Torrid Affair(15)

“Don't go out with Julian.”

“You don't have the right to tell me that.” I stopped walking and he turned to face me. “He asked; I said yes. We’re going out this weekend. You’re with Delaney because you want to be with her. Don’t bring me into it. And furthermore, I don't think it's any of your business who I date. End of discussion.”

Nate turned on his heel and continued to walk. He didn't speak to me for the remainder of the class.

Nor did he speak to me on Friday when Delaney and I met up with him for pizza. We occupied a booth at Mario’s Pizzeria, and Nate kept his head down and avoided eye contact with me.

“What's the matter, babe?” Delaney asked.

“I'm tired. I didn't get any sleep last night.”

She reached out and grabbed his hand. “We can sleep in late tomorrow if you want.”

“Actually, maybe it’ll be better if I go back to my place and crash.” He scooted out of the booth. Pulling his wallet out of his pocket, he threw a few bills on the table to cover the food. “I think I’m coming down with something.” He didn’t give Delaney a chance to fight him on it. He leaned over kissed the top of her head and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and walked out of Mario’s without looking back.

I didn't know if he was jealous, but I hoped he was. I hadn’t been with anyone since my last date with him, and though it was wrong to hope your best friend's boyfriend was jealous, it also felt kind of nice.

So, instead of feeling guilty, I savored his misery.





Chapter 8





Brielle


Delaney blew my hair out for me and made me change my outfit to something sexier than my knitted sweater. I settled for a lace camisole with an off the shoulder sweater. She studied me like a proud mama as I applied lip-gloss. She was staying in for the night as Nate had stated he still wasn’t feeling well. I refused to analyze what he was really thinking, and focused on Julian.

Like a true gentleman, Julian picked me up at my dorm. The soft knock on the door startled Delaney and she jumped up with joy. “He’s here!”

“Shh,” I demanded frantically. “You’re making this bigger than it has to be.”

“Are you kidding?” She sauntered over to me and ran her fingers through my hair. “We’ll be dating brothers! You can be my sister-in-law.”

I swatted her hand away. “It’s one date, Del.”

“Whatever. I’m already planning our joint wedding.”

Rolling my eyes at Delaney, I walked over to the door and pulled it open. Julian stood on the other side with a small bouquet of carnations in his hand. His hair was spiked up, and his eyes were bright blue to his light gray jacket and white undershirt.

“Hi.” I offered a wide smile.

“You look beautiful.” He handed me the bouquet and kissed my cheek.

I handed the flowers to Delaney. “Can you put these in water for me?”

Eagerly, Delaney rushed to my side and wrapped her hands around the stems. “You two kids have fun tonight!”

I shook my head and closed the door behind me. Julian led me along the hallway and then down the flight of stairs. Our conversation was light as we talked about school and which classes we were currently taking. I hadn’t mentioned that I went out with Nate once before, and I assumed Nate hadn't mentioned anything to him either because Julian never brought it up.

He drove us to a trendy restaurant downtown and valeted his car.

“I hope this is okay?” he asked as I climbed out of his car.

I glanced over at the restaurant. A few tables lined up against the brick wall; oversized glass light fixtures hung from the ceiling. The place was crowded. It sure as hell was the nicest place I’d been to.

“It’s perfect.” I smiled back at him and thanked God Delaney made me change into something nicer.

Julian rested his hand on the small of my back as he led me inside. The fragrance of herbs and garlic wafted through the air. Soft chattering from the tables could be heard over the soft music that played in the background.

“Welcome to Ferrero’s,” the hostess greeted us. “Do you have a reservation?”

Julian provided her with his name and we were led to a small tall table in the corner.

A small tea light candle flickered in the center. The waiter went over the specials and I quietly listened to all the options, hoping my face didn’t demonstrate my anxiety. I was a college student. My dinner most nights consisted of mac and cheese or ramen noodles. Fancy silverware and lamb chop specials weren’t something I had experienced before.

I ordered a glass of water and nervously glanced at the menu.

“Have you been here before?” Julian asked.