Page 73 of Fireworks

Chapter Twenty Four

*****

Nate

Staring up at the ceiling, I wondered how long I could just lay here before I would slip into madness. My mind was having trouble turning off tonight. Asher, Bridget, and I all hit the bar together. Although they left before I did, I didn’t know where to go. I knew I could easily go back to Katie’s hotel room again but continuing to mess around with her felt like a recipe for disaster. Especially when I had to sit the next day, telling Asher about sex I had with some random girl. The random girl being his sister. If he ever found out, he’d cut my balls off after knowing the details he wanted to know.

She was irresistible, gorgeous, smart, funny, and the complete package. My phone vibrated on my chest, the light blinding my eyes for when I raised it to see who was texting me.

Katie: Are you awake?

Nate: no

Katie: smartass I can’t sleep

Nate: me either. Been staring at this damn ceiling for two hours. At least I think your brother finally went to bed. Those two are not quiet.

Katie: thanks, now I’m ready to vomit on top of not sleeping

Nate: hahaha sorry

Katie: guess you stayed in tonight?

I knew exactly what she was thinking and didn’t want to ask. She was trying to see if I had gone to someone else’s room tonight instead of hers.

Nate: yeah, and your brother’s couch is uncomfortable as hell.

The light of the refrigerator drew my attention as I saw Bridget pulling a water bottle from the fridge. Sitting up, I couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that she was wearing one of Asher’s shirts as she slunk around trying to be quiet.

“I’m not asleep.”

My words broke the silence in the room causing her to slam the door, holding her hand to her chest.

“Jesus Nate. A little warning next time I damn near jumped out of my skin. Asher said you weren’t coming back tonight.”

“Sorry, change of plans. So, things sound like they’re going well. Should I say I told ya so now, or would it be better later?”

I smirked, knowing she’d be embarrassed knowing I heard them.

“Shut up. I’m going back to bed. Have to be back at my hotel before everyone gets back in the morning.”

If only she knew I had been sneaking around the same as her, she would probably give me an earful about how stupid I was being.

“Although I’m still pissed that you lied to me about being with him, I’m glad you’re both happy. You guys deserve it.”

“Thanks Nate.”

She walked closer, lowering her voice to just above a whisper.

“How was the drive? Asher said you two have been at each other’s throats the whole time.”

Her eyes lowered, like she was afraid to know what my answer might be. She knew I wasn’t the type to just push my feelings out the door and forget them. I wasn’t sure that if I told her anything, she wouldn’t tell Asher. So, I went with the most logical response I knew I could pass off as real.

“It’s fine. Can’t wait to get home to my bed.”

Asher’s shadow appeared in the doorframe.

“When did you get back? We weren’t keeping you up, were we?”