+Forbidden Affair-Chapters:21-24+

“Ya know, Cheyenne,” Vincent began, “you’re not going to have closure on the fire if ya keep this up.”

“Keep what up?” Cheyenne asked not even looking at him.

“Your infatuation with my son-in-law.”

“I haven’t seen Nick in two weeks and when he did approach me I told him to forget me. You’re getting what you want, Mr. Delgado; Keera’s lifelong happiness in exchange for mine. You have nothing to worry about. I ain’t going to take Nick away from your bitchy daughter. I wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life happy with a wonderful man.”

“You do not understand; I do want you happy.”

“But not with a guy that makes me feel good about myself for the first time in a long time. And knowing perfectly well that he doesn’t love your daughter and only married her because of the baby she is carrying. You don’t even care about the lives you destroy just as long as it’s to your advantage.” She walked to the other end of the bar. “What was Brian thinking?”

“What do ya mean?” Chris asked.

“By doing business with Vinnie Delgado. This place is going to change, Chris, and Delgado’s going to be the one to blame.”

“I don’t think Brian’s going to let Delgado change this place. It’s doing great the way it is.”

“I just don’t trust him.”

“What’s to trust?” She looked at him and he grinned. “But we should be nice since he’s signing our paychecks and gave us all a $10 raise.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to be nice. I don’t like the guy and never will.”

“If that’s the way you feel then I can’t change it.”

“No you can’t and I’m happier not liking him.” She grinned and looked back at the stage.

“I want to hold you but my senses tell me to stop,” Nickolas sang and Cheyenne grinned. “I want to kiss you but I want it too much (too much)/I want to taste you but your lips are venomous poison, yeah/I don't want to break these chains/Poison, oh no/Runnin' deep inside my veins/Burnin' deep inside my veins/It's poison/I don't wanna break these chains/Poison.”

“May I get a bourbon?” Vincent asked and Cheyenne looked at him. “I’m a paying customer.” Cheyenne poured him a drink and walked away.

“Asshole,” Cheyenne said to no one in particular and waited on patrons for the next half hour. She walked over to Brent’s table and looked at the girls sitting there. “Can I get you girls anything?”

“I’m fine thanks,” Keera said.

“Anyone else?” Cheyenne asked.

“We’re fine,” the one girl said and Cheyenne nodded then looked back at the stage. “You’re Cheyenne, right?” Cheyenne looked at her. “I’m Alexis Valle.” She held out her hand and they shook. “Brent told me so much about you.”

“Oh,” Cheyenne said just eyeing her.

“You two were engaged, right?” Alexis asked.

“Yeah,” Cheyenne said.

“You were a lucky girl,” another girl said.

“I know,” Cheyenne said.

“Now Lex is the lucky one,” the same girl said.

“Excuse me?” Cheyenne said.

“Teryl, I don’t think she knows,” Alexis stated.

“I’m sorry,” Teryl said.

“How long have ya been together?” Cheyenne questioned.

“About five months,” Alexis answered. Cheyenne didn’t say anything and looked at Brent. “It’s been a great five months. We actually live across the hall from each other. Brent’s a great guy and treats me with a lot of respect.”

“Excuse me,” Cheyenne said excusing herself and walking away. She walked back to the bar and stayed there the rest of the night until the place started clearing out. She walked over to the jukebox and looked through the list of songs. She put a few quarters in and picked a couple songs. She stood there and swayed back and forth to the music. She felt hands go on her thighs and looked to see Brent behind her. “What are you doing?”

“It’s not often I get to see that booty look so sensual,” Brent stated swaying with her.

“And it’s not often that I find out that my ex is dating his neighbor after I practically throw myself at him.” She pushed him away and walked back over to the bar. Brent sighed and followed her.

“Alexis and I aren’t really together.”

“That’s not what I got out of it; a great five months.”

As friends; this is, like, the third time we went out.” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and cleaned off the bar. “I don’t see why this is such a big deal to you.”

“We’re closed.”

“What’s the big deal if I date again? You are. I’m not being pissy assed about you and Nick and whatever other guy you date so why be pissy assed about me dating.” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and continued cleaning off the bar. “Chey, what’s going on with you lately?”

“Nothing; I just wish people would be open and honest with me before I go ahead and make a fool of myself.”

“You’re no fool. So why not tell me why it bothers you if I date other girls.”

“Like I said, ‘we’re closed’.” She walked from the bar and helped the waitresses.

“Alright so we’ll talk when you get home.” She looked at him and he grinned. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Whatever.” He kissed her forehead and she watched him walk out.

Cheyenne walked from the back of the barroom and saw Nickolas sitting at the bar. He looked at her and grinned, as she slowly walked over. They looked at each other a moment and she smiled while wiping off the bar top.

“Hey,” Nickolas said.

“Hey,” Cheyenne said in return and still smiling. “I’m getting ready to lock up.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m just waiting for Keera.” Cheyenne looked at him. “She’s in the back with her father.”

“I thought you came separately?”

“She came with Vinnie, but I thought it would be the husbandly duty to take her home, ya know.” She nodded. “Plus throw them off about the ‘us issue’ ya know.”

“Right.” She walked from the bar and over to the tables. Nickolas watched her a moment and then walked over to her. He stood behind her and put his arms around her. “This is really going to throw everyone off.” He smiled and kissed behind her ear. “Nick, ya can’t do this.” He kissed behind her ear again and she moaned softly. “This ain’t fair, Carter.”

“Turn the lights down low/take it off let me show/my love for you insatiable,” Nickolas sang softly along with the music and in Cheyenne’s ear, as they swayed back and forth. “Turn me on never stop/wanna taste every drop/my love for you insatiable.” He started humming in her ear and she turned around. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“I want you.”

“I want you too.” She put her hands in his and they continued swaying to the music. They got closer to each other and smiled.

“Why don’t we meet tonight?”

“Where?” “I’ll find a place and then call you.”

“Ok.” He kissed the tip of her nose and she smiled. “We’re so going to get busted.”

“But being with you is worth it though so it wouldn’t matter if we got busted.”

“You don’t care about much, do you?”

“Not really, but I care about what we have.”

“So do I.” They smiled at each other and were interrupted.

“Baby, I’m ready to go,” Keera said and Cheyenne pulled her hands from Nickolas’.

“Right,” Nickolas said sighing, as they looked at Keera. She just looked at them and Vincent and Benny joined them. Vincent looked at Cheyenne and she rolled her eyes.

“We were just talking,” Cheyenne said picking up the rag. “Or is that not allowed either?”

“Why don’t we go?” Nickolas suggested to Keera. “You need your rest.”

“Yeah I do,” Keera said. “Nice seeing you again, Cheyenne.” Cheyenne just gave a little grin and looked at Nickolas.

“We’ll see ya’s later,” Nickolas said, as he and Keera walked to the door. Cheyenne watched them walk out then finished wiping the tables off. She walked back to the bar and Vincent joined her.

“Now what did I do?” Cheyenne wanted to know. “I haven’t done anything I shouldn’t.”

“You’re in love with my son-in-law aren’t you?” Vincent questioned. Cheyenne just looked at him, but didn’t say anything. It was none of his business how she felt about Nickolas or anyone else for that matter. “I know you are. I can see it when you look at him. It’s the same way my Keera looks at Nickolas, the way I look at Stephanie, and the way Antonio and Viviana looked at each other.”

“Don’t you ever mention my parents again. You know shit about us. If it wasn’t for you my parents would still be alive today and so would Carmine and Arabella and Ivory and Valentino.”

“Cheyenne, they died in a plane crash on their way back from the Congo and I had nothing to do with it. I may be an evil vicious man, but I don’t go around hurting my friends.”

“Don’t you mean murdering? That’s what you are after all; a murderer.”

“I know you’re upset.”

“Do you? My family died because of you.”

“Why don’t you concentrate on our deal instead of on the past. Stay away from Nickolas and I’ll find out who torched your house.”

“And if I don’t stay away from Nick?”

“You’ll never learn the truth and I’ll make you sorry.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Benny, bring the car around.”

“Yes, sir,” Benny said walking out.

“I trust you’ll make the right decision, Cheyenne,” Vincent said. “Try concentrating on Brent; he looks at you the way you look at Nickolas.” Cheyenne looked at him and he walked away. She stood there and watched him walk out while thinking about what Vincent said.

Cheyenne laid on the bed next to Brent and stared up at the ceiling. She had no idea what to do. She wanted to find out why her house was torched and she wanted to be with Nickolas. She wouldn’t be able to figure out the truth to the first if she continued with the second. If she stopped seeing Nickolas then she would miss out on something wonderful. She sighed. But then again it could just be a bunch of lies to keep Vincent’s precious Keera happy. For all she knew it was just an electrical fire like the fire marshal said and Vincent was using arson as a way to keep her away from Nickolas. She trusted him in a way though. She didn’t understand why though. It was probably because her father did and she always trusted her father.

She moved closer to Brent and whispered in his ear, “B, are you awake?”

“What do you want?” Brent asked, as Cheyenne put her arm around him and pressed her cheek against his.

“Do you think I’m making the right choice by making this deal with Delgado?”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know.”

“I guess it depends on the way you really feel about Nick. If ya like him and really want to be with him then it’s a bad idea. Yes it’s important to find out what happened to your house and to Devon, but nothing’s more important than someone else. If you and Nick really want to be together then forget what everyone else says and thinks and just be together. Anyone with half a brain knows why Nick and Keera are really married; for the baby. No one can stop you two from seeing each other.”

“Unless you’re Vinnie Delgado.” Brent sighed and turned to face her.

“Not even he can keep you and Nick apart.”

“Well when a guy like him says they’ll make you sorry you tend to get a little scared and believe him.”

“He threatened you?”

“Well he just said he’d make me sorry.”

“And you said?”

“Nothing. What was I supposed to say? He’s a powerful man and can make me have an accident.”

“I thought you weren’t going to get involved with Delgado?”

“No.” He just looked at her. “It’s just one lousy deal so I can find out what happened to my house and Devon. I was thinking about Devon when I made this deal. Someone murdered him and I want to know who and why. His family needs to know.”

“Yes they do, but ya can’t just go around and make deals with the mob, Cheyenne.”

“I know, but it seemed like the right thing at the time.”

“Yeah, but ya should’ve thought about it first.”

“You know me.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Do you honestly care about Nick?”

“Yes I really do.”

“Do you want to be with him?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to find out what happened?

“Yes.”

“Which one do you want more?”

“That’s the thing, I don’t know. I want them all, but if being with Nick is going to end up getting us hurt then perhaps I should just stay away from him.”

“Is that what you want to do?”

“No.”

“So don’t, just continue seeing Nick and not worry about anything.”

“If it were that simple.”

“You can’t let Delgado ruin your life over one little thing.”

“I know that.”

“Ya know the whole arson thing could be Delgado’s way of keeping you away from Nick so Keera can be happy.”

“I thought of that.”

“I’m glad and what do you think?”

“I don’t know. A part of me believes that’s what it is then the other part believes Delgado.”

“I don’t trust him.”

“Neither do I.”

“Then why believe him?” She shrugged.

“My dad I guess. He believed him and trusted him all those years and I guess it just has to do with him. I trusted Antonio more than anything in the world.”

“You’re trusting your father’s judgment on Delgado?” She nodded. “I only knew your father a few months, but I believe he was a wonderful man.” She smiled. “He raised a wonderful daughter after all.”

“He did all right.”

“If you’re trusting your father then I’m going to have to trust you.”

“Thank you.”

“The last thing I want is to trust Vincent Delgado.”

“I understand.”

“I’m glad.”

“But you shouldn’t pass up a possible relationship with Nick; he’s a great guy and a great friend.”

“I’m just afraid that if we continue this it’ll get us both hurt or even worse.”

“Then just enjoy the time you get to be together.”

“Yeah.”

“If you want to be with Nick then be with him. Don’t think about what could happen and just think about now. Right now you have a chance to be together so just concentrate on that.” They laid there in silence and Cheyenne thought about what Brent said for awhile.

“Vinnie said I’m in love with Nick.” Brent looked at her. “He said I look at Nick the way Keera looks at him and the way Vinnie looks at Stephanie.” She sighed. “And also the way Antonio and Viviana looked at each other.”

“Are you in love with him?” Cheyenne didn’t say anything for a moment. She knew the answer to that question was yes, but she couldn’t tell Brent that. He was still in love with her and it’ll kill him. She still loved him also, but they were in the past. They had their futures to concentrate on now and most likely didn’t involve each other…romantically anyway. “Chey, are you in love with Nick?”

“No; of course not. Love takes time to develop and I’ve only known Nick a couple months. Hell I bedded him a couple days after that. How can you get love out of that? The only thing you can get out of it is lust.”

“Right.”

“Besides, look how long it took me to realize I was in love with you. I can’t fall in love with someone within just a few months. I can be overly attracted to them in a couple months, but that’s about it. It’s nothing more or nothing less. The sex is good and that’s probably what keeps me wanting Nick. And also the fact that it’s forbidden.”

“Ok.”

“You’re great also so don’t take it the wrong way.”

“I’m not.”

“I wouldn’t be able to forget my first time no matter what.” Brent smiled. “It was with you so why would I forget?” “But those things are in the past.”

“And Nick is in your future.”

“I guess so.” They both sighed. “But what should I do?”

“Not let anyone tell you what to do. I can’t make the decision for you and you know that.”

“Yeah.” She yawned. “I guess I’m just confused.”

“It’s understandable.”

“Good. I want to be happy, but I’m afraid that it’s going to come at a price, ya know.” Brent nodded. “I don’t want it if someone is going to get hurt.”

“But you deserve that chance to be happy no matter what…even if it is with my best friend.” She sighed. “Why don’t you get some sleep and we can discuss this tomorrow. We can invite Nick over and you can talk about it.”

“I guess it sounds like a plan.”

“It is.” She climbed under the covers and Brent got up. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“It’s your bed so stay. I don’t mind.” They looked at each other and she grinned.

“Are ya sure? We haven’t shared the same bed for awhile.”

“We’re friends right?”

“And also exes.”

“Who cares? We managed to get over it and stay friends.” She grinned.

“You don’t understand.”

“What’s to understand, Brent? Friends always share beds. Did you never watch Dawson’s Creek?”

“Yeah and Joey and Dawson ended up having sex.”

“You’re afraid that by us sharing a bed we’ll end up shagging?” She sat up and he looked at her. “It’s not going to happen, Brent.”

“Yes it is.”

“No it ain’t.”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is for me with you just living here let alone sleeping in the same bed as you?” Neither said anything for a few moments and they just looked at each other.

“I don’t want to argue about this tonight so just go to sleep. If ya want to sleep on the couch then go for it. I can’t stop you, but that couch ain’t as comfy as you think.”

“Yeah I know, but it works.” Cheyenne shook her head.

“Ok then if that’s where you’re going to sleep I ain’t going to argue. I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Cheyenne rolled over to face the other side and closed her eyes. Brent looked at her a few moments and then climbed in next to her. Cheyenne turned around to look at him and smiled; right before she kissed him.

“Where the hell are you going?” Brent asked, as Cheyenne picked up her keys and looked at him.

“It is Sunday, June 29, 2003 and my day off,” Cheyenne stated. “I will do what I want with no questions asked. I deserve that right.”

“You look like you’re ready for church.” She looked at her dress then at him.

“Exactly; Bree invited me to church with her today.”

“Oh.”

“You should come with.”

“I haven’t been to church for awhile.”

“So come with, it’ll be nice.”

“I’d love to, but the guys are coming by soon.”

“Do you boys do anything, but work?”

“Well maybe a few things, but they’re kind of private.”

“Right.”

“Lane is still interested in getting with you.” She grinned.

“He’s sweet and attractive, but it’s not going to happen.” There was a knock on the door and she walked over and opened it. “Lane, hey.”

“Hey, Chey,” Lane said smiling. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing good,” Cheyenne said. “C’mon in.”

“Thanks,” Lane said stepping inside and Cheyenne closed the door. “You’re looking very…very doable.” Brent chuckled and Cheyenne gave a little smirk.

“Um, thanks, Lane…I think.”

“Anytime, Baby.” Brent continued laughing, as the door opened and they looked as James walked in. “When are we going to go out?”

“Never.”

“Why not?”

“Because I ain’t interested in you like that.”

“Why not?”

“I just ain’t alright.”

“She’s interested in someone else,” Brent pointed out and Cheyenne looked at him.

“Who?” Lane asked.

“Um…no one you know,” Brent lied, as the door opened and they all looked to see Nickolas. Cheyenne and Nickolas looked at each other and she gave him a little smirk.

“What’s going on, guys…and hottie?” Nickolas asked.

“Lane’s trying to score a date with Chey,” James replied and Brent started laughing again, as Cheyenne looked at him.

“Sorry,” Brent said getting serious again.

“But she’s interested in someone else,” Lane stated. “And I’d like to know who so I can go make him have an accident.”

“It’s just someone I met through, Bree,” Cheyenne lied. “Ya don’t know him.”

“Right,” Lane said and Nickolas looked at Cheyenne.

“Bree’s expecting me so I have to go,” Cheyenne said. “I will see you boys later.” She smiled at them all and they watched her walk out.

“She is fucking gorgeous,” Lane said. “How could you let someone like her getaway?”

“I guess it just wasn’t meant to be,” Brent said and Nickolas looked at him. “So who wants breakfast?”

“What do ya have?” James asked.

“Whatever ya want,” Brent replied.

“Eggs,” the three guys said.

“Eggs it is,” Brent said opening the refrigerator. “Make yourselves at home.” He walked over to the stove and Nickolas stood beside him.

“You’re still in love with her,” Nickolas said. “Aren’t ya?” Brent didn’t say anything. “I understand if you are and if you want me to back off I will.”

“No I don’t want ya to do that. Her happiness is important to me and she seems to be happy with you…a married man at that.”

“But you’re still in love with her.” Brent sighed. “I never seen you two together when you were together, but I can tell there’s something there when you look at her.” Brent sighed again.

“Yes I’m still in love with her, but it doesn’t change anything between us.”

“Did you tell her?”

“That I still love her?”

“Yeah.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“She has a lot going on right now and she doesn’t need her ex-fiancé telling her he still loves her.” Nickolas nodded. “I think in a way she knows I still am.”

“Is she still in love with you?” Brent looked at him.

“I don’t know.” Nickolas didn’t say anything. “If you’re worried about Chey and I getting back together there’s no need to be. I may still love her, but we both know we’re not going to get back together.” He sighed. “I guess I love her enough to let her go…although I don’t want to.”

“Yeah.”

“She’s happy with you amazingly and I can’t stand in the way of that.”

“Yeah, but if the thought and knowing of us makes you uncomfortable then I’ll stop seeing her.”

“I ain’t going to lie, Nick, it does make me uncomfortable, but I can’t make you stop seeing each other.”

“Right.” “I can’t sacrifice your guys’ happiness for my own perso

nal gain. Cheyenne would hate me and I’m sure you would too.”

“I wouldn’t hate.” Brent looked at him. “I’d just really dislike ya.” He laughed and Brent shook his head. “On a serious note, I never met someone like Cheyenne before. She’s completely amazing in so many ways and I want to see what this leads to.”

“And I ain’t going to deny you both that opportunity…even though I hate that my ex-fiancée is with my best friend.”

“I didn’t know that she was your ex-fiancée. Maybe if you shared photos or introduced us things would be different.”

“Yeah, like you stealing her from me instead.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Why? You two are majorly attracted to each other and I think that Chey and I being engaged wouldn’t matter any. You’re married for crying out loud.”

“But I don’t love Keera and Chey had to have loved your ass at some point in your relationship.”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t think she would’ve cheated on you if she has a problem with married men going astray.”

“You do have a point.”

“And I would never steal my best friend’s girl.”

“I’m glad to hear that. So does this mean you’ll stop seeing Cheyenne?”

“She’s not yours anymore, remember?”

“But I’m still in love with her.”

“That’s not going to work.”

“Damn it.” They laughed.

“Hey hurry up with breakfast,” Lane said. “I’m starving.”

“Then go home to mommy,” Nickolas said. “I bet she has it all ready for you.” Lane just glared at him and they laughed.

“So tell me about this guy Codie said you’re interested in,” Bree said, as her and Cheyenne sat at Appleby’s for dinner with Reese and Miguel.

“I don’t know if I’m actually interested in him,” Cheyenne lied. “He’s a married man and is going to be a daddy.”

“Codie said he doesn’t love his wife,” Reese stated. “And that they’re just married because of the baby.”

“So he said,” Cheyenne said.

“Do you talk to him?” Miguel asked.

“Yeah,” Cheyenne said. “He’s best friends with Brent so he comes by the apartment a lot.”

“To see Brent?” Bree asked. “Or to see you?” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and just looked at them. “It is you.”

“He’s a nice guy,” Cheyenne said.

“Can you see yourself getting romantically involved with him?” Miguel asked and Cheyenne shrugged.

“There’s just a lot of shit you guys don’t know about,” Cheyenne stated. “It’s just really complicating.”

“We’re your friends,” Reese said. “You can tell us anything; complicated or not.”

“I know,” Cheyenne said. “I just don’t want to bother you with it. It’s my problem and it’s bad enough that I dragged Brent into it.”

“He would’ve dragged himself into it anyway,” Bree said. “He’s still in love with you.” Cheyenne sighed. “And I think you still love him the same.”

“Nick’s father-in-law is Vinnie Delgado,” Cheyenne said changing the subject and they looked at her.

“Who’s Nick?” Bree asked.

“The guy,” Cheyenne replied.

“And he’s associated with Delgado?” Reese said and Cheyenne nodded. “You poor girl.”

“And supposedly Nick’s wife and Delgado’s daughter, Keera, is so madly in love with Nick,” Cheyenne replied. “But if you met this girl you’d think differently like I do. She doesn’t even what the baby she’s having and she’s only in love with herself. She wasn’t even sympathetic when Devon died and I lost my home. I understand she didn’t know Devon, but when someone loses a loved one you tend to be sympathetic towards them and considerate. Not Keera though, she tried to threaten me the first chance she got.” She sighed. “I don’t like the bitch and I don’t care who her father is.”

“Good for you,” Bree said.

“But I learned the fire was arson and to learn who did it I have to stay away from Nick,” Cheyenne explained. “It’s so Keera can be happy and what not.”

“And Delgado told you this?” Miguel asked.

“Yeah,” Cheyenne said.

“And you believe him?” Reese asked.

“A part of me does,” Cheyenne replied. “The part that’s my father. He trusted Delgado and that part of me wants to. I don’t want to trust him though.”

“So don’t,” Reese said.

“It ain’t that simple,” Cheyenne said.

“My whole life I wanted the guy dead, but now I don’t know anymore,” Cheyenne said.

“So you have no idea what you’re going to do?” Bree said.

“Nope,” Cheyenne said.

“If you want a relationship with this Nick then I say go for it,” Bree said. “Who cares if he’s married? He doesn’t love his wife so it really doesn’t matter.”

“Well Vinnie Delgado can make someone have an accident,” Cheyenne stated. “I really don’t want to be that someone, ya know, and I don’t want it to be Nick either.”

“So ya like him then,” Reese said.

“He’s a friend,” Cheyenne said. “Nothing more.”

“Right,” Bree said. “We’ve been friends for a very long time and I know that look.”

“So do I,” Reese said.

“What look?” Cheyenne questioned.

“That look ya get when ya care about someone more than a friend,” Reese said.

“What?” Cheyenne questioned.

“We can’t describe it,” Reese said. “But it’s there right now.”

“Miguel?” Cheyenne said.

“Well I haven’t known ya for that long,” Miguel began, “but in the time I have known ya I never seen this look before.”

“What look are you talking about?” Cheyenne questioned. “There is no look I get when I care about someone more than a friend.”

“Yes there is,” Bree said.

“Whatever,” Cheyenne rebutted. “Nick and I are just friends and that’s the way it’s going to stay, as long as he’s married.”

“So if he wasn’t married you’d go for it?” Bree questioned.

“I guess so,” Cheyenne replied. “I don’t know.”

“You would,” Reese said and Cheyenne grinned.

“Well it’s kind of weird since Brent is his best friend,” Cheyenne stated. “And I was engaged to Brent.”

“Right,” Bree said. “That’d probably make things complicated.”

“Yeah it would,” Cheyenne said. And it does she thought to herself. She was living with her ex-fiancée and seeing his best friend. How screwed up was that? “It probably wouldn’t work anyway.”

“Why not?” Miguel asked.

“Because we’re two completely different people,” Cheyenne said.

“Doesn’t mean anything, Cheyenne,” Bree said. “Look at me and Reese.”

“Well Reese was gay the whole time,” Cheyenne reminded her. “Nick ain’t gay.”

“Is he hot?” Bree asked.

“He’s gorgeous,” Cheyenne replied. “He’s got the most beautiful blue eyes, the sexiest smile, the sweetest personality, and he’s just great all around.”

“He’s gay,” Bree said.

“Whatever,” Cheyenne said. “If you saw him you wouldn’t think that.”

“Is this the same Nick that kissed you at Skye and Howie’s wedding that Bree told us about?” Reese asked.

“You’re telling people?” Cheyenne questioned Bree and she just smiled. “It was nothing. We both just had a little too much to drink is all.”

“Right,” Bree said. “I want to see this Nick.”

“His wife’s name is Keera Delgado, right?” Miguel asked.

“Yeah,” Cheyenne said. “Do ya know her?”

“I know someone that does,” Miguel said. “I met her a few times.”

“Is there anything we should be worried about?” Reese asked.

“She was dating my brother’s best friend, Kyle Walsh,” Miguel said. “I never heard anything about them breaking up either.”

“Really?” Bree said. “That’s interesting.”

“I can always ask Stephen if they’re still together or not,” Miguel said. “But I’m pretty sure they are though.” Cheyenne looked at him interested. “Then again I could be mistaken.”

“I’m sure you’re not,” Cheyenne said.

“I want to meet this Nick,” Bree said.

“Um, he was at Brent’s when I left this morning,” Cheyenne said. “He might still be there.”

“So let’s go,” Bree said.

“Do you guys want to come with?” Cheyenne asked. “The more the merrier.” She smiled.

“It’s ok with me,” Reese said.

“If it’s not an inconvenience,” Miguel said.

“Of course not,” Cheyenne said. “You’re my friends and you’re always welcome.” They nodded. “Let me go to the rest room and then we can go.” She got up and walked away.

“So not only did Chey liven up the wedding reception, but she completely embarrassed her self by table dancing,” Brent stated. “But not just dancing she started taking her clothes off.” They laughed.

“I would love to see that,” Lane said.

“But you ain’t going to,” Brent said.

“I thought Chey didn’t dance?” Nickolas said.

“Only when she’s smashed,” Brent states. “Which hasn’t been for awhile. Well since the whole table dancing thing. Devon showed her the video the next morning, and she was so humiliated. She swore never to get drunk in public again.”

“I almost feel sorry for her,” James said.

“I can picture her stripping,” Lane stated.

“You can picture her doing anything,” James replied. “It doesn’t matter what it is.” They laughed.

“Come to think of it,” Brent began, “Devon gave me a copy of the video as a souvenir if ya want to watch it.” They guys looked at him and nodded, as the door opened.

“Hey, guys,” Cheyenne said.

“Hey,” Lane said smiling at her and she rolled her eyes. “Glad you’re home.”

“I’m sure you are,” Cheyenne said. “You guys remember Bree and Reese right?”

“Yeah of course,” James said.

“And this is Miguel,” Bree introduced.

“Hi,” the four guys said.

“Who’s the blonde?” Bree asked.

“That would be Nick,” Brent replied.

“Told ya he was gorgeous,” Cheyenne whispered to Bree.

“Oh yeah.”

“Trust me when I say he ain’t gay.” Bree nodded.

“Lucky you.”

“Why?”

“For getting to kiss him.”

“Yeah.” Cheyenne looked at Nickolas, as he looked at her and grinned. She bit her lip and took a deep breath, as she walked to the kitchen area. She got a glass from the cupboard and turned on the water. She stood there and looked out the window. She looked at the building across from there’s and shook her head, as Nickolas stood beside her.

“Something wrong?” Nickolas asked.

“I guess Vinnie doesn’t think I’m trustworthy,” Cheyenne replied.

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“Because his goon is over on that roof; binoculars in hand.” Nickolas looked out the window and sighed disgustedly. Cheyenne filled her glass with water and Nickolas looked at her. He watched her drink it and smiled. He gently put his hands on her neck and pushed the hair away, as Cheyenne looked at him from the corner of her eye. She took another deep breath and let it out slowly. “Ya know this is forbidden, right?”

“Yeah, but why not give Benny something to tattle on us about. If he wants to spy then he can spy on this.” He took her by the waist and kissed her. At first she wasn’t sure if she should kiss him in return, because of the audience they had, but then decided to do it anyway. She’d do just about anything to have his lips on hers; whether it’s wrong or right.

“I thought there wasn’t anything going on with those two,” Bree said. “At least that’s what she told me.”

“There’s not,” Brent lied. “I have no idea what they’re doing.” He walked over to the kitchen and stood at the sink by Cheyenne and Nickolas. “Do ya mind? We have confused company.” Cheyenne and Nickolas stopped their kiss and looked at Brent. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Oh, um, Benny’s on the roof of that building,” Cheyenne replied.

“And I decided to give him something to spy on,” Nickolas added. “Now he can go tattle on us.” Brent shook his head and looked at the others.

He then looked back at Cheyenne and Nickolas and whispered, “Do you want to get yourselves into an accident?”

“Of course not,” Nickolas said.

“Then I think it would be best for the both of you to keep your hands to yourself when ya know someone is spying,” Brent said. “I don’t want to have to attend my ex-fiancée and best friend’s funeral and give heart moving eulogies.” They just looked at him. “I don’t want to have to tell people what great people you were when they could’ve learned on their own. And I don’t want to have to give my explanation to your kid of why their daddy’s not around.” “For now,” Brent said.

“We’re going to be fine,” Nickolas said. “Delgado ain’t going to hurt us. I’m married to his daughter and he’ll hurt her if he hurts me. And Chey is his best friend’s daughter and he’ll just be betraying him. “Cheyenne looked at him. “What?”

“How do you know that?” Cheyenne questioned.

“Delgado has a picture of the two of them on his mantle,” Nickolas answered. “He told me all about their friendship.” Cheyenne didn’t say anything and sighed. “But my point is we’re both completely safe from harm.” He grinned.

“Like I said ‘for now’,” Brent said, as there was a knock.