Scintillate (Scintillate Series Book 1) Page 9

  As I got changed, Rylee’s words echoed in my head. Having Nick chase me was fun, but it was also fun flirting back. So far, this weekend was exceeding my expectations.

  Once we were ready, Rylee and I headed down the hallway towards the sunroom. When we opened the door, the warmth from the fire embraced us.

  “Make room for me,” I said.

  “I’ve got a spot for you right here.” Nick patted the water. The jets created bubbles and stirred the water like a boiling pot.

  I placed my bathrobe on the sofa closest to Nick. He took my hand as I stepped over the side and scooted down into the warm water. Bubbles enveloped me as a jet pounded on my tight muscles. Not only was I in a relaxing environment with friends, but I had an exquisitely gorgeous guy beside me, who for some unknown reason found me irresistible. Who was I to question fate?

  “Are you comfortable?” Nick asked. “I can scoot over if the jet hurts your back.”

  “No, it’s perfect.” I sunk further into the water. My hair floated on top of the gurgling water. “I guess I should’ve put my hair in a ponytail.”

  “If it’s any consolation, you look amazing,” he whispered. “I can’t take my eyes off of you.”

  “That does help a little,” I whispered back.

  Lauren and Meghan stepped into the hot tub. “Ooohhh, this feels awesome!” Lauren said as she sunk into the water beside Matt.

  “I know. What a day!” Matt said.

  We talked and joked for a long time as we relived the adventures of the day. The warm water and sound of the jets was soothing and peaceful. I looked around the room and realized how much I had to be thankful for. Not only was Nick was a new addition to my circle of friends, but he seemed to add a new dimension to my life. He smiled and squeezed my hand. His smile sent warm tingles down my spine. My heart fluttered, and I smiled back at him, speechless.

  “Wow, I’m getting really hot!” Ravi said and wiped his brow.

  “Yeah, me too.” Reese rested his arms on the edge of the hot tub. “I’m about to cook.”

  “Well, we could get out and watch a movie,” Matt suggested.

  “Sounds like a good idea,” Meghan said.

  Nick rose out of the water, and water droplets shimmered in the firelight as they ran down his sculpted body. It was then that I noticed his leather cord and pendant.

  “What’s around your neck?” I asked.

  “This?” He brought his hand to his neck. “I got it on a trip to Greece. It’s a Trojan horse pendant.”

  I approached him. “May I?”

  “Of course.”

  My fingers grazed his chest as I lifted the circular pendant. It wasn’t large, about the size of a quarter. The piece was heavier than I expected. “This is beautiful,” I whispered and examined the fine details. The height of the pendant displayed a side view of a horse’s neck and head. The left half of the pendant featured the horse’s mane flowing down along the neck. The right half portrayed the horse’s face. The ear was up, listening for signs of danger. The eye was open and alert, standing guard. Its mouth was closed. The horse appeared ready for action. “It’s amazing. The details are extraordinary.”

  “A family friend made this for me. She’s very talented.” He took my hand in his so we both held the pendant. “I’m glad you like it. I never take it off.”

  “I can see why,” I whispered, entranced by him. Not only did I feel peace when I was with him, but I felt complete.

  “You should wrap up. You’re getting cold.” Nick handed me a towel.

  “Thanks.” I wrapped it around my body, grabbed my bathrobe, and headed to my room to change.

  I met up with everyone in the family room that separated the kitchen and the hallway with the bedroom suites. The massive room’s gas fireplace was encased by white built-in bookshelves that display books and some family photos. Floor to ceiling windows line the back wall and showcase the spectacular view of the mountains. Two over-sized sofas allow easy viewing of the television, and a love seat is off to the side of the room. An ornate oriental rug is centered in the middle of the room. A large coffee table is nestled between the sofas. The large room feels charming and inviting.

  Matt scattered several Wii games on the floor. “We don’t have the biggest selection here, but there are a few good choices.”

  “I don’t care what we play,” I said, “I’m flexible.”

  “That’s part of what makes you so special,” Nick said.

  “Yeah, she’s special all right.” Reese laughed. “She’s been special her whole life.

  Nick’s eyes darted up to glare at Reese. He stood there motionless, as if contemplating his response. I took his hand and said, “It’s okay. Reese was just kidding.”

  A slight chuckle escaped Nick’s mouth. “Well, Reese, you’re right. Kate has been special her whole life, only now she’s transitioning into the woman she was meant to be.”

  Everyone stared at me. Woman I was meant to be. What was Nick talking about?

  “Should we make some popcorn?” I asked as I tried desperately to get out of this awkward situation.

  “Yes, come with me.” Meghan grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the kitchen. “Matt, set up the Wii,” she shouted over her shoulder.

  We stopped beside the kitchen island. “Did you see how quickly Nick defended you? He didn’t like Reese picking on you,” Meghan said.

  “I know. That was different,” I said, unsure of what else to say. What did Nick mean by me growing into the woman I was meant to be? What he said actually sounded a little goofy.

  “I think it’s sweet. Reese was putting you down, and Nick called him on it. Reese hasn’t had anyone stand up to him before. That was a first for him.” She took four bowls out of the cupboard and put a popcorn bag in the microwave. “You’re so used to those subtle barbs that you don’t even see them as insults.”

  “I guess,” I sighed, still puzzled by Nick’s statement.

  When the first bag of popcorn finished popping, we divided it between two bowls and began popping the second bag. I put different types of soda on a tray and carried them into the family room.

  “The drinks are served,” I said. I placed the tray on the coffee table. “Choose what you want. There are plenty more in the fridge, and the popcorn is coming.”

  Matt was on the floor untangling the Wii controllers while Ravi searched through the games. Reese was on one sofa, and Nick was on the other. I walked back into the kitchen. “Reese and Nick are on different sofas.”

  “That’s good,” Meghan said as she tried not to laugh. “You want Nick to cuddle up to you. And trust me, Reese would try and ruin that for you.”

  “Yeah, what’s his problem? Nick is amazing.”

  Meghan put another bag of popcorn in the microwave. “I don’t know. Maybe it freaks him out to see you with a guy because he knows what the guy is actually thinking,” she said with a smile.

  Behind us someone cleared his throat. “Do you need any help?” Nick stood in the doorway.

  The desire to hide in one of the cupboards was overwhelming, but I stood my ground. How long was he there? How much of our conversation did he hear?

  “Um… I think we have everything under control,” Meghan said. She picked up a bowl of popcorn. “You can take this bowl of popcorn out and stake out a place on the sofa.”

  Nick took the bowl and smiled. “Sure.”

  “I’ll be right out.” I plastered a grin on my crimson face. Nick turned and walked out of the kitchen. I turned to Meghan. “What in the world! Do you think he heard all of that?” I whispered, humiliated.

  “I don’t know, but perhaps he’s flattered. Now he knows you want to cuddle up with him. He won’t have to worry about rejection.”

  “Good point, I feel so much better now.” I rubbed my fingers against my flushed face, trying to erase some of the tension.

  “Don’t worry about it. You’re over-thinking, like you always do.”

  Once the third bag was p
opped, we divided it between the bowls and walked into the family room. I nervously took my seat beside Nick. We propped our legs up on the coffee table and set the popcorn bowl on our laps. Occasionally, our salty fingers collided in the bowl and we giggled at each other. I guess Rylee was right, young love is wonderful. Everyone else teasingly fought over the popcorn, but we laughed and offered it to each other. I decided to enjoy this stage while it lasted.

  Everyone took turns playing Wii. When Nick and I weren’t playing, we talked on the sofa. I nestled my head in the crook of his shoulder. It was comfortable to be with him like this. His chest slowly rose and fell as he breathed. He reached across with his other hand and took mine, our fingers intertwined.

  “Do you miss your friends from California?” I asked as his thumb lightly caressed my hand.

  “A little, but you’ve really helped me. You’re the best friend I have here.

  “I’m happy to hear that. You know, I guess I kind of think of you as my really good, special, guy friend,” I said shyly. I wondered if I said too much.

  “Wow! A really good, special, guy friend.” He laughed. “That makes me feel really… special.”

  Embarrassed, I felt the heat rise off my cheeks as I blushed under his stare. I hoped my blush didn’t betray my deep feelings of desire for him. I didn’t want to appear too infatuated with him.

  “Well, being your special guy friend is a good place to start,” Nick said.

  “That’s perfect then, ‘cause I could use a little more of you in my life.” I scooted even closer to him. We cuddled a while longer and enjoyed the fire.

  Then something happened, something I wasn’t even sure about. I thought I felt him lean over and kiss the top of my head. I smiled to myself and thought how our first kiss had been so simple; one I wasn’t even certain of.

  I squeezed his hand and looked at him. With one look he was suddenly transparent to me. He had “guilty” written all over him; although he showed no remorse. He smiled his beautiful crooked smile and winked.

  He leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Yes, I did kiss your head, and I plan on kissing you more this weekend when I get a chance.”

  His boldness made the butterflies in my stomach flutter with excitement. My heart accelerated as I anticipated the upcoming kiss. I blushed even though I was confident no one heard him over their laughing and game playing. I was shocked and excited by him. He seemed to encompass kindness, boldness, passion, and bravery.

  I knew I wanted to know Nick better. I put my head on his chest, listened to the gentle thumping of his heart, and thought about the upcoming kiss.

  “It’s getting late,” Meghan said when she finished her game.

  Lauren yawned and stood up from the other sofa. “I’m tired. I think I’ll hit the sack.”

  I looked up at Nick. “You know what? I think I’ll get ready for bed, too. We’ve had a long day.”

  Nick let go of my hand. “Sounds good. You have been yawning. Maybe I can play a game of Wii with someone.” He stood up, and Meghan handed him the controller.

  I walked down the hall with the other girls. Lauren and Meghan went into our bedroom ahead of Rylee and me. I closed the bedroom door behind me, and then was instantly attacked by a barrage of questions.

  “What do you think of Nick?”

  “Did he have sweaty hands?”

  “Did you feel his six-pack?”

  “Is he a good dancer?”

  “I told you he wants you!”

  “He’s super-hot!”

  “His body is rockin!”

  “Did he kiss you?”

  “What were you two whispering about on the sofa?”

  “What was happening on the sofa? It looked good!”

  The comments came so quickly that I wasn’t even sure who was saying what. “Wait a minute!” I put my hands out to quiet them. “Uh, I don’t even know what to say to those ridiculous questions.”

  Lauren stood up and wagged her finger at me. “Okay, first, these are not ridiculous questions. If you’re going to flaunt a new relationship around us, then we get to ask these essential questions.”

  “She’s right.” Meghan nodded. “No new relationship gets to flourish without friends butting in. It’s our responsibility to make sure that everything is kosher.”

  “So asking me about his six-pack is essential to kosherness?” I asked in disbelief.

  Rylee threw her arms up. “Finally, you’re getting it. It’s essential that we know about his six-pack, if he kissed you, and especially if he was good at it. And let’s be honest, he looks like he’d be good at it.” She chuckled wickedly and leaned towards me. “Kate, this is how it works.”

  “You three are unbelievable.” I glared at them, my hands on my hips. “Nick and I are just beginning to express our feelings to each other, and you want me to lay those precious moments out to you. Allow you to intrude on them?”

  “Yeah!” Rylee scoffed.

  “Pretty much,” Lauren added.

  “No way! I’m not talking about any of this with you,” I huffed. “I’m getting ready for bed, so you might as well do the same. There’s nothing to talk about.”

  They sat there shocked as I grabbed my pajamas and walked into the bathroom.

  What were they thinking? As if I would just open up to them about these private thoughts and feelings concerning Nick. I couldn’t trust any of them not to yap to their boyfriends, so there was no way I would bare my soul to them, at least not this weekend. It was all too fresh and new. I needed time before I could confide in them.

  I looked into the mirror and shook my head in disbelief. As I brushed my teeth, I thought about their questions. The most essential question was, “What was happening on the sofa?”

  Two things happened that were pivotal. First, he said, “I consider you the best friend I have here.” For him to say that was ginormous. This was a declaration of admiration, supremacy of intentions. He might as well of said I was his girlfriend. Toothpaste bubbles spilled out of the edges of my mouth as I smiled. I spit in the sink and rinsed my toothbrush.

  The second achievement was when he kissed my head. Not only did he do it, but he wanted me to know that he did it. He didn’t want there to be any confusion. Then to follow it with, “I plan on kissing you more this weekend when I get a chance.” Wow, I leaned against the sink and flossed my teeth — I was looking forward to that kiss. This weekend was definitely exceeding my expectations.

  I threw away my dental floss and grabbed a wash cloth from the linen closet. After lathering up my cleanser, I applied it to my face and rinsed it off. I grabbed the towel to dry my face and looked in the mirror.

  “Ahhh!” I screamed. My heart thumped rapidly. The man in the hooded sweatshirt stood behind me. His hood was down. I could see him clearly. He scowled at me and brought back all the horror from the night he first attacked me.

  I jumped and turned.

  He was gone. The room was empty. I looked in the mirror again, but no apparition lurked in the mirror. Where did he go?

  Rylee knocked and rushed into the bathroom. “Are you okay?”

  Meghan and Lauren ran into our bedroom and headed towards the bathroom.

  “Yes, I uh… I saw a big spider,” I lied. How could I explain seeing a man in the mirror?

  Rylee looked around on the floor. “Where did it go?”

  “Um… it went into the… closet.” I pointed towards the linen closet.

  “Hey, what’s all the commotion about back here?” Nick asked as he rushed into the bathroom. “We were playing Wii and heard a scream. Are you okay?”

  “Nick wanted to check on you because I was beating him,” Ravi said.

  “She’ll live, but she saw a spider,” Rylee said. “I hate spiders.” She shook her head and arms.

  “It was one of those really big ones. I think it may have been a wolf spider,” I added in order to give some credibility to my story. What was happening to me? I was turning into a pathological liar.
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  “Ugh, I hate those. They give me the creeps.” Meghan twitched. “We should try and kill it. We don’t want that thing to lay eggs.”

  “I can look for it.” Nick opened the closet door and searched the floor. Then he stood up and lifted the towels and extra sheets to look for the spider.

  I sighed and dragged my teeth across my bottom lip. My spider lie was getting out of hand. People were looking for a nonexistent spider and worrying about its offspring. How could I come clean at this point? How could I explain seeing a man in the mirror? Reality sounded crazy, and the lie sounded sane.

  Nick turned and looked at me. “I don’t see it. It must have crawled into a crack and is between the walls now. You probably scared it with your scream. Don’t worry. I don’t think it will bother you while you sleep.” He gave a wry chuckle.

  “Great, I hadn’t even thought of that,” Rylee said with a furrowed brow. “Now I’m going to have nightmares about a wolf spider crawling up the bed to bite my face. Thanks, Nick.

  He stepped closer to me and rubbed my arm. “Wherever it went, it won’t bother you tonight. I promise.”

  “I’m sure you’re right,” I said. “He’s probably more afraid of me than I am of him.” I bit my bottom lip.

  As Nick and I walked out of the bathroom, Rylee said, “If you hear screams, come check on me.”

  “Never fear. I’ll be your hero,” I said.

  “That’s not funny. You’re not that impressive.” She scowled and closed the bathroom door.

  Nick took my hand as I walked him towards the hallway. Once again a feeling of safety and security poured through me as I touched him. The fear from my delusion and the foolishness from my resulting lie began to vanish.

  “Thanks for coming to check on me. I didn’t mean to draw so much attention.”

  “Kate, can I talk to you in private?” Nick asked.

  “Sure, let me put on my bathrobe.”

  We walked down the hallway towards the sunroom. I tried to figure out why he needed to talk to me. Different questions spun through my mind, but nothing quite made sense.

  He turned on the sunroom lights and closed the door between the sunroom and the kitchen. We curled up on the sofa in front of the fireplace.