Domino Effect (Effect 2)

I laughed, relieved that he wasn’t just physically driven to get me back. “We’ll see.” Truth was, when he touched me, I forgot everything else. More seriously, I added, “I want to make sure this isn’t based on sex. It’s obvious we still have chemistry, but I need to know we’re still right for each other.”

Brandt squeezed my hand.

“That works for me. So, as of February second, it’s fair game to seduce you?”

“Yes, but I’m going to make you work for it.”

The look of joy on Brandt’s face warmed the places in my soul that I’d locked off, afraid of acute heartache.

“I’d expect nothing less from you. Just leave the damn 8 Ball out of it.”

I giggled. I loved my Magic 8 Ball. From time to time, I’d bring it out and consult it. Whatever it said, I followed. The wise blue triangle knew all. Most of the time, the black ball of wisdom seemed to work against Brandt, which made me laugh. “We’ll see. Depends on whether you misbehave.”

The connection sizzled between us. We were going to fight for us. For love.

“Brandt?”

“Yes.”

“Please take care of my heart. I’m entrusting it to you. It’s broken and hasn’t been the same since I lost you.” My voice broke.

He put his forehead to mine. “I’ll guard it with my life and do everything in my power to mend it.”

NIKOLA’S WORDS WERE like a wrecking ball. She deserved the best and showing her was the only way to convince her that I could be her guy again. It would be hard to keep from initiating sex with her for a month, but that was what she needed, and I was going to make it work. But I wanted to feel her wrapped around me.

We were still hugging, and after a long few minutes, I released her. She was glowing, but I could still sense her hesitation. To lighten the mood, I pulled out my phone.

“What are you doing?” Her voice was inquisitive.

Pulling up the app store I found what I was looking for. “Downloading an app.”

“What kind of app?”

I turned away as she leaned in to see my phone, but she slapped my shoulder.

“You’re keeping it away from me on purpose.”

“That would be an affirmative.”

She grunted, and I tried to suppress my amusement but failed. Quickly, before she had a chance to snatch the phone, I typed in February second and pressed Start Timer.

Proudly I held up the phone, and she read it.

“Oh my gosh! You’re terrible. This may last longer than a month.”

Nikola scolded me, but she laughed. Nikola liked this quirky side. It was part of who we were together. We could bench the seriousness sometimes and be silly.

Life without laughter and fun wasn’t really living, only existing. Those were words my dad lived by. “We’ll see if we make it a month.” I gave her a wink. She blushed.

I took another sip of coffee, fighting the urge to kiss her as we settled back into our seats. “What’s your schedule look like? I’m hoping I can take you on an actual first date in the next day or so.”

Her face fell. Shit. She’s going out of town on business.

“I fly out this afternoon to see a client in New Jersey. I’ve been working on a marketing proposal for them. Lately, I’ve been taking more out of town trips and expanding my client base. It’s helped take my mind off things.”

The regretful tone in her voice made me smile. Nikola really wanted a first date. “How long are you gone?”

She pulled out her phone. “Three days. Each week for the next month I’m gone for three to four days.”

Fuck. The selfish side of me wasn’t ready to let her go, but it’d show her we could survive with time apart. Nikola would be able to see what I was like now as we got to know each other again. “That’ll make you miss me more. It’ll ensure my blue balls get relief in—,” I checked my phone. “Thirty days, thirteen hours, and thirty-one minutes.”

She giggled—a magical sound I thought I’d never hear again. “You may have a point there,” she said. “However, I can’t confirm or deny agreement.”

This was us. As easy as breathing. A thought formed in the back of mind, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. So much was the same, but what would be different?

How would that affect the balance we were used to?

I needed to ask Quentin what to expect.

In the end, it didn’t matter. I’d crawl through fire for Nikola.

Nikola was flying home, and I was at Club Envy. She’d declined my offer to take her to the airport a couple of days ago, and I hoped she’d let me pick her up. But she hadn’t. Honestly, it stung a little, but apparently, this flight had a history of delays and she didn’t want to impose.

Adam knocked on the door to the security office. “Matt’s coming in tonight to take over security. Are you going to let him do his job this time?”

I turned the chair around and threw my arm of the back of it. “The thought has crossed my mind. I might even hand the office over to him and leave for tonight.”

We’d hired Matt after Adam had to man the security cameras one night with Ainsley. He’d all but forced me into it, and for the first time, I contemplated thanking the bastard for having the foresight.

Adam smirked. “I know you’re thinking I’m the smartest man living right now.”

“Asshole.” I refused to give him the satisfaction, but Adam knew he was right. “Where’s Ainsley tonight?”

Adam rubbed a hand down his face. “Ainsley’s at home. Since I actually needed to work, she’s having Emilyn over to watch The Last Unicorn. She’s out of school for winter break, so they’re doing a slumber party. I’ll be here all night.”

Emilyn was our bartender, Nora’s, sister, and she and Ainsley had gotten close over the years. From time to time, Ainsley helped watch Emilyn when their mom had to work. What Nora had told me about Adam watching The Last Unicorn came to mind.

“You mind singing your Prince Lir parts for me? I hear you do a fantastic job.”

“Fuck off, asshole. Have you been talking to Nora? That shit is private. Ainsley gave me a guilt trip with that big-eyed-puppy-dog crap.” Adam was clearly getting worked up. It was rare that I could get under his skin.

To further agitate him, I smirked, rather than arguing verbally. I‘d won this round, and there was no denying it. I made a mental note to see if I could buy the soundtrack and give it to Adam as a present.

“So, since you’re not heading home to relive your role as Prince Lir, do you mind if I takeoff when Nikola lands?”

He flipped me the bird, and I laughed.

“Go have fun,” he said. “Tell Nikola I said, ‘Hi.’ No pressure, but when you’re ready, maybe we could all go out together. Help pass the hours on your blue ball timer.”

“How the fuck did you find out about that?”

No one knew about that timer except Nikola.

Adam smirked. Bastard. “Nora said you left your phone on the bar with the timer open. I guess the words ‘blue balls’ caught her attention.” Adam walked toward the door. “I heard ice helps. Not that I’d know. Just be careful of frostbite.”

“You’re a dick sometimes, Adam.”

Adam whistled down the hall. Nora loved to stir shit between Adam and me. This round seemed to have ended in a tie. I pulled out my phone and ordered The Last Unicorn CD. As I hit Place My Order, a text message came through from Nikola. We’d talked right before she’d boarded—her trip had been a success.

Nikola: Landed.

Me: You up for a date?

Nikola: I want to see you, but I don’t want to go out and be social.

Me: Perfect. I know somewhere great. I’ll pick you up in an hour. Wear comfy clothes.

Nikola: I’ll be ready. Can’t wait.

Me: Me either. I’ve missed you.

Nikola: I’ve missed you, too.

I started clearing all my stuff from the desk, prepping the area for Matt. A few minutes later, Ma

tt knocked on the door. He was ex-military and exuded the look with his crew cut and muscled stature. Many of our patrons had propositioned him, but so far, he hadn’t found someone that suited his fancy.

“What do you want me to do tonight, Brandt?”

Standing, I gestured toward the seat. “I’m actually going to let you do what we hired you for. Sorry I’ve been a pain in the ass. Security is yours. We’ve sat together enough that you know the drill. I’m stepping back from security.”

Without hesitation, he said, “Thanks, man. I’ll keep you posted.”