He Was My Brother’s Best Friend First

He Was My Brother’s Best Friend

He was never supposed to look at me like that.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to want him to.

But the way he watches me now—
like he’s already crossed a line he can’t come back from—

changes everything.

This isn’t a mistake.

This is something worse.

Chapter 1 – I Got the Job

The words didn’t feel real.

“Perfect. We will be in contact via email. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Happy to have you as part of the team, Scarlett.”

I just sat there.

Phone pressed to my ear. Heart pounding so hard it was almost painful. Mouth slightly open, like if I breathed wrong, the whole thing would disappear and I’d find out I’d imagined it.

Then the line went dead.

The call had ended.

And still I didn’t move.

I stared at the dark screen of my phone, my reflection staring back at me in the glass with wide eyes and flushed cheeks, like she couldn’t quite believe it either.

I got it.

The thought hit me once, hard and bright.

Then again.

Then all at once.

“I got it,” I whispered, and my voice came out breathless, unsteady. “I got it.”

The room around me felt too small for it. Too quiet. Too normal.

I had spent weeks trying not to hope too hard. Trying not to build my life around a possibility that could vanish with one polite rejection email. I had replayed the interview in my head so many times I could practically recite my own answers. I had laid awake wondering if I’d smiled enough, if I’d sounded too nervous, if I’d said something stupid without realizing it.

And now—

Now I had the job.

A real job.

A paralegal position at Nikodem.

Not an internship. Not a maybe. Not a “we’ll keep your résumé on file.”

Mine.

“Scarlett?”

Sam’s voice broke through the haze, and I looked up to find him already half out of his chair, his brows drawn together in that way they always did when he was trying to read me.

“Well?” he asked.

I think I smiled before I even meant to. It just happened, bursting out of me too fast to contain.

“I got it.”

For half a second, Sam only stared at me. Then he broke into a grin.

“You got it?”

“I got it.”

He laughed, that warm, easy laugh of his, and in the next second he was crossing the room and pulling me into a hug so tight it nearly knocked the breath out of me.

“Oh my God,” he said into my hair. “Scarlett, I knew it. I told you. I told you.”

I laughed too, but it came out shaky, almost collapsing into something else entirely. Relief. Joy. Disbelief. I could feel tears pressing at the backs of my eyes, that awful embarrassing kind that came when you were so overwhelmingly happy your body didn’t know what to do with it.

I clutched the back of his shirt and squeezed my eyes shut.

“I hang up the phone and Sam grabs me and hugs me… I am so overwhelmingly happy I could cry.”

And I almost did.

The words from the call kept replaying in my head, over and over, like if I repeated them enough they might settle into something real. Happy to have you as part of the team, Scarlett.

A part of the team.

Me.

When I finally pulled back, Sam’s hands stayed warm on my arms, steadying me.

“There she is,” he said softly, smiling down at me. “Future hotshot paralegal.”

I let out a breathless laugh. “Don’t jinx it.”

“It’s not a jinx if they literally offered you the job.”

I pressed a hand over my mouth, still trying to contain the grin stretching across my face. “This feels insane.”

“This feels right.”

For a second I just looked at him. Sam had always had this way of saying things so simply they cut through all the noise in my head. Like the world was straightforward and kind and reasonable, and if I just slowed down long enough, I’d see it too.

Maybe that was part of why being with him felt so easy.

Maybe that was why I loved him.

The thought came quietly, familiar and soft.

Then a new one crashed right over it.

My family.

I had to tell them.

I grabbed Sam’s wrist without thinking. “Sam, can you drive me home?”

He blinked. “What?”

“I can’t wait to tell my family.” The words tumbled out of me fast, rushing over each other. “I need to tell them right now before I explode.”

His smile widened. “Yeah. Of course.”

I was already snatching up my bag and phone, adrenaline making everything inside me buzz. “Come on.”

Sam laughed under his breath as he followed me out. “You’re acting like they’re going to rescind the offer if you don’t announce it in the next ten minutes.”

“They might,” I shot back, and he rolled his eyes affectionately.

By the time we got to the car, I was barely thinking in full sentences.

I got it.

I got it.

I got it.

Everything outside the window blurred into meaningless streaks of green and gray as Sam drove. Houses. Trees. Mailboxes. Stop signs. None of it felt real. My mind kept jumping ahead—to my parents’ faces, to Liam’s reaction, to the way my mom would probably cry and my dad would do that proud smile he tried to play off like he wasn’t emotional.

I could already hear the questions.

When do you start?
Did they say what your hours would be?
Did you accept right away?
What exactly will you be doing?

And I wanted it. All of it. Every second.

Sam reached across the center console at a stoplight and squeezed my knee. “You’re vibrating.”

“I know.”

“It’s a little scary.”

“I know.”

He laughed again. “You’re cute when you’re losing your mind.”

“I am not losing my mind.”

“You’re definitely losing your mind.”

I turned toward the window, smiling helplessly to myself. Maybe I was.

By the time we pulled into my parents’ driveway, I was already unbuckling.

“Scarlett—”

“I’ll wait,” Sam said quickly, reading me too easily. “Go.”

I was out of the car before he’d fully finished the word.

I barely remembered crossing the lawn. Barely remembered shoving the front door open.

I just knew I was moving fast, too full of excitement to slow down, too desperate to get the words out.

“I run into the house dying to tell my parents and brother the good news.”

I rounded the corner into the living room—

—and slammed straight into someone.

Hard.

A startled curse left both of us at the same time as the impact sent us stumbling backward. My foot caught on the edge of the rug, and suddenly I was falling, dragging whoever I’d hit down with me.

We crashed to the floor in a tangle of limbs.

Pain jolted up my elbow. My hair fell across my face. The air whooshed out of my lungs.

For a second I could only blink, stunned, trying to orient myself.

“I was in such a rush I slam into someone in the living room and we both fall to the ground.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake—”

That voice.

My stomach dropped.

No.

No.

I pushed myself up on shaky hands, hair sliding out of my face—

—and froze.

“I push myself up to see who I landed on and my face is inches away from Ricky.”

Of course it was him.

Of course.

Ricky stared up at me with dark amused eyes, one corner of his mouth already pulling into a smirk like this was the best thing that had happened to him all day.

“Wow, Scarlett…” he drawled, not sounding remotely inconvenienced by the fact that I’d just body-slammed him into my parents’ hardwood floor. “Just when I thought you couldn’t be any more clumsy.”

Heat rushed to my face.

“Get off me,” he added lazily.

The spell broke.

I shoved myself upright so fast my knee slipped against the rug. “Why the hell are you here?”

Ricky sat up slower, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt with irritating calm. He looked perfectly at ease, like he belonged there. Like I was the one intruding.

“I came to see Liam, of course,” he said. “And your lovely parents invited me to stay for dinner.”

My jaw tightened.

He tilted his head, eyes glinting. “I was told you’d be out, so I accepted the invite.”

Of course he did.

Perfect timing. As always.

There had been a time, years ago, when Ricky being in our house had felt normal. Back when he and Liam were inseparable, back when they spent half their lives here playing video games too loud in the basement and raiding our fridge like they paid for the groceries.

Then somewhere along the way, Ricky had become unbearable.

Or maybe he’d always been unbearable, and I’d just been too young to notice.

Either way, now every time he was in the same room as me, it was like he took some private satisfaction in getting under my skin as efficiently as possible.

And the worst part?

He was good at it.

The front door opened behind me.

Sam.

He stepped inside, then took one look at Ricky on the floor, at me standing over him flushed and furious, and his expression shifted into resigned understanding.

He knew that face.

He knew exactly what it meant.

“Oh man…” Sam muttered, shutting the door behind him. “What happened now?”

Ricky looked up at him and laughed quietly. “Hi, Sam. Sorry for your unfortunate situation.”

I closed my eyes for one second.

Every. Single. Time.

Ever since Sam and I started dating, Ricky said it whenever he saw him. Sorry for your unfortunate situation. Like being with me was some kind of tragic burden Sam was bravely enduring.

The first time he’d said it, I’d thought maybe it was an off joke. By the fifth time, I’d realized no, this was a thing he enjoyed. A routine. A little knife he liked to twist just to watch me react.

Sam only sighed, exactly like someone who had heard it a hundred times before—because he had.

Then Ricky went on, voice full of fake innocence. “This klutz came running in here and knocked me on my ass.”

I stared at him. “You literally ran into me.”

“Interesting revision of events.”

“You—”

Sam stepped in before I could say something that would definitely start a fight in my parents’ living room. He reached for my hand without a word, grounding me instantly.

My anger didn’t vanish, but it stopped expanding.

His thumb brushed once over my knuckles.

“Do you want to go get your parents and brother to tell them?” he asked quietly.

The reminder landed like a hand on my shoulder, pulling me back to what had mattered two minutes ago.

The job.

My news.

My moment.

I glanced at Ricky, still sitting there looking entirely too entertained with himself.

“I don’t know that I want to tell them with Ricky here.”

Sam’s expression softened, but his hand tightened around mine just slightly. “He’s going to find out one way or another.”

He wasn’t wrong.

And I hated that he wasn’t wrong.

I took a breath through my nose, forcing myself to unclench. I was not going to let Ricky derail this. I was not giving him that kind of power today.

“You’re right,” I said quietly. Then louder: “You’re right, Sam. I don’t care if Ricky is here.”

Ricky’s brows lifted like he was pleased I’d decided to perform through adversity.

I ignored him.

I turned toward the hallway and raised my voice.

“Mom? Dad? Liam?”

A beat of silence.

Then: “What?” my brother shouted back from somewhere deeper in the house.

“I need you guys out here!”

“What did you break?” Liam called.

“Nothing!”

Ricky laughed under his breath.

I glared at the wall instead of at him.

Footsteps sounded almost immediately—first quick, then overlapping, then all at once as my family spilled into the living room.

My mom came first, wiping her hands on a dish towel, her face already full of concern that turned to confusion when she saw me standing there practically vibrating. My dad followed close behind, and Liam appeared last, looking halfway amused, halfway suspicious.

“What happened?” my mom asked.

“Are you okay?” my dad added.

Liam looked from me to Sam to Ricky still sitting on the floor and frowned. “Why is he on the ground?”

“Because your sister has the spatial awareness of a wrecking ball,” Ricky said.

“Shut up,” I snapped automatically.

Then I laughed, because I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and suddenly my eyes were burning again and my chest felt too tight and everything I wanted to say jammed up at once behind my teeth.

My mom took one look at my face and gasped. “Scarlett—what is it?”

And that was it. That was all it took.

“I got the job.”

Silence.

A split second of it.

Then my mom let out a shriek and rushed me.

Her arms wrapped around me so hard I stumbled back into Sam. “Oh, honey!”

My dad was right behind her, one hand going to the back of my head, the other around my shoulders, pulling me into that rare kind of hug that only happened when he was too proud to care about acting reserved.

Liam’s whole face changed. “Wait. You got it?”

I was laughing and crying at the same time now, which was humiliating but apparently unavoidable. “I got it.”

“The paralegal position?” my dad asked, like maybe there had been several major legal job offers floating around for me today.

“Yes!”

My mom pulled back only enough to cup my face in both hands. “At Nikodem?”

“Yes!”

“Oh my God,” she breathed, eyes shining. “Scarlett.”

Liam let out a low whistle and came forward next, grabbing me into a quick hug that smelled faintly like laundry detergent and whatever cologne he always used too much of. “That’s huge. Seriously. Congrats.”

“Thanks.”

“You actually did it.”

I shoved his shoulder weakly. “Obviously.”

My father smiled then, that specific one that always made something in my chest ache because it was so quiet and sincere. “We knew you could.”

And for a moment, everything felt exactly how it was supposed to.

Warm.

Bright.

Mine.

Questions flew from all sides.

“When do you start?”
“Did they send the paperwork yet?”
“What did they say?”
“Did you accept right away?”
“Do they do benefits immediately?”

I answered them all in a blur, laughing, talking too fast, barely even hearing my own voice over the rush in my ears.

And then—

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ricky.

Still by the couch now, standing instead of sitting, one hand in his pocket.

Smirking.

Not big. Not openly mocking.

Just enough.

That look.

Sharp. Knowing. Annoying.

It was like his expression said, There you are.

Like he’d been watching me the whole time.

Like my excitement amused him.

Or interested him.

Or both.

Something low in my stomach tightened.

Unsettling.

Familiar.

I dragged my gaze away.

I was not doing this. Not today.

“I just wanted to let you all know I was offered a paralegal position at Nikodem,” I said again, louder this time, as if repeating it might drown out the sensation of being watched.

My mom made another emotional noise and clutched my arm. “This calls for dessert.”

My dad laughed. “It’s six-thirty.”

“So?”

Liam grinned. “I support this.”

Sam was still beside me, smiling in that calm, steady way he did, and when I glanced at him he squeezed my hand again.

His expression said the same thing it always did when I got in my head too much.

Stay here.

Stay in this moment.

So I tried.

I really did.

But still, every few seconds, I could feel Ricky’s gaze.

Not always obvious. Not enough for anyone else to comment on. But there.

Present.

Like a low heat at the edge of a room.

Eventually my mom disappeared toward the kitchen in search of something celebratory, and my dad followed to help her. Liam started asking me practical questions about commute times and whether the office was downtown or farther out, and Sam answered a few on my behalf when I got distracted halfway through.

Normal conversation.

Normal happiness.

Exactly what I’d wanted.

Then Ricky spoke.

“So,” he said lightly, and I hated that my entire body seemed to register his voice before my mind did, “you’re going to be a paralegal.”

I turned to look at him fully for the first time since the announcement.

He leaned one shoulder against the doorway to the dining room, casual as anything. Dark hair a little messy. That same infuriating almost-smile still sitting on his mouth like he knew something no one else did.

“Yes,” I said.

“Interesting.”

My brows pulled together. “What’s interesting?”

He shrugged. “You.”

Liam groaned. “Oh my God.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me?”

Ricky’s gaze moved over my face with slow, infuriating calm. “Just didn’t picture you voluntarily choosing a career that involves paperwork, detail, patience, and not committing homicide when people are annoying.”

Sam went still beside me.

Liam muttered, “Dude.”

I felt heat rise instantly into my cheeks. “Are you serious?”

“What?” Ricky said, sounding almost bored. “I’m complimenting you.”

“In what universe?”

“The one where I’m surprised you can sit still long enough to do legal work and not stab the printer the first time it jams.”

Liam barked out a laugh before choking it back.

“Not helping,” I snapped at him.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You laughed.”

“It was a reflex.”

I looked back at Ricky. “You know what? Forget it.”

His gaze sharpened slightly, like that answer interested him more than if I’d exploded.

That only made me angrier.

“Actually, no. Don’t forget it,” I said. “Why do you always do that?”

Liam sighed. “Scarlett—”

“No, I mean it.” I stepped away from Sam, folding my arms over my chest. “Every single time I see you, you have something to say. Every time. Why?”

Ricky straightened a little from the doorway.

For a brief second, the room shifted. The air changed.

His expression didn’t, exactly. But something in his eyes did.

Like a lock turning.

“Scarlett,” Sam said quietly, warning in his tone.

But I was already there now, too annoyed to back off.

“You can never just let me have a moment,” I said. “There always has to be some comment, some stupid little jab—”

“I said I was surprised.”

“Oh, please.”

“And?” Ricky asked.

“And you’re an ass.”

That almost-smile deepened.

“There she is.”

The words hit me harder than they should have.

Like he’d been waiting for me to push back. Like this—this sharpness between us, this rhythm of bait and response—was something familiar to him. Something he enjoyed.

I hated how instinctive it felt.

I hated that he could drag it out of me so easily.

Before I could answer, my mom reappeared holding a pie server like a weapon.

“Why does it sound like there’s fighting in my living room?”

“Because there is,” Liam said.

“There’s not,” Sam and I said at the same time.

Ricky just looked at me.

My mom narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Scarlett.”

“I’m fine.”

She looked at Ricky next. “Ricky.”

“Mrs. Bennett.”

“Behave.”

His mouth twitched. “Always.”

I nearly laughed at the sheer audacity of that lie.

My mother disappeared again, unconvinced.

The room quieted for a second after that. Liam shoved his hands in his pockets and looked between us all like he was trying to calculate how close he was to needing to referee. Sam shifted closer to me again, not touching this time, just present.

But Ricky—

Ricky didn’t look away.

It was the strangest thing.

Usually his comments felt casual, thrown out just to irritate me and then forgotten. Usually he acted like nothing mattered enough to take seriously.

But right now, standing there in my parents’ living room while everyone else tried to move past the moment, he was watching me with a look that didn’t feel casual at all.

It made my stomach tighten all over again.

There was something in it I didn’t understand.

Something that didn’t fit.

I turned away first.

Liam started talking to Sam about something stupid and sports-related, and I let their voices wash over me without really listening. My heartbeat still hadn’t settled. My happiness from earlier was still there, still bright and real, but now it had something tangled through it. Something irritated and restless and annoyingly electric.

I hated that one look from him could do that.

I hated that after all this time, Ricky still knew exactly how to get under my skin.

A little later, when plates had been passed around and everyone drifted toward the dining room, I hung back for a moment under the excuse of checking my phone.

Really, I just needed a second to breathe.

The house was full of familiar sounds—my mom fussing in the kitchen, my dad opening and closing cabinets, Liam arguing with Sam about whether some team had been robbed last season.

Normal.

Safe.

I looked down at my phone and reread the email they’d sent after the call, just to reassure myself again that it was still there.

It was.

Offer letter attached.

My chest swelled all over again.

This was happening.

This was real.

“You’re actually happy.”

I looked up sharply.

Ricky stood in the doorway, half in shadow, hands in his pockets.

I lowered my phone. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “Exactly what I said.”

I should have walked away.

I should have ignored him.

Instead I heard myself say, “You make it sound rare.”

His gaze held mine. “It is.”

That annoyed me more than if he’d insulted me again.

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re usually tense,” he said. “Ready to bite someone’s head off.”

“Maybe because you’re usually in the room.”

A flicker of amusement passed over his face. “Maybe.”

I stared at him. “So you agree you’re the problem.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You implied it.”

He tilted his head. “You got the job, Scarlett. You should try enjoying that instead of trying to pick a fight with me.”

I let out a short laugh, genuinely disbelieving. “You started it.”

“Did I?”

“Yes.”

“By saying I was surprised?”

“By existing in my house, actually.”

That got a real smile out of him.

Brief. Crooked. Gone almost as quickly as it had appeared.

And for one stupid second, it threw me.

Because it changed his whole face. Made him look younger. Less sharp. Less impossible.

Which was deeply inconvenient.

I recovered first. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

The question slipped out before I could stop it.

His expression flattened slightly. “Like what?”

“Like—” I cut myself off, suddenly very aware that I didn’t actually know how to explain it. “Never mind.”

“No.” His voice lowered just enough to make my pulse skip once. “Go ahead.”

I hated that.

I hated the way he said things sometimes, like the rest of the room had disappeared. Like his attention narrowed everything.

I tightened my grip on my phone. “Forget it.”

He took one step farther into the room.

Not close.

Not exactly.

But enough.

“Scarlett.”

My name sounded wrong in his mouth when he said it like that. Too calm. Too direct.

Too personal.

I swallowed. “What?”

His green eyes moved over my face, unreadable. “Congratulations.”

Just that.

Nothing mocking. Nothing sharp.

For a second I only stared.

It would have been easier if he’d smirked after saying it. Easier if he’d made it another joke. Easier if he’d stayed exactly the version of himself I’d gotten used to being angry at.

But he didn’t.

And somehow that unsettled me more.

“Thanks,” I said finally.

He nodded once.

Then, as if the moment had never happened, Liam shouted from the dining room, “If you two are plotting each other’s murders in there, do it after dinner.”

I blinked.

Ricky looked toward the sound, then back at me.

And there it was again—that almost-smile. That edge. That infuriating ease.

“See?” he said lightly. “Your brother knows you well.”

I rolled my eyes so hard it almost hurt. “Go to hell.”

He stepped aside, gesturing toward the dining room like some smug, dark-haired asshole at the gates of politeness. “After you.”

I walked past him without another word.

But as I did, I could feel him watching me.

And the worst part?

I was suddenly too aware of it.

Too aware of him standing there, too aware of the brush of air as I moved by, too aware of the fact that my pulse had picked up again for reasons I absolutely refused to examine.

By the time I sat down at the table, I had my smile back in place. My parents were still glowing. Liam was still teasing me. Sam slid into the chair beside me, warm and familiar and easy.

This was my night.

My accomplishment.

My future.

And I wasn’t letting anything ruin that.

Not Ricky’s smirks.

Not his comments.

Not the strange look in his eyes when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.

His smirk still knotted my stomach up, but I chose to ignore him and feel good about this.

Because this moment?

This was mine.

And I wasn’t letting him take it.

Chapter 2 – The Beginning of Everything

The road stretches endlessly in front of us, winding through trees and sunlight that flickers across the windshield.  I keep my eyes forward.

Because looking at Sam right now feels… harder than it should.  My parents were so happy for me they decided to take Liam and I to the lake this weekend to celebrate.  Unfortunately, Liam invited Ricky… but I got to bring Sam, so I wasn’t too worried.

Sam smiles.

“This was really nice of your parents to invite all of us to the lake. It will be a lot of fun.”

 “Yeah,” I say quietly.

But I don’t feel relaxed.  Not even close.  Sam glances over.

“So… what are the sleeping arrangements?”

My stomach tightens instantly.  I feel heat rush to my cheeks.
One of the main issues Sam and I have is that I’m not ready to sleep with him.

He made it clear he is okay with waiting… but he still brings it up.  I have never slept with anyone before.

Sam goes completely still beside me.  Too still.  He looks like he is being very careful not to make any reaction.

“Can I ask you something, Scarlett?”

 “…Yes.”

He studies me.

“Are you nervous because it is your first time… or because it’s with me?”

That question hits deeper than I expect.  Because I don’t have a clean answer.  I exhale slowly.

“Honestly, Sam… it’s both.”

I pause.

“Sex is a big deal to me. I want to make sure I know the person I’m sleeping with inside and out.”

My voice softens.

“I care for you deeply… but I’m just not ready.”

Sam nods immediately.  No hesitation.

“I understand, Scarlett. I only want to if you are ready. I wish there was something I could do to show you I’m the guy.”

I glance at him.  There’s no pressure in his voice.  Just… hope.

 “It just takes time, Sam,” I say gently.
“You are great, but I just need time.”

I hesitate, then add

“In case you haven’t noticed… men who are outside of my family have always been jerks to me.”

He frowns slightly.

“You mean Ricky?”

I look out the window again.

“Ricky was just the start.”

My voice tightens.

“He had the whole middle and high school convinced I was trash. All the boys were mean to me because of Ricky.”

Sam exhales slowly.

“Didn’t your brother know? Or try to help you?”

I shake my head.

“Liam was just happy I wasn’t dating.”

A beat passes.  Then Sam tries to shift the mood.

“Do you know how this crazy feud between you and Ricky even started?”

That question lands differently.  Heavier.

 “I don’t know for sure…” I say slowly.
“But I think it was because of something that happened when I was twelve…”

I glance at him.

“Do you want to hear the story?”

FLASHBACK

It was a warm day.  The kind that feels endless.  Easy.

Before everything got complicated.  I see them right away.  Ricky and Liam.  Laughing near the trees.  I hesitate.  Then walk up anyway.

“Hi Ricky… can I hang out with you and Liam?”

Ricky turns instantly.  Smiling.

“Of course, Scarlett. You can always play with us.”

Warmth spreads through me.  The way it always did when he looked at me like that.  Liam rolls his eyes.

“Scarlett, go away. We’re older than you and want to be left alone.”

Before I can react—

“Stop it, Liam. Scarlett’s cool,” Ricky says.

I look at him.

Surprised.  He didn’t have to defend me.  But he did.  Liam scoffs.

“Whatever, Ricky. You’re only saying that because you two have a huge crush on one another.”

Everything freezes.  My face burns.  Ricky looks at me… waiting.

I feel my cheeks blaze and Ricky just smiles. I want to be cool in front of them so I say

“We do not, Liam. Bobby asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday and I said yes. I would never have a crush on Ricky.”

The moment the words leave my mouth I regret them.  Ricky’s smile disappears.  Completely.  Liam shrugs.  But I don’t hear him anymore.  Because Ricky… Ricky looks hurt.  Really hurt.  I swear I see tears in his eyes before he turns and walks away.

I don’t go after him.  I can’t.  With tears in my eyes I walk home. I hated that I lied like that and hurt Ricky.

Because the truth was I had always liked him.  From the very beginning.

PRESENT DAY

 “So you think Ricky hates you now because of what happened when you were kids?” Sam asks.

 “Well no… but I think that was the start of it,” I say quietly.

Sam nods.

Then forces a lighter tone.

“Well, try to forget the past and let’s just have a great weekend.”

I nod.

“Agreed.”

But I don’t believe that.  Not really.  My eyes feel heavy and I fall asleep the rest of the car ride.

And as I drift off—

I can’t shake the feeling that this weekend is going to change everything.

Chapter 3 – The Lake

I don’t remember falling asleep.

One second I was watching the road blur past the window, sunlight flickering through trees, the low hum of the engine steady and warm—and the next, everything was quiet.

Safe.

Still.

I wake up when the car slows.

The shift is subtle at first—the gentle deceleration, the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires—but it’s enough to pull me out of sleep.

For a second, I forget where I am.

Then I see it.

The lake.

Bright blue water stretching endlessly beneath the sun. Trees lining the shore. The familiar wooden dock. The cabin just beyond it, sitting quietly like it’s been waiting for us.

My parents’ lake house.

Unfortunately Liam invited Ricky.

I had tried not to let it ruin the mood.

“I get to bring you,” I told Sam, forcing a smile. “So I’m not too worried.”

At the time, I almost believed that.

Now, as we pull up and I see Ricky’s car already parked outside my stomach tightens.

We step out.

The air smells like lake water and warm wood.

Everything should feel perfect.

But it doesn’t.

“Hi Sam! Hi Scarlett!” my mom calls out immediately, walking toward us with a bright smile.

“Go drop off your stuff and come back out here, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.”

Sam grabs our bags and we head inside.

The cabin feels exactly the same as it always has.  Comfortable, familiar, safe… until we check the bedrooms.
My parents’ room, Liam’s room, and Ricky’s already claimed the last one.

Which leaves one.

I feel heat rush to my cheeks instantly.

Sam notices.

Of course he does.

 “Rather than create an awkward situation,” he says calmly, like it’s no big deal, “we can just sleep together.”

He pauses slightly.

“I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

I look at him.

Really look at him.

He means it.

There’s no pressure.

No expectation.

Just… consideration.

Relief settles into my chest.

“Okay,” I say softly. “Thank you, Sam.”

We drop our bags and head back outside.

 “All right guys!” my Mom calls out excitedly.
“Your dad and I rented sea doos for all of us! We’re going down to the cove… they’re shooting fireworks tonight!”

 “Nice, Mom!” Liam says. “I’ll go pack a cooler.”

I glance around and freeze.  Ricky is staring at me.  It’s not subtle.  It’s not casual.  It’s direct.

Intentional.

And the second our eyes meet he looks away.  Like nothing happened.  Like he wasn’t just watching me.  He turns and heads inside.  A chill runs through me.  I wonder if he is plotting some horrible way to humiliate me

“I’ll go pack a cooler for us, okay?” Sam says.

 “Thanks,” I reply. “I’m going to go change.”

He nods and walks inside.

Ricky appears again walking straight toward me.  Too close.  Too confident.  Too familiar.
“So… we’re just pretending that’s normal now?” he says casually, like we’re having a normal conversation.
“What are you talking about?”  I shoot back at Ricky.
“Sharing a room with your boyfriend at your parents’ lake house.” (he pauses, slight smirk) “Bold move.”
“You took the last bedroom” I’m practically spitting venom at his insinuations.
“Yeah.”  Ricky steps closer, voice quieter “I didn’t think you’d fold that fast though.”
“What the hell is your problem?”
Ricky tilts his head, studying me “You act like I’m the problem every time you make a bad decision.”
“What choice did I have?” I snarl at him.
“You always have a choice… you just don’t like what yours say about you.”
Ricky walks away. I almost punched him. I almost punched him.
Not because I couldn’t handle what he said but because part of me knew he meant it.  It’s like he goes out of his way to make my blood boil. I storm inside and change into my swimsuit.
I sit outside waiting for Sam.  When he walks out and sees my face he immediately asks, “What’s the matter?”
“Ricky… as always…”  I roll my eyes.
Sam is silent for a while like he is thinking hard….he stares at me for a minute.
“You know Scarlett… there is a very fine line between love and hate”
I look at Sam confused.
“What are you talking about?”
Just as Sam is about to speak Liam and Ricky come out. They both run down to the lake to get on the sea doos. Mom and Dad come out right after them.
“Come on you 2 let’s go” Mom says. 
We all get on and follow Mom and Dad. Liam and Ricky race one another and Sam trails me.Eventually we come to a cove and park. There are a lot of people around just having a good time, drinking, swimming.

As soon as Ricky walks on the beach most of the women there take notice. He has always been popular with women. If only they knew him….
“Here Scarlett I brought your favorite drinks.” Sam says. 
“Thanks” I smile at him. 
The music gets louder.
Someone hands me another drink.
The sun starts to dip and I realize I haven’t seen Sam in a while.  I decide to go look for him and notice he is nowhere near so I venture out a little further to the more deserted part of the beach.  I see someone behind me. Ricky…

My eyes narrow.
“Need a babysitter?” Ricky smirks.

“Were you following me?”

Ricky shrugs, casual“I saw you walk off alone like you’ve got zero self-preservation. So yeah… I followed.  You don’t pay attention to your surroundings.”
“Wow. Thank you, Ricky. I appreciate it.”

Ricky says flatly“Don’t.  I didn’t do it for you.”

There it is.

The jab.

Always.

 “You can’t resist, can you?” I snap. “You always have to make a snide remark to me.”

Ricky steps closer, voice lower“No.  I just don’t like watching you do stupid things.”

My jaw tightens.

 “Looking for my boyfriend who disappeared more than half an hour ago is stupid?,” I say sharply.

I cross my arms.

“I feel sorry for any girl you decide to date.”

His expression shifts.

Just slightly.

Ricky looks at me hard, no smiles “Yeah?”  He watches me, “Funny… I wouldn’t disappear on someone I actually cared about.”

The words hit harder than they should.

 “Are you saying Sam doesn’t truly care about me?”

Ricky shrugs like he doesn’t care.  Like he didn’t just drop something heavy between us.

At first… it doesn’t register.

It’s just movement.

A figure in the distance.

A guy.

Standing near the edge of the water.

There’s a girl with him.

Close.

Too close.

My eyes narrow slightly, trying to focus.

Something about him feels familiar.

The way he stands.
The way his shoulders move.

My stomach tightens.

No.
That’s not him.

It just looks like him.

It has to.

He leans down.

And kisses her.

Not quick.
Not accidental.

Slow.

Intentional.

My heart stutters.

Stops.

Then slams hard against my ribs.

“No…” I whisper under my breath.

It’s not him.

It can’t be.

I take a step forward.

Then another.

Like if I get closer, the image will change.
Like my brain just hasn’t caught up yet.

Like I’m wrong.

I have to be wrong.

Then he turns.

And I see his face.

Everything inside me drops.

It’s Sam.

Beside me, Ricky goes completely still.

I don’t even remember turning.

I don’t remember walking.

I just know suddenly I’m closer.

Close enough.

Close enough to see the way his hand is still on her waist.

Close enough to see the way her fingers are still curled into his shirt.

Close enough to know this is real.

“Sam?!”

My voice cracks.

Sharp. Loud. Wrong.

He jerks back instantly like he’s been burned.

His eyes snap to me.

Wide.

Panicked.

“Scarlett—”

The girl steps back.

Confused.

I can’t hear anything.

Not the water.

Not the people.

Not even my own breathing.

Just that one moment.

Repeating.

Him.

Kissing her.

 “This is not what it looks like—”

And something in me snaps.

My hand moves before I think.

Before I decide.

Before I even process.

The sound of it echoes.

Sharp.

Violent.

My palm stings.

I don’t even remember deciding to hit him.

His head jerks to the side.

Silence.

For one split second—
it looks like he might hit me back.

His body shifts.

His arm tenses.

And then—

Ricky grabs him.

Hard.

Fast.

Like he was already ready.

“You definitely don’t wanna do that,” Ricky says, voice low and dangerous.

Not joking.

Not mocking.

Dead serious.

My chest is heaving.

My hands are shaking.

I can’t even feel my fingers.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I snap.

My voice sounds like someone else’s.

“You are such a piece of shit.”

Sam looks desperate now.

Frantic.

Like he’s trying to grab something slipping away.

“Scarlett, please—just let me explain—”

“No.”

The word comes out instantly.

Cold.

Final.

Sharp enough to cut.

I take a step back.

Like I need distance just to breathe.

“Take the sea doo back,” I say.

My voice steadier now.

That’s worse.

That means I’m done.

“Go back to the house. Grab your shit.”

His face changes.

He knows.

“Scarlett—”

“Get. Out.”

Silence crashes down around us.

Heavy.

Unavoidable.

“I’m serious,” I add quietly.

“You will never see me again.”
And this time… I mean it.

Something breaks in his expression.

He knows this isn’t a fight.

This isn’t something he can fix.

This is over.

For good.

He doesn’t argue again.

He doesn’t try.

He just turns.

Walks.

Gets on the sea doo.

And leaves.

The sound of the engine fades into the distance.

And everything feels…

wrong.

The lake.

The air.

The sunlight.

None of it feels the same anymore.

I don’t move.

I can’t.

I just stand there.

Staring at the water.

Trying to understand how everything changed so fast.

Ricky doesn’t say anything.

Not right away.

But I feel him there.

Next to me.

Still.

Watching.

And somehow…

that’s worse.

Because for the first time—

he didn’t start it.

He didn’t push.

He didn’t say anything to make this happen.

He just saw it.

Same as me.

And he stayed.
Like he always does when everything else falls apart.

Chapter 4 – The Shift

Surprisingly… Ricky doesn’t say anything.  He just pulls me into him.

And I break.

I sob… harder than I ever have.  Not quiet tears.  Not controlled.

Ugly, shaking, uncontrollable sobs that feel like they’re tearing something out of my chest.

And he just… holds me.  For a long time.  I don’t know how long.

Minutes.

Maybe an hour.

His hand moves slowly up and down my back.  Steady.  Grounding.

His other hand slides into my hair, fingers brushing gently through it like he’s trying to calm something wild.

He doesn’t rush me.

He doesn’t interrupt.

He doesn’t say a single word.

And somehow that makes it worse.

Because I realize…he’s not doing this to get a reaction.

He’s just… here.

When I finally look up at him, my vision blurred and my face soaked, he doesn’t pull away.

He wipes my tears with his thumb.  Carefully.  Like I might fall apart again if he’s too rough.

 “Why are you being nice to me?” I whisper.

Ricky’s jaw tightens slightly.

 “No one deserves that,” he says quietly.
“Especially you.”

A beat.  His eyes flicker over my face.

“I know what it feels like.”

I blink.

“You do?”

He lets out a short breath.  Not quite a laugh.  Not quite anything.

 “I guess you think I’m a complete monster, huh?”

I shake my head slowly.

“I don’t think you’re a monster, Ricky…”

My voice softens.

“But I don’t understand why you were so mean to me all those years.”

I swallow.

“That’s why this is… confusing.”

His gaze shifts.  For a second, just a second cracks.

Then it’s gone.

 “I don’t blame you,” he says quietly.

Silence settles between us.  Heavy.  But it’s not uncomfortable.  Different.  And suddenly I’m very aware of everything.

His arms around me.

The heat of him.

How close we are.

Too close.

My breath catches.  Ricky’s hands move to my face.  Slow.  Deliberate.

He tilts my chin up slightly.  My lips part on instinct.  I don’t even realize it’s happening.

This… This moment.

It feels like something is about to shift.  Something I won’t be able to undo.

And for a split second… I don’t want to stop it.

Then Ricky pulls away.  Fast.  Like he caught himself.  He turns, already walking back toward the beach.

 “Do you want to stay here,” he calls over his shoulder,
“or go back to the cabin?”

The shift is so abrupt it leaves me disoriented.

 “I… I want to go back,” I say quickly. “Please.”

He nods once.

 “I’ll take you.”

A beat.

“I don’t want you going alone.”

 “Okay… thanks, Ricky.”

 “You’re welcome.”

He climbs onto the sea doo… I follow.

When I wrap my arms around him he stiffens.  Just slightly.  But I feel it.

Then he starts the engine and we take off.

Fast.

The wind hits my face.  The water sprays around us.  And for the first time since everything happened, I laugh.

It escapes me.  Unexpected.  Real.
Ricky glances back at me and smiles.  Not mocking.  Not sharp.

Just… real.

And for a second everything feels surreal.  Fireworks explode above us.  Color lighting up the sky.  Water reflecting it beneath us.

And here I am holding onto the one person who has made my life hell for years…

Laughing.  Right after my boyfriend cheated on me.  And somehow this feels right.  That realization should scare me.  But it doesn’t.

We pull up to the dock.  Ricky steps off first, then reaches for me.  I take his hand but my balance slips.

I stumble forward… straight into him.

My hands press against his chest.  His arms instinctively catch me.  We both laugh.

And then… he looks down.  At my mouth.  The air shifts again.

 “You’ve always been a klutz,” he murmurs.

 “You’re such a jerk, Ricky,” I shoot back.

But there’s no heat in it this time.  Movement catches my eye.

Sam.

He’s carrying his bags.  Heading toward his car.  Then he sees me.  And starts walking over.

 “Scarlett,” he says. “Can I please talk to you? Just for a minute?”

 “No.”

My voice is immediate.  Cold.

 “I don’t want to talk to you. This is done.”

His expression hardens.  Something ugly slips through.

 “You know you’re going to end up alone, right?” he snaps.
“When you don’t ever put out for anyone, what do you think is going to happen?”

Something inside me snaps again.  I move before I think.  My foot connects hard.  Sam doubles over instantly.  Ricky laughs.  Sharp.  Unfiltered.

 “Get the fuck out of here,” I say, my voice shaking with anger.
“You piece of shit.”

Sam straightens slowly, breathing hard.  But he doesn’t argue.  He just walks away.  He doesn’t look back.

The sound of his car fades into the distance.  And just like that he’s gone.  Ricky and I walk inside.

I don’t even realize I’m crying again until I feel it.  Wet.  Hot.  Constant.  He notices.  Of course he does.

 “Are you hungry?” he asks.

I shake my head.  He doesn’t push it.  He just leads me to the bedroom.  Helps me lie down.  Then starts to leave.  Panic hits instantly.  I grab his hand.

 “Please stay.”

He pauses.

Then without a word he lays down behind me.  His arms wrap around me again.  And I break all over again.

 “Sam was right,” I sob.
“I’m going to end up alone.”

My voice cracks.

“If I had just—”

I can barely say it.

“If I had just slept with him…”

 “Stop.”

Ricky’s voice cuts through everything.  Sharp.

 “Don’t you dare say that.”

I freeze.  His arms tighten around me.

 “The right guy wouldn’t dream of cheating on you,” he says, low and certain.
“Whether you slept with him or not.”
Silence.
But this time it feels different.  Safer.
I cry for a while longer.  Until the exhaustion finally takes over.  And before I know it I fall asleep.  With Ricky still holding me.

4/24/26

Chapter 5 – The Night That Didn’t Make Sense

The next day I wake up and take a very long hot shower. I do feel better and I can’t believe how supportive Ricky was with me.

I get dressed and start walking into the kitchen when I overhear Ricky and Liam. I stop in my tracks to listen.

“Look Liam, I’m going to drive her home because she will feel less awkward not having to answer any questions with me. Ok? If she rides with your parents, there will be an awkward silence the entire way and she doesn’t need that right now.” Ricky argues.   

“I think you are taking care of her a little too much Ricky. It’s weird. You are going out of your way to spend time with her…”

“It is not like that at all Liam. I just know how she is feeling and I happened to be there when it happened. Things will go back to normal soon. Seriously I’m just trying to cut her some slack.”

“Fine whatever. This car ride is going to suck.” Liam whines.

I walk into the kitchen, and they both look up at me. I feel myself blushing and avoid eye contact with both of them. I grab a pop tart and while I’m walking back to the room, I ask Ricky, “What time are we going?”
“Whenever you’re ready”
I nod my head and eat the pop tart in my room. I pack up my stuff and sit outside waiting for Ricky. He walks out shortly after me and grabs my bag and my eyes go wide.

“Don’t get used to this. We will be back to normal after your done being sad.”  Ricky states.

He walks to his car and puts my bag in the trunk. Heat begins to run through my veins and then I have to remind myself this is the real Ricky, and I should not expect anything else.

I walk to the car and plop down in the seat with my arms crossed. Ricky puts on his sunglasses and starts to drive. He blasts the music and I stare at him from the corner of my eye.

He is so handsome, it’s ridiculous. I always thought he was ridiculously hot, but his personality was so awful I couldn’t ever admit to it.

It seems like he gets more attractive as he ages, which makes me angry as well. We don’t speak as he drives. I actually like the music he has on and it makes the car ride peaceful.

The next song that plays is  All I Want is You by U2….My eyes go wide and I look up at Ricky. His body goes rigid and glances at me from the side.

He looks away and concentrates very hard on the road. He clearly remembers but doesn’t want to talk about it….

*Flashback*

I run into the basement crying wanting to be anywhere but upstairs with those people….How can Ricky be so mean? He goes out of his way to make me feel awful..

I turn on the music to make myself feel better and I hear someone coming downstairs. All I Want Is You is playing and I see the devil himself come down.

“Leave me alone Ricky….you’ve done enough for one night.”

“You should be thanking me Scarlett! I did you a huge favor!”

“By stopping Henry from kissing me and telling everyone I have a gross disease?? Do you know what it’s like to have half the school hear something like that and laugh at you?”  I yell in Ricky’s face.

“Look you shouldn’t have been playing spin the bottle and Henry is not the type of guy that would be good for you. Who cares what these people think?”

“Easy for you to say Ricky. Everyone loves you and you’re with a different girl every weekend! “

“No one that matters” Ricky says in a low voice.  I almost didn’t hear what he said. 

Ricky walks up close to me and as much as I hate him right now I feel an odd attraction. I love the way he smells and the beauty of his eyes. I could get lost in them forever.

“Dance with me?”  Ricky whispers
I keep glaring at him but my body betrays me when his arms wrap around my waist. We start to sway together slowly. I rub my hands down his back and Ricky nuzzles into my neck.
“Rick” I whisper… “what is happening?”
Ricky cups my face in his hands and his breathing is shaky….

“I’m not sure Scarlett…”  Ricky’s voice is husky.
We inch our faces together and our lips meet. The kiss is soft and reserved but it lights up my whole body. I part my lips open to let him in and his tongue invades my mouth.

We kiss each other like we are starving and our kiss is the food. My hands trail Ricky’s stomach needing to feel his skin against mine…

“Scarlett…you are the best taste I’ve ever had…” 

We hear the basement door open and someone coming down the steps. Ricky pushes me away and Liam enters….

“Dude come on. Did you apologize? Let’s get back to the party…” Liam asks Ricky.

“Yeah.”  Ricky looks at me “We’re all good here right Scarlett?”
“Ummm.  Yeah” I stutter.
Liam runs back up the stairs and Ricky starts to follow. I grab Ricky’s hand. He stops and looks back at me.

“Ricky….aren’t we going to talk?”

“Look don’t read into it. I did you a favor. See? Your all better now.”  

Ricky turns and goes back upstairs. I gave up my first kiss for nothing…I hate him more than ever….

*Present Day*

Ricky says nothing and neither do I. I hate the memory and wish I could permanently delete it.

“So did you call in any favors to get the job at my family’s company?”

I’m instantly enraged “Absolutely not. I would never do that. I wanted to make it on my own.”

“Well, it’s going to be tough. I hope you make it.”

“I know I will. I hope you don’t make it any harder on my like you did in high school Ricky.”

“Highschool Scarlett?  Seriously? We were kids. Just playing games!”

“Terrible, humiliating, trauma filled games.”

Ricky shrugs his shoulders like it was all nothing. I hear a loud pop and before I can even question what it was the car is swerving.

He holds out one arm to hold me back and works to get the car over to the side of the road safely. We stop on the side of the road after a minute.

Ricky looks at me “Are you okay Scarlett?”
I’m shaky but say “yes all good”
Ricky gets out of the car and looks at the car. I open the door slowly and climb out.

“Well, we have a flat tire….I’ll make a call.” Ricky takes out his phone and turns round.

We sit and wait for about an hour for the tow truck. Apparently, there was some damage to the car as well so we are stranded for now.

The truck driver drives us to the closest town, but we are still far from home.

“The mechanic said the soonest he can get the car fixed by tomorrow morning at the earliest so we will need to get a room and stay the night.”

“Great…”
“Think of it as an adventure Scarlett. Your way too uptight about things. 2 rooms or 1?”
“1 room is cheaper…”
Ricky smiles at me “You want to get me alone in a motel room huh?”

“Barf….I just want to save money…Trust me it is not ideal.”

“Sure Scarlett…”

We get into the room and there is only 1 bed. Great….

“Ricky what the hell? One bed???? Ugh…I need to take a shower.”
Ricky laughs hysterically “Lucky us.  Honeymoon suite.”
I take a long hot shower. When I come back out it looks like Ricky has gotten us some food. His eyes go wide when he looks at me. I realize I am in a skimpy towel and soaking wet.

“Scarlett…I um bought us some dinner…I got you a burger and chicken strips. I know you like both but I wasn’t sure what you would be in the mood for.”

I sometimes forget how well Ricky knows me. He keeps staring at me like he cannot look away. There is a darkness in his eyes that makes me shiver. I go to grab my clothes and my towel slips a bit.

“Scarlett… your towel…”
Ricky’s voice sounds strained and I am tempted to let my towel drop a little more. My breast is almost completely exposed now, and I can see how it is affecting him. This power is a rush.

“Damnit Scarlett put your clothes on!”

I smile at him and go back in the bathroom to change. Ricky is turned on by me. I don’t even know how to feel about it. I choose not to think about it right now and go back out to eat.

We don’t say a word to one another about what just happened. We eat our dinner and then watch a movie. At some point I must have fallen asleep.

I dreamt Ricky covered me up, put a pillow under my head and kissed my forehead.

 

Chapter 6 – What We Didn’t Stop

I wake up to knocking on the door. I get up groggy and answer.

“Morning” Ricky is wayyyy too chipper for this early in the morning. 
“You got coffee!” At this moment, seeing the coffee, Ricky could be my best friend.
“Well I know you can’t function until you have your morning caffeine. The mechanic said the car will be ready in an hour, so you need to pack.”
“Ricky how can you know me so well and still hate me so much?”
He looks at me confused “I don’t hate you Scarlett… not at all”
I mostly meant that comment as a joke so it surprises me how serious he is….

“Can I ask you something Scarlett?”

“Sure” I say hesitantly.
“Sam said you wouldn’t sleep with him…why?”
Heat rushes to my face and I look down at the ground “Wow.  Well that really isn’t any of your business…”
“I know. You’re right… I was just curious.”  Ricky turns around and begins to pack.  For some unknown reason I feel like I want to open up to Ricky.
“I didn’t fully trust him, I think. Sex is a very big deal to me, and I want to make sure the person I choose knows me through and through. I don’t want to give it up to just anyone….”
Ricky’s eyes bulge and I just realized I spilled the fact that I’m still a virgin…. My cheeks blaze and I wish I could turn invisible.
Surprisingly Ricky replies sweetly “I respect that….it is very rare for someone to take sex so seriously these days. Mostly because you are sacrificing so much pleasure.”
“I think of it more as sacrificing small, nothing pleasures, for the ultimate pleasure.”

Ricky’s eyes go dark while we are talking. He licks his lips and it draws my attention to his mouth. I memorize his lips and how perfect they are. His lips are pouty and thick, and I can just imagine what they could do on my body…I quickly snap my mind away from those thoughts. What is happening here?
When Ricky and I are alone together this strange sexual chemistry rears it’s ugly head.

“You have some cream on your lip” Ricky’s voice is husky.

I wipe my mouth and Ricky laughs.  He walks up to me and starts to reach out…he hesitates before touching me like he is asking permission.

I look up at him giving him permission with my eyes. He take his thumb and wipes by lower lip and holds it.

Before I can even think my tongue darts out and Ricky gasps surprised. I close my mouth over his thumb and suck hard.

“Fuckk….” Ricky groans.
I pull back and his thumb comes out with a pop. The next thing I know Ricky’s hands are in my hair and he is kissing me deep. He didn’t even wait for me to part my lips open and invite him in.

I grab onto his shirt and pull him on top of me. I can feel how much he likes it when his hard on brushes against my thigh.

My legs instantly wrap around his waist and my robe has ridden up exposing my panties. His hands grab onto my ass and he rubs hick hard cock against my core. I cry out when he rubs against my clit.

“Scarlett, I can feel how wet you are through my pants. You are soaking.”
I blush in response, but he holds my face to look at him.
“It’s the hottest thing I have ever felt in my life Scar” Ricky’s eyes are burning through me.
I whimper at him wanting so much more….right as his hands ghost over my pussy his phone rings and I see his demeanor changes completely. 
He pulls himself off me and straightens out his clothes as he takes the call. It’s obviously the mechanic because Ricky says he will be right there and hangs up the phone.

Without looking at me, he says, “Car’s ready. Pack up and let’s get out of here.”
With that he leaves. I feel completely humiliated. I can’t even think about what just happened here.

*5/1/26* Update

Chapter 7 – It Meant Nothing

I pack up my things trying to figure out what exactly just happened here. I hate Ricky. How could my body possibly want him so badly? What a traitor. He’s hot for sure but he’s such a jerk to me.

I hear honking outside and I bet its jerkoff Ricky. I walk outside and sure enough there he is laying on the horn. Not even looking at me. So much for chivalry.

Ricky always had a reputation for being cold to women and lucky me I get to see it first-hand.
“Come on slow poke we are wasting time” He yells.

I throw my bag in the trunk and slam the car door shut.

“Watch it Scarlett! I just paid to fix this car.”
“Oh I’m soooo sorry about your precious car Ricky” I sneer at jerk.

Ricky sighs, pinches his nose, and closes his eyes “Look if this is about what just happened let’s make one thing clear. That was a huge mistake for both of us. You’re sad and rebounding because of Sam, and I am horny.  I need to get laid as soon as possible and you need to do whatever it is you need to do to stop being sad. I’m guessing what just happened between us is what you needed so… your welcome.”

I stare at Ricky open mouthed. Why am I so shocked that he would act like this? I’m mad at myself more than anything…Ricky is just being Ricky.

I feel tears coming from my eyes and I hate that my body is betraying me once again. I look out the window the rest of the car ride and don’t say a word.

A week later it’s Saturday night before I start work on Monday morning. My bestie Lisa convinces me to go out to a club tonight and relieve some stress by dancing.

“Come on Scarlett there are SOOO many hot guys here tonight. Let’s go dance!”  Lisa is practically vibrating with excitement and it makes me smile.  Her exuberating is contagious.
“Maybe in a little. I need to gets some drinks in me first to convince myself men can be a good time.”  I try very hard no to be a debbie downer tonight.   

Lisa dances away “Okay girl. I’m going back out there. I’ll be back!”

After sulking for a while and drinking away my sorrows I decide to go out and dance. I don’t care who is looking and I don’t care that I’m by myself. I close my eyes and sway to the music.

After a few minutes I feel arms sliding around my waist and smell a musk and woody mix. I like it…a lot. I keep my eyes closed while I sway with this guy. I can tell he likes it as well.

His hands roam all over my body and I feel his breath against my neck. He whispers to me “your body fits me like a glove” …

I push my ass closer to him, as close as I can get, and his hands wander over my thighs and dangerously close to my breasts. I don’t care tonight…I don’t care about Ricky, Sam, the new job …anything.

I want to kiss this man…the way he feels, the way we fit perfectly together. He must feel the same because his hand reaches up and pulls my face towards his and my jaw drops.

My stomach flips and I freeze “Are you fucking kidding me?”

Ricky.  Of all the places and all the people in this city, he is the man with his arms wrapped around me on this dance floor.  His eyes are wide in shock.  His hands frozen around me.  He recovers quickly.   It’s like a mask slips over his whole demeanor. His eyes seem to harden, his warm body turns cold, and he pushes away from me like I’m a hot stove that just burned him.   
“I had no idea it was you. Believe me, if I had this would not have happened.” His voice is like steel.  He turns to walk away and I grab his arm.   

“I’m so sick of your bullshit Ricky” His eyes slowly drop down to my hand on his arm and I drop it. 

“I shouldn’t be anywhere near you like this. Go away so I can take care of myself.” He turns away again and walks off. 

I walk off the dance floor fuming. I see Ricky go up to another girl and start swaying with her. For some reason it really pisses me off.
I sit down at the bar and take another 2 shots some guy buys me. At this point I’m pretty wasted. I’m about to take a third when Ricky comes up and swipes the drink out of my hand.

“What the fuck Ricky?”

“I saw him put something in your drink. I wasn’t sure at first… but he kept hovering.” His eyes are scanning the bar.

Alarm bells go off in my head.

“Who did it?” My heart is pounding.

“I don’t see him anymore. Come outside with me, let’s get you some air” Ricky wraps his arm around my waist and guides me to the door.  We go outside and the cool air feels good against my skin.

“Ricky, what if he put it in the drink I had before?”

“He didn’t. I was watching.”

I frown at him “You were dancing with some skank. Not watching me.”

Ricky just smiles.

“Trust me. I was watching you.”

I’m half drunk so it is making me feel brave…. I walk up to Ricky and hug him. He feels so warm, and his smell is intoxicating, and I hate myself for loving to be this close to him.

He is stiff at first and then melts into the hug. His hands rub up and down my back and I feel him kiss the top of my head.

I look up at him and smile….

“Thank you for always being here for me Ricky. Even when you hate me.”

Ricky’s hands cup my face.

“I told you…I don’t hate you. You annoy me more than anyone else in the world and are a constant pain in my ass… but I definitely don’t hate you.”  His thumb brushes over my bottom lip and I shiver.

“Well, I know you like my body…” I grin up at him.
“Of course I do. You are a beautiful woman. However, it does bother me when you speak.”

We both laugh and he runs his hand through my air. Ricky kisses my forehead, then my cheeks, then my chin and he hovers over my lips…. he is shaking…

I push my lips against his and it feels like I unleashed him. His tongue dances against my lips wanting me to open my mouth….

I open my mouth to deepen the kiss and Ricky moans into my mouth. He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist. I whimper and move my hips to feel his hardness…

He turns me around and pushes me up against the wall.

“Ricky…”  It turns into a moan…
“Fuck baby I can’t believe how hot it is when you moan my name like that.”

Ricky’s hands sneak up my waist and they find my breasts, it feels so good. I can feel the wetness in my panties…

“More Ricky please…”
“You like this baby? You want more?”  Ricky’s voice is husky against my ear. 

He pulls my top down and I gasp…He pulls my bra down and I am exposed to him.

“Fuck Scarlett your tits are perfect.”

Ricky blows on my nipples, and they immediately peak for him.. He licks one and my eyes roll back in my head… I moan loudly. My moans encourage him, and he tweaks my nipple while sucking on the other one.  My clit is pulsing with the need to be played with. His hard on rubs against my clit and I’m already close to cumming.

“Ricky oh my God…I’m about to….”

We hear a door open, and Ricky puts me down immediately. He pulls my top up and we fix ourselves. Looks like it was just a bunch of girls leaving.
Ricky drops his forehead against mine and shuts his eyes.  It’s as if he’s having an argument with himself and when he’s done he looks up at me with that cold, hard mask he always wears for me.  My heart breaks a little. 

“Come on Scarlett. We are both drunk. I’m calling an uber to take us home.”

 

Chapter 8 – She’s a Problem

Ricky’s POINT OF VIEW

Holy shit that was hot… I can’t get enough of her. I need to stay away from her. I can’t control myself when she’s around. We get into the back of the uber.  She slams the door shut and stares out the window. She’s pissed and I don’t blame her. I am so lucky those girls came out the back door when they did. God only knows what would have happened.

I make sure not to look at her because that can only lead to bad things. She’s drunk and lonely and I took advantage. I’m such a jerk.

We pull up to her house, and she goes inside without saying a word to me. Good. I know she’s safe tonight. Thank God I was there or who knows what that piece of shit would have done to her.

Once I get to my apartment I lay in my bed thinking about Scarlett and how good her body felt on mine. I love her vanilla scent that is just her… not perfume or lotion. Those mouth-watering perfect tits.

I need to get laid…. I’ve tried with other girls since the lake, but they just don’t do it for me. Not since I’ve tasted Scarlett’s lips again. No one else can compete.

The first time I kissed her in high school it took me years to push past and hook up with other girls…. that’s all it was though… hooking up.

She is my best friend’s sister and such a tease. I need to stay away no matter how attracted I am to her.

Now she will be working at my company. Great… She needs to always be on the opposite end of the building from me or this will get ugly.

I deal with it the only way I can, thinking about Scarlett and everything I want to do to her, then fall asleep.  I hear a knock on the door waking me up.

“Dude, open the door.”  Liam of course.

I get up and Liam is holding coffee. This is why he’s my best friend.

“Why would you lock your bedroom door?”

I don’t even remember doing it.

“Wasted last night?” Liam chuckles.

“I mean yes, but not blackout.”

“Did you hook up with anyone?”

I shrug my shoulders not wanting to lie to him but also definitely not telling him about his sister…I’m aggravated this morning.  I’m aggravated I can’t stop thinking about Lucy.

There is no reason for it. She’s beautiful…. she’s always been beautiful…but I’ve hooked up with a lot of beautiful girls. It’s more with her though….I don’t know what it is.

I trip over a shoe, and I throw it at the window. I’m glad it doesn’t break.

Liam looks shocked “Dude what is the problem?”

I rub my face in frustration “I don’t know. I guess I kind of know.  There is this girl I met…she drives me insane. “

Liam smiles and starts laughing.

“This is about a girl? I’ve never heard you talk about a girl unless you’re telling me you screwed her.”

I close my eyes and try counting to five.  “She’s super annoying to be honest… but she’s like a damn drug.”

“I’m honestly relieved Ricky…. for the longest time I thought you had the hots for my sister.”

I start choking on my coffee.

“Why would you think that?!”

“I don’t know… a lot of things. She had the biggest crush on you forever when we were kids. You treat her different than other girls, you always go out of your way to be mean to her…. I don’t know I guess I was reading it all wrong and I’m glad I was.  Where did you meet this girl?”

I hate lying to my best friend but… “At a bar”
“You slept with her?”
“No. She’s not very experienced to be honest. We fight a lot. We kissed and made out a little and I cannot get her out of my mind. I can’t believe I’m even talking about this.”  I squeeze my forehead with my index finger and thumb trying to will her out of my mind.

“Wow Ricky…she is really under your skin huh? “

“Yeah man… she really is”
“Why don’t you just tell her? Go after her?”

I shake my head at the thought of it.  “To be honest, she is way too good for me. Also, she’s not really that interested. I think she plays games sometimes. “

“Wow….I need to meet this girl.” Liam chuckles. 

I laugh silently to myself knowing Liam would kick my ass if he knew I was talking about his sister.

“I just need to forget her. For real. I’ll get over this.”  I silently promise myself to conquer this infatuation.

Liam doesn’t look convinced and I say the words knowing it’s a lie.


5.8.26

Chapter 9 – Chosen

I get ready for my first day at the new job buzzing with excitement. Nothing can touch my mood. Not Sam. Not Ricky. Nothing. I’m going to be a rockstar as a paralegal.

A soft knock sounds at my door, and when I open it, Mom is standing there with a bright smile.

“Hi, sweetie. Good luck today. I packed you a lunch.”

“Aww, thanks, Mom. I’m really excited.” I’m practically bouncing.

“You’re going to do fantastic. You’re so smart and such a hard worker. I couldn’t be more proud.”

“You’re the best… but I think you might be a little biased.”

“Oh, definitely,” she laughs. “But still true. Go knock ’em dead.”

I get to the office early and the hiring manager greets me right away.

“Hello, Scarlett. It’s so good to see you again.”

“Hi. I’m so excited to be here. Thank you so much again.”

“Great. Let me show you around.”

She walks me through the building, explaining each department and what they do. A small part of me stays on edge, half expecting to run into Ricky, but he’s an executive. I probably won’t see him much.

We stop in front of a smaller office with a nice view. My name is on the door.

Sarah lets me settle in and shows me how to access the training videos. Between paperwork and onboarding, my day fills up quickly.

Around one, I head to the kitchen for lunch.

“Hi, I’m Maxine. Another paralegal here. You’re Scarlett, right?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m so glad you’re here. I hope you’re ready to hit the ground running because we desperately need the help.”

“Perfect. I’m ready to work.”

Right then, Ricky walks in.

He doesn’t look at anyone, but the entire room shifts. Women sit up straighter. A few blush. Maxine included.

He pours himself coffee and walks right back out without acknowledging anyone.

“I’m sorry,” Maxine says with a laugh. “Most of us get distracted when Mr. Nikodem walks in. He’s so intimidating. Hot as hell, but a total jerk.”

I laugh because she’s not wrong.

She leans in, lowering her voice. “I’ve heard he’s a total player. Pretty private, but rumor is he hooks up with some of the single girls here. I wish I was one.”

Something about that makes my chest tighten. It shouldn’t matter. I already knew what he was like.

So why does it bother me?

After lunch, I head back to my office, focused on my training. At one point, I rush out to the restroom—and slam straight into someone.

“Seriously?”

I freeze.

Ricky’s irritation melts into surprise as his eyes land on me. Around us, the office goes silent. Everyone is staring.

“I am so, so sorry, Ric…Mr. Nikodem. I didn’t see you. I’ll have your shirt cleaned.”

A faint smile tugs at the corner of his mouth before he walks away without another word.

The entire office is still staring.

Heat floods my face as I rush back into my office, shutting the door behind me. My breathing turns uneven.

Did I just lose my job on the first day?

The door swings open.

Ricky walks in like he owns the space and shuts it behind him.

“You really know how to make an impression.”

My face burns hotter. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you. I’ll pay for the dry cleaning. Please don’t fire me.”

“Fire you?” His tone is almost amused. “Dramatic much? It’s just a shirt.”

Then he starts unbuttoning it.

I stop breathing.

My eyes betray me instantly, locking onto his chest as he shrugs it off. Sculpted abs. Defined. Perfect.

He notices.

“See something you like?”  I hate that his smirk is so sexy.

I snap my gaze to my computer screen, but it doesn’t last. I glance back. Then fully stare.

I can’t help it.

He tosses the shirt onto my desk, and I feel an unexpected flicker of disappointment when he pulls on a clean one.

“Give it back when it’s clean.”

And just like that, he’s gone.

I exhale slowly, my chest tight.

What the hell is going on with us?

---

The next week passes smoothly. Ricky leaves town for work, and the constant tension eases.

I still haven’t met my direct manager, Jake, but I hear he travels a lot and keeps his distance from the paralegals.

Maxine, on the other hand, has become my work best friend. She’s been guiding me through everything.

“So what’s Jake like?” I ask one afternoon.

“He’s great. Super sweet. Gives us a lot of freedom. You’ll like him.” She grins. “Plus, he’s single. I’ve been trying to get him to notice me for a year.”

“Maybe this is your year.”

Her eyes light up. “There’s a huge Halloween party every year. The founders are obsessed with it. I’m thinking that’s when I make my move.”

“Then you definitely need something super sexy.”

Right then, an email pops up.

Jake wants to meet me.

“Can you show me where his office is?”

“Absolutely.”

We walk through a few hallways before reaching his door. I knock, and we step inside.

I immediately see why Maxine is interested.

Jake’s eyes move over me slowly, lingering just a little too long. He stands and walks over, offering his hand.

“Hi, Scarlett. I’m Jake. Sorry it took so long for us to meet.”

He glances at Maxine with a smile. “Thanks for bringing her. I’ll see you later.”

“No problem,” she says before leaving.

Once we’re alone, his focus shifts back to me.

“Your credentials are impressive. And from what I’ve seen, you’re already doing great. I’m really glad to have you on the team. Everything going okay?”

“Yes. Maxine’s been amazing with training me.”

“Good. I actually have a side project I was thinking of giving you. It’s for Mr. Nikodem. It would really showcase your skills.”

“Yes. Absolutely. I’d love to.”

“Great. Head to his office after this. I’ll let him know you’re coming.”

My stomach tightens.

“And if you ever need anything,” he adds, handing me his number, “day or night.”

“Thank you.”

---

Walking toward Ricky’s office feels like heading into a lion’s den.

But I square my shoulders.

I’m a professional.

I knock on the large executive doors. A beautiful woman opens it.

“Hello. I’m Vivian. Mr. Nikodem’s assistant.”

“Hi. I’m Scarlett.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Her tone is polite, but her eyes aren’t.

She leaves immediately, closing the door behind her.

Ricky is already watching me, a smirk on his lips.

“I’m surprised you accepted the project. I figured you’d rather cut off your arm than work with me.”

“I’m a professional, Mr. Nikodem.”

“Apparently.” He gestures to a large box on his desk. “Go through these and tell me what’s wrong.”

I move to pick it up, but his hand wraps around my wrist.

Instant heat.

Electric.

We both feel it.

“You can work in here,” he says, voice lower now. “I’ll be back at four. There’s a private bathroom, and if you need anything, call Vivian. Lunch included.”

He still hasn’t let go.

Neither have I.

His eyes darken, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Do you offer special projects to all the paralegals?”

“No.” His voice drops. “You’re special.”

My breath catches.

For one dangerous second, I consider climbing over the desk and kissing him.

Then he releases me abruptly and heads for the door.

“I’ll be back at four.”

He doesn’t look at me as he leaves.

And just like that, I’m alone… trying to pretend my heart isn’t racing.

Chapter 10 – They Lost Control

I see several inconsistencies in this file. I have a running list to show Ricky. I start to notice how dark it is getting. I turn on the light on Ricky’s desk and check the time….6:30!

I had been so involved in this I lost track of time. My stomach starts to growl at me. I didn’t eat anything today. The office door swings open and in walks Ricky

“Sorry I’m late…I’m surprised you are still here.”

“If I had realized how late it was, I would have left at 4. Whether or not you were here.”

Ricky smirks at me. My stomach growls loudly…

“Feel like Chinese? I want to see what you have come up with. Can you stay?”

“Um sure”
Ricky makes a quick call ordering my favorite stuff from Chinese…. It’s unnerving how well we know one another. After he is done ordering he walks over to the desk.

“Here are the notes on what I can see so far.”  I hand them over to him.
Ricky sits on the desk next to me. He begins to look over my notes. While he reads, he makes notes out loud to me…. not really expecting me to say anything, I guess.

“Yes, I see what you mean here about the invoice…it’s possible but iffy. Did you check into her background? I would have looked for the invoice before saying that….”

“Ricky!”
He looks up at me with a shocked face. It’s almost like he can’t believe I’m here.

“Ricky look, I haven’t had time to finish all of this and put my notes together formally. I really didn’t want to show them to you until I was finished.”
“Well, what have you been doing all day? It shouldn’t take you this long.”

I am fuming. I have been working my ass off all day, and he is sitting here telling me this should have been done faster? I get up in his face, rip the paper out of his hands and there it is… the white-hot electricity between us. Ricky’s face is pure rage and…. desire? He grabs my wrists and holds them down at my side pushing our faces an inch apart.

“Ricky…” I whisper
Ricky’s mouth crashes onto mine. We kiss one another hungrily and I feel him hard against me…

He is still holding my wrists and I wrap my legs around him while sitting on the desk. When I do this, the pressure hits exactly where I need it and I can’t think straight.

I let out a moan and he pumps his hips to hit the good spot on me…

“Ricky oh my God…” I whimper.
“You feel so fucking good baby… You taste so sweet.”

I move my hips to match his rhythm, and we move together without thinking. I don’t recognize the sounds coming out of my mouth and the pleasure builds.

Ricky kisses his way down my neck to my breasts, and I want his hands on my skin.

“Ricky please…please. I need to feel your mouth on me.”In a flash Ricky pulls off my top and he massages my breasts… I want him to take off my bra. His hands trail up my stomach and slide under my bra. He teases my nipples and I cry out.

“Scar you are driving me insane” His voice is deep and husky.
He unclasps my bra, and I am exposed to him. Goosebumps break out on my skin.  His mouth goes directly to my nipple and the feel is overwhelming. We continue to dry hump with Ricky hitting that perfect spot.

 “Ricky I’m going to…”
“Cum for my baby… I want to taste you so badly.”

His words send me over the edge, and I arch my back while he tweaks my nipples. Ricky’s fingers make their way into the waistband of my skirt, and we hear a loud buzz. We both freeze.

Ricky rests his forehead against mine and lets out a shaky breath “That must be the Chinese.”
He adjusts himself and walks out the door.

I adjust myself as well and think about what is happening between us. Ricky comes back a few minutes later and sets out the Chinese food.

We start eating without talking and keep giving one another awkward glances. I finally speak up.

“What is going on between us Ricky?”
“We’re eating”
He starts to smile when he sees my face contorted in anger.

“Honestly Scarlett I don’t know. I can’t stay away from you. I know I should, but I can’t.”
His confession shocks me. I sit there staring at him and he keeps eating.

Ricky exhales and closes his eyes. Like he needs to concentrate hard to say this. “I just know I want to keep doing this. I want to be near you and kiss you.”

It’s as if it physically pains him to say these things.“So, you mean dating?”
“I don’t know what I mean.” 
I am fuming. He wants me but hates that he wants me. He doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings. If I’m honest with myself, I’m not really sure how I’m feeling either.
“Thanks for the Chinese.”  I’ve lost my appetite.  I stand up and walk towards the door. 
“What?  Where are you going?” Ricky looks shocked.
“Away”
I dart out of there before he can see the tears in my eyes.

5.15.26

Chapter 11 – Take Your Hands Off Her

I get to work the next day and my stomach is in knots.

When I walk toward my office, I see Maxine talking to Jake. She’s laughing, touching him every chance she gets. He turns, notices me, and immediately makes a beeline in my direction.

“Scarlett! How’s it going?”

“Great!”

“Can we speak in your office for a minute?”

“Sure.”

We walk inside, and he closes the door behind him.

“Mr. Nikodem told me he is very impressed with your work so far. He wants you to continue working on the files for the week. He’s currently out of town but will be back on Monday to look them over.”

“Oh great. I will make this priority number one.”

“Great work, Scarlett. I can tell you impressed him.”

“Oh great. I’m happy to hear that. He doesn’t seem like he’s always easy to impress.”

“No, he definitely isn’t.” Jake studies me for a moment. “I have never seen him interested in any work from our paralegals, so you must have caught his eye… which is understandable.”

Did he just tell me he thinks I’m attractive?

“Look,” he continues, “there is a work party Friday night. Most of the employees come to socialize. I hope you can make it. It’s a good networking opportunity.”

“Yeah, that would be great.”

“Perfect. It starts at eight. I’ll send you the address.”

With that, he leaves my office.

I sit there for a moment, replaying the interaction, wondering if Jake was flirting with me. Then I push it aside and get to work. At least I know Ricky will be out of town until next week.

The rest of the week goes by smoothly. I feel more at ease with Ricky gone… but strangely, I miss him.

---

That night is the work party.

I ask Maxine if I can tag along with her, and she’s more than excited—mostly because it means more time with Jake.

I pick out a black sparkly dress that accentuates all my features. When I finish getting ready, Maxine walks into my room and stops cold.

“Damn, girl. You look smoking.”

“Thanks. Let’s go.”

We get to the bar and it looks like we’re a little late. A lot of people from the office are already there. Maxine spots Jake instantly and takes off toward him without hesitation.

I walk over to a couple of the other paralegals and start chatting with them about work.

“Scarlett, you made it!”

I turn to see Jake smiling at me.

“Hi, Jake.”

He leans in closer than necessary, his voice dropping. “You look stunning…”

My eyes widen slightly as I catch the smell of alcohol on his breath. I glance around, searching for Maxine, and see her walking toward us.

“Jake, what the hell?” she says, clearly annoyed. “You just took off mid-conversation.”

“Sorry, Maxine,” he replies quickly. “I saw Scarlett and wanted to make sure I said hello to everyone.”

“Oh.” Her tone shifts, but there’s tension underneath. “Well, Jake, I think Scarlett is fitting in here great, don’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

His eyes move over me again, slow and obvious this time. Maxine sees it. The look on her face turns sharp, almost furious.

“I’ll be back,” I say quickly. “I need to use the restroom.”

I slip away before things get worse.

---

Inside the bathroom, I take a breath, wash my hands, and try to reset. When I step back out—

Jake is standing there.

“Jake… what are you…”

He moves closer, forcing me back until my shoulders hit the wall.

“Scarlett, look,” he says, voice low. “I’m not going to sugarcoat this. I think there’s a mutual attraction between us, and I would really like to take you out sometime.”

“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression,” I say, trying to stay calm. “But I’m not interested in you like that.”

“Come on, Scarlett…” he presses. “I’ve seen the way you look at me.”

Jake leans in like he’s about to kiss me.

I shove him hard. “Cut it out, Jake.”

He stumbles back, but something in his face changes. The friendliness is gone. Before I can move, his hand is on me again, pushing me back against the wall.

“Come on, Scarlett,” he says, voice tight now. “Don’t act like you didn’t want this.”

My heart starts pounding. “Get off me.”

His grip tightens.

Then—

“Take your hands off her.”

The voice is quiet.

Jake freezes.

I don’t even have to look to know who it is.

“Mr. Nikodem,” Jake says quickly, stepping back like he just got caught doing something he can’t explain. “I’m sorry, Scarlett and I were just—”

“Don’t.”

Ricky doesn’t raise his voice. He doesn’t move fast.

He steps closer, slow, controlled, his eyes locked on Jake like he’s already decided how this ends.

“Scarlett and you are nothing,” he says flatly. “She told you no.”

Jake swallows. “I didn’t mean—”

“I don’t care what you meant.”

Now he’s close enough that Jake has to look up at him.

“Get out.”

Jake hesitates.

It’s the worst possible choice he could make.

Ricky tilts his head slightly, like he’s almost amused.

“I’m not going to say it again.”

Jake backs off immediately, muttering another apology as he disappears down the hall.

The second he’s gone, the air shifts.

Heavy.

Too quiet.

Ricky doesn’t look at me right away.

He’s still staring at where Jake stood, jaw tight, like he’s holding something back.

Then his gaze drops to me.

And it’s worse.

Because now it’s not controlled.

Now it’s something else entirely.

Chapter 12 – I Can’t Give You Up

Once Jake takes off, Ricky steps closer to me and cradles my face in his hands.

“Are you okay?”

I nod, even though my heart is still racing. Strangely, I already feel calmer just having him here.

“Ricky… I have no idea why Jake did that. I never led him on or was even remotely interested.”

“I know, Scarlett,” he says quietly. “He’s been drinking, and he was probably attracted to you the moment he saw you. Not that that’s any excuse.”

Footsteps echo down the hall, and someone turns the corner. Ricky drops his hands from my face immediately and shifts his posture, making casual conversation for a moment. Then he leans in close, his voice low.

“Do you want to go back to the party?”

I shake my head.

“Come on,” he says. “I’ll take you wherever you want to go. I have a car outside waiting. Let’s go out the back.”

He takes my hand and leads me outside.

A limo is waiting.

Of course it is.

We climb into the back, the door shutting softly behind us.

“Did he do anything else to you?” Ricky asks.

“No… I don’t even know where it came from.”

My voice wavers, and I turn toward the window, blinking back tears. How am I supposed to work with Jake after this?

“You won’t have to work with him after this.”

I turn to him. “What?”

“I know that’s what you’re thinking about. He’ll be fired. That behavior is unacceptable. Especially coming from a manager.”

Relief floods through me. “Thanks, Ricky. Thank you for always being here for me… and for knowing me so well.”

He exhales, almost uncomfortable. “None of that was on purpose.”

I stare at him, frustration rising. “Why are you such a prick? I know you care about me, so why do you act like you hate it?”

“I don’t hate that I care about you,” he says, quieter now. “I’m just not used to being vulnerable in any way.”

His eyes drop to his phone, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Before I can stop myself, I move closer to him, like I’m being pulled in. I reach up and tilt his face back toward mine.

“Say it again.”

His eyes meet mine, dark and intense, something heated simmering just beneath the surface.  He whispers the words.

“Say what again?”

“That you care about me.”

“I care for you, Scarlett… a lot. More than anyone I have ever cared about.”

That’s all it takes.

Our lips crash together, and he pulls me onto his lap, my legs straddling him. I feel him hard beneath me, and a soft sound escapes my lips before I can stop it.

“Fuck, Scarlett… I can’t stay away anymore.”

“Then don’t.”

Ricky pulls my top down and my breasts are in his mouth….I lean my head back and whimper…
“I can feel how much you want me,” he murmurs against me.

Heat rushes through me, my cheeks flushing, but I don’t pull away.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” he adds, his voice lower. “I like knowing you want me.  I love how wet you are for me. Let me feel your pussy baby…”

My voice is shaking  “Yes please Ricky”
Ricky’s hand trails up my thigh teasing the edge of my panties and my hips buck wanting more…

“You need this, don’t you?” he says, watching me closely.

“I need you, Ricky.”

Ricky rubs circles on my clit over my panties and my legs start to shake…he is sucking on my nipple and the feeling is almost too much.

“Don’t cum just yet,” he says, his voice almost teasing now, even as his control slips.

But it’s already too much.

Everything builds too fast, too intense, until I can’t hold it back anymore. I grip him, my body arching as the feeling takes over, and he pulls me closer, kissing me deeply, like he’s claiming every piece of me at once.

“You drive me insane,” he mutters against my lips.

Ricky’s fingers slip inside my panties and he puts a finger inside me…. The orgasm washes over me and Ricky kisses me probing my mouth deeply…

“You are so fucking tight baby. My finger feels numb.”

I laugh out loud and he laughs with me…he kisses my forehead softly “Scarlett… I need you. I can’t give you up.”

I smile, still catching my breath. “I can’t give you up either, Ricky.”

He studies me for a moment, then shifts slightly. “Do you want to go to dinner? I’m assuming you haven’t eaten.”

“Sure.”

“What are you in the mood for?”

“Pizza.”

He smiles. “Pizza, of course. Out? Or at my place?”

“Let’s go to your place.”

“Sounds good.”

---

The rest of the ride is a blur.

We’re wrapped up in each other, kissing like we’re in high school, like nothing else exists. We don’t even realize we’ve arrived until the driver knocks lightly on the window.

“Come on, Scarlett.”

Ricky takes my hand and leads me up to his apartment.

The second the door closes behind us, everything snaps back into place.

He has me against the wall in an instant, pinning my hands above my head. My breath catches, my voice barely there.

“Ricky… let me touch you.”

He releases my hands, and I don’t hesitate. My fingers move over his chest, unbuttoning his shirt, sliding lower as his breathing grows heavier.

“Scarlett…”

There’s a warning in his voice, but I don’t stop.

I plunge my hand into his underwear and grab his cock. It is hard as a rock and I feel myself getting wet. He feels so big in my hand…

“Scarlett… fuck…”

I kiss him and start to stroke him. I feel the wet of his pre cum on the tip of him. Ricky places his hands on the wall while I pump him faster…his hips buck matching my rhythm

“Scarlett Fuck…I’m gonna cum”
I kiss him hard and stroke harder and faster….I love watching his face as he cums on my hand.

“Wow, Scar…” he breathes, still catching up. “Just… wow.”

A loud knock on the door cuts through everything.

We both freeze.

“Ricky,” Liam’s voice calls from the other side.

 

**Updated 5/22/26**

Chapter 13 – I’ve Been Obsessed With You

Ricky and I freeze when we hear Liam pounding on the door.

“Come on, Ricky, let me in! The doorman said you’re here. I’ll just get my key.”

Ricky immediately leans close, his voice low.

“Go to my bedroom and shut the door. I’ll get him out of here.”

I scramble off the bed, my heart pounding, and run into his bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind me.

A moment later, I hear the front door open.

Liam’s voice fills the apartment, loud and unmistakable, but at first I can’t make out what they’re saying.

Curiosity gets the better of me.

I creep closer and press my ear against the door.

“Hey, man, what the hell?” Liam says. “I show up to meet you at your company party and they say you left with some chick.”

“Yeah,” Ricky replies evenly. “I was just giving someone a ride home.”

“Dude…” Liam laughs. “Remember that hot chick you hooked up with last summer at the lake?”

“Vaguely.”

“She’s here, man. In town. Is she the secret hottie you were telling me about?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Well, until you get your mystery love girl, why not hook up with some hotties?”

There’s a pause.

“I’m just not interested in it anymore.”

“Whoa. Okay, man.” Liam laughs again. “At least come with me to the bar.”

“Look, man, I can’t right now. I’m super busy with some stuff.”

Another pause.

Then Liam’s tone changes.

“Why is your bedroom door shut?”

“What do you mean?”

“You never shut your door.” Liam gasps dramatically. “You have mystery love girl in there, don’t you?”

“All right, man, get the hell out of here.”

“No problem. Have fun!”

The front door opens and closes.

I pull back from the door, my mind racing.

Mystery love girl?

Was Ricky talking to Liam about me?

The bedroom door opens, and Ricky walks in.

I’m sitting on the bed when he sees me, and a slow smile spreads across his face.

“Do you have any idea how sexy you are, Scarlett? Sitting on my bed like that?”

I smile despite myself. “You think I’m sexy?”

He gives me an incredulous look. “Why would I kiss you if I didn’t think that?”

I shrug, suddenly feeling uncertain.

“Everything with us is just so… strange. I mean, I think you hate me ninety-nine percent of the time.”

Ricky’s expression shifts.

“I’ve never hated you.” He pauses. “Resented, maybe.”

He walks toward me slowly and reaches out, stroking my hair.

“Why did you resent me?”

“Do you really want to get into this, Scarlett?”

“Yes. I want to know.”

He exhales heavily.

“Ugh. I’ve been into you since…” He shakes his head. “Since I met you. I thought you were into me too, then over and over you’d date some other guy. Every time you flirted with me, you gave me false hope. It really messed with my head growing up.”

I stare at him.

“Oh my God… wow. Ricky, I had no idea.”

“Oh, please.” His tone sharpens slightly. “You knew you were the most beautiful woman everywhere we went. You could have had anyone, and you dangled yourself in front of me.”

“Ricky, that is not at all how it was. I had feelings for you too. I didn’t think you liked me at all. You got meaner every year.”

“Only because it was driving me insane not to be able to kiss you… touch you… hold you.”

The confession hangs between us.

Then he leans in and kisses me softly.

My tongue slips out, teasing across his lips.

“I want you to touch me now, Ricky,” I whisper. “So badly.”

Something dark flashes in his eyes.

He kisses me harder, deeper, all restraint slipping away.

“Oh, fuck, baby…” he murmurs against my mouth. “I need to taste all of you.”

Heat rushes through me as he moves lower, his hands tracing over my skin, leaving goosebumps everywhere they touch.  Ricky pulls down my panties, and I’m totally exposed to him. My skin has goosebumps…

“Lay back, Scarlett,” he says, his voice rough with desire. “I can’t wait to taste you. I can’t believe I get to do this. I’ve only been obsessing about this forever.”

“Really?”

“Of course, beautiful.”

Ricky’s hands run up my stomach, under my bra, and teases my nipples. I moan loudly and arch my back…excited for his hands to be on my body.“Mmm, Scarlett… I love your sounds. I imagined them before, but they’re so much better in real life.”

He kisses me down my stomach above my pubic bone. I’m shaking with need….

“Ricky…” I breathe. “Please. I need you.”

He smiles at me, and the look alone nearly undoes me.

“Ricky….please…I need you” I cry out.

Ricky smiles at me just before he licks my pussy…

“Oh fuck…fuck…Ricky…”

He licks circles on my clit and I begin to shake with the building orgasm. His tongue penetrates me and I grab onto his hair while my hips buck.

“Ricky I’m going to…”

His tongue circles my clit again and he sticks a finger in me pushing me over the edge….I cry out and feel my toes curl…. the feeling overwhelms me and I can’t do anything but ride the orgasm.

The tension that has been building between us for years finally explodes, and I completely lose myself in him.

When it’s over, I’m trembling, completely spent.

Ricky pulls me into his arms, holding me against him.

Safe.

Warm.

Exactly where I’m supposed to be.

I fall asleep there in his arms.

 

**Updated 5/29/26**

Chapter 14 – I Remember Everything

I wake up the next morning and instinctively reach out, trying to snuggle into Ricky.

He’s not there.

“Ricky?”

I open my eyes fully and see a note resting on his pillow.

Good morning, beautiful… I had to take care of some business. Don’t leave. Be back soon.

I sit up slowly, a small smile tugging at my lips, then get out of bed and walk into the kitchen.

The moment I step inside, I stop.

Chocolate chip pancakes sit on the table.

Next to them… yellow roses.

My chest tightens, my heart swelling so fast it almost hurts.

He remembered.

---

Flashback

“Time for my favorite meal!”

I’m already halfway through mixing the flour, adding chocolate chips, when I hear him.

“Whatcha making?”

I glance over and see Ricky leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, smiling at me like he has all the time in the world.

Damn him for being so attractive.

“Only my favorite breakfast. I’m celebrating.”

“What’s your favorite breakfast?”

“Chocolate chip pancakes, of course.”

“Wow. I’m impressed. I don’t even know how to make regular pancakes.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Do you want me to show you?”

“Sure.”

He walks over, and I scoot aside so he can stand in front of the bowl.

“Okay, it’s super simple. Just read the box for the pancake mix ratio to water.”

He scoops the mix and water together and starts mixing.

The batter flies everywhere.

“Oh shit… I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay, no harm done. Here, let me show you.”

I step closer, taking his wrists and guiding his hands so he doesn’t splatter it again.

“Scarlett… I’m doing it!”

He looks over at me, smiling, and suddenly I’m very aware of how close we are.

“Scarlett…”

The batter flies everywhere again.

He unplugs the mixer, laughing.

“Here, you’ve got batter all over you.”

He grabs a paper towel and wipes my face, his touch lingering just a second too long near my mouth.

“What’s next?”

“What do you mean?”

“Pancakes.”

“Oh… right. Chocolate chips. Here.”

I hand him the bag and tell him to put in as many as he wants. Then I walk over to the yellow roses my dad gave me and start putting them in a vase.

“Who gave you those?” he asks sharply.

Is Ricky… jealous?

“They’re from my dad. He was congratulating me. He knows my favorite flowers are yellow roses.”

“Oh. I see. What was he congratulating you on?”

“I’m valedictorian of my class.”

“Wow, Scarlett. Congratulations. That’s incredible.”

He pulls me into a hug, lifting me slightly off the ground, and I laugh. His hand slides into my hair as he cradles my face, and I lean into him without thinking.

“Dude, what the hell? Get off my sister!”

Ricky immediately lets go, pushing me away.

“I was just congratulating her on being valedictorian. Nothing funny. Like I’d ever be into you, little sister. Come on. She’s like my nerdy sister.”

Heat floods my face, anger hitting me instantly.

“Well, you two have fun. I’m going out with Derrick. Ricky, you can clean up the pancakes, right?”

“What? Who is Derrick?”

I walk out before he can see the tears building in my eyes.

---

End of Flashback

---

I sit at the table, slowly eating the pancakes.

They’re good.

Really good.

Did Ricky actually make these himself?

The front door opens, and my heart jumps.

“Hello, beautiful.”

“Hi.”

I stand up and walk over to him, pressing a kiss to his lips. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tighter than usual.

“Did you make these yourself?”

“Of course,” he says. “You taught me how… remember?”

“I remember, I just wasn’t sure you did.”

“I remember everything between us, Scarlett.”

“So do I.”

He studies me for a moment.

“I want to take you somewhere today.”

“Okay, but first I need to go home and take a shower.”

“Take one here.”

“I don’t have any clothes.”

“I’m good with you being naked.”

“I bet you are.”

“Just borrow some of mine. Where we’re going, you need to dress comfortably.”

“Okie dokie, mystery man.”

---

I pick out some of his clothes, deciding to skip underwear entirely.

Something about teasing him all day feels… right.

I take off my clothes slowly, then hesitate.

Should I invite him?

Before I can overthink it, I open the bathroom door.

Ricky looks up.

His jaw drops.

“Wanna join me?”

He doesn’t hesitate.

He strips out of his clothes and walks over quickly, and I can’t help but laugh.

He lifts me easily and carries me into the shower.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

I blush, smiling up at him, and then it hits me—

I’m seeing him like this for the first time.

My eyes drift downward, widening slightly.

“Wow.”

He smiles, amused, and kisses me.

I sink into him and the moment my breasts rub against his chest my nipples get hard. Ricky notices and gently massages them which makes me moan in his mouth.

“Let me wash your body,” he says softly.

I nod.

I nod and he soaps up his hands. He washes the front of my body and I find it unbearably erotic. He then turns me around and holds me hard against him. I feel how excited he is against my back.

“Scarlett… you have no idea what you do to me.”

I turn my head, kissing him again, deeper this time. My hand moves instinctively and I begin to stroke him.  He moans in my mouth. His hand tweaks my nipples and I grind against Ricky.

“Fuck, baby…”

Ricky rubs his hard length against my pussy back and forth stimulating my clit. I hold onto the shower wall as I feel my orgasm building. We grind faster and faster and he stops at my entrance. I take a sharp inhale. I want this so badly.“Scarlett…” His voice is rough now. “I’m about to push myself in… I know this is your first time. Do you want to stop here?”

My breath catches.

“Either way,” he continues, “I’m not stopping this… but do you want to do this here? Now?”

His words send heat straight through me.

I press back against him slightly.

Just enough.

His tip begins to stretch my entrance and we are both moaning…. the loud knock on the bathroom door pulls us away from one another.

“Dude, you done with your shower? I need to talk to you.”

Liam.

 

**6/5/26**

Chapter 15 – We Can Discuss Business Monday

I put my ear up to the door of the bathroom to hear what Ricky tells Liam…

“Seriously dude? Come on man I was in the shower!”

“Oh sorry bro”
“Ok I have someone here you need to go…and seriously stop just walking into the apartment.” Ricky huffs.

“Okay man I said I was sorry. I’ll talk to you later.”

I hear Liam leave and Ricky comes back in the bathroom.

“Sorry Scar…”
“It’s fine. We needed to stop anyway. But I do want to try something.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
I kiss Ricky slowly savoring every kiss. I kiss him down his face, his neck, his stomach and get on my knees.

“Baby you don’t have to…”
“Ricky I want to so badly, but I have never done this before. Will you tell me if I’m doing something wrong?”

Ricky smiles wide at me but looking up at him like this I’ve never felt more powerful. He cups my face in his hands.

“Are you sure you want to do this baby? You don’t have to….”

I kiss the tip of him and he takes in a sharp breath throwing his head back…

“Fuck Scarlett…”
I kiss his tip and slowly wrap my lips around his girth. His dick twitches in my mouth and I can feel my body responding to this. I slowly push my mouth down all his length as far as I can go….

“Baby this feels soooo good…”
I swirl my tongue around him and start quickening my pace. I hear Ricky’s breath getting faster and pump my mouth following his breaths…

His hands grip my head lightly and I look up at him through my eyelashes.

“You are so beautiful baby…I want to get my tongue inside you.”

Ricky lays on the ground and pulls my hips over his face so I am straddling him. His mouth goes to work on me right away and my legs begin to shake. I bend over and take Ricky in my mouth again.

I feel Ricky push a finger inside me and I moan with Ricky in my mouth. My legs are trembling so hard now I can barely focus…

“Scarlett, you taste so good. I’ve wanted you for so so long.”

Ricky pushes a second finger in me and I cum immediately with him in my mouth. I hear Ricky moan and his body goes still. He spills in my mouth and I swallow him greedily.

“Wow, Scarlett…” he says after a moment. “Just… wow.”

We stay like that for a while, catching our breath, until he finally lifts me up and carries me out of the shower.

He dries me off gently, carefully, like I’m something fragile, then hands me one of his shirts. It all feels surreal.

We can’t stop touching each other. Kissing. Smiling like idiots.

Have I always felt this way about him and just buried it?

I think I have.

Everything feels right.

Too right.

His phone buzzes.

The change is instant.

Ricky looks down at the screen, and his entire body stiffens. The smile disappears.

“I’ll be back,” he says, his tone suddenly cold. “I have to take this.”

He walks out of the room without another word.

I sit there, confused, watching the door close behind him.

Who the hell could affect him like that?

I try to listen, but I can barely hear anything at first.

Then—

“Assaulting an employee in the women’s bathroom cannot be excused.”

My heart starts pounding.

Is he talking about Jake?

“I’m in charge. This is supposed to be my call.”

Silence.

Then finally—

“Fine. I’ll be there in an hour.”

The call ends.

Ricky walks back in.

“Scar, I have to go into the office and handle some things. I’ll call you when I’m done, okay?”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, baby. Don’t worry.”

He kisses me gently, gives me a small smile, and leaves.

But something feels off.

Really off.

---

The rest of the day drags on, and I don’t hear anything from him.

The uneasy feeling in my stomach won’t go away.

Before I go to sleep, I text him, asking if he’s okay.

I fall asleep almost immediately.

---

The next morning, I grab my phone first thing.

There’s a message from Ricky.

All is fine. See you at the office Monday.

My stomach drops.

What the hell is going on?

I text back:

Don’t you think we should talk?

I watch as the typing bubble appears… then disappears… then comes back again.

Finally—

I don’t want to encourage employees to work weekend. We can discuss business Monday.

Business?

I stare at the screen, completely stunned.

What the hell is going on?

---

Monday morning, I walk into the office ready to demand answers.

The moment I sit down, I see an email.

From Henry Nikodem.

My stomach drops.

He’s scheduled a one-on-one meeting with me.

A cold wave of dread settles over me. I’ve only seen Ricky’s dad a handful of times, and Liam always said he was an arrogant bastard. Ricky practically lived at our house growing up just to get away from him.

Something feels off in the office.

Everyone knows about Jake.

Maxine walks past my office, and I hurry out after her.

“Maxine,” I call softly.

She turns, but her expression isn’t warm.

“What?”

“Are you okay?”

“Just fine, Scarlett. What do you want?”

“You seem mad. Did I do something?”

She lets out a sharp breath. “Apart from disappearing at the party and getting Jake fired? No.”

“Maxine, I’m sorry I disappeared, but…” I hesitate. “Can you come into my office? I need to tell you something.”

She studies me for a second, then nods.

We walk inside, and I shut the door behind us.

I tell her everything. The party. Jake. Ricky.

All of it.

“Oh my gosh, Scarlett, I’m so sorry,” she says immediately. “Jake was telling everyone this whole story about how you and Ricky were a couple and you wanted his job, so you got him fired.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“I’m so sorry,” she repeats, looking genuinely upset.

“I got an email this morning from Henry Nikodem,” I say quietly. “I might be fired next.”

My eyes start to sting.

“I’ve heard nothing from Ricky… and now I have to meet with his dad.”

“It’ll be fine,” Maxine says, reaching for my hand. “I’m sure he just wants to check on you since it was a workplace incident.”

I nod, even though I don’t believe it.

Then I turn back to my desk, trying to prepare for a meeting I know nothing about.

 

**Updated 6/12/26

Chapter 16 – Chicago

 

Walking toward Henry Nikodem’s office, I can feel my body trembling. Where the hell is Ricky? And what the hell is going on?

The looks I’ve been getting around the office all morning aren’t helping. Jake must have spent the weekend spreading lies, because every time I pass someone, I catch whispers and sideways glances.

 Great. Just great.

 I stop in front of Henry Nikodem’s secretary. She’s perfectly put together. Perfect hair. Perfect makeup. Perfect posture. Perfectly intimidating.

She only looks up when I’m standing directly in front of her. Her eyes sweep over me like she’s assessing whether I’m worth her time.

 “Name.”

The single word is cool and clipped.

“Scarlett. I have an appointment with Mr. Nikodem.”

She doesn’t miss a beat.

“Take a seat. I’ll call you shortly.”

Then she immediately returns to typing. Dismissed. I sit down and do my best not to fidget. Where is Ricky? Why is he being so cold? Should I text him again?

“You can go in now.” Her voice is just as cold as before.

 I stand, smooth down my skirt, and walk toward the door. The moment I step inside, I understand where Ricky gets it from. Henry Nikodem’s office is practically a luxury suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city skyline. A sitting area occupies one corner. There’s a private bathroom with a shower. What looks suspiciously like a bedroom sits beyond that. It doesn’t surprise me. Ricky always said his father practically lived at work. The man himself is sitting behind his desk. Big. Not overweight. Not bulky. Just… big.

 Like his entire presence takes up the room without him even trying.

“Take a seat.”

The command sounds more like an order. Apparently, his secretary learned her people skills from him.

 “I’m fine standing.”

The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. For the first time, he actually looks up. Something flashes across his face.

Surprise.

Maybe people don’t say no to him very often.

“Suit yourself.” His expression hardens. “I wanted to speak with you regarding the unfortunate incident involving your former supervisor at the company party.”

Former supervisor. Jake is definitely gone.

 “On behalf of myself and the company, I want to make it clear that we do not tolerate behavior like that. Although nothing can be proven conclusively, we would like to offer you Jake’s position, along with a generous signing bonus.”

He slides a folder across the desk.

“Here is the paperwork.”

I stare at him.

“You’re offering me Jake’s position?”

“Incredible, isn’t it?”

“I’ve only worked here a few months.” I shake my head. “How do you even know I’m capable?”

“I reviewed your work before considering this offer.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “You are capable.”

My stomach twists.

“Would I be reporting to Ricky?”

 The temperature in the room seems to drop.

 “Ricky is taking a temporary position in Chicago for the foreseeable future.”

His expression becomes unreadable.

“You will be reporting directly to me.”

For a second I just stare at him. Chicago? Ricky is in Chicago?

“You don’t need to concern yourself with my son.”

The sharpness in his voice catches me off guard. This man is unbelievable. He’s essentially handing me a promotion while simultaneously making it clear that taking legal action would be pointless.

And Ricky is gone. Just… gone. Without saying a word.

“I need time to think about it.”

For the first time, Henry Nikodem looks genuinely surprised. Only for a second. Then the expression disappears.

“Scarlett,” he says slowly, “this is a tremendous opportunity. What exactly do you need to think about?”

“To be frank, sir?”

His jaw tightens.

“This feels like hush money.”

Silence.

“I know I’m capable of doing the job,” I continue.

“But I wanted to earn it. Not receive it because something bad happened to me.”

 His eyes darken.

“Perhaps you aren’t as capable as I thought.”

 If looks could kill, I’d already be dead. I meet his stare.

“Maybe we both need time to think about it then.”

The silence stretches between us. Then I turn and walk out. ________________________________________

 By the time I make it back to my office, my hands are shaking. An email pops up immediately. From Henry Nikodem.

Scarlett, Please review the details of the offer below. The deadline for acceptance is Thursday at 8:00 a.m.

 I scroll down. Then scroll back up. The salary. The bonus. The benefits. The numbers are absurd. My phone is already in my hand. I text Ricky: I just met with your dad. You’re in Chicago? I need to speak with you ASAP.

His response comes almost instantly. “Yes. I’m in Chicago. I don’t see how that is any of your concern.”

 I read the message twice. Then a third time. Surely I’m misunderstanding.

 “What do you mean it’s not my concern? Ricky what the hell is going on? Please call me.” The typing bubble appears. Disappears. Appears again. Then my phone rings.

“Ricky?”

 The second I hear his voice, something inside me loosens.

“Ricky, you just moved to Chicago without saying anything? What is going on?”

Silence. Then—

 “Scarlett, again, I don’t see why I would need to inform you of my whereabouts.”

His voice is ice. Not cool. Not distant. Ice. A wall slams down between us.

“Ricky,” I whisper. “I thought we had something. You told me you had feelings for me.” Silence. Long enough to hurt. Then—

 “Scarlett, you’re a beautiful girl, okay?”

The words feel rehearsed. Like he’s reading them.

“I’ve been physically attracted to you for years. That’s true.”

Every word feels worse than the last.

“But this could never be an actual relationship.”

I stop breathing.

“Now that I’m in Chicago, our personal relationship has come to an end.”

The room spins.

“I’m sorry if that upsets you.”

 Tears hit my cheeks before I realize I’m crying.

“No.” My voice breaks. “No. That’s not true.”

“Scarlett—”

“No.” I wipe furiously at my face. “I know you care about me. I know you do.” Silence. “Did you even tell Liam you left? Ricky, this isn’t you.” Another long pause.

Then—

“Scarlett… I have to go.”

His voice is softer now. Somehow that’s worse.

 “Again, I’m sorry if this has upset you.”

Upset me?

“Good luck with everything.” The line goes dead.

 I stare at my phone. At the empty screen. At the call that’s already ended. Then I can’t breathe.

I push away from my desk so fast my chair nearly tips over. The walls feel too close. The office feels too small. I run.

Out of my office.

Out of the building. Out into the cold air.

Because if I stop moving, I might completely fall apart.

 

**Updated 6/19/26

 

Chapter 17 – Move On

 

I sat in my car for almost an hour after leaving the office. The tears had stopped, but the ache in my chest hadn’t. Every time I closed my eyes, I heard Ricky’s voice.

“This could never be an actual relationship.”

The words didn’t make sense. Not after everything. Not after the pancakes. Not after the roses. Not after him telling me he couldn’t give me up. I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. Maybe I had imagined all of it. Maybe I was stupid. Maybe Ricky had been right all along. The thought made my stomach twist. My phone sat in the cupholder. Silent. No texts. No calls. Nothing. I picked it up anyway.

    Still nothing. I hated myself for checking. I hated myself for caring. Most of all, I hated that he could destroy me this completely. Eventually I started the car and drove home.  

The next morning, I walked into the office feeling like a completely different person. The gossip hadn’t died down. If anything, it seemed worse.

     People stopped talking when I walked by. Eyes followed me. Whispers started the second I passed. Jake had definitely been busy before he left. Wonderful. I dropped my purse in my office chair and immediately opened Henry’s offer.

     The salary stared back at me. The bonus was ridiculous. The position was everything I’d worked toward. I should have been excited.

     Instead, I felt numb. A soft knock sounded at my door. Maxine peeked her head inside. “Morning.”

 “Morning.”

 She frowned immediately. “You look terrible.”

“Thanks.”

 “You know what I mean.”

I did. I probably looked exactly how I felt. Exhausted, heartbroken, humiliated.

     Maxine sat across from me. “Have you decided?”

I looked down at the offer again. Then I signed it.

“There.”

Her eyebrows shot up.  “You accepted?”

“I accepted.”

“Good.” I laughed bitterly. “Nothing about this feels good.”

Maxine didn’t argue. She just reached across the desk and squeezed my hand. “I know.”

     Around lunch, I found Liam sitting at our favorite coffee shop. The second he saw me, he smiled. The smile vanished almost immediately.

“Damn, Scar. That bad? You look like somebody died.”

Close enough. I slid into the seat across from him.

“Liam, did Ricky tell you he moved to Chicago?”

His entire face changed. “What?  He moved?  You’re kidding…”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“That asshole.”

“Liam.”

“What? He didn’t tell me.  I’m his best friend!”

Now it was my turn to stare.

“He didn’t?”

“No.” Liam leaned back in his chair. “Last thing he told me was he had some work stuff going on.”

The knot in my stomach tightened.

“What kind of work stuff?”

“I don’t know. Dad apparently needed someone to handle something at the Chicago office.” “Someone?”

“Yeah.” I watched him carefully. “What does that mean?”

Liam shrugged. “Honestly? No clue. Ricky just said somebody needed help and Dad asked him to take care of it.  I bet you’re happy he’s finally gone”

My heart skipped. Somebody needed help. Someone. Not something. Someone. The timing was too perfect. Jake. The promotion. Henry. Chicago. Ricky’s sudden disappearance. My stomach twisted.

“Oh my God.”

“What?”

I looked down at my coffee. Nothing. Maybe I was crazy. Maybe I was reading into things. But a small voice inside me whispered the same thing over and over. He left because of you.

Liam frowned. “What’s going on?”

I forced a smile. “Nothing.”

“Scarlett.”

“It’s nothing.”

He clearly didn’t believe me. Neither did I.

     Working for Henry Nikodem was exactly as miserable as I expected. Possibly worse. By three o’clock he had already reviewed four reports. Every single one came back covered in notes. Not suggestions. Corrections. At four thirty he appeared in my doorway. I immediately sat up straighter.

“Mr. Nikodem.”

“The Carson file.”

I handed it to him. He flipped through several pages. The silence stretched. Finally, he closed it.

“Acceptable.”

That was it. No good job. No praise. No congratulations. Just acceptable. Then he walked away. I stared after him. How had Ricky survived being raised by this man?

     The days blurred together. Work. Home. Sleep. Repeat. Every morning I checked my phone. Every night I checked my phone. Every lunch break. Every red light. Every commercial. Nothing. No texts. No calls. No Ricky. A week passed. Then another. The hurt settled into something heavier. Not sharp anymore. Just constant. Like carrying a backpack full of bricks everywhere I went. 

     Friday night found me sitting on Maxine’s couch. A glass of wine sat untouched in my hand. Maxine was watching me with growing concern.

“You’re doing it again.”

“What?”

“Staring at your phone.”

I set it down. She wasn’t wrong. “I wasn’t.”

“You absolutely were.” I sighed. Maybe I had been.

“Scarlett.”

“What?”

“You need to move on.”

 The words hit harder than they should have. I immediately felt defensive.

“You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me.”

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out. Because I couldn’t explain it. Not really. How was I supposed to explain Ricky? The guy who spent years pushing me away. The guy who showed up every time I needed him. The guy who kissed me like I was oxygen. The guy who vanished.

“See?” Maxine said softly.

“I can’t.”

“I know.” I looked away. My eyes burned. “He cared about me.”

“Maybe.”

“No. I know he did.”

Maxine hesitated. Then sighed. “A man who wants to be with you doesn’t disappear.”

The words landed like a punch to the stomach. Because part of me knew she was right. I hated that she was right. I hated that I couldn’t argue.

     Monday night I was still at the office long after everyone else had gone home. The city lights glowed beyond the windows. The building was silent. My desk lamp cast a small pool of light across the paperwork.

Across from me, Henry’s office was still illuminated. Of course it was. The man probably lived here. I finished another report and leaned back in my chair. The exhaustion was overwhelming. Without thinking, I reached for my phone. No messages. I opened Ricky’s conversation anyway. Weeks of messages stared back at me. Pictures. Jokes. Arguments. Memories. My throat tightened. I scrolled up. Then down. Then back up again. Like somehow the outcome would change. Like somehow he’d suddenly text me. I opened a new message. My fingers hovered over the screen. I miss you. The words sat there. Waiting.

     For a long moment I stared at them. Then I closed the conversation. Unsaved. Unsent. The screen went dark. And for the first time since Ricky left, I wondered if maybe everyone was right. Maybe I needed to move on. The problem was, I had absolutely no idea how.

 

**Updated 6.26.26**

Chapter 18 – Christmas Wishes

 

The next few months passed in a blur.  Somehow life had continued even though it felt like mine had stopped the day Ricky left for Chicago.  At first, I expected him to text.  Then I expected him to call.  After that, I just expected something.  Anything.

Nothing ever came.  Eventually, I stopped checking my phone every five minutes.  Then every hour.  Then every day.

The hurt never really went away, but it dulled enough that I could function again.  Work helped.  Working for Henry Nikodem was unlike working for anyone else I had ever met.

He never complimented anyone.  He never smiled.  He never asked about your weekend or how your family was doing.  He simply expected perfection.

Oddly enough, I found comfort in that.  There were no mixed signals with Henry.  If he needed something, he said so.  If he hated something, he let you know.  If he didn’t say anything at all, it usually meant you had done your job correctly.

Three months into working directly for him, I noticed something strange.  He had stopped asking anyone else for anything.

“Scarlett.”

I looked up from my computer.

“Yes, Mr. Nikodem?”

“The Daniels file.”

“It was delivered to your office twenty minutes ago.”

He frowned.

“I misplaced it.”

I stood and walked into his office.  It was sitting directly in front of him.  I picked it up and slid it six inches closer.

“It’s right here.”

He stared at it.

“Hm.”

That was his entire response.  I smiled to myself as I walked back out.  An hour later his voice echoed down the hallway again.

“Scarlett.”

“Yes?”

“My calendar.”

“It’s on your desk.”

He found it almost immediately.  Another grunt.  By December the entire executive floor had started joking that I wasn’t Henry’s assistant.  I was his memory.  Maxine even started calling me “Henry’s emotional support paralegal.”

The nickname stuck.  Henry pretended it irritated him.  It absolutely did not.  He simply became more dependent.  He trusted my schedules, my reports, my recommendations and my organization without ever actually saying so.  Coming from him, that was practically a declaration of love.  Outside of work, life wasn’t nearly as successful.  Maxine had finally convinced me to let her set me up with one of her friends.

His name was Jeff.  Jeff was nice.  Painfully nice.  He opened doors, remembered little details, always brought flowers, always texted good morning, always asked how my day had been.  He even laughed at my terrible jokes.  He was the kind of man every woman should probably want.

The problem was…I didn’t.  When he held my hand, it felt comfortable.  When he kissed me, it felt pleasant.  When he hugged me goodbye, I never wanted him to stay longer.

Being with Jeff felt less like dating and more like spending Saturday afternoons with an old friend.  I kept waiting for sparks, for butterflies, for something.  Nothing ever happened.

Maxine insisted feelings grew over time. Maybe she was right.  I certainly hoped so.

Because every time I compared Jeff to Ricky, it wasn’t fair.  No one could compete with the memory of someone who had shattered your heart.

Christmas week finally arrived.

For the first time in months I felt genuinely excited about something.  Mom had already called three times asking when I was coming home.  Dad had apparently bought enough food to feed a small army.  Liam promised he would actually stay awake through Christmas movie night this year.  I didn’t believe him of course.

     Nikodem Holdings decided to hold its annual Christmas party in the office building instead of renting an outside venue.  Rumor around the office was that Henry wanted tighter control after everything that happened at the Halloween party.  No one argued with the decision.  Especially not after Jake.

     When Friday evening arrived, Jeff picked me up wearing a charcoal suit with a deep red tie that matched my dress almost perfectly.

“You look incredible,” he said as I climbed into the passenger seat.

“So do you.”

He smiled.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

The drive downtown was quiet and easy.  Jeff filled the silence naturally, telling me stories about work and asking about my parents.  He really was easy to be around.  When we pulled into the parking garage, he came around and opened my door before offering me his arm.  I accepted it with a smile.  As we walked through the lobby, I barely recognized the building.  Normally sleek and modern, it had been transformed into something straight out of a Christmas movie.  Massive evergreen garlands wrapped around every railing.  White lights sparkled across the ceilings like stars.  Enormous wreaths hung between marble columns decorated with velvet burgundy bows.  Crystal snowflakes floated from invisible strings overhead, catching the light and throwing tiny rainbows across the floor.  The scent of cinnamon, pine and vanilla drifted through the air.  Somewhere nearby, a live string quartet played instrumental versions of classic Christmas songs.  Two enormous Christmas trees towered nearly twenty feet high in the center of the lobby.  Every branch was covered in gold ornaments, glass icicles and white poinsettias.  Artificial snow drifted gently across giant LED screens that made it look like the entire city was caught in a blizzard.

“They really go all out here, don’t they?” Jeff said.

I looked around in amazement.  “Apparently.”

We rode the elevator to the executive floor where the celebration was being held.  The doors opened to reveal another breathtaking sight.  Every conference room had been converted into something different.  One held an elaborate dessert display with chocolate fountains and pastries that looked too beautiful to eat.  Another featured a jazz trio.  The boardroom had been transformed into an elegant dining hall with candlelit tables and towering floral arrangements made entirely of white roses and evergreen branches.  Even Henry’s office doors stood open.  I never thought I’d see that happen.  Before we had taken more than a few steps, Maxine spotted us.  She squealed loud enough to make several executives turn around.

“There they are!”

She ran over and wrapped both of us in one giant hug.

“How’s my favorite couple?”

Jeff laughed.  “I’m hoping we’re your favorite.”

“You absolutely are.”

She linked arms with me.

“Come on. You have to see everything.”

For the next twenty minutes Maxine acted like an overexcited tour guide.  She showed us the ice sculpture carved into the company logo.  The espresso bar staffed by actual baristas.  The photo booth with professional photographers.  The custom gingerbread village complete with moving trains.  The rooftop terrace had even been enclosed in heated glass so guests could watch the snow fall over the city while sipping hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows.  It was extravagant.  Completely over the top.  Very Henry Nikodem.

     Eventually we made our way toward the executive section where Henry himself stood speaking with several board members.  When he noticed me approaching, his expression remained exactly the same.  Unreadable.

“Merry Christmas, boss.”

He grunted.  I reached into my purse and handed him a neatly wrapped package.  He stared at it then at me then back at the package.

“It’s called a gift,” I said with a smile. “And it’s for you.”

He accepted it like someone had just handed him a suspicious explosive.

“Thank you.”

The words sounded forced.  Then he walked away.  Jeff watched him disappear into the crowd.

“What a great guy.”

I laughed.  “He’s definitely not the warmest person I’ve ever met.”

“Warm?”  Jeff raised an eyebrow.

“I think my dentist has more personality.”

“I refuse to become a jerk just because he is.”

Jeff slipped an arm around my waist.

“I like that about you.”

We wandered back toward the bar.  Standing there was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen.  Long blonde hair, perfect makeup, and elegant emerald gown that looked like it belonged on a runway.  She held a cosmopolitan while several men unsuccessfully tried to start conversations with her.  Trying to be friendly, I smiled.

“Hi. I’m Scarlett.”

Her eyes traveled slowly from my shoes to my face.

“I’m Miranda.”

The way she said it made it sound like she couldn’t believe I had spoken to her.  Then she turned and walked away.  Jeff watched her leave.  I noticed.  Oddly enough, I didn’t care.  Months ago, I probably would have been jealous.

Now…Nothing.

That realization bothered me more than Jeff looking.  Maybe Maxine was right.  Maybe I wasn’t over Ricky.  I spotted Maxine weaving quickly through the crowd.  The smile she’d worn all evening was gone.  Her face had tightened with worry.

“Scarlett.”

“What?”

“Can you come with me for a second?”

She glanced apologetically at Jeff.  “Sorry. We’ll be right back.”

Jeff nodded.  “No problem.”

Before I could ask another question, Maxine grabbed my wrist and started pulling me toward the hallway leading to the restrooms.

“Maxine, what the hell is going on?”

She lowered her voice.

“Look… I just wanted to prepare you.”

“For what?”

She hesitated.  Then opened her mouth to answer.  I never heard the words.  I walked directly into someone.  Solid, tall, my forehead collided with a broad chest.

“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry.”

Strong hands steadied my shoulders before I lost my balance.  I looked up.  Every ounce of air left my lungs.  Dark wavy hair brushed against his collar.  Green eyes I had dreamed about for months stared back at me.

For one impossible second the room disappeared.  The music, the laughter, the Christmas lights, everything.  There was only him.

Ricky.

 

**Updated 7.3.26***

 

 

**Updated 7.10.26***

 

 

After Jeff dropped me off, I barely made it through my front door before the tears came.

I kicked off my heels, dropped my purse on the kitchen counter, and walked numbly toward my bedroom. The silence inside the apartment felt suffocating. Just a few hours ago I’d been surrounded by Christmas music, laughter, sparkling lights, and coworkers pretending everything was perfect.

Now all I could hear was Ricky’s voice.

“I’m sorry for your unfortunate situation, Jeff.”

I laughed bitterly through my tears.  Typical Ricky.  Three months without speaking to me.  Three months without a single phone call.  Three months pretending I didn’t exist.

Then he walked back into my life for ten minutes and somehow managed to turn everything upside down again.  I collapsed onto my bed and buried my face in my pillow.  What was wrong with me?  Why did one look from him still make me feel like the rest of the room disappeared?

Why had he stared at me like that while he was dancing with Miranda?

If he was happy…If he had moved on…If he really meant every horrible thing he said before leaving for Chicago…Then why couldn’t he stop looking at me?

I squeezed my eyes shut.  No.  I wasn’t doing this again.  I wasn’t going to spend another night trying to figure Ricky out.  He’d made himself perfectly clear months ago.

This could never be an actual relationship.

The words still hurt.  I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling.  Poor Jeff.  The guilt settled heavily in my chest.  He hadn’t done a single thing wrong.  He was kind.  Funny, patient, he opened doors for me, remembered my favorite coffee order, and asked about my parents, texted me every morning just to wish me a good day, and he deserved someone who smiled because she was with him.

Not someone who spent an entire evening staring across a ballroom at another man.  Maxine had been right.  I hated admitting it.  She’d been completely right.  It wasn’t fair to Jeff.  I reached for my phone and stared at his name for a long time.  Finally, I typed.

Jeff, I’m so sorry, but I think we should talk after Christmas. You deserve someone who’s completely in this relationship, and I don’t think that’s me.

I stared at the message.  Then I hit send before I could change my mind.  Almost immediately my phone buzzed.

I kind of wondered if tonight would end this way.

My heart sank.

You’re an incredible woman, Scarlett. I just don’t think you’ve ever really been with me.

Fresh tears filled my eyes.

I’m sorry.

A few seconds later another message appeared.

Don’t apologize. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Merry Christmas.

I cried harder than I had all night.  Not because I loved Jeff.  Because he deserved so much better than what I’d given him.

---

The next morning I wake feeling emotionally exhausted.  Christmas…finally.  I desperately needed a week away from work.  Away from Henry.  Away from the office.  Away from reminders of Ricky.

I pack my suitcase, load the presents I’d bought everyone into the trunk of my car, and started the familiar drive to my parents’ house.  About halfway there, the tension I’d been carrying for months slowly began to melt away.  The farther I drove from the city, the lighter I felt.  Snow covered the fields on either side of the highway.  Small towns were decorated with wreaths and twinkling lights.  Every radio station seemed to be playing Christmas music.  For the first time in months…

I smiled.

---

When I pull into my parents’ driveway, I immediately feel ten years younger.  The porch is wrapped in white lights.  Dad’s ridiculous inflatable Santa still stands crookedly in the yard.  Mom’s handmade wreath hangs proudly on the front door.  Some things never change.  I grab my suitcase and walk inside.  The smell hits me instantly.  Cinnamon, pine, sugar cookies, home.

     Every Christmas decoration is exactly where it has always been.  The same nativity scene sits on the fireplace.  The same knitted stockings hangs from the mantel.  The same little ceramic village stretches across the buffet in the dining room.  It was like stepping into a memory.

“Scarlett!”

Mom practically runs across the room before throwing her arms around me.

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.”

She squeezes me tighter.  Dad joins us a second later.

“My second favorite girl.”

I laughed.

“Who’s your first?”

“Your mother.”

“Smart answer.”

He kisses the top of my head.

“You look tired.”

“I’ve just been working a lot.”

“Well, you’re home now.”

The simple words warm me more than the fireplace ever could.  I look around.

“Where’s Liam?”

Mom rolls her eyes affectionately.

“Running late. As always.”

Dad laughs.

“He called twenty minutes ago to say he was almost here.”

“So… another hour?”

“Probably.”

Mom smiles.

“Come help me finish the Christmas cookies.”

“I’d love to.”

---

For the next hour we bake together exactly like we have every Christmas since I was little.  Mom mixes the dough.  I cut out cookies.  Dad claims quality control and mysteriously makes half a dozen cookies disappear before they ever reached the decorating table.

“So…” Mom says casually while rolling dough.

“How’s Jeff?”

I hesitate.

“We broke up.”

Both of my parents stop moving.

Dad slowly sets down the cookie he was eating.

“What happened?”

“He didn’t do anything wrong.”

Mom gives me that look only mothers can give.

“I’m sorry sweetie.”

I sighed.

“It’s okay.  He just wasn’t the one”

She reaches over and squeezes my hand.

I lean against the counter.

“I tried, Mom.”

“I know you did.”

“I wanted it to work.”

“I know.”

“But every time I was with him…”

I trailed off.

She nods understandingly.

Mom already knew.

She pulled me into a hug.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

“I’m so tired.”

“I know.”

The timer beeps, giving both of us a chance to compose ourselves.  Dad slides the next tray into the oven.  Just then the front door opened.  Mom smiles.

“Oh good. They’re finally here.”

I laugh.

“Took Liam long enough.”

I wipe my hands on a towel and follow my parents into the family room.  I round the corner still smiling.  Then everything inside me stopped.  Liam isn’t alone.  Standing beside him, hands shoved casually into his coat pockets, dark wavy hair brushing his shoulders, green eyes already fixed on me…Was Ricky.

He looked every bit as stunned as I felt.  Mom squeals.

“Ricky!”

She hurries across the room and hugs him tightly.

“Oh honey, it’s so good to see you.”

He smiles.

“It really is good to see you too.  You’re so skinny.”

“I’ve been working.”

“Nonsense. You’re staying all week and I’m feeding you.”

A genuine laugh escapes him.

“If that’s okay with you.”

Mom smacks his arm.

“You know this has always been your home.”

For just a second something vulnerable crosses Ricky’s face.  Then his eyes find mine again.  He hasn’t looked away once.

“Hey, Scar.”

His voice was calm.  Casual.  Like we’d seen each other yesterday instead of ripping each other’s hearts out months ago.  Every pair of eyes in the room shifts toward me.  I forced myself to breathe.

“Hey.”

It barely comes out above a whisper.  Liam frowns immediately.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.”

Mom claps her hands together before anyone can ask another question.

“Liam! Come taste the cookies before your father eats them all.”

“I heard that,” Dad protested.

“You were supposed to.”

Within seconds the three of them disappear toward the kitchen, arguing playfully over who geta the first cookie.  The house fills with laughter leaving Ricky and me standing alone in the middle of the living room.  The silence stretches between us.  I take two slow steps forward until only a couple feet separate us.  Keeping my voice low, I look him directly in the eyes.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

One corner of his mouth lifts.

“I came to spend Christmas with the only family that’s ever really been mine.”

The words hit harder than I expect because they were true.  My parents had practically raised him.  He’d spent more holidays in this house than at his own.  Mom loves him like another son.  Dad treats him no differently than Liam.  For one brief second I actually feel guilty.  Then I remembered Chicago.  The phone call, the lies, the months of silence, and the guilt vanished.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here.”

His smile fades just enough for me to notice.

“I know.”

Before I can answer, Mom calls from the kitchen.

“Scarlett! Ricky! Come decorate cookies!”

I look at him one last time.

“I have absolutely nothing to say to you.”

I pick up my suitcase and walk upstairs without another word.  My bedroom looks exactly as I’d left it months ago.  Same quilt, same books, same family pictures.  I closed the door behind me and lean against it, trying to steady my breathing. Then I remembered something.  My bedroom wasn’t at the end of the hallway.  It is directly across from the guest room.

The guest room Ricky has slept in every Christmas since we were kids.  Which meant for the next week he would be sleeping twenty feet away.  I close my eyes.  This was going to be the longest Christmas of my life.

 

**Updated 7/17/26**

**Updated 7/24/26**

Chapter 22 – Too Close

Ricky’s tongue is in my mouth so deep trying to taste my stomach and I’m equally as aggressive. My back is pushed up against the wall and I bite Ricky’s lip. He jerks back and we stare at each other breathing hard.

“Fuck you, Ricky,” I say, and I shove him.

Ricky’s hands push against the wall behind me. “I know Scarlet. I’m a piece of shit, but I can’t fucking stay away from you.” He closes his eyes like he’s fighting himself. He’s inches from me and I can’t help but wrap my arms around him. It doesn’t make any sense. I hate him, but I can’t stay away either.

His hands drop to my shoulders and slide down my arms. He nuzzles my neck and it makes me shudder. I kiss his cheek and then his chin and the heat in his eyes makes me wet. I kiss him hard. He grabs my ass and squeezes it, pushing my pelvis against his, and I can feel the outline of his dick. My hips instinctively roll against him and he moans.

The hand that is grabbing my ass slides up under my skirt and I gasp. My nipples immediately harden, and Ricky circles my clit. “You’re so fucking wet, Scarlet,” Rick whispers in a shaking breath. He slips a finger inside me and I moan.

“You like that?”

I nod my head yes and he slips another finger inside. My hips roll against him, and he fucks me hard with his fingers.

“Ricky… oh fuck…” I pull Ricky’s shirt up over his head and lick one of his nipples. The orgasm is about to overcome me and I’m shaking. I’m making sounds I don’t even recognize. He tugs my shirt off with his other hand and undid my bra like a fucking pro.

“Fuck me, Ricky,” I cry out and he completely stills.

“Is that what you really want, Scar?” He breathes, kissing my neck. I nod my head yes. Ricky pulls my chin down.

“Look me in the eyes and tell me that’s what you really want right now.”

Without even thinking about it, I say, “I’m not a virgin anymore, Ricky.”

His eyes widen and he looks hurt. I go on quickly. “So if that’s what you’re worried about, don’t.”

“I just wanted you to be sure, Scarlett.” He sounds careful.

After a moment he reaches in his pocket and pulls out a condom. He’s about to rip it open and I stop him with my hand. I shake my head no. His eyes widen.

“Scar, if you’ve been active—”

“I’ve been tested since. I’m clean and I’m on the pill. You?”

“I’m clean,” he whispers as he takes one of my breasts in his mouth.

I let out a sigh as he pumps his fingers in me again, circling my clit with his thumb. It doesn’t take long and I’m shaking as my orgasm takes me.

“Fuck, fuck, oh my God, Ricky.” His fingers pull out of me and he licks them clean.

“Look at me, Scarlett.” I look at him in a daze. His eyes are so full of heat. His hands slip my panties down and he stares at me the whole time. He lifts one of my legs over his arm and rubs his dick up and down the length of my slit. I feel my eyes starting to roll back.

“No, Scarlett. Look me in the eyes while I enter you.”

I snap back to attention. He kisses me gently and pushes into me to the hilt. I scratch his back and let out a cry. The pain is too much. Ricky freezes deep inside me.

“Scarlett?” He whispers my name in question.

“Just stay still for a second,” I wince.

Tears are coming from the corners of my eyes.

“I’ll wait until you’re ready, baby,” Ricky whispers.

He kisses my neck softly and massages my ass. Then he lifts me up gently and carries me to the bed. I see sweat beading on his forehead with the effort he’s making from not moving. Once I adjust somewhat I nod at Ricky and he pulls out slowly. I take a sharp intake of breath and Ricky, very slowly, pushes back in.

“Still hurts?” He asks.

I nod my head.

“Look at me, Scarlett. I want to see your beautiful eyes.”

I smile at him and he kisses me. He is being so gentle with me and going so slow. He pulls out and pushes back in about three more times and then the pain starts to disappear. He starts rubbing my clit in circles and my hips move to reach him.

“Ricky, this feels good,” I moan.

“Your pussy is so tight, Scarlett. I’m not going to last long,” He whispers in my ear.

I grab his ass and pull him into me faster.

“Faster, Ricky, please.”

He fucks me harder and faster while rubbing my clit and I feel something huge building inside me. My legs shake hard.

“Cum for me, Scarlett. Look at me while you cum.”

I stare into Ricky’s eyes when I cum. My moans are half screams and I hear Ricky yell out, “Oh shit, Scarlett, I’m cumming inside you.”

I feel him spill his hot warmth in me and he collapses on top of me. I writhe from the orgasm underneath him. Ricky kisses me long and deep.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this, Scarlett.”

I look at him with a confused look. He smiles at me.

“You have no idea. Why—”

He stops talking when we hear the front door open and the family talking and laughing. Ricky’s eyes go wide and we both move at lightning speed getting dressed.

**Updated Weekly**

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Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6