A Summer To Remember: Novella (Lost Love Book 1) (2 page)

Isabelle

Suddenly, the door slams open. Nikki surges in, hollering, "Where are these cuties?" I can see one of the Kyle's friends eyeing Nikki. She turns towards him, with confidence oozing from her and introduces herself, "I'm Nikki."

He flashes her a small smile. "Caleb. Pleased to meet you."

"Ooh, I love your accent," she gushes.

I can relate, Xavier's smoky, gruff voice is beyond sexy. It leaves me wanting more, yet I know it's an impossibility.

Blocking out the surrounding conversations, I sit quietly in the corner.  Socializing doesn't feel right with Josh gone.

"Isabelle, we're going out. You coming?"

It is safe to say, Nikki is insane. Why would I want to go out when I could be at home, nestled in bed with a book?

"Oh, come on, Izzy, you deserve a night out. One night to forget."

The problem is I don't want to forget. The one thing I'm terrified of is forgetting. "Not tonight, Nikki." 

I should've known she wouldn't take no for an answer.

"One night, Izzy. You deserve a night out."

With a sigh, I discover myself relenting.

"Whoopee," Nikki shouts, fist pumping the air, "I think a makeover is in order." Nikki pulls me out of the room and up to my bedroom, she then proceeds to search through my wardrobe. When her hands land on a black dress. I know I'm in trouble. The dark, smaller-than-usual dress comes flying towards me. "Wear this, oh and I'm doing your make-up." Shaking my head , "No way," I state, "any reason why I wouldn't be able to wear my Jeans?" I challenge her.

"If you're not comfortable in a dress, you can wear your jeans. But please try the dress on." Nikki sighs. I find myself complying with what she asked. A smile graces my lips, knowing I won't be wearing the dress. It's not like I have to impress anyone.

I pull my tank top off and slip into the dress.

"Lose the cotton panties," she mumbles.

God, she knows me too well.

Nikki searches through my underwear drawer. "Wear these," she directs, handing me a pair of dark thongs.

She places a pair of dark pumps into my hands and guides me to sit on the chair that she set in the center of the room. Nikki spreads my cosmetics across my bed and proceeded to make me look gorgeous. 

Nikki is a guru when it comes to applying make-up. Her emerald green eyes are always lined flawlessly, making her eyes pop. Her long, red hair tumbles down her back in soft, delicate waves. She always looks gorgeous.

After thirty minutes, she declares I’m done. "Oh my god, you're gorgeous," Nikki gushes while guiding me to the mirror. "What do you think?"

With a confident demeanor, I stare at my reflection. I'm not sure, what I was hoping to see, but the reflection sparkling back at me is beautiful. The sides of my mouth turn up into a grin. "I love it."

I take a deep breath to work up the courage to head downstairs. Why am I so anxious? As I accomplish the base step, each of the three men turns and stares at me.

Kyle rolls his eyes, not amused. Ignoring Kyle’s overprotectiveness, I step into the hallway. He hasn't always been overprotective. Things changed after Josh died, Kyle always seems to be there watching. As though he’s waiting for me to have a breakdown.

Feeling self-conscious with everyone eyes on me, "why are they staring at me?" I mutter under my breath. Caleb and what's-his-name, both shrug, and swing back to the television.

"You're stunning," Xavier states in a gruff voice, his eyes never leaving mine. His gaze moves me into a vortex of the unknown until we're lost in only each other. Everything vanishes, besides us. Blame hauls me out of our whirlpool. My eye's drops to the floor. Paranoia leaves me second guessing everyone. Will they pass judgment against me for liking someone, so close to Josh's death? 

"Is everybody ready to leave?" Nikki breaks my paranoid thoughts. 

We walk to the club as it's just five minutes away. People are queuing around the corner. Fortunately, we know the bouncer. "Mike, long time no see. How are you doing?" Nikki yells while heading towards the front of the queue.

"I'm good and how are my two favorite girls?" Mike grunts.

"We're good and ready to party," Nikki states in a matter-of-fact tone. Mike indicates for her to enter the club. Nikki spins back in our direction, waving like a mad woman trying to gain our attention. The boy’s head in her direction and I follow behind.  

"How can that be fucking reasonable?" a male voice yells over the wild and noisy group. “Why don't they have to wait, like the rest of us? Huh. I’ve been queuing for the past forty-five minutes.”

Nikki being Nikki turns around, filtering the group to detect the arsehole. She's not one for letting things lie. She flips off the crowd, and swings back to Mike, flashing him a full-of-apologies smile. Trouble brews amongst the crowd. Things escalate quickly, to the point where different individuals start shouting obscenities. Mike and another bouncer venture in and attempt to redirect the conceivable uproar.

In a boisterous, blasting voice, Mike yells, "Enough!" in plans to cool the angry crowd. The crowd dulls slightly, yet there's still some individuals causing yelling obscenities.

Mike swings back to Nikki while shaking his head. With an amused expression, he says, "Always a stickler for trouble." He ushers us into the club and welcomes the guys with a nod. "In you go, you've caused enough shit for one night."

Once inside, we set out straight for the bar while the guys go looking for a table. The cute barman advances towards us. "Okay, ladies, what can I get you?" he inquires.

"Can we get two Martinis on the rocks and four beers, please?" Nikki answers.

The barman gestures, his head accordingly.

Crap, I realize what she’s ordered. How can I change the order without making her suspicious? I conclude to change the order and face the consequences afterward. I yell over the booming music to gain the barman's attention.

"Yes, love?" he asks as he begins back toward us.

"Would we be able to change one martini for a bottle of water, please?"

Nikki looks at me with raised eyebrows. I send her a look of irritation, letting her know the subject is off limits.

Our orders arrive quickly. We snatch our beverages and spot the guys sitting not far from the bar. I slide onto the stool next to Kyle and allow my eyes to wander around the club.

The place could do with new furniture. The bar runs the length of the right side wall. Over in the left-hand corner is the DJ box and, the dance floor is set in the middle.

Timber by Pitbull is playing. I love this song. My ass shakes to the beat of the music. A sudden, strong desire to join everyone out on the dance floor seeps into my being. "Do you want to dance?" I shout over the music to Nikki.

Without answering, she practically drags me to the dance floor, as surprised as I am by my words.

Lost in the beat of the music. My body inwardly shakes from the feeling of someone watching me. I turn, in a try to detect the guilty individual. My eyes scan the bar, as one would expect, they arrive on Xavier. He advances towards me in long, confident strides. A small smile upon his lips. 

When Xavier reaches me, he raises his hands and places them on my waist. He pulls me towards him and drops his head into the crook of my neck. "Dance with me?"

It isn't a question but a demand. A gasp slips past my lips at the vibe of his proximity. His warm breath brings undesirable emotions. A hard knot forms in my stomach.

His lips press against my neck, kissing his way to my ear and whispers, "You're gorgeous." I pull away, and dash to the toilets.

You can't do this, you've got to keep him at arm's length. You will get hurt or worse destroy him. I whisper into the darkness.

Nikki's chasing behind me. "Are you okay, Izzy?" looking at me with a sympathetic expression, she takes a guess what's running through my head. "You can't keep everybody away for the rest of your life. He's here for six weeks. Give him a chance and have fun."

I know she's right, but I'm terrified.

Xavier

After spending eight hours in an uncomfortable seat, I’m glad to be off the plane. My body is aching beyond belief.

"Well, we're here in sunny Wales," James says sarcastic tone. While we’re walking through the airport in search of Kyle.

The crew met two years back while playing games online. The four of us bonded through the love of gaming. We have things in common, each of us as our own Youtube* channel and love recording. Plus we love to have a laugh. Even if it means playing pranks on each other.

"He's over there, man," James says, pointing to the main doors.

Once we've said our "Hello's," Kyle clarifies his car wouldn't start. So his younger sister, Isabelle, brought him. I hope she isn't alluring. Otherwise, I will be reminding myself she's forbidden. It's against brother code to hook up with your mate’s younger sibling.

When he offered for us to stay with him as opposed to booking a hotel room, we seized the possibility. Without a doubt, it'll save cash.

Outside the airport, Kyle receives an instant message. He scans the car park, seeking someone. Then proceeds to advance in the direction of a petite female, whom I assume is his sister.

As we approach the car, the sides of my mouth transform up into a little grin at her warmed gaze. "She's gorgeous." Her blonde hair flows along her back in long, sweeping waves. She has a nice, tight body with a decent rack. But it's her bright green eyes that gain my attention. They hold a touch of sadness. I don't know why I'm mindful, and somewhat anxious, due to the sadness that emanates from her eyes. She isn't my issue.

No man, get your head out of the gutter. You can't and won't go there. She's forbidden.

Kyle makes introductions whilst James mumbles something under his breath. Words impossible can't make out. However, I expect it's in regards, to Isabelle. Asshole needs to stay quiet and keep his opinions to himself.

I can’t resist striding toward her. I lean in and whisper, “like what you see?”

She's red-cheeked from embarrassment.

Fuck, that’s sexy.

She scurries into the car, like a frightened animal. My emotions run wild. I'm both baffled and captivated with her. Sitting behind the driver's seat, paying little attention to the surrounding conversation.

I attempt to concentrate on the scenery flashing past the car windows, in a bid to erase Isabelle from my mind. We pass through small villages. Grassy, heather-clad mountains surround us. How does Kyle amuse himself apart from gaming?

We pull into a quiet, suburb. Small townhouses, line the street. Manicured gardens, with perfect lawns, greets us. Isabelle slows the car until we come to a stop. Is there enough room for everyone to stay?  Isabelle darts out of the car and advances inside, not letting out the slightest peep to anybody. I let her run on the grounds that I'll be around for a couple of weeks, so she won’t be able to hide from me forever. 

After a short time, I tire of waiting for Isabelle's return. I can no longer resist following behind her. Kyle scowls at me as I start towards the course Izzy took.

"Dude, it was a long flight,” I explain when he stops me. “I have to freshen up." It's a legitimate reason that he buys.

"You're crashing across the corridor from Izzy. It’s the last door on the left." Kyle says. James and Caleb perceive the lie for what it is. Their irritating smirks remind me that Isabelle is beyond reach.

Instead of having to search Isabelle out, I catch her leaving the bathroom. Water beads still on her shoulders, sliding down the contours of her body. Her bare flesh brings a certain body part to life, making my joggers uncomfortably tight.

I offer her my hand, to help her from where she’s sprawled on the floor. Rather than taking my proffered hand, she knocks it away. What's more, she stumbles to her feet and stalks into the bedroom.

She's one vivacious and forceful chick. God dammit, she's too sexy!

I push her door open as quietly as could be expected, considering the age of the house. In hopes I can enter unheard. But to my disappointment, the door catches on the frame and makes a thumping sound.

Crap, I got caught in the act. So much for surprising her.

Isabelle flies off the handle, something about privacy or some shit like that. "What the hell are you doing? You can't come into my room whenever you like! A girl needs privacy."

I'm not paying much attention to what she's ranting about. My eyes have a mind of their own. They examine her near naked body. A deep, long sound of suffering escapes me. Striding towards her, I lean in and whisper, "I need to warn you before I leave you will be mine."

I'm certain she can feel my hard-on pressing into her ass. Her body gives me an unknowing sign when goose bumps trail along her arms. I cherish the way her body is reacting to mine. But it worries me slightly as I've only known her a couple of hours. I take a step back to give her a chance to get dressed, closing the door behind me.

I'm sitting in the lounge with the boys when the front door abruptly flies open. A chick enters the front room, yelling, "Where are these cuties?"

After presenting herself as Nikki, we’re all in agreement to head out for the evening. Nikki tells Isabelle, she's in for a makeover.

What is wrong with this chick? Isabelle is perfect!  There’s no way she's in need of a makeover. Seeing Isabelle descending the stairs, my statement of the makeover changes. I was wrong Isabelle resembles a heavenly angel. My eyes have a troublesome time withdrawing from her beautiful figure.

She says something under her breath, words unclear to make out.

James and Caleb must be thinking the same as me. Beautiful.

Isabelle and my eyes bolt together. Only we exist right at this moment but once again the moment's short-lived. Nikki strolls down the stairs behind her. “Ready to go?”

~#~

Nikki's a live wire, flipping off the crowd because a random guy made a bullshit comment that pissed me off. I didn't come to the UK to get involved with fighting.

  I try to gage Isabelle's reaction during the standoff between Nikki and the crowd. But she's cut herself off. She's stood back from everyone else, her arms wrapped around herself. Avoiding eye contact with everyone, she instead looks at the ground. Has somebody hurt her?

  Watching Isabelle on the dance-floor is refreshing. It's the first occasion I've seen her relaxed. She lost in the music. Taking control of the moment, I advance over to the dance-floor and slip my arms around her waist. Her body goes rigid.

What’s going on with her? Quick looks of hurt and sadness flash through her eyes and I wonder who has caused this beautiful girl pain?

  At the idea, I shake my head. Why do I care who's harmed her? She's not my issue. I don't understand these musings.

Baffled with myself yet not able to fight the temptation. I incline down, placing kisses along her neck. I can't help breathing in her sweet aroma. She's flawless. Nipping at her ear, I whisper, "You're beautiful."

  Isabelle runs out of my arms, abandoning me, to watch after her on the dance floor. What the fuck just happened?! Did I do something wrong? Sighing, I don't understand my emotions relating to Isabelle.

    I’m the guy your mother warns you to stay away. The guy who has never had an interest in long-term relationship. Or any relationship for that matter. And never likely to.

One night stands. You got it! I'm the fucker who's only keen on getting laid. I'm not an asshole or anything. The girls I meet are told the rules up front. I'm nothing but honest with them. Definitely no kissing. Kissing is excessively private. When your lips touch a female, they expect more.

The arrangement is one night and only one night. I’m not capable of anything more. I’m too young to contemplate settling down or starting a family. I can’t afford to get someone caught up in my problems. I can’t have anymore blood on my hands.

~#~

Isabelle excuses herself once she sets foot in the hallway and advances upstairs. When she vanishes from vision, Kyle gestures, indicating to follow him.

  "Are you interested in my little sister?"

I don't offer him a response, yet that doesn't deter him from sending me a warning.

"Izzy hasn't had the most straightforward of times of late. I'm worried about her. She doesn't need to be hurt any more than she already has. You are feeling me, man?"

"Okay, dude, I understand, but I wouldn't deliberately hurt her. Anybody can see her misery, incidentally, by the way she acts. What's going on with Isabelle?" Inquisitive to what the answer is, I stay silent, not having any desire to pry.

  "If you pursue her what's going to happen when you take off?" Kyle leaves me remaining in the kitchen with my mind whirling.