Page 10 of Unsure in Love

I shrugged. “Who said anything about you taking me home? I’m taking you home, Damian.”

His lips slowly curled into that sexy smile, and I knew we were going back to my place before he said another word.

5

DAMIAN

Present

“What’s it like being domesticated?” I asked, waiting for Nic’s response.

His laughter filtered through the phone’s speaker. “You sound like Benny.”

“He rubbed off on me.” I hadn’t seen Nic’s former partner or his other friends since I left Oakland. We all lived in Brooklyn, but I doubted I’d see much of them, if ever. My job was demanding and so was theirs.

“I’m as happy as ever, Damian. It’s been four months of bliss with my wife and kid... soon to be kids.”

“You couldn’t wait to knock Lucy up, huh?”

“What was there to wait on? Technically, we’ve been together forever.”

Right. Best friends turned lovers. I’d never experienced anything like what Nic had with his wife. Did I even want to? It all seemed like a lot of work, and I didn’t have the time. I was ‌married to my job.

Staring out my office window, I studied the busy streets and sidewalks below while Nic went into details about the domestic bliss that had been his life since he got hitched. I was so far up that the people walking around and the cars on the street looked like tiny dots.

Was it possible that the perfect someone was waiting for me out there? A woman that would have me head over heels in love and devoted? A woman who completed me? That was Nic’s sentiment. He claimed ‌Lucy completed him. I thought he’d lost his mind but perhaps that was because I just couldn’t understand it.

I scowled, annoyed that my mind even strayed in that direction. Four months ago, the thought wouldn’t have surfaced. This was all her fault. Cassandra Bennet. The woman had rocked my world so far off kilter, I was still reeling, still in shock about the things I’d felt that night.

The more I thought about her, the more I suspected ‌that she was perfect for me. I mean, no other woman had shaken my firm stance on noncommitment. However, I couldn’t say for sure that we were meant to be. If we were, there wouldn’t be so many obstacles between us—like distance and a barrage of mental and emotional barriers.

I was miles away. There was a slim chance of seeing her again, and she’d probably already forgotten my existence. I hadn’t forgotten her though. She starred in all my nightly dreams. She left me craving more. Too bad I’d never get it…

“So, she’s three months along.”

Nic’s voice filtered back in and drove away the ghost of Cass. I was daydreaming about his sister-in-law. He’d probably kick my ass if he knew I hooked up with her after his wedding. Clearing my throat and swallowing my guilt, I said, “Congratulations. Kids are great.”

“What do you know about kids?”

“Enough. I’ve babysat your daughter.”

Nic snorted. “And that makes you an expert? You’ve been running the other way from relationships and children for as long as I’ve known you.”

“Not all of us are cut out for fairytales, man.” Still staring out the window, I wondered why I was so hooked on a woman I’d likely never see again…

He chuckled. “I’m not living a fairytale. I’m living my life, and I’m happy.”

I smiled. Nic was a great guy. He deserved the happiness he’d found. “That’s great. So, how’s…” I almost slipped up and asked about Cass.

“How’s who?”

“Never mind.” I shut my eyes tightly. Way to sound suspicious.

There was a brief pause before Nic asked, “Cassandra?”

Lips pursed, I stared at the phone. “Not just her. How are all of your sisters-in-law?”

I shook my head as I listened to Nic laugh.

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