Page 42 of Steeling Her
“Why ‘Cookie’?” he asks through his laughter.
“She makes the best cookies ever.” I feel Austin’s chin move on my head, nodding at what Chris said. I do make the best cookies. It’s my recipe. Nick is still doubled over, laughing at us three and our sibling love. I watch the wrinkles form around his eyes and the way his dimple sits on his left cheek. “Seriously! Sis, you need to send me a batch! I’ve been craving them like a girl on her period!” I giggle at my brother, along with everyone else.
The night carries on with fun and laughter, but it’s not long until it’s time to leave. I couldn’t help but notice Ryan’s absence. Not once did I see him but I saw his twin and spoke with him for a while. They’re the complete opposite of each other. Rob is quieter than Ryan, but they’re identical in looks.
I’m exhausted, and all I want is my bed. Sometimes, when we’d stay in hotel rooms, my brothers and I would sleep in the same bed. I love their cuddles. I’ve always liked sleeping with people. I always feel safe with them. So that’s what happens. I follow them to their hotel room and stay in the gigantic bed with my two brothers. They decided to push the two king sized bed together to make one large bed. All of us are laying under the fresh bed sheets in dim lighting, with me smack-dab in the middle of my brothers. I rest my head on the duck feather pillow and my phone vibrates near my head. Reading the name makes me freeze.
Nick: Did you get back alright? I couldn’t find you to walk you back to the dorm.
I smile at how concerned he is. He’s so sweet.
Me: I didn’t go back to the dorm, I’m staying with my family tonight. Thank you for checking on me??xx
He replies almost immediately.
Nick: Cool, just wanted to make sure you weren’t walking around campus alone. I’ll see you tomorrow???xx
It’s then I realized I sent him two x’s. I feel my eyes squeeze themselves shut at my slip up. At least he was nice enough to return them.What do I do now? Do I continue with them? I should shouldn’t I? I mean I started it?
Me: Yeah, I should be back at the dorm. My brothers will be there too so you can have some other male company too along with TJ xx
Nick: I’ll come over tomorrow, Haley said there’s leftover cake she and Danielle baked. And I love cake. Don’t get me wrong, I idolize your brothers, but I really enjoy your company too xx
The last part makes me grin as I bite on my finger reading this.He really enjoys my company?
Me: I love cake too and so do my brothers. I hope they made loads! I really enjoy your company too xx
My heart hammers as I type a reply out to send him.
Nick: Sorry if I’m keeping you up. I just had to check to see where you were. Seeing as you’re with your family, I will talk with you tomorrow. Goodnight Carter xx
Me: Goodnight Nick. Thank you again xx
I place my phone down under my pillow. I can’t wipe the grin off my face. “So . . .” Chris begins the midnight talk we used to have when we were all together. “Was that Nick? You sure there’s nothing going on between you two?” The light places shadows around his face as I look up at him laying next to me.
“Wh—No. What makes you think that? He’s my roommate’s older brother,” I say to defend myself.
“What’s that got to do with it?” He pushes me. He’s right. Why did I say that? I see his frown etch harder across his brow which darkens with the shadows.
“I’m tired. Can you turn the light off?” I deflect the question but I should’ve known better.
“Not until you answer the question, C-dog.” Austin’s voice overtakes the room. I groan, sliding down the sheets in my brothers shirt.
“I don’t know why I said it. It just came out, alright? Can we just forget about it? I’m really tired . . .” It was all the truth. I don’t know why I said it. It was a brain fart. The look from both of them tells me they’ll leave it for now.
The light disappears and the darkness surrounds us. I feel two kisses on my head and I bring the covers up to my chin. I snuggle into the bed sheets and fall asleep after a few moments of just staring into space.
While my eyes are closed, I remember Nick in his suit and tie. He looks good in anything he wears but for tonight, he looked so handsome. His dark black suit encasing his body, making him look like he just walked out of a Bond movie. His broad shoulders and bulging arms. His blond hair neatly combed to the side and slightly away from his stunning face.
He could easily be a model. That chiselled jaw that was dotted with light stubble. But it was his eyes; they were so bright, and when the light caught them, there was no way I could look away from him. They allowed a pulse resonate through me body. That smile that remained on his face for basically the whole night. He looked like he enjoyed himself. I practically spent the entire night with him, TJ, and my brothers.
The thought of him has me smiling silly to myself.
Nick Jackson, you have wriggled yourself into my mind.
Chapter Ten
Chocolate Cake
