on the side of the bed. He remained quiet while removing his shoes and socks and then turned the radio on. Too loud for nighttime. She continued to stand facing the dresser and pulled out a nightgown. This was her life now.

“I need to wash my face and brush my teeth,” she said.

“Hurry up and get back here.”

She brushed her teeth, but couldn’t take her eyes off the mirror; she didn’t recognize the woman standing in front of her. How had she gotten here? It wasn’t so long ago the woman she saw stood at an altar with a man who promised her forever. Every fairytale story had guaranteed life would be happily ever after. Her throat tightened, and her eyes tingled threatening tears. She blinked, flicked the light off, and stopped in the doorway. The living room was directly in front of her, and she looked in. Amazed that Max could sleep through all the music, she went to check on him. Her hand glided over his soft, still baby-like hair as she leaned closer inhaling his scent and resting her lips on his head. Feeling helpless to protect him, a stabbing pain ripped through to her soul. Spiritlessly, she headed back to the bedroom.

When she closed the door behind her, she stood holding the knob. Wayde had already gotten into bed. She entered and climbed from the bottom of the bed onto the side by the wall, trying without success to hug it. The mattress sagged as he turned toward her. Inside, she was screaming. He reached around her, grabbing her breast. Milking a cow. She tried to move away, but he jerked her closer.

“I’m tired.”

“Too bad, you’re always tired. I ain’t listening to that shit no more.”

“I’m sick from the alcohol like I might throw up.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the alcohol.

“Don’t gimme lip. Play with me.”

“No.”

The bed rocked as he tugged at himself. The motion, along with the thought of what he was doing, was making her sick.

“Shit. I drank too much anyway. Looks like you’re out of luck.”

Her breaths skipped as she exhaled slow, trying to conceal her relief. Thank God he was impotent most of the time. She pulled away toward the wall. This time he let her go. The music in both rooms was loud and mingled into a mess of sound. “Why do they have to play loud music every time they’re in there? And why do we have music on? Max is sleeping.”

“They don’t want us listening to her howl. Ours is on so they think you are. Go to sleep.”

~ ~ ~

The houses on Sentinel were enormous, and the streets were lined with beautiful oaks, birches, and even a few Weeping Willow trees. Jackson thought the environment suited Kinsley. “I wonder what their house is like. Let’s work the advantage of getting inside. Ask for a tour. Women always do that annoying shit.” He smiled.

Olivia shook her head and grinned. “Jackson … really, sometimes … you realize if you weren’t so impossibly sexy, you’d never get away with those kinds of comments, joking or not.”

“What? You’re all a little trying at times; you can’t deny it.”

“And men aren’t? Shit, I missed 316. I have to back up.” She craned her neck around, backed up just beyond the circular driveway that sloped up a hill to the big colonial style home, and pulled in. The landscaping was perfect with topiaries lighting each side of the center entrance.