The One Awakened: Book 1 in The One Trilogy (25 page)

I wouldn't press you wouldn't want to stress you, cause we're friends
 

and I don't want that to change but last night when you kissed me goodbye

   
don't know but I was feeling strange, like I didn't want to leave

   
wanted to protect you, want to see you smile all night

I thought maybe I was crazy baby.... but when you touched me it felt so right

I need to get my head out of the clouds and back in the game - not like me to be so sentimental.

I’d loved the domesticity at hers the other night, it had felt like coming home after a long day at work, to a home-cooked meal, a freshly bathed kid and sexy woman I couldn’t take my eyes off. I’d never craved that before, always enjoyed coming home to quiet after work, sport on the TV and a cold beer in the fridge, but I could get used to it. I roll my lips in frustration at myself; I know me, something deep within is stopping me from letting go.

Tomorrow night we are S and G’s for their annual summer bash and Saturday is going to be the night - if I can hold out that long. Thank God I’d been away on business or I’d have had hell on keeping away. I’d sent her flowers on Wednesday; to accompany the latest FBR but to be honest I’d just wanted to be close to her. It was taking everything not to drive over to hers and seal the deal.

FBR No.4 was spot on though; we definitely needed to be strangers to become lovers. We needed a second chance to meet for the first time, which was impossible so this was the next best thing.

I’m nearly home as my phone snaps me out of my daydreaming and I answer. Gino.

“Big G!” I answer pleased to hear from him.

“Mate. How you doin? You ‘ome?” His Italian accent is much stronger on the phone and I smile at the familiarity of it.

“Yep just landed now. Why what’s up?”

“Na and I are going to Rehab tonight for a couple of beers - you up for it. Si?”

I consider the question. Maybe a night out with the boys is just what I need to take my mind of her.

“Sounds great. Text me when your on your way down in the cab, you can slide by mine.”

“Great. See you bout 7.30.”

I click the red button, end the call and jog up the drive to the house, heading off upstairs to shower. Yeah a night out is just what I need, one without an annoying fuck buddy to invade my mind at every turn.

The sweet sounds of Chris Brown’s latest hit ‘
Don’t wake me up
’ thrum through the doors as I walk inside our bar of choice
Rehab
. A trendy little bar, built from what was left of the old Bastian fire station. It’s main pull was the fact that only 25’s were allowed entry and two sturdy bouncers, watched the doors at all times, one of which we had nick-named Jerry-curl due to his uncanny resemblance to Daryl from the film Coming to America. This type of security kept it stylish and allowed a consistently high dress code.
 

Its modern décor was designed in a hotel boutique theme, with plenty of dark segregated areas for good conversation and a dance floor, which appeased the more energetic punters. The best part was it was only five minutes from my house by taxi and although local, definitely competed with the inner city bars, which charged £10 more for a fancy cocktail. I’d been trying to meet with the manager for a few months now, to get in before they began work on converting the space above the Bar, into a restaurant - mental reminder to e-mail him again next week.

I feel positive. The rest of the week has gone well. Colin & I had grafted on The Ashton and things were in place for next week’s construction to begin and I’d managed to get to the wholesalers last minute on the way home from work last night. I’d even managed to make a Paper Mâché alien mask for Finn to take to
Futuristic Day
at Crèche. Complete with googly eyes, tentacles and flared nostrils. Finn had promptly named him Cuthbert and declared me the best mummy ever! I felt like the model mother and I’d found it hard, to let him go to Niall’s tonight and would have been happy to cuddle up in front of the TV with Pizza and a movie.

I’m glad I’d stuck to my plans though as although shattered the music is boosting me - I’m obsessed with this song, so it’s a good start to the night. It makes me feel free and is one of my favourite driving songs on my ipod - on permanent repeat whilst I sing along.
 

Everything has gone
,
as I’ve wanted it to with my appearance. My hair, is gleaming, my make-up sharp, I’d even put some false eyelashes on and my green-eyes now stand out piercingly from two dramatic black brushes. My clothes make me feel sexy and my new pony-skin stilettos, from Dune, (which are kindly assisting me in the height or lack-of-height department) and skinny ripped jeans-blazer combo work perfectly. The naughty no top under the blazer has added a great feminine touch to a relatively safe, boyish outfit and my cleavage is doing what it does best, peeking out, all bronzed and pert.

I feel confident and confidence stands for sexiness, right? All is good and I’m glad I’ve come out at Abby’s insistence. She was right we needed to shake it all off and have some fun. As I reach the bar and ask Abby what tipple she fancies, I glance over my right shoulder. That’s when I see him.
 

Shit!

He is hidden by the central pillar, so he is not entirely visible but it
is
him and God he looks hot, dressed in a dark fitted t-shirt, jeans, and black thin skin leather jacket. He is with Nathan, and Gino.
 

Oh crap! He sees me too.
 

Our eyes meet for a long second and I immediately feel flustered and turn to put all of my energy, into the guy behind the bar.
What was he doing here? Tonight was supposed to be Seb free?
My heart is pounding as the music throbs around me. There’s no denying my disloyal emotions; I’m bloody excited! He’s home again.
What did Abby say she wanted?
My mouth is totally dry.
“Hi. I’ll have 2 large penis’ please… oh and soda”. I add cheekily smiling at the good-looking young man. He knows I mean Pinot Grigio and I’m sure he’s fed up the in-house joke, we all use regularly, but like a good sport he chuckles anyway. I flirt outrageously with him, as I feel Sebastian’s eyes burning down on me.
Has he noticed? Why would he be bothered anyway, who I chat up? That wasn’t against the rules.
Feeling more in control of my emotions we move over to the farthest corner of the room, so I don’t appear desperate but that I still have a good enough view of his nibs.
“Are you alright Lu? I didn’t know they’d be here honest.” Abby looks really worried and I immediately give her a quick hug. “So much for having a girly night to wash away the Silver stress.”
“I’ll be fine. It was just a shock that’s all. Just a shame he looks so hot.” I bite my lip, considering him again. It was obscene to look
that
good.
“Well so do you; let him see what he can’t have on tap – it’s time to flaunt what you’ve got and flirt with the lot of them. You deserve some fun,” she offers generously. “Remember what we spoke about the other day.”
I laugh at my best friend’s cockiness. But I agree with what she has said and as if they have heard my thoughts, someone softly taps me on the shoulder. I spin around into an unexpected face.
“Hey Leo.”
His friend Simon is with him and smiles approvingly at Abs, who seems to open up like a flower under his ascertaining gaze.
God Abby, could you look any more desperate?
“Now then Ladies. How are we tonight?” He smiles slowly at us. “Can I get you a drink?”
Holding up my full glass I smile warmly. “We’re fine thanks Leo, we’ve just got served, although good luck getting yours, it’s a busy one.”
“Lucia, I need to talk to you at some point tonight. Can I get you alone for a while?”
Really? Talking. Again!
He smiles at me with his straight and definitely cosmetically enhanced, very white teeth. I do like a man with nice teeth but why am I always reminded of the scene from friends, when Ross’ teeth glow in the dark, whenever I look at Leo’s?
Trying to refocus I quickly reply, “Yeah sure. What’s up?”
“Nothing’s up. Just wanted to make my intentions clear to you again. I’m not sure that I did that properly, when I missed drinks last weekend.”
I inwardly groan. I wish Leo was… well a bit less obvious about his interest. Maybe then I’d find him more attractive? Knowing that Seb could be watching us, I ignore the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach and give Leo my full attention leaning in to talk closer.
“It was fine you missed our date. I understood, I said that on the night.” To be honest I was glad that he hadn’t turned-up, as I would never have had the chance to experience my flustered fumbles with Sebastian.
“I know you did, and its great we’re going to your sister’s on Saturday night - I just wondered…you are still interested aren’t you?” He takes a long drink of his pint of lager, giving me a moment to quickly find an answer that won’t offend but before I can respond he continues. “You just need to say; I really like you Lucia but I can take a hint and my fragile male ego is becoming more and more delicate by the day.” He laughs a little nervously but it breaks the ice, none-the-less.
I laugh too. He is funny, in a kind of cheery boyish way, totally different to my moody ex and the overly confident and super sexy Sebastian. He was respectful, had a great job, (cheap mortgages as Abby always reminded me) and seemed to be really into me but something was stopping me from carrying on with our
early days’
friendship. I definitely hadn’t yet felt the initial buzz that you get with a new interest. Maybe that was it?
Who am I kidding?
 
I know deep down
what
it is or rather
who
it is… and he really needed to just
do one
!
God why are men like buses? They come all at once, or not at all. Three weeks ago, I would have jumped at this opportunity to date a fairly good-looking, stable man who didn’t seem deterred by the fact that I was a single mum and came with lots of baggage; the majority of which came from Toysrus.
I look across to where the object of my thoughts is chatting animatedly and notice that he doesn’t seem the slightest bit interested in my own activities. Chris has joined them and is laughing at something Seb is saying. Sebastian is so different to Leo, he commands attention and gets it, easily. I watch as a girl I’d known years ago from the pub I’d used to waitress in, whilst at University, muscles her way closer to the group of attractive men; her eyes transfixed on her prize… Sebastian. My stomach juts with that unfamiliar sensation jealousy. Thoroughly annoyed at my reaction, I place my hand teasingly onto Leo’s arm and look at him as intently as I can muster.
“I like you too Leo; I haven’t been ignoring you. I’ve just been really busy with work the last week or so and Finn of course.”
I can see Abby mentally encouraging me as she works her own female magic with Simon – I now realise that she too is probably using him to make Nathan jealous. She really does want me to try dating Leo, even if it’s whilst experimenting with Seb.
I take her very obvious head-nodding in Leo’s direction hint and remember that I should be using this fabulous opportunity that has landed in my lap, even if just to see if Sebastian is actually bothered. I glance up at Leo, through my eyelashes, giving him my undivided attention and thank the heavens for Eyelure falsies and whilst drawing my spritzer, slowly through my straw I smile at him encouragingly. He smiles back and seems to be transfixed with what my mouth is doing to my straw.
“Oh OK. Good. I think you and I could be a good fit.”
“Yeah? I mean I’m new to this dating game and I’m not promising anything but let’s see… OK?” I place my hand comfortingly on his arm and smile up into his grayish blue eyes, hidden behind dark Bakelite trendy spectacles.
His hand covers mine and squeezes. Its warm and comforting but there are no electric currents, no instant fizz along my skin.
“I’ve watched you from afar for a while and now I’m helping you with Elysium, I’m hoping to see much more of you Lucia.” His eyes are hooded as he watches me for a response and I’m about to respond when I’m roughly knocked to my left and then grabbed in a big bear hug. The remnants of my drink, held in my free hand, are launched all over Leo in the commotion.
“Alright Sis. Lookin gorgeous as ever,” a handsome Italian face grins genuinely at me.
“Well maybe before I was all messed up by you G. What are you like?” I reprimand him and lean in to give my sister’s hubby a kiss on his designer stubbled cheek.
I notice that Leo seems to have been shuffled out of my near vicinity with the chaos and looks none too best pleased and not as dry as he had only moments earlier. I wince for him. I’m also sharply aware of a protective shield, which seems to have wrapped itself around me.
I know it’s him. I can sense him. The immediate tension cloaking us is thick and claustrophobic and entirely evocative.
“Look’s like he’s a bit of a drip, your Theo,” he drawls, leaning in towards me, his voice smooth and vaguely sly.
“Don’t be awful and it’s
Leo
not
Theo
!” I frown at him but find it hard not to smirk, looking past Sebastian at Leo’s current appearance. “Leo is great when you get to know him.” My voice sounds overly bright and enthusiastic.
“And have you?” His face is deadpan.
“Have I what?” I know exactly what he’s asking but I’m not going to make it easy for him.
“Got to know him…properly yet?”
“It’s none of your business Mr. Silver, if I have but actually no, not in
that
way.” I say begrudgingly.
Why did I just play my trump card so soon?
 
“Good, because I’d be seriously pissed off,” he snarls.
Recognising my chance to use my last ace, I stare at his deep brown darkening orbs. “I hadn’t finished actually, I was going to say, no not in that way…
yet
.
” Feeling extremely smug I spin to give my full attention back to Leo; the present company was starting to thoroughly piss me off.
I gasp as I’m grabbed forcefully at the elbow and twisted almost painfully to face my supposed
friend
.
“Lu, don’t play games with me.” He looks furious his face is stern and tense.
“Excuse me?
You
are the one who made the first move, taking us from friends to whatever…
this
is.” I lift my hands in frustration and continue now on a roll. “Then when I’d considered all the pros and cons and offered myself on a bloody silver platter to you, with my text, you agree, before rejecting me… again!”
I take a breath and go to take sip of my drink, immediately screwing my nose up at the empty slurp as my straw hits ice. I need another one and fast. Looking up at him, we lock eyes and watch each other intensely. To give him his due he looks chastised and I can tell he is thinking about his next move, running his tongue languidly along his bottom lip.
“You’re right. Everything has changed between us and I’ve made a total mess of it until now - its just every time I see you all I want to do is...”
His voice sounds sexier, more husky
,
and I watch his beautiful mouth as he slowly forms the words unhurriedly.
“… take you.”
Oh. My. God!
Desire curls around my body, heating my very core. Arousal is evident in his own eyes but I’m tired of the games. I kick myself for getting sucked in again.
What I would do for ten minutes with my old friend Seb; hormone free.
The need, the pure ache I have for him is not enough to risk our friendship.
Is it?
“Look maybe this isn’t such a good idea Seb. I’m your mate.” I look up at him with heavy eyelashes, protecting my true feelings, before adding, “Just leave me alone. Please.” I bite my lip; aware that I’m asking him to do something I do not truly believe
is
the best option for us.
“I can’t. You’re right, I started this but we’ve entered into an agreement now and I most certainly am not backing out. I can’t leave you alone.”
He shrugs nonchalantly and leans into the doorpost, managing to look annoying sexy and cool all at once. His handsome face makes me want to cup the side of his jaw and lean into him to smell his Sebastian Scent.
His voice halts my thoughts. “Believe me I’ve tried. You’re frighteningly hard to shake off.”
Nice - like some stray annoying dog!
I try to compose myself and aware of my lack of drink, grab his pint from his clasped hand, take a huge unladylike gulp and smart as it burns my raw throat on its travels down to my belly. I ignore his deep frown at my rather rude behaviour.
“Don’t worry, let me make this very simple for you. Maybe I wasn’t clear the other night.”
I can feel the emotion in my voice, my throat fills and my eyes begin to burn with expectant tears. I can sense that during our discussion, our friends seem to have moved away. Annoyed, I try to switch it down a notch, so my voice becomes much colder and more detached.
“We are supposed friends and that’s all we are, all we’ve ever been, I get it. Recent kind of fuck buddies I suppose you could say!”
Raising his brows, his head furrows and lips purse in obvious anger. “Fuck buddies obtain pleasure from their mutually beneficial arrangements. We haven’t…yet.”
I bite my lip at his crudeness but choose to ignore him. It would annoy him more than any quick retaliation.
“Look Lulu …” Seb moves forward, as if to try and pull me towards him but I deliberately step backwards and placing my arm out I take a deep breath. It’s now or never. I need to get a grip on this situation and take back some control over my life.
“Right Ok. Well now that that’s all cleared up. I also need to say, don’t ever, ever tell me whom I
can
and
can’t
see again.” On a roll I take a deep breath. “If I want to sleep with Leo, or make my way through the entire Lords Rugby Team, all at once, I bloody well will. It’s my body and I’ll bloody well fuck who I want to!”
Taking a deep breath I throw in my parting blow, hoping it might make a small, well maybe minute dent in his humongous ego. “Maybe tonight should be the night!”
I glance over temptingly in Leo’s direction, with no intention of ever following through with my statement.
Ha, that should do it.
With that I pivot on my beautiful but already crippling new stilettos and flounce, and I mean flounce, it isn’t delicate, probably more like Miss Piggy than Miss World, but I think I get my point across, as I head towards the Ladies toilets. God that man makes me soo angry-my blood is literally boiling. How didn’t I see this before and why am I seriously hoping that he’s still there when I return to Abby? Talk about self-harming - a bloody self-harming schizophrenic.
It’s only as I’m nearly at the turning for the ladies corridor that I give into the temptation and turn to see if he’s still watching me.
He is.
He’s staring right back at me, his eyes now black, his mouth grim and he looks completely confused. There’s definitely a storm brewing of turbulent anger and perhaps, could that be possessiveness? I don’t fucking know anymore.