+Forbidden Affair-Chapters:18-20+

Cheyenne sat on the sofa at Brent’s studio and looked at the picture of her and Nickolas. She missed him, but knew it was the right decision. Or was it? She had no idea anymore. It’s been 17 days and she didn’t realize she could miss someone so much; outside her family. She missed Brent, but it was never like this. It was never this crazy. She was ruining her happiness by making a deal with Vincent Delgado. Was finding out who torched her house really that important to sacrifice having a happy future? Was it going to be worth it in the end? Could she even trust Vincent? Was he being honest by saying it was arson? Who would torch her house and kill Devon to begin with? It was probably just electrical and Vincent was using it to keep her away from Nickolas. What an idiot she is to trust him. She got up and paced around the apartment. What was she going to do? She had to think of something, because this was driving her nuts. Brent told her that if they were meant to be things would work out for them and they’ll find a way to be together. She dropped herself on the bed and the door opened. She looked and saw Brent followed by Nickolas. She sat up and she and Nickolas looked at each other.

“Look who I found on his way up?” Brent said.

“Yeah,” Cheyenne said getting up and walking over to Brent. “Did you pick me up some Nutri Grain bars?”

“Yes.”

“Strawberry?”

“Yes; they’re in one of these bags.” She nodded and started putting the groceries away. “Anyone call?”

“Just a couple bill collectors and some Geri girl was here.”

“Was she tall, blonde, ditzy…”

“And looks like a toothpick.” Brent sighed.

“She lives downstairs and got this obsession with me.” Nickolas laughed and they looked at him.

“What?” Nickolas asked. “I didn’t say anything.”

“I wouldn’t laugh,” Brent said. “Because your wife is obsessed with you.” Nickolas rolled his eyes. “What did you tell Geri?”

“That I was your fiancée and I’d appreciate it if she left you alone,” Cheyenne replied. “I knew she wasn’t someone you were interested in.”

“How do you know?” Brent asked.

“Do you like the kind that bobs their head back and forth and blinks their eyes continuously?” Cheyenne questioned. “That’s exactly what that Geri did and I wanted to knock her head off.” They laughed at her, as she sat at the table. “She’s stupid. I told her I was your fiancée and two seconds later she asked if I was your sister.”

“What’d you say?” Nickolas asked.

“I told her I was his mother and shut the door,” Cheyenne replied. “And I’m supposed to tell you that she’ll be home all night.”

“And I won’t be,” Brent said. “Thank God for music.” They laughed and Cheyenne got up. “Speaking of music.” He stopped Cheyenne and put his arms around her smiling.

“What do you want?” Cheyenne questioned.

“Your beautiful naked self in my bed,” Brent smirked and Nickolas looked at them. Are they back together he wondered?

“It’s not going to happen,” Cheyenne said.

“But you’ll sleep with Carter; a man you hardly know anything about,” Brent said and Cheyenne rolled her eyes. “You know I’m right.”

“Maybe,” Cheyenne said. “Perhaps I wanted to feel like everyone else for a moment and sleep with someone I don’t know.” He just looked at her. “I don’t see why it matters any, because you do it all the time.”

“I just don’t want you to make the mistakes I made,” Brent said. “Or Codie’s mistakes.”

“Or the huge one I made,” Nickolas said and they looked at him.

“I think that’s the king of mistakes,” Brent and Cheyenne nodded. “But anyway, what I really want is for you to sing with us tonight.”

“I don’t think so,” Cheyenne said.

“Why not?” Nickolas asked. “Brent said you have a great voice.”

“I guess so,” Cheyenne said. “But I ain’t going to sing.”

“Please,” Brent pleaded.

“Nope,” Cheyenne said. “Sorry.”

“Do you like seeing me beg?” Brent asked.

“I have to see this,” Nickolas said smiling.

“The only time he ever begged was when he proposed,” Cheyenne said and Brent smiled. “It was a Kodak moment.”

“I’m sure it was,” Nickolas said.

“And I ain’t begging,” Brent said.

“And I ain’t singing,” Cheyenne rebutted. “You can do whatever you want, but nothing’s going to work.” Brent grinned and kissed her. Nickolas just stood there and watched, as Cheyenne kissed her ex in return. After a few seconds of disgust, Nickolas looked away. Cheyenne stopped the kiss and gave a little grin. “Nice try, but it didn’t work.”

“It was worth a try,” Brent said. “But if you’ll excuse me though, I have to go across the hall quick.” He left Cheyenne go. “You two behave.” They watched him walk out and looked at each other.

“So what the hell’s going on?” Nickolas questioned and Cheyenne just looked at him. “Don’t play dumb either. I call and you don’t answer.”

“I told you to walk away,” Cheyenne said. “I walked away so why can’t you?”

“Because I don’t want to.”

“Well you have to.”

“Why? I want to be with you and not Keera.”

“Well that’s not our choice.”

“Yes it is so don’t stand there and tell me it’s not.”

“Do you want to see how much it’s our choice?” She walked over to the sofa and picked up an envelope. She threw it at him and he looked at her. “Look and then you’ll understand why we can’t be together.” Nickolas opened the envelope and took out the pictures. Cheyenne watched him look at them and he looked at her. “Delgado gave them to me. He’s known the whole time. If we stay away from each other he’ll find out who torched my house and we’ll both be safe.”

“I thought it was electrical?” She shrugged. “You’re going to trust him?”

“I don’t know. He made it very clear, Nick. Keera’s happiness comes first and she’s in love with you. Vinnie wants us happy too, but not with each other. You’re married to his daughter and that’s all that he cares about.”

“But I don’t love Keera.”

“He knows, but doesn’t care. If we stay away from each other then we’ll be perfectly safe. He’s letting us off easy, Nick, so we have to be thankful.”

“Be thankful that he’s going to make our lives a living hell? I ain’t going to be thankful!” She just looked at him. “How can you stand there and say you’re thankful towards Vinnie Delgado for sparing your life when you know damn well it’s going to be hell without being with me?” She wiped her eyes. “Don’t even think about crying, because you got us into this!”

“Me? I ain’t the one that got Vincent Delgado’s daughter pregnant and then married her. That was you.”

“And it was a mistake, but you made a deal with him by staying away from me.”

“That’s all he asked of me.”

“And you trust me?”

“My family did so why can’t I?” He sighed.

“I thought you weren’t going to make that mistake?”

“I ain’t. It was just one little thing to find out the truth and he promises nothing more of me.”

“And you’re trusting him?”

“It’s about finding the truth, Nick, and nothing more.”

“Nothing more? So you’re telling me we’re not important?” She didn’t say anything. “I think we’re important and I want us to have something.”

“I have to get ready for work.” She went to walk away and Nickolas stopped her by grabbing her arm. “Don’t do this, Nick.”

“I don’t want to forget about us.”

“No one’s making you forget, but just making you stay away.”

“Well I don’t want to stay away.” She just looked at him a second then walked away.

“Ugh! Damn it!” He ran his fingers through his hair and left out a disgusted sigh.

“I take it things didn’t go so well,” Brent said and Nickolas looked. He shook his head and sat down. “What’d she say?”

“The same thing she said the last time,” Nickolas said. “Just stay away.”

“I’m sorry.” Nickolas shrugged. “I know you guys really like each other and I know Chey hates what she’s doing to you.”

“So why is she?”

“Because she thinks it’s the best thing for your safety. If anyone knows what Vinnie Delgado can really do to a person its Cheyenne.”

“But I ain’t afraid of Vinnie Delgado.”

“Neither is Cheyenne; she’s just afraid of getting you hurt or worse. She really cares about you.”

“She has one hell of a way of showing it.” Brent grinned.

“With Chey things are complicated than the normal. We were together about five years and it took her until the time I proposed for her to show and admit the way she felt about me.”

“But it didn’t seem to work out for ya’s.”

“There was just a lot of stuff towards the end that we couldn’t work out as a couple so Cheyenne suggested we quit and I was an idiot and agreed to just be friends.”

“You still love her?”

“I do, but we both know that ship has sailed.” Nickolas just looked at him and said nothing. “There were, and still are, times that I want us to get back together. But this past month or so I’ve realized that’s not going to happen. She suggested it a few times, but I know it’s not completely in her heart.”

“Why not?”

“Because of you.”

“Oh.”

“You’re in her heart now and I accept that.” Nickolas just gave a slight nod and heard a door open. They looked and saw Cheyenne walk out of the bathroom. She didn’t say anything and they just watched her pick up some stuff and walk out of the studio. “She’s complicated, Nick, and you should know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“I think I do.”

“Good; if you really like her and want to be with her then don’t give up. In the end I believe it’ll work out for you…the both of you.” Nickolas just sighed and Brent looked at him.

“Why don’t you talk to him?” Codie suggested and Cheyenne shook her head. “Why not?”

“Because we have nothing to talk about,” Cheyenne said.

“What about your relationship?”

“We never really had a relationship and we never will.”

“One day you will.”

“No we won’t. He’s married and nothings going to change that.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it.”

“I have work to do.” She picked up a tray and walked away. She walked over to a table by the stage and the group looked at her. “Here ya guys go.” She started putting the drinks on the table.

“I’m not a guy,” Keera said.

“Could’ve fooled me,” Cheyenne rebutted. “That new haircut doesn’t do anything for you.”

“Do you have any idea who your boss is?”

“Yeah; Brian Littrell.”

“It’s Vinnie Delgado.”

“He just signs my paycheck and that’s it; Brian does everything else.”

“We’ll just see about that.”

“Go ahead and tell Daddy on me, because I don’t give a fuck. What’s he going to do to me? Kill me and throw me in the river? I’m not as pathetic as everyone else in this town and I ain’t afraid of Vinnie Delgado. I ain’t afraid of you either.” Nickolas looked at her and grinned.

“Hi, Daddy,” Keera said and they all looked.

“Hi, Sweetheart,” Vincent said. “Cheyenne, may I speak with you?”

“I have nothing to say to you,” Cheyenne said. “I’m obeying you by staying away from Nick so tell your goon to back off and stop following me.”

“Benny?”

“The goon.”

“I don’t see why he would be following you, I gave him his orders.”

“Well he’s following me and I don’t like it. Our agreement was for me to stay away from your son-in-law and you to find out who torched my house. It’s time for you to keep your part of the deal, Mr. Delgado.” She put the last drink on the table and walked away. She walked back to the bar and got herself a drink. She looked at Codie and sighed. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be able to stay here.”

“Why?” Codie asked.

“Because of Delgado. Everywhere I go he’s right there.”

“Don’t let him bother ya.”

“It sounds easier than it is.”

“Codie, let’s dance,” Tess said. “That’s if you don’t mind, Chey?”

“He’s all yours,” Cheyenne said.

“Good,” Tess said.

“I’m going on break shortly anyway,” Cheyenne said, as Tess and Codie got up. “Have fun and dance one for me.” Codie nodded and Cheyenne watched them walk away. She waited on a few patrons before feeling her phone vibrate. She looked at who was calling and shook her head. She answered it and said, “What do you want, Brent?”

“Some wings,” Brent said. “We’re getting hungry.”

“Gotcha.”

“And Keera would like some warm milk if it’s not too much trouble and a peanut butter and banana sandwich.” Cheyenne sighed. “She asked nicely.”

“Tell her I’ll see what I can do.”

“Gotcha.”

“Regular or bar-b-que?”

“Just bring both.”

“Gotcha.”

“Lane wants to know if you’re on the menu?”

“Sorry, but no.” They laughed. “Give me fifteen minutes.”

“We’ll be waiting.”

“Yeah.” Cheyenne turned her phone off and wrote the order into the computer and sent it back to the kitchen. She looked at the people at the bar and sighed. “Chris, when can I go on break?”

“Not anytime soon,” Chris said. “You’re not leaving me with all these people.”

“But just think of all the money you’ll make.”

“It’s a nice thought, but I can’t tend to all these people tonight.”

“I’m not going to leave you hanging.”

“Good.”

“But the first chance I get I’m going to the restroom before I explode.” Chris chuckled. “What can I get ya, sir?”

“A screwdriver,” the guy said and Cheyenne nodded.

“Besides, Chey, the tips go in the bowl and get divided between the two of us.”

“True, true, but maybe I’ll be nice and give ya few extra more dollars for letting me go to the bathroom.”

“You don’t have to do that. It wouldn’t be fair making more tips than you since you’re the reason these people come to the bar.”

“That’s flattering, but it’s also not true.”

“Whatever.” They laughed and Cheyenne waited on the patrons for about twenty more minutes and then went back to the kitchen for her order.

“Enrique, do you have my wings and banana sandwich ready?” Cheyenne asked.

“Just got finished, Miss Cheyenne,” Enrique replied. “They’re nice and hot.”

“Great,” Cheyenne said, as Enrique put the order on a tray for her. “Thanks, Enrique.” She picked up the tray and walked out. “I don’t think anything can get as hot as Nick.” She grinned and walked to Nickolas’ table. “Who ordered wings?”

“They did,” Lane said. “I ordered you.” He smiled and Cheyenne shook her head while putting the stuff on the table.

“Normally you would’ve fallen backwards off that chair,” Cheyenne stated. “But since I like ya that won’t happen.” She put Keera’s milk and sandwich in front of her.

“Thank you,” Keera said.

“You’re welcome,” Cheyenne said and she and Nickolas looked at each other. “Can I get you anything else?”

“Not at the moment,” Brent said, as Cheyenne picked up his glass and took a sip.

“That stuff’s nasty,” Cheyenne said.

“It’s Coors,” Brent said. “It’s the good stuff.”

“All beers nasty in my opinion,” Cheyenne said. “No matter what kind or how expensive.” They all laughed. “When are you getting back on stage?”

“In about thirty minutes,” Nickolas replied.

“So is filling in for Frank a permanent gig or what?” Cheyenne questioned Nickolas.

“It’s permanent,” Nickolas answered. “Frank bailed out and left town.”

“Where was I?” Cheyenne wanted to know.

“Where were any of us?” Lane said. “He didn’t say anything to anyone. He called the other week to let us know and that was it.”

“We begged Nick to stay on,” James said. “BIK was his idea anyway so it was only right.” Cheyenne nodded.

“The crowd seems to like you this way better,” Cheyenne said. “I have to get back to work.”

“We’ll play a song just for you,” Brent said smiling.

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” Cheyenne said and she walked away, as the guys watched her and smiled.

Nickolas stepped from the restroom stall and walked over to the sink, as another stall opened. He looked and saw Cheyenne walk out of it. He turned the water on and she stood beside him. She turned her own water on and looked at him in the mirror. Nickolas looked her also and they just looked at each other, through the mirror, as they washed their hands. They finished at the same time and started drying their hands. Nickolas looked at Cheyenne and watched her, as she looked under the stalls. He watched her walk back over to him and she grabbed his shirt. She dragged him to the end stall and pushed him in. She went in herself and locked the door. Nickolas turned around and she grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him. He kissed her in return and she pushed him down on the toilet and straddled him. “What are you doing?” Nickolas asked.

“Are you complaining?” Cheyenne asked in return and still kissing him.

“No, but…”

“Alright then just shut up.” He smiled and kissed her. “I only get…” She looked at her watch. “Ten more minutes.”

“Then let’s make the most of them.” He thrust his tongue in her mouth and she moaned. She put her arms around his neck, as he put his hand up her skirt. He put his fingers in the waist of her underwear and she pushed his hands away.

“Not here.”

“Why not? I missed you.” He kissed her.

“I missed you too, but don’t you think that our…” He kissed her again to quiet her. He kept her quiet for another ten minutes or so, but the only sounds he left escape her were soft moans. They ignored the people going in and out of the restroom until there was a knock on the stall.

Cheyenne and Nickolas looked at each other and heard Brent’s voice,” It’s just Brent so open up. The coast is clear.” Cheyenne kissed Nickolas and got up.

“Stay,” Nickolas said not leaving her go. “I have to get back to work,” Cheyenne said reaching behind her and unlocking the door. She pushed the door open and pulled herself from Nickolas’ hold. “Plus you guys have to get back on stage.”

“Yeah,” Brent said. “Ya been in here for, like, twenty minutes.” Cheyenne grinned and walked over to the mirror. “What is going on?” Cheyenne looked at him, as she fixed her hair and Nickolas stood beside her.

“What do ya mean?” Cheyenne asked.

“I thought you didn’t want to be with him?” Brent asked.

“I had a change of heart,” Cheyenne replied. “Life is too short so I might as well make the most of it.”

“With me,” Nickolas said and Cheyenne smiled.

“Ya realize this is forbidden right?” Brent said.

“Ya don’t have anything to worry about,” Cheyenne replied. “I thought you wanted this?”

“I just want you guys to be careful considering Nick married into the Delgado family.” Nickolas gave a little grin and just looked at his friend. “You hurt her I’ll hurt you.”

“I ain’t going to put her in harms way,” Nickolas said.

“She’s already in harms way,” Brent said.

“C’mon you guys,” Cheyenne said. “You’re best friends and I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.” She smiled. “You have a show to finish so go back out and finish.”

“Yes, let’s finish,” Brent agreed. “The audience is getting impatient.”

“Ok, ok,” Nickolas said fixing himself. Cheyenne looked at him and smiled. He put his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. She laughed and put her arms around him. Brent shook his head and sighed. “The next song is for you.”

“Ok,” Cheyenne said smiling and Nickolas kissed her. “Now get out there.”

“Yeah,” Nickolas said kissing her again and she pushed him away.

“Get him out of here,” Cheyenne said. “Gladly,” Brent said pulling Nickolas out of the restroom. “What the hell were you thinking?”

“What?” Nickolas asked.

“Keera and Vinnie are here and you’re getting it on with my ex in the restroom.”

“She started it.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“You went out with her for five years so you know how irresistible she is.” Brent nodded and smiled. “Like you would just push her away if she started with you.”

“Can’t say that I would.”

“I rest my case then.” They laughed and got on the stage.

“Why don’t you guys try a more secluded private area?” Nickolas shrugged.

“I’d suggest my place, but there’s no way you’re banging on my bed when I don’t even get to do that.” Nickolas grinned. “Ya can meet there, but you can’t do anything sexual.”

“You’re no fun, man.” Brent shrugged. “What about the pool house at Chey’s?”

“It might work.” Nickolas nodded. “Just concentrate on the music right now.” Nickolas smiled and walked over to the microphone, as the band started playing. “This next song is dedicated to our favorite bartender, Cheyenne.” Nickolas looked at Cheyenne and smiled, as she shook her head.