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Meant To Be Ch. 01

By: bethanie155



"Listen, I think you're forgetting that I was captain of the dive team in school."

"I didn't forget. I just know that I'm better. Besides, that was four years ago. Now, put up or shut up," Kelsey giggled. 

"You've got a big mouth, Bradford," Nathan replied with a glare. He tested the end of the diving board by hopping on it a couple times before walking back to the stair.

"You ready to judge, Cameron?" Nathan looked at his younger brother, who was prepared to judge the impromptu diving contest. 

"Yep. Ready!" Cameron kicked his feet in the warm pool, waiting for Nathan to dive in so he could rate the jump.

"Loser washes the winner's car, right?" Nathan asked with a grin.

"Deal. Now go! I'm getting cold!" Kelsey rubbed her wet arms, desperate to get back in the heated pool. 

The summer had just started and the weather was finally getting warm enough to open the pool in the Lowe's backyard. Kelsey had been swimming here since she was a toddler. The Bradford's and the Lowe's were longtime friends and neighbors. Their oldest children, Kelsey and Nathan, were the same age and had graduated together 4 years earlier. Nathan decided to skip college and started working for his father's successful construction company right out of high school. He lived in a small apartment with some friends nearby, but everyone always spent their summers in the Lowe's backyard oasis. Swimming and family barbeques were commonplace during the summer months. On more than one occasion growing up, Kelsey and Nathan had fallen asleep watching movies or laying in the backyard together. Their parents didn't think a thing of it, as the two of them had a very obvious friendship.

After high school, Kelsey went to a 4 year college, about an hour away from home. She came home for all holidays and celebrations, always spending time with Nathan and their families. She had just graduated with a degree in photography and was set to start working with a local photographer at the end of the summer. In the meantime, she worked part time as a barista at a local coffee shop, and tried to enjoy her final summer of freedom before she moved into her own place and tried to kick start her career in photography. 

"Alright. You better go find the sponges, Kels. My truck is awfully dirty," he teased.

"Shut up or I'm going to shove you in!" 

Nathan laughed and shook his head. He took a deep breath and focused on the long, white diving board in front of him. He exhaled, ran and jumped, his long, toned body arching perfectly in the air. His hands were clasped gracefully in front of him and he slipped into the warm pool with an almost undetectable splash. 

Kelsey groaned. It was the perfect dive, dammit.

Cameron started hollering, proud of his older brother's near flawless dive. Nathan resurfaced, wiping the warm beads of water off of his chiseled face. He rubbed his eyes and looked at Cameron. 

"Well? What do you say, bro?" he asked, treading water. 

Cameron nodded his head and looked at Kelsey. "Sorry, Kels. That was at least a 9 in my book!"

Kelsey sighed and walked to the diving board, stepping onto it and testing the spring. She hadn't dived since the previous summer and suddenly, their annual diving challenge seemed like a bad idea.

"Why don't we just forget the bet and call it a day," Kelsey grinned hopefully.

"Nope. No way. A deal's a deal." Nathan shook his head and smiled at Kelsey. He dunked his mouth and nose underwater, a cocky grin still evident on his face, due to the crinkling around his eyes. His ice blue gaze was nearly the same shade as the sparkling water. Kelsey groaned and walked down the length of the board, getting a feel for its flexibility. She sighed heavily and walked back to the starting point. 

"Ready?" yelled Cameron. 

Kelsey nodded and took a deep breath. She ran to the end of the board and bounced, trying to get as much height in her jump as possible before arching her back in the air and slipping into the water. As soon as her body left the clanging board, she knew that Nathan's dive had been much cleaner. 

Kelsey glided through the water, then kicked her legs and brought herself to the surface. Her face came out of the water and she rubbed her eyes. When she opened them, she looked at Cameron hopefully. The young teenager was hiding his face in his hands.

"Oh, come on! It wasn't that bad!" exclaimed Kelsey. She laughed and looked at Nathan. He ducked under the water, not wanting to tell her that it wasn't exactly her best dive ever. He came up out of the water several feet away, laughing.

"Fine! Fine. I can be a gracious loser. Congrats, Nate. You win...again," she said as she swam towards him, extending her delicate hand for a friendly shake. Nathan looked at her cautiously, then extended his hand. Kelsey seized the opportunity and splashed both hands at Nathan, forcing a wave of water into his face. 

"Hey! You brat!" He laughed and dove to catch her. 

Kelsey squealed and tried to swim away, but Nathan quickly caught her, dunking her head under the tepid water. She came up coughing and laughing. 

"I only use special soap and wax on my baby, so when should I have it all ready for you?" Nathan grinned, spitting a fountain of water into the air. 

Kelsey rolled her eyes. "I work tonight. Tomorrow. I'll wash your damn truck tomorrow." 

"That's what you get for challenging the best, Kels. Maybe next year," he said with a shrug. 

Suddenly, Nathan's cell phone started to vibrate on the patio table. He swam to the side and pushed himself up on the concrete edge. Kelsey watched as he lifted himself out of the pool, water pouring down off of his body, the weight of the water pulling his navy blue trunks down just a little lower on his narrow hips. She shook her head and dipped back into the pool, swimming to the stairs while Nathan checked his text message. 

As she pulled herself up the ladder, she squeezed the excess water out of her long brown hair. She realized that her dive caused her small, pale pink bikini to shift out of place. Keeping her back to Nathan, she readjusted the cups around her full, perky breasts. She had never been shy around him, but now that they were adults, they were both more aware of things, such as being wet and half naked around each other all summer long. Nathan was gorgeous and it hadn't been until the end of high school when Kelsey started to look at him in a differently. He was her best friend, so it was hard to see him as anything but that, but occasionaly she would look at him and see him for what he was: a handsome, hardworking, hilarious man. She found her thoughts about Nathan becoming more and more intimate over the past couple of years. But usually, when she caught herself thinking of him like this, it wasn't long before reality brought her back to Earth. 

And just then, reality had sent a text message. 

"Ugh. Dammit," Nathan mumbled as he set his phone down and wrapped a towel around his tan waist. Construction work didn't just keep him busy, it kept him tan and toned. His body quickly went from that of a boy to a man, just in the first summer out of high school. Now, almost 4 years later, Nathan's body was a chiseled work of art. Kelsey tried not to focus on it as she walked up next to him and grabbed a towel of her own.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh...nothing. That was Amy. She's been bugging me all week to take her to this new club," he mumbled.

Kelsey couldn't help but laugh. "A club. You?" 

He laughed. "I know. Not my scene at all. She's desperate to go check it out, though," he said as he rolled his eyes. 

She laid the towel out on a lounge chair and sat down, laying back against the reclined seat. For a moment, she thought she saw Nathan checking her out as she bent over, but she quickly dismissed the idea. 

"So, where is this club?" Kelsey asked, amused.

"Over in Union. It's not far, but she's wanting me to get all dressed up and shit," he groaned. 

"Well, that certainly sounds like Amy's idea of fun. Who knows. Maybe you'll enjoy yourself." Kelsey shrugged, trying to sound positive. 

Truth be told, she hadn't always been a big fan of Amy's. Nathan had dated her on and off since their Senior year. To her, it seemed like Amy never really appreciated her best friend. As if she never really saw what an awesome guy he was. Amy loved attention and demanded that she be treated like a princess. She was always quick to pout and whine when she didn't get her way. Her irritation towards Amy had grown significantly over the years, and it was becoming impossible to hide. Kelsey never really understood what Nathan saw in her, except for one thing:

Amy Buckley was gorgeous. 

She was a real, honest to God knockout. Amy had long, blonde hair and huge breasts. She had stunning green eyes and a body to die for. Just thinking of Amy made her cringe at the pangs of jealousy that naturally began to surface. 

Kelsey knew that she was beautiful, too, but she didn't think that her looks even compared to Amy's. Kelsey was shorter, with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes. Her body was in fantastic shape, but not quite as curvy as Amy's. Kelsey was more 'girl next door' and Amy was definitely more 'bombshell'. 

Kelsey glanced down at her body and sighed. 

"What's wrong?" Nathan asked. 

Kelsey shook her head. "Nothing. So, when are you leaving to go back to your place? I've got to leave so I can get ready for work."

"I'm going to take off soon, I think. I'm glad you stopped by. First swim of the summer. Too bad you still can't dive," he said with a grin. 

Kelsey nodded. "Yep. Hopefully the first of many. I will beat your dive, Nate. Just you wait and see." 

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. You say that every summer."

Kelsey smiled and stood up. She grabbed her cutoff shorts and slipped them up her smooth legs, leaving them unfastened, with just a hint of her pink bikini bottoms peaking out over the zipper. She slipped her feet into her flip flops and picked up her tank top. 

"I'll be over tomorrow to wash your truck," she said with equal parts glare and grin. 

"Yeah, you will," he replied cockily, lacing his fingers behind his head. His toned abdomen twitched in the sunlight. Kelsey pretended not to notice as she started to walk to the gate that connected their parent's backyards. 

"Have fun at the club, Nate!" she teased, knowing that he was dreading the scene. She stepped through the tall gate and latched it behind her. She walked into her house and immediately went to the bathroom to shower and change for work. 

Kelsey peeled off her wet bikini and threw it into the laundry basket. She started the shower and let the steam fill the stall before stepping in and closing the glass door. She still had plenty of time before her shift started at the coffee shop, so she took her time and let the hot water pound against her neck and back. She closed her eyes and dipped her hair back into the stream, letting her long brown locks cascade down her back, rinsing away the faint scent of chlorine.

She filled her bath sponge with a sweet smelling soap and started to lather her body. Her mind started to wander as she leisurely soaped up in the steamy glass shower stall. She thought about work and how she always hated working on Friday nights because it was so slow and uneventful. She rubbed her sponge across her neck and chest, before dropping it down between her breasts. She glanced down her body, the water dripping heavily down her chin and lips. 

Her breasts weren't as big as Amy's. They were full and perky, but she only wore a small C-cup. Amy was easily a D or larger. One thing that Kelsey did love about her breasts were her nipples. They were large and sensitive. With one simple brush of the sponge, her nipples immediately started to stiffen. She squirted soap directly onto her chest and let it slide down the firm slopes of her breasts. She rubbed her loofa into the soap, causing a thick layer of bubbles to spread across her warm skin. Her hands quickly dropped between her legs, washing her thighs and her, now sensitive, pussy lips. 

Kelsey groaned and leaned her head back against the glass wall. She knew that her parents were both still at work, and being an only child, she had no concern that anyone would hear her. Kelsey dropped the sponge and let her fingers explore. She rubbed her middle finger back and forth against the slit of her pussy, feeling the shower water and her own sticky lubricant dripping down her lips. Her left hand immediately came up to grip her taut nipple. Kelsey groaned as the sensations started to swell within her. 

Without realizing it, her mind started to drift back to Nathan. She thought about his toned back and his well-developed chest. She thought about his lips and the new, rough stubble that he had started growing on his handsome face. Nathan was looking more and more like a man and less like a boy every time she saw him, and Kelsey definitely liked what she saw. 

She eased her middle finger into her pussy as she squeezed her nipple in her opposite hand. The hot water of the shower poured down her flesh as she worked her pleasure spots deliberately. Bit by bit, Kelsey started to work herself up to an orgasm. She pushed a second finger into her self, then jerked them out and started massaging fast strokes against her exposed clit. Her round hips jutted out against her hand and her eyes pinched shut as she imagined Nathan's hard body pressed against hers. She wondered what it would feel like if his rough, calloused hands were the ones that were bringing her to a climax. She shook violently, clenching her toned stomach as the quivering orgasm pulsed through her. She tightened her grip on her nipple before finally releasing it, wishing it had been Nathan's fingers all over her. 

She exhaled noisily and opened her eyes. Her long, wet eyelashes clung to each other. She pushed herself off the wall and finished washing her hyper-sensitive body. Her body jerked involuntarily as she washed away the stickiness from her pussy. She groaned as she shut off the water, not wanting to admit to herself that she'd just let herself masturbate to the image of her lifelong best friend. 

Although, it certainly hadn't been the first time.

>>>>><<<<<

"Hellooo? Kelsey? Are you in there?" 

Kelsey shook her head to bring herself back to the present moment. She looked up at her coworker apologetically. 

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" 

"I asked what you were doing after work." Alison said with a laugh. She leaned down onto her elbows over the counter next to Kelsey as they stared out into the empty coffee shop.

"Oh, nothing. I'm just going to go home, I think."

"A few of us are going to this new club tonight, over in Union. It's called 449. Want to go?" 

Kelsey couldn't help but giggle. It had to be the same club that Nathan and Amy were going to. 

"I don't know. Clubs really aren't my thing, Alison." Kelsey shook her head.

"So what? Just come out for a little while! It's Friday night. We close at 9pm. What else are you going to do? Go home and play with your camera?" Alison bumped her hip against Kelsey's. Kelsey laughed. 

"Probably. Is that sad?" 

"A little. You're 22. Go have some fun. This is your last summer to have fun before you have to start acting all responsible and shit," Alison said with a look of mock horror on her face. 

Kelsey thought about it. Going out occasionally was alright, and Alison was always a lot of fun to be around. She thought she might even bump into Nathan there, and she could give him a hard time for how out of place and uncomfortable he looked in a club. 

"Alright. I'll go. I'll just run home and change, then meet you at your place around 10pm."

Alison clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh, good! You'll have fun, I promise!"

Kelsey knew it would be fine, but honestly, the idea of just seeing Nathan was enough for her to get excited about going. 

>>>>><<<<<<

After doing their closing routines, Alison and Kelsey locked up the coffee shop and headed home. Kelsey pulled into the driveway and shut off her car. She stepped out into the warm evening air and walked into the house. 

"Kels? That you?" Her dad yelled from the kitchen as she closed the front door.

"Yeah! It's me. I'm just going to get ready. I'm headed over to Union for a little while!"

"Come here for a second!" her Mom yelled. Kelsey sighed. Her parents were incredible. They never gave her a hard time and always gave her space, but now that she had been to college and was older, Kelsey couldn't wait to find her own place. Living at home with Mom and Dad was fine for Christmas break during school and all, but it was time to leave the nest. 

Kelsey smiled as she walked into the large kitchen. 

"What's up?" she asked. 

Her Mom smiled from across the kitchen island. "Hey sweetie. I just wanted to remind you that we're having a barbeque at the Lowe's tomorrow night. You have tomorrow off, right?" she asked.

Kelsey nodded. "Yeah. I don't work again until Monday."

"Great. I know that Dave, Nancy and the boys have all missed you. They ask about you almost every day when you're gone," her father said with a smile. 

"I saw your suit in the laundry. Did you get to swim today?" 

Kelsey nodded again, ready for the inquisition to be over. 

"Yeah. Nate, Cam and I were out there for a couple hours earlier." 

"Ok, well, I'll let you get ready. What time do you think you'll be home?"

"I'm not sure, really. Probably not that late." 

"Alright, well, have fun. Love you, sweetie."

"Ok. Love you guys, too. Let me know if you need help with anything for the barbeque tomorrow, Mom." 

Kelsey tapped the kitchen island and walked upstairs to her bedroom, shutting the door behind her. She quickly stripped out of her clothes and took a very brief shower to wash the coffee smell off of her skin. She rummaged through her closet, looking for something club-appropriate. 

She decided on a tight pair of black jeans and heels and a subtle, white lace tank top that buttoned up the front. She put on just a little bit of eye makeup and some lipgloss, pouting her lips in the mirror, and wishing that they were fuller, like Amy's. She shrugged at her reflection and sprayed a little perfume on her neck. She grabbed her purse and her phone and headed downstairs to her car. 

As she sat in the driver's seat, her phone vibrated in her lap. She glanced down to check her messages.

Nathan: I'm bored out of my mind here.

Kelsey laughed out loud and typed a reply.

Kelsey: Good news...I'm actually headed to 449, myself. Alison invited me.

Nathan: Seriously?! Thank God. Amy's off doing her thing. I'm sitting here drinking alone like a dumbass.

Kelsey: I'm leaving my house now, headed to Alison's, then we'll be there. I'll look for you.

Nathan: You have no idea how happy I am to know that you're coming.

Kelsey's heart leapt into her throat, but she quickly pushed the feelings of excitement away. She sighed as she started the engine of her car. These newfound feelings that she was having towards Nathan were starting to bother her. It's not like anything would ever come of it. Nathan was her best friend, and besides, he was dating someone else. 

Kelsey slumped her shoulders as she made the quick drive to Alison's apartment. Kelsey sent her a text, letting her know that she was outside waiting. Shortly after, Alison and her roomate came out and got in the car. 

"I'm so glad you're coming with us, Kelsey!" Alison squealed. 

"Thanks for asking me to come. This should be more fun than sitting at my parent's house all night." Kelsey giggled. 

"It will, I promise. 449 just opened a couple weeks ago. I hear that it's where all the good looking guys go right now," she said excitedly. "You're not dating anyone, are you?" 


Meant To Be Ch. 01



Kelsey laughed. "No. Completely and totally single." 

"What about Nathan Lowe?" 

Kelsey stiffened. "What about Nathan? You know that he's just a friend." 

"I don't know, I've seen you two together. You seem like more than friends to me!" 

Kelsey shook her head as she turned left at a green light. Their bodies swayed with the motion of the car. 

"No. Nate's been my best friend since we were born. He's like a brother. Besides, he's dating Amy Buckley."

"Good God. He's still with Amy Buckley? She's such a whiney bitch. What does he see in her?"

Kelsey shrugged. Alison's roomate piped up from the backseat.

"Probably her big tits and the fact that she's quick to spread her legs," she snorted. 

Everyone laughed loudly at Amy's expense. Alison turned up the music and Kelsey got lost in her own thoughts again. The idea that Nathan was with someone who probably didn't care that much about him really bothered her. She knew that she was going to have to get a grip on her emotions, and fast. 

Before long, Kelsey pulled her car into the neighboring town, and into the parking lot of the new nightclub. The club itself was a renovated industrial building, all old brick and concrete on the exterior. They walked to the door and got in line. Soon after arriving, the line started moving and the girls were quickly granted access inside the bar. Kelsey quickly shoved her ID back into her purse and started looking around for Nathan. 

She spotted him across the expansive room before he ever saw her. He was right. He looked bored out of his mind. He was sitting on a metal stool in the corner, drinking a longneck and watching Amy dance with her friends. Kelsey smiled as she walked towards him. She couldn't help but check him out. He had on dark jeans and a white button up shirt. Kelsey wasn't sure if she'd ever seen him look so handsome. She shivered slightly at the sight of him. 

Her heels clicked on the shiny concrete floor as she got closer to Nathan. As she closed the distance between them, Nathan glanced up at her, then looked away. His eyes quickly darted back to Kelsey when he realized it was her. She saw his eyes give her a quick once-over, then they softened as his familiar, friendly smile spread across his face. 

Nathan patted the seat next to him, inviting Kelsey to join him. She sat her purse on the bar and lifted herself onto the tall stool. She leaned in towards Nathan's ear.

"You do look bored!" she yelled above the music.

Nathan grinned and nodded. "I told you...not my idea of a good time!" he shouted. 

Kelsey giggled. She could smell his warm cologne and it made her insides flutter. She swallowed hard and turned to look at the dance floor. Amy was in her own world, being admired by both men and women, dancing up a storm and not caring in the least that her own boyfriend was sitting by himself, totally uncomfortable. 

Kelsey leaned back towards Nathan. 

"How long is she going to make you stay here?" 

Nathan shook his head. "I have no idea. I'm totally over it already, though!"

Suddenly, the pounding music stopped and a slower, sexier song came over the system. Amy eventually peeled herself away from her group of admirers and bounced excitedly towards Nathan, completely ignoring Kelsey. 

She had on a tiny green dress that looked to be about a size too small. Her heavy breasts were nearly popping out of the top and her perky round butt was practically hanging out of the hem. Kelsey swallowed hard and shifted nervously in her seat as Amy approached them. 

"Nathan! Baby! You have to dance with me!" Amy whined. It took every ounce of self control that Kelsey had not to start gagging at her desperation. 

"Amy, I really don't want to."

Amy stuck her bottom lip out. "Fuck, Nathan. Please? You're no fun! Any one of these guys would be happy to dance with me, you know!"

Kelsey glanced at Nathan, sensing his discomfort. He sighed and stepped onto the floor. He handed Kelsey his beer and walked to the dance floor, looking back and rolling his eyes towards Amy. 

Kelsey swallowed hard and glanced at the bottle in her hands. Sure, to Nathan, they were just friends, but being forced to hold his drink while he danced with a spoiled, ungrateful bitch was not exactly what Kelsey had in mind for the evening. She set the bottle down on the bar, grabbed her purse and walked away to find Alison. 

After several songs and a few conversations with random guys, Kelsey felt a heavy hand press against her shoudler. She turned around to find Nathan standing behind her. 

"You ditched me!" he shouted.

"No, you ditched me for...that!" Kelsey pointed towards Amy who was now dancing very erotically with two female friends of hers. Kelsey shook her head at Nathan.

"I'm hot. Want to step outside?" he growled in her ear. Kelsey nodded. She told Alison that she was stepping outside with Nathan. Alison wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Kelsey could only laugh. 

Nathan held the heavy steel door open for Kelsey as they stepped out into the cooler evening air. They stepped away from a couple small groups of smokers and leaned against the brick building. Nathan rested his head against the wall.

"God, I hate these places."

Kelsey nodded. "Yeah. It's ok every now and then, but I don't really understand the appeal. Drunk idiots and desperate girls looking for attention."

Nathan chuckled. Kelsey turned to look at him. 

"Speaking of obnoxious girls, I have to ask you something. Something that's been bothering me for a really long time." She let out a long, shaky breath. 

"Alright..." he said curiously.

"Why Amy? I mean, besides the fact that she's hot. Why her? Are you really happy with her?"

Nathan raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected such a meaningful question. He shrugged.

"Yeah, she's hot. She can be funny. She's just...Amy. I don't know. We've got history. Why does she bother you so bad?" 

Kelsey cocked her head to the side. "Nate, come on. If you saw me with some guy that cared more about himself than he did about me, you're telling me that you wouldn't be bothered by that?"

Nathan nodded his head. "Yeah, ok. I see your point."

"Good. I just think you can do better, that's all."

"Oh yeah? You know of anyone who is interested?" he nudged Kelsey's arm playfully. A lump formed in her throat. She shook her head. Nathan laughed.

"Didn't think so." He sighed and pushed himself off the wall. He stood back and examined her. "I don't see you in dressy clothes very often. I usually see you in a swimsuit or jeans. You look good. Well, you look good in anything, don't get me wrong..." he rambled.

Kelsey felt a deep blush spread across her skin. She looked down at the ground, then back up to Nathan's ice blue eyes. She couldn't tell if it had been a genuine compliment, or if he'd had just a little too much to drink. 

"Um...thanks." 

"Yeah. Maybe we should get back inside? Besides, you probably shouldn't be out that late. You have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow."

Kelsey shoved him humorously and pushed herself off the wall. Nathan held the door for her as they re-entered the club. Between the lights and the pulsing rhythm of the music, they were both ready to leave shortly after returning. Alison and her friends were still laughing and dancing away, and Amy and her entourage were grinding and drinking in the VIP corner. Nathan and Kelsey just looked at each other. 

"I drove. Want a ride home?" Kelsey yelled over the noise. 

Nathan nodded. "I've had too much to drink, anyway. I'm going to tell Amy that I'm leaving with you. Give me a second."

Kelsey watched as Nathan crossed the dance floor and pulled Amy to the side. She was visibly irritated. Nathan pointed towards Kelsey and Amy flashed her a look of annoyance. Then, she brushed him off and went back to her friends. Kelsey sighed and looked for Alison. She found her and pulled her aside.

"You can get a ride home, right?" Kelsey yelled above the music.

"Yeah, no problem. Why? You done?" Alison laughed.

Kelsey nodded dramatically. 

"That's fine. We can get a ride with Eric. See you at work on Monday?" 

"Yep. I'll see you then!" Kelsey hugged Alison and turned to walk back to Nathan. 

"Ready?" he yelled. She nodded enthusiastically. "Thank God!" he replied. 

They walked outside and exhaled heavily. Nathan stumbled into the wall of the building.

"How many did you drink?" 

"Uhhh...several. It was either drink or dance with Amy. So, I drank," he laughed as he opened the passenger door to her car and collapsed into the seat. Kelsey laughed as she got behind the wheel and started the car. She pulled out of the parking lot and started the short drive back to Nathan's apartment. 

"Is Amy going to be pissed that you left without her?" 

Nathan snorted. "Fuck. Probably. She's always pissed about something. Actually, she'll probably be more pissed that I left with you, not just that I left early." 

"Why would that make her mad?"

Nathan paused and rolled his head towards Kelsey. Her eyes shifted back and forth between him and the road. She raised her eyebrows.

"Well? Why would she be mad that you left with me? She knows that we're friends."

"She thinks I have a thing for you, Kels." 

Kelsey swallowed and shifted in her seat, visibly uncomfortable. Her mind briefly flirted with the idea of confessing to Nathan that she had been looking at him differently since they graduated. She quickly dismissed the idea, terrified of making their effortless friendship turn awkward. 

"Oh. Well, we've been friends our entire lives, I don't know why she'd be threatened by that."

Nathan shrugged and turned up the music as they drove back into their hometown. As they passed a construction site, a large, illuminated 'Lowe Construction' billboard caught Kelsey's eye. 

"How is the new medical building coming along?" she asked, glancing over at Nathan. He was sound asleep. She smiled to herself as she turned into his apartment complex. She parked in front of his door and shut off the engine. She rested her head on the steering wheel and looked at him. 

He was so handsome. So friendly and kind. She had no idea how Amy didn't realize what an incredible man she had. Kelsey closed her eyes and reminded herself that Nathan was just her friend. Her best friend and that she didn't want to jeopardize anything. She tucked her keys into her pocket and got out of the car. She walked around to the passenger side and carefully opened the door, making sure not to let Nathan roll out onto the asphalt.

As she leaned in the car to wake him up, she felt his hand slide up the back of her leg, coming to rest just below her firm ass. His long fingers wrapped around her inner thigh. She gasped and pushed it away. He was exhausted and buzzed. He probably thought he was feeling up Amy. She grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him gently. 

"Nate. You're home. C'mon. I'll get you in the house." 

Nathan stirred and groaned, not wanting to wake up. 

"Dammit, Nathan. Come ON. Get your ass out of my car!" she laughed, pulling him away from the warm seat. He grumbled and rubbed his eyes. 

"It's not even that late, you nerd. Now, where are your keys?" she asked, feeling his pockets. Accidently, her fingers brushed against the soft bulge in his jeans. Kelsey jerked her hand away and her eyes shot up to Nathan's. He didn't seem to notice. She exhaled and pulled the front of his shirt forcefully.

"Nathan! You're home. Let's. Go!" 

Nathan mumbled. "Alright...alright. Damn. I'm going." 

She moved out of the way and let him climb out of the car. She closed the door behind him and grabbed his elbow, making sure that he got to his front door safely. He tried unsuccessfully to unlock the front door, so Kelsey snatched the keys out of his hand and did it for him. She opened his door and pushed him inside. He walked to the couch and fell back into it, kicking his shoes onto the floor. 

Kelsey rolled her eyes. She picked up his shoes and tossed them into his bedroom. She looked around. It had been several months since she'd been in his apartment. It was obvious that bachelors lived there. She walked into the kitchen and set her keys down on the counter. She picked up some trash and started the dishwasher. She straightened up the mail on the counter and quickly swept the floor. 

She shook her head at their obvious lack of housekeeping skills. She flicked on the light in the small bathroom in the hallway, but quickly decided that no matter how much she loved Nathan, that kind of disaster area was their responsibility. She grabbed two aspirin and a bottle of water out of the fridge, picked up her keys and walked back into the living room. 

Nathan was completely passed out, snoring softly on their large sectional sofa. She pried his keys out of his hand and pulled his phone out of his pocket, placing them next to the pills and the water on the coffee table. As she set the phone down, a message popped up. All Kelsey saw was: 

Amy: I can't believe you fucking ditched me. 

Kelsey rolled her eyes and stared back at Nathan. He deserved so much better. She grabbed a thick blanket from the floor and covered him up. He nuzzled into the cushion and mumbled something incoherently. 

Kelsey smiled and shut off the lamp beside the sofa. She walked to the front door and locked it behind her as she left.

She got into her car and stared at Nathan's front door. 

She laid her head back against the headrest and sulked to herself as she realized that all she wanted to do, was to go back inside and cuddle up with Nathan on the couch. She sighed and started her car, pulling away from his apartment reluctantly. 

>>>>><<<<<

Kelsey woke up to a warm, sunny morning. She glanced at the clock and realized that she'd slept a lot later than usual. It was nearly 11am. Kelsey stretched in bed and felt her toned muscles lengthen. It looked beautiful outside. 

She sat up in bed and glanced over at the Lowe's house. Growing up, Nathan and Kelsey had always had a direct view into each other's bedrooms. They'd stay up late at night messing with each other, shining lights in the windows, or trying to throw things against the glass. She smiled at the memory and got out of bed. She tiptoed down the hall, in just her black bra and black lace thong, hoping to avoid her parents. 

She closed the bathroom door behind her. She couldn't wait to move into her own place, but her parents insisted that she stay with them for just one more summer. 

Kelsey peeled her underwear off and jumped in the shower. As she scrubbed the club smell off her body and out of her hair, she realized that it was Saturday. She had to wash Nathan's truck today. She groaned. It was a bet that they made every summer. She lost every single time. A little sadness overcame her when she realized that this might very well be the last summer they made the dive bet. Who knew where they'd be this time next year. She'd be in a place of her own, hopefully starting her own successful photography business. Nathan would be a year older, another year into his career...and who knew about relationships. Kelsey had dated in college, she had even had one serious relationship, but nothing ever seemed to work out. And of course, Nathan was with Amy. 

It was hard to believe that this would probably really be their last summer of real freedom. 

Kelsey shut off the water and stepped out of the shower. She wiped the condensation off the mirror and studied her body as she massaged lotion into her slightly tanned skin. She pulled a towel off the shelf and held it around herself, then walked back to her bedroom. 

She stepped in and closed the door behind her. When she turned around, Nathan was sitting on her bed. She yelled out in surprise, clutching her loose towel around her tightly.

"Holy shit, Nathan! What the hell are you doing in here?" 

Nathan laughed and held up his hands. "Sorry, sorry! I didn't realize you'd be naked, for Christ sake. Your Mom sent me up here to wait on you!" 

"Dammit, you scared the shit out of me!"

"Want me to leave?" 

Kelsey didn't want him to leave. In fact, what she wanted was to drop her towel and push Nathan back onto her bed. She wanted to climb on top of him and...

"Kels? Want me to go?" Nathan asked, standing up. 

Kelsey shook her head. "No. You're fine. Just turn around while I get dressed, please."

Nathan rolled his eyes and turned around, looking away. Kelsey waited for a second to make sure he wasn't looking before she dropped her towel and pulled a small, white bikini out of her dresser. She kept her eyes fixed on the back of Nathan's dark blonde head as she slipped the bottoms on over her round hips. 

"What do you need, anyway?" she asked as she tied the strings of the top around her neck and back. 

"Nothing really, I just told Dad that I'd come over and help get stuff ready for the barbeque tonight. Besides, you need to wash my truck," he said condescendingly. 

"Yeah, yeah," Kelsey replied, trying to sound annoyed. "Alright I'm decent now." 

Nathan turned around and saw Kelsey standing with her back to him, digging in her dresser for a pair of shorts. Her bikini bottoms were tight against her ass cheeks, the sight causing a stir in Nathan's shorts. 

He cleared his throat. 

"Well, what I really needed was to tell you thanks for getting me out of that damn club last night." 

Kelsey turned around, stepping into a pair of short cut-off shorts. "No problem. I was desperate to leave, too." She smiled. Nathan sat back down on her bed as Kelsey started combing through her long, wet hair. 

"Did you clean up my kitchen last night?" he asked with a grin.

Kelsey giggled. "Yes. I had to. Your place is a mess. You guys need a girl to move in, Nate." 

"It's pretty bad, huh?" 

"Yes. I would have cleaned some more, but I would still be there, probably." 

Nathan laughed. "Tell you what, you come over for a movie this week and I'll make sure that my place is spotless for you." 

"Why would you do that? You've never cared how clean your place was before," she asked as she braided her hair into a long braid that fell down over the front of her left shoulder. 

"I don't know. I owe you, I guess. Getting me out of there last night, making sure I got home safe, cleaning my disgusting kitchen..." Nathan shrugged. 

"Alright. How about tomorrow night? I have the weekend off." 

"Sounds good. I think the guys have poker tomorrow night, anyway. They won't be there to bother you," Nathan said with a smile. His roommates always gave them a hard time about how they just needed to hook up already. Only recently had it started to bother Kelsey. 

Nathan stood up. Kelsey caught him glance briefly at her bikini covered breasts. She turned and pulled a tank top out of her closet, shrugging it on over her head. 

She walked to her bedroom door and opened it, Nathan followed her out and downstairs to the kitchen. Her Mom was at the grocery store and she saw her Dad outside, cleaning his huge grill on the patio. 

"You hungry? I can't believe you're even here this early, Nate. You were out of it last night."

"I know. I feel better than I should, really."

"Want a bagel?" 

Nathan shook his head and leaned against the marble island, watching Kelsey as she popped a bagel into the toaster. 

"So, where is all of this special wax and soap for your precious truck?" 

"I've got it in the bed. You're free to start whenever you want," he said with a grin. 

"Let me eat, then you can pull it around to our driveway." She leaned over and patted his muscular forearm. "And don't worry. I'll take good care of her, as always." 

Nathan laughed. Kelsey sat down on a barstool and started to eat her breakfast. She patted the seat next to her and Nathan sat down. 




Meant To Be Ch. 01



"So, is Amy pissed?" she asked, trying not to smile.

"Fuck yes. She keeps blowing up my phone, then refusing to asnwer when I text her or call her back. All this shit is getting really old," he said, shaking his head. 

"Sorry you're frustrated, but I'm not sorry that you're finally seeing how she treats you. You deserve better, Nate." Kelsey took another bite. 

Nathan nodded. "I know. I think I'm going to try to talk to her tonight. If she even comes."

"Wait...Amy is coming to the barbeque tonight?" Kelsey groaned. 

"Yes. She's my girlfriend, Kelsey." 

"I know, I know. I just...there's just...ugh. There's just something about her. I just want to claw her eyes out sometimes," she said, her frustration evident. 

"I know. But Amy's not all bad..." he started. Kelsey took a bite and held up her hand.

"Do not try to defend her to me, Nathan Lowe. I've seen and heard enough of her over the years. I'll never like her. I know that you can do better, so shut up." 

Nathan smiled at her as she chewed. His eyes dropped from Kelsey's eyes to her lips. The smile faded from his face as his finger slowly came up and wiped a small smudge of cream cheese off of her pouty lower lip. Kelsey's breathing became shallow as he pressed his finger against her. Their eyes locked and Kelsey exhaled shakily.

Suddenly, the garage door started to open, alerting them that Kelsey's Mom had come home from the grocery store. Their gaze broke abruptly and they both straightened themselves. Nathan stood up and walked to the other side of the island. He glanced at Kelsey. His jaw flexed as he swallowed hard. 

Kelsey stood up and threw the rest of her bagel away when her Mom walked in the kitchen. 

"Oh! Great. You're still here Nathan! Could you help me carry a few things in from the car, honey? I've got a bunch of beer in the back," she said, flustered. "Morning, sweetie!" She kissed Kelsey on the cheek and started unloading the groceries for the barbeque into the fridge. 

"Sure, Mrs. B." Nathan replied. He glanced at Kelsey before walking out to the garage. 

Kelsey walked back upstairs to her bedroom and closed the door behind her. She laid back on her bed and closed her eyes. 

Things were starting to happen. Her body was thrilled but her heart and mind were terrified. She didn't want to lose Nathan. 

She sat up as she heard Nathan's truck roar to life. He pulled it into the Bradford's driveway and shut the windows. He walked back to the Lowe's house and went inside. He still expected his truck to be washed. Kelsey giggled to herself. 

The cocky bastard.

>>>>><<<<<

Kelsey loosened the braid in her hair and shook it free. Long, brown waves tumbled down her shoulders as she filled up the large blue bucket with water. She knealt down and read the label on the soap that Nathan had left out for her. She poured a capful into the bucket and watched as the suds filled it to the brim. 

Once she had adjusted the setting on the nozzle, Kelsey sprayed down Nathan's entire truck. A thin mist bounced off the paint and quickly covered her body. She dropped the hose and pulled off her tank top and shorts, standing in her white bikini. She circled the truck, making sure she got everything nice and wet.

She walked around and picked up a sponge, dunking it in the foamy water and immediately smacked it onto Nathan's tall black pickup. She smiled as she washed it, top to bottom, letting the soap run down the sides and over the glass. She stood on the bumper and leaned across the front, her wet, bikini clad breasts rubbing against the hood as she washed the grime off Nathan's one and only prized possession. He had bought this truck soon after high school, once he started getting real paychecks from his Dad's company. He treated this truck like he treated Amy. Like gold. Only one of them was actually deserving of it. 

Once the entire truck was covered in soap, she picked up the hose and started to wash off the bubbles. By this point, her body was wet and water was running down her flat stomach and her tanned legs. She pulled on the heavy hose and jerked it to the other side of the truck. As she walked around, she saw Nathan walking from his parent's house to her driveway. 

"Looks good, Bradford."

Kelsey pointed the hose at Nathan. "You might want to watch how cocky you get right now. Remember who is holding the hose here, buddy." 

Nathan shook his head. "You wouldn't." 

"Wanna bet?" Kelsey raised her eyebrows and sprayed his legs. 

Nathan jumped back, shaking his head. "You never learn, Kelsey." He dove at her and she squealed as he tried to wrestle the hose from her grip. She squeezed the trigger and water shot down his neck and chest. He finally managed to pull it from her hands. He wrapped a muscular arm around her waist and turned the hose on full blast over her head. They were both laughing hysterically, soaked from head to toe. 

Kelsey wiggled free from Nathan's grip and grabbed the bucket of soapy water, threatening to throw it on him. Nathan dropped the hose and took off running. She chased him and threw the cold water down his back. He slid in the grass and fell backwards. Kelsey laughed so hard that she started crying. 

"I'm going to get you for this, you know that, right?" he said, breathing heavily.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm not scared of you, Lowe." 

Nathan laid back in the grass and stared up at the sky as Kelsey picked up the bucket and the sponge. She walked back to Nathan's truck to finish washing it, when she heard an annoying little horn hornking in the Lowe's driveway. She looked up in time to see Amy pulling up in her obnoxiously expensive little convertible. Kelsey rolled her eyes and finished spraying off Nathan's truck as he stood up and jogged towards Amy. Kelsey watched as Amy stepped out of the car. Nathan tried to hug her, but since he was wet, she shoved him away with a disgusted look on her face. 

Kelsey cringed. She threw the sponge in the bucket and walked inside. If Nathan wanted it waxed, he could do it himself this time.

>>>>><<<<<

After a long shower, and helping her Mom and Nancy Lowe prepare some food, everyone started gathering in the Lowe's backyard for dinner. Kelsey watched out of Nancy's kitchen window as Nathan talked to an obviously uninterested Amy. She scrolled through her phone as he tried to apologize for leaving the club early the night before. Kelsey watched as Nathan sighed, dipped his head and stood up. It looked like he was finally done trying. He grabbed Amy by the hand and lead her to the front of the house. 

Kelsey was desperate to know what was happening, but she had no way of knowing. She just grabbed a couple bowls of food and walked them out to the deck. Her short white dress waved in the breeze. Nathan's dad was lighting some tiki torches, then walked over and side-hugged Kelsey.

"Thanks for all your help, Kels. We've really missed you. I'm glad you agreed to stay with your parents for the summer," he smiled and Kelsey rested her head against his chest. Dave Lowe had always been like a second father to her. Having raised 3 sons, Dave and Nancy Lowe were just as protective over Kelsey as her own parents were. 

"You're welcome, Dave. Do you need any help with anything out here?"

"Nope. We're ready, sweetie," he said as he hugged her. 

Just then, Nathan came back around the side of the house and walked up on the deck. He and Kelsey made eye contact. 

"Everything alright?" she asked.

The sound of squeeling tires filled the air. Kelsey cringed. 

"Yeah...well...Amy isn't joining us for dinner tonight, or any night for that matter," he said flatly. 

No one asked any questions. Everyone just sat down around the table. Kelsey scooted her chair in and looked across the table at Nathan. The frustration in his eyes filled her with anger. He didn't deserve that. She sighed and hoped that maybe this breakup would be the one that stuck. Dave stood up and raised his beer in the air. Everyone joined him and raised their drinks. 

"Here's to another wonderful summer filled with friendship, laughter and love. To us!" he toasted. 

"To us!" everyone toasted cheerfully. Nathan's eyes locked with Kelsey's. They clinked their beer bottles together ceremoniously and drank. Kelsey closed her eyes and tried to fight off the growing sense of need she was feeling in the pit of her stomach. 

She needed to tell Nathan how she felt. She needed to feel his hands on her body. She needed to crush her lips against his. 

But first, she needed to get through the barbeque.

>>>>><<<<<

After food and drinks, everyone just sat around the table and told the same stories that were told every summer. Eventually, the men started talking construction, while the women were grilling Kelsey for ideas about what to wear for the family photos she was going to take of everyone later in the week. 

It was starting to get late and the parents had way too much to drink. They ended up at the Bradford's house, sitting around, drinking and playing cards. Nathan's younger brothers fell asleep watching a movie. Kelsey started to clean up some dishes, taking them into the Lowe's kitchen. Nathan followed her in, scraping plates and loading the dishwasher. 

"So, do you want to talk about it?" Kelsey asked hesitantly. 

"Not really."

"Ok. That's fine. I'm here if you need to talk."

"Cut the shit, Kelsey," he said with a knowing grin. "I know you're happy that Amy and I split up."

Kelsey dropped a plate into the sink. She couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"You know what, Nathan? I am. I'm really fucking glad that you and Amy split up. You want to know why? Because she walked all over you. She treated you like shit if she didn't get her way. She used you and for what? So she could spend your money, or just to have a handsome guy on her arm when it was convenient for her? She wouldn't even fucking hug you today because you were wet. How stupid is that? Are you really going to tell me that you want to be with someone like that?"

Nathan stared at her, stunned by her sudden outburst. Kelsey didn't stop.

"Are you really going to stand there and tell me that you can see yourself having a future with her?" Kelsey shook her head. "God, I hope not. Because then you'd be settling, and you're way better than that, Nate." 

Kelsey pushed past her friend and walked back out to the patio. She started pushing in chairs and blowing out the torches. When she looked up, she saw Nathan standing in the doorway. 

"You really think I can do better than Amy, don't you?" 

Kelsey dropped her hands to her sides. "Yes. I do. You know it, too."

"Do you have something you need to say to me, Kels?" 

Her heart fell into her stomach. The two friends stared at each other, the rippling glow of the lighted pool dancing across their faces. The sound of their parents roaring laughter came from the house next door. Kelsey's eyes dropped to the ground. 

"No."

"Are you sure? Because you've been pretty damn vocal about Amy recently. It seems like you've been holding something back," he said as he took a few steps closer towards Kelsey. 

"I told you what I had to say. I don't think Amy is good for you, that's all. You should be with someone who treats you like you deserve to be treated." 

"Oh yeah. How's that?"

Kelsey swallowed and backed away from Nathan a couple steps. He continued to walk towards her slowly. 

She inhaled. "I don't know. Someone who will hug you when you're soaking wet. Someone who won't drag you to a club because she knows that they make you uncomfortable. Someone who won't try to make you wear clothes that you hate, or try to get you to take some stupid office job just because she thinks construction is 'icky'. Someone who knows what your favorite movie is and who will watch it with you for the hundreth time without complaining. Someone who..." she trailed off as Nathan closed the space between them. 

"Someone like you?" he whispered.

Kelsey looked at the pool, trying to avoid Nathan's eyes. She shook her head.

"I'm not...that's not what I'm saying. I, I-I just..." 

"Christ. You're killing me, Kelsey. I can't take this. If you're just going to dance around this, do you mind if I hop in the pool and cool off for a few minutes while you work up the nerve to tell me what you're really thinking?" 

He laughed as he stripped off his tshirt and shorts, jumping into the pool in just his boxers. Kelsey stared at him as he swam the length of the large inground pool and back to her. He crossed his arms on the edge and stared up at her. She was suddenly very aware of how short her dress was and the fact that Nathan could probably see right up it. 

"Why don't you kill the lights and get in?" Nathan said quietly. She stared at him for several seconds, debating on whether or not it was a good idea. She knew just by the energy in the air that it was possible that they were about to cross a line...a line that she was terrified of stepping over. She closed her eyes and nodded, walking to the row of switches by the house. She turned off the deck lights and the underwater lights inside the pool. The backyard was plunged into darkness. 

Kelsey walked to the edge and pulled her dress up over her head. She quickly jumped in the water, trying to prevent Nathan from getting a good look at her thin, nearly transparent white bra, and her small white thong. When she surfaced from under the warm water, Nathan was still several feet away. She dunked her head under and smoothed her hair out of her face when she came back up. This wasn't the first time that Nathan and Kelsey had taken a late night swim together, but it was the first time that there was an obvious sexual tension in the air. Nathan floated closer to her. 

"You ready to tell me anything?" he asked, his small dimples piercing his cheeks. 

Kelsey ducked everything but her eyes under the water and shook her head. 

He rolled his eyes. "Fine." 

She came up for air. "Is there anything that you want to tell me?"

Nathan stared at her for a moment. He studied her face and smiled. He glided effortlessly through the water and leaned against the edge, gripping the side of the pool behind his head.

"Yeah. You look good wet," he laughed. "I've been thinking that for about the last 10 summers." 

Kelsey felt her insides start to melt. She was thankful that his humor broke some of the tension. 

"Ok. Your turn. I told you something. Now, you tell me something." Nathan grinned as the water lapped against his neck. 

Kelsey took a deep breath. This was it. 

"Ok," she said nervously. "I might have a little crush on you." 

As soon as the words fell out of her mouth, she became intensely embarrassed. This was Nathan. Her best friend. She felt like a teenager all over again. She immediately dunked her head back under the water, wishing she'd never said a thing. She heard Nathan laugh, then felt him reach under the water and drag her up to the surface. 

"Kelsey. Why are you acting like this? So what? Do you really think that over the years that I haven't had a major crush on you at one time or another?" he grinned as I blinked the pool water out of my eyes.

"Right, but we were kids. You were a teenage boy. You probably had a crush on everyone!" 

Nathan shook his head and grabbed her arms underneath the water, pulling her closer. 

"No. Kelsey, I've always thought you were gorgeous, and funny and, well, perfect. You've always seemed so unattainable to me."

"What are you talking about? Unattainable? I've been by your side since we were babies, Nathan!" she laughed. 

"Right, but I've never wanted to risk losing you as my friend."

Kelsey closed her eyes and nodded. His words were the reality check she needed. 

"I know exactly what you mean," she said, pulling her arms free of his grip. "Which is why I never wanted to say anything in the first place, Nate." 

She started to pull away from him, but he grabbed her elbow. They stared at each other briefly before Nathan pulled her through the water and pressed his wet lips against hers. The tension in Kelsey's body immediately melted away. His grip on her elbow loosened and she placed her hands tentatively on his broad chest. Nathan's large hands found her narrow waist and he pulled her closer. Kelsey moaned against his mouth. Nathan smiled and pushed his tongue through her parted lips. Kelsey felt it slide along hers, exploring her mouth with a newfound curiosity. She let her hands side up his chest and around his neck as they bobbed and swayed in the water. 

It was the kind of kiss that was worth waiting 23 years for. 

After several seconds, Kelsey pulled her mouth off of Nathan's. She brought her fingers up to her lips and stared at him. He ducked his mouth under the water, still smiling. He came back up.

"Well?" 

"Well, what?"

"How was it?"

Kelsey couldn't help but grin. "Really good, Nate."

"Just 'really good'?" he pouted. "I was hoping for something more like 'fucking incredible'." 

Kelsey shrugged sheepishly. "I wasn't fully in the moment. I'm too nervous." 

"Well, in that case, let me try again." 

Nathan wrapped his hands around Kelsey's neck and jaw, pulling her lips firmly against his. She wrapped her hands around his forearms and moved her body closer to his. The water splashed gently against them, underneath their conjoined mouths. Kelsey let her leg rub against Nathan's under the water, feeling her smooth skin glide against his masculine muscle. Nathan dropped his hands from her face to her hips, pulling her against him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling all sense of friendship fly out the window as their kiss intensified. 

Nathan kept his hands to himself for the most part, only letting them squeeze her hips occasionally. She desperately wanted him to peel off her panties and enter her, but she knew that would obviously be way too much, way too soon. They didn't even know how they would feel about this kiss in the morning. 

Their tongues danced against each other for a few minutes, setting all of Kelsey's nerves on fire. Nathan pulled back and smiled, leaning down to give her one more gentle kiss on her red, swollen lips. 

He pulled his torso back, leaving her legs wrapped around his hips.

"Well?"

Kelsey smiled and leaned close to his ear. 

"Fucking incredible, Nathan," she whispered. She kissed his earlobe, then disentangled their bodies and dove under the water. She swam the length of the pool and back, hoping to clear her scattering thoughts. When she finally came up for breath, Nathan was sitting on the edge of the pool, watching her. She stopped in the center and frowned up at him.

"What? What's wrong?" 

Nathan shook his head. "Nothing at all. I'm just sitting here thinking of all the times growing up that I had watched you swim in this pool and thought about how much I wanted to kiss you. Now, it finally happened. I just feel like a tiny little teenage fantasy has been realized. It's kind of cool." 

"I can't believe I never realized that you felt that way. Boys are usually so obvious when it comes to having a crush on a girl," she said, swimming to the edge. 

"Yeah, but everyone else noticed. Hell, my parents have been begging me to marry you since we were kids." 

Kelsey laughed. "I know what you mean. My parents don't think that you can do any wrong."

"Would they still think that if they saw their daughter in a pool with me, wearing nothing but a bra and a thong?" 

"Probably not. In fact, I should get home. Can you grab me a towel from inside? Please? I can't exactly get out like this." She motioned to her nearly naked body.

"Um. Yeah. I need a second, though."

"Uhh, what for? The towels are right inside the door, Nate."




Meant To Be Ch. 01



I wrote this a few years ago, before the others I've submitted, so you may notice a difference. Honestly, I'm not thrilled with the writing. Part real, part fantasy, part what-could-have-been, part unrequited or the-one-that-got-away...I don't know. I just know it's a story I felt compelled to write and one that continued to roll around in my head and heart long after it was finished, so I'm letting it out into the world.

Because my emotional attachment to this story exceeds my usual connection to anything I write, I considered turning off comments but that doesn't seem...fair? If you think it sucks, that's fine. Just remember that there's a real person with feelings and doubts and fabulous hair (:P) on the other end over here, and that being tactful never killed anyone. Thanks.

There are a total of ten chapters, which I am submitting all at once.

+++

-1-

"Cassandra."

I almost didn't respond; hardly anyone calls me Cassandra save teachers on the first day of class or doctors offices. Certainly no one pronounces it Cass-ahh-ndra. But something about the deep voice made my spine tingle. I turned around and was rewarded with dark brown eyes looking at me interestedly. My breath caught in my throat and it was a second before I could speak.

"Hi," I said lamely, feeling my cheeks grow warm.

He smiled at me. It was a warm smile, crinkling his eyes in the corners.

"You probably don't remember me -"

"Oh, I remember you," I said emphatically.

My eyes widened and I felt the rest of my face turning red. Idiot, I told myself. But really, how could I forget Nick Hawthorne? We'd met at my cousin Kate's wedding. I was seventeen then, just graduated from high school, terribly shy and awkward. A friend of my Uncle Daniel, Kate's father, he was the first British person I'd met, and I had been fascinated by his accent. I looked away now, remembering how I and my cousins practically hung on his every word, asking him to speak so we could hear his rich voice saying everyday words that sounded so charming to our American ears. I'm sure I had behaved as childishly as a person could.

Now it was four years later and we were at the wedding of Kate's sister, Maggie. And here he was, grinning at me. I had just finished college and though not quite as shy, I still felt generally awkward most of the time. His charming smile wasn't helping. I straightened my shoulders, hoping somehow it would make me seem more mature.

"That's flattering," he quipped.

"I'm surprised you remembered me," I blurted out, then winced at the remark. I was certain my neck was now as red as my face.

His eyebrows shot up in surprise and he gave me a curious look.

"How could I forget you?" he asked lightly.

I managed to refrain from asking if he meant it. Obviously he was teasing. He surprised me by leaning in conspiratorially.

"Don't tell Daniel," he said quietly, his breath tickling my bare shoulder. "But I don't enjoy weddings all that much, particularly when I don't know many people." He straightened up, his eyes twinkling. "I was grateful for your company at the last one, so I'm glad to see you."

I blinked up at him, speechless for a moment.

"Right," I said finally. "I'm sure we were all total pains, begging you to speak just so we could hear your accent."

I grinned at him, amusement momentarily overtaking my embarrassment as I thought of how annoying we must have been. Nick looked puzzled.

"I don't remember that," he said thoughtfully. "I recall a bright young woman who wanted to learn more about England." He gave a rueful laugh. "I regret that I couldn't answer your questions properly."

"All I remember asking you was about Prince Harry and Prince William," I said without thinking, then felt my face redden again.

He chuckled. "Well, it seems we each have some selective memory about that night. Regardless, I'm glad you're here."

He smiled warmly again and I shivered involuntarily, a warm glow washing over me though I knew he was being polite rather than flirtatious.

"Have you eaten?" he asked, tilting his head in the direction of the buffet line.

I shook my head.

"Shall we?" He crooked his elbow gallantly.

I hesitated, then slipped my hand into his arm. He led me to the food and made small talk with the servers as we walked along the long table with our plates. I could barely concentrate on holding my plate steady and didn't contribute other than small smiles and nods. His voice echoed in my head: I'm glad you're here. I kept telling myself he was just being nice, but my stomach was fluttering. I stole glances at him out of the corner of my eye, watching his easy smile, his strong hands holding his plate.

I remembered having a crush on him at Kate's wedding, but I had just assumed it was his accent. Still, I probably mooned over him that whole evening. Now, though, the attraction I felt rushing through me went far beyond a childish crush. He was unbelievably sexy. Thick, dark brown hair, warm brown eyes that seemed to glitter when he smiled, broad shoulders and a clearly well-defined body that even a suit couldn't disguise. He was all man - one hundred percent sexy, hunky man. I shook my head slightly, my thoughts so pronounced I was afraid for a moment that I'd spoken the words out loud.

I tried in vain to remember how old he was; I knew he was younger than my Uncle Daniel, but beyond that I had no idea. Nick's parents had acted as host family for my uncle when he spent a year abroad. The two families had become very close, keeping in touch and visiting each other frequently after that. I didn't know how old Nick was when Uncle Daniel lived there, but I guessed he was in his forties now, though he looked more like thirty. My stomach dropped. There was no way he'd look at me as anything other than a kid. Actually, there was no way a man like Nick would find me romantically appealing anyway, but the age difference certainly couldn't help.

I followed him to an empty table, trying not to look like a sullen teenager. I didn't understand the wide range of emotions I was experiencing in just the short time since he'd first said my name. Nick pulled out a chair for me and I gave him a pleased smile. He was being so chivalrous and sweet my mood couldn't do anything but brighten. I tried to relax and enjoy his company.

"Tell me what you've been doing with yourself since I saw you last," he said as we began to eat.

"Um, I just finished college," I said awkwardly.

He smiled and congratulated me, and began asking about my major and college experience. I felt childish talking about a part of his life that was long over, but he was attentive and drew me out. He's good at this, I thought. He asked more than surface questions. Some of them made me really think about my answers and spurred in-depth conversations rather than just small talk.

There was a short silence as servers came around with wine. I watched his hand holding the glass, circling it a moment, then bringing it up to his nose before he took a sip. Everything he did was sexy. I felt like I could just watch him for days.

"So, Cassandra," he said in his delicious accent. "What are your plans now?"

"I'm staying with my parents right now," I said self-consciously. "Working and saving up money - a friend and I are moving to New York in a few months."

He raised his eyebrows. "That's wonderful. What will you be doing there?"

"I have a job lined up at NYU," I said, feeling embarrassed about my meager life plans. "I figure I'll do that for a year before starting grad school. If I can handle the city," I added.

"Handle it?" he repeated, puzzled. "Why wouldn't you be able to handle it?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, it's a big city. You know...it'll be quite a change."

"I have all the confidence you'll do more than handle it," he said warmly, smiling that gorgeous smile.

"Well, my parents aren't crazy about the idea, so it'll probably be more surprising for them than me if I stay," I admitted, giving a small laugh.

"I moved to New York last year, actually," he said.

The rate at which my heart sped up was startling.

"Really?" I asked excitedly. "Do you love it?"

He grinned at my enthusiasm. "I do. It's brilliant, I think you'll find you fit right in."

He pulled his wallet from his inside jacket pocket and took out a business card. Grabbing a pen, he wrote something on it before handing it to me.

"My contact information," he said, looking into my eyes kindly. "My personal email and mobile number are on the back."

I took it with shaking hands. I know I looked at the words but couldn't read anything.

"Thanks," I said with a big smile.

He nodded. "If you need help with anything before you move, I am at your service." He paused, still holding my eyes. "And I would love to see you when you get there, if you have the time."

I blinked rapidly, hoping I'd heard him correctly.

"I would like that," I said quietly.

Suddenly afraid I would lose it, I hurriedly took my phone out of my clutch and slipped the card inside the phone case, gripping it tightly for a moment to make sure it wouldn't slide out. I glanced at him in time to see his eyes shift away as if he'd been watching me, but I was too giddy to be embarrassed.

We sat there for a while after the dishes had been cleared, greeting family and friends as they wandered past. I had spent a semester in London in college, so we shared stories of the city and the other places in England I had visited. I asked him everything I could think of about living in New York. I had visited several times - my friend Gwen grew up in Newark and we'd go into the city whenever I visited her - but day trips aren't the same as living there. Nick had an almost poetic way of describing it and I'm sure I looked entranced. After all, I was.

When Uncle Daniel appeared to invite Nick outside for a cigar, I waited until they were out of sight before taking out his business card. I quickly entered the information into my phone in case the card got lost. Flipping it over, I felt an inexplicable rush of excitement at the sight of his handwriting, strong with a commanding slant. I forced myself to return the card and phone to my purse and looked around. Seeing my sisters at the bar, I headed over to join them.

"Cassie," Penelope said breathlessly, her eyes dancing. "How do you know Nick?"

"How do you know Nick?" I asked petulantly.

Penny had been at Kate's wedding but had been so focused on her boyfriend at the time that I'd barely seen her for the entire reception. She giggled and I tried not to scowl.

My sisters and I couldn't be more different, in looks and personality. The only features we had in common were our blue eyes and our smiles. I was a carbon copy of our mother: on the short side with plain brown hair that was on most days an unruly, curly mess. I had an ample chest - the only advantage I really had over them - and hourglass figure, which I suppose is attractive, but being so short it just made me feel chubby. Penny and Thea had inherited the body type from our dad's side of the family, each with trim, athletic shapes. Penny was a knockout with thick, straight jet-black hair that she wore long. Thea's beauty was more understated; she had our mother's coloring though her hair is a luscious auburn color.

Mom and I also shared a more introverted personality. She was the quiet one at parties while my dad made friends with anyone and everyone. Penny had our father's easy confidence and charm; Thea had Dad's analytical intelligence, which led to her skipping a grade in elementary school and graduating from high school at sixteen. Thea was only a year older than Penny but had the classic first-child traits of organization, reliability, and ambition. She encompassed the best of our parents' personalities, in my opinion: calm and reflective while never having trouble talking to anyone.

All my life I'd felt like the little kid trying to keep up with them or find my place; neither the brilliant student with refined, elegant looks that Thea was or the gorgeous life of the party like Penny. It was part of the reason I decided to move to New York with Gwen. The thought of living there frightened me, but I knew I needed to try it. I had to see if I could move out of the shadow of my sisters, even though I knew that shadow was my own creation.

"I asked Katie," Penelope was saying now with a shrug. "He's hot."

"He's way too old for you, Pen," Thea said good-naturedly.

"He's only thirty-nine," our sister protested.

"How do you know that?" I exclaimed, my mind racing. Nick was younger than I'd expected. Still too old to consider me anything but a child, but still.

"Katie," Penelope repeated impatiently.

I couldn't help looking at her admiringly. It never would have occurred to me to grill our cousin about Nick. If it had, I surely would have been awkward and obvious in doing so. But even without hearing their conversation, I know Penelope made it seem like she was asking Kate as part of casual conversation. She navigated social situations - whether with men or not - with such ease.

"You didn't answer my question," Penny said to me.

I shrugged awkwardly. "He was at Katie's wedding. We hung around asking him anything we could think of so we could hear his accent."

Penelope laughed, giving me her usual indulgent, older-sister smile. I was glad when Kate and Maggie joined us and the subject changed. I kept an eye out for Nick, trying not to make it obvious. As it turned out I didn't need to search for him. The energy in the room seemed to suddenly change when he entered the ballroom - I could feel the hairs on my arms stand on end and it was as if all the noise receded slightly. Watching the doorway out of the corner of my eye, I could see him standing with Uncle Daniel, chatting while their eyes both swept around the room. When Nick saw us, his gaze stopped and they both headed in our direction. My chest was fluttering and I tried to steady my breathing.

My sisters introduced themselves to Nick and Penny smiled brightly at him while everyone talked. I shifted my eyes between them, hoping I didn't look jealous. Uncle Daniel announced he wanted to dance with his daughter on her wedding day, and they made their way to the dance floor. The next thing I knew, there was a hand gently holding my elbow. I shivered at the touch and looked up at Nick through my lashes.

"May I have this dance, Cassandra?" he asked with a smile.

I opened my mouth to respond but was speechless. I think I managed a nod and he led me to the dance floor. My throat was dry as he turned to face me, lifting my hand into his and resting his other hand lightly on my back. Our bodies weren't touching but just the slight pressure of his hands was enough to make my eyes drift shut for a moment. I forced myself to open them, staring at his chest as we danced. I peeked up at him and found him looking at me, the corners of his mouth turned up. I swallowed.

"You know, you don't have to call me Cassandra. Everyone calls me Cassie, or Cass," I said weakly.

I tried to remember if he had called me by my full name at Kate's wedding but I doubted he had said my name at all then. His smile was enigmatic.

"Ah, but Cassie is a girl's name. You're a woman now," he said quietly.

I blinked rapidly in astonishment. A woman. I felt almost light-headed. The words combined with his gentle tone, in that accent, sounded so seductive.

"Maybe. But it is a lot of syllables," I joked.

He laughed, a low rumble emitting from his chest that I felt through our joined hands. I smiled at the sound.

"I think I can manage it," he remarked. "What's Thea short for?" he asked suddenly. "Theadora?"

"Athena," I replied quietly, wondering despondently if my oldest sister had caught his eye as opposed to Penny. "Thea is what Penny could pronounce when she was learning to speak, and the name stuck."

"Really - Cassandra, Penelope, Athena..." His eyes were twinkling. "Your parents have a fascination with the Greeks."

"That's right," I said, impressed. I wasn't accustomed to people making the connection; most of my peers weren't familiar with Greek history. "Actually just my mom - she's a history professor. I think my dad was steamrolled."

He laughed again, squeezing my hand this time, and my smile widened. He had a gorgeous laugh, and it was thrilling to know that I could elicit it from him.

"But at least it's better than naming us, say, Clytemnestra or Medea," I continued, grinning.

I'd made him laugh again, this time so hard that his eyes narrowed into slits. He pulled me slightly closer to him when he spoke.

"Though Helen would have worked as well," he said.

"Yeah," I said wryly. "For Penny."

His brow wrinkled for a moment, then he shook his head at me fondly, but didn't speak. The dance floor began to get crowded and our bodies moved closer together to accommodate the couples surrounding us. My heart was beating so fast I was sure he'd be able to hear it. The song was coming to an end and I inadvertently held his hand a little tighter as if that could slow down time. I felt his hand travel up my back until it was between my shoulder blades. I was staring at his chest and my eyes widened. My dress was a halter so his hand was on my bare skin, warm and strong. I took a long breath, trying to memorize every detail of how it felt. Without thinking I leaned forward to rest my cheek on his shoulder. I felt him tense slightly as if in surprise, but only for a second. Then he brought our joined hands to rest on his chest, his other hand tickling the ends of my hair. I closed my eyes.

It seemed like an instant later that the song ended and couples around us broke apart when the next song with a speedy tempo started. Nick and I stepped apart simultaneously, but he didn't let go of my hand. He lifted my arm and twirled me around once, stopping me with a hand on my hip when I faced him again. I giggled.

"Thank you for the dance, my lady," he said formally, giving a small bow before straightening and grinning.

"Thank you, kind sir," I replied, bobbing in a small curtsy.

Laughing, he tucked my hand into the crook of his arm as we walked back to our table. I couldn't feel the floor under my feet as I glided next to him.

---

A few months later Gwen and I were settling into our apartment in the West Village. We knew how lucky we were - her parents had bought it just after they finished college and kept it once they'd moved to New Jersey. Gwen's older sister had been living in it for the past five years but she had recently moved to California, so the timing was perfect. Her parents insisted on giving us a reduced rent, and I knew my parents felt better about me moving to New York once they learned I would be in a secure building. The apartment was small, but still better than we'd have been able to afford in this neighborhood - or anywhere else in the city - otherwise.

I was scurrying around the apartment, not finding anything I needed, and noticed Gwen was organizing the CDs.

"Really?" I asked. "I can't find my hair dryer and you're already alphabetizing the CDs?"

She looked up from where she was sitting cross-legged on the floor and grinned.

"Hey, I'm not the one who has a man to impress tonight."

"Gwen!" I looked at her in shock.

She very obviously swallowed a laugh. "Use my hair dryer - it's on my bed."

I couldn't help smirking. I had told Gwen about Nick immediately after Maggie's wedding. In fact, I had mentioned him every time she and I spoke over the summer. Being the easygoing friend that she was, she indulged me and never seemed annoyed by my gushing.

I had waited a full four days after seeing Nick at the wedding before I emailed him. Even though email is essentially one step above doing nothing in terms of communication, it still felt like a bold move for me. I kept it short, telling him it was nice seeing him again and that I'd get in touch when I got to New York. He'd replied right away, and we began corresponding frequently. By the time my move approached, we were in the habit of exchanging several emails a day. I'd check my phone or laptop constantly and experienced a palpable thrill whenever I saw his name in my inbox.




Meant To Be Ch. 01



Now that I was here, he had invited us both to dinner on our first night in the city. Gwen had offered to bow out so I could be alone with him, but I insisted she join us. Obviously Nick wasn't thinking of it as a date, and I didn't want to give the impression that I did. I wished I could convince my insides of this - my stomach was doing somersaults and there was a nervous flutter in my chest.

Gwen leaned against the doorway of the bathroom as I was fixing my hair and crossed her arms as she looked me over.

"No," she said decisively.

"What?"

I looked down at my black pants and button-down blouse, then inspected Gwen's outfit. She was wearing a flowing skirt that ended just below her knees and a fitted tank top. She and I had similar curvy figures, but she was much more toned. Her long auburn hair was tied up in a messy knot. She looked, as usual, effortlessly pretty.

"What's wrong?" I asked as she continued to study my clothes.

"Cass, just - no," she said, shaking her head fondly. "Hang on."

She disappeared and returned with a bright blue wrap dress and strappy sandals. I viewed it skeptically.

"Gwen -" I began.

"Yes," she interrupted. "It's too hot to wear that," she said, gesturing at me. "And this will make your eyes stand out. He won't be able to resist you."

"Gwen," I said with a sigh. "He doesn't see me that way. Please don't - I don't want to embarrass myself in front of him."

"Okay, I'm sorry for teasing you." She looked sheepish. "But there's still no reason for you not to look great. And it is too hot for what you're wearing."

I twisted my mouth, thinking. "All right," I agreed. I laughed when her eyes lit up.

I had just slipped on the sandals when I heard her buzz Nick up, cheerily giving him our apartment number over the intercom. I walked into the living room as she opened the door and watched him step in with a smile. I was still trying to steady my breathing and the sight of him did not help. He was wearing dark trousers and a deep red button-down shirt, its cuffs rolled up his forearms. He likely could have worn a burlap sack and been handsome, but even in this understated outfit he looked dashing. I slowed as they introduced themselves, attempting to relax my features.

"Cassandra," he said warmly. "You look wonderful."

I smiled as we stepped closer to each other. He took my hands and kissed each cheek.

"Thanks," I said. "You look very nice," I added.

I was glad to hear my voice wasn't shaking. My arms, on the other hand, were trembling and I clasped my hands together behind my back. Over his shoulder I caught a glimpse of Gwen's large grin. She gave me a thumbs-up with both hands and I smothered a nervous laugh.

"Uh, it was really nice of you to take us out for dinner," I said awkwardly.

"My pleasure," he said, still smiling.

He turned to face Gwen, who quickly cleared her expression. I smiled to myself in admiration. Gwen didn't have much more experience with men than I did, but unlike me, she didn't let it bother her. In general, she didn't waste energy worrying about what people thought of her.

"Would you like the tour?" Gwen asked.

She gestured around the large room that was living room, kitchen, dining room, and study. We all chuckled.

"The bonus is you can take the tour by just standing in one spot," I said.

Nick laughed and placed a hand on my arm. I tried not to shiver.

"It's lovely," he said politely as we picked up our purses.

"I booked a table at Odeon," Nick said in the elevator. "We can walk from here."

Nick offered us each an arm once we were outside, but the crowds didn't allow for us to walk three abreast and Gwen fell back under the guise of adjusting her shoe. I gave her a slight eye roll but couldn't help grinning. We didn't speak much on the way; I was just grateful I didn't stumble or trip as we walked. At the restaurant, conversation came easily, for which I was grateful. Nick asked Gwen questions about her graduate program for her MFA. I asked Nick about his job in finance, realizing it hadn't occurred to me to do so previously.

"Ah," he said, waving a hand. "It's not thrilling to hear about. But it gives me the opportunity to travel and live in different places."

"So you only plan to stay in New York temporarily?" Gwen asked.

"I have no idea," Nick said with an easy smile. "My only plan is to see what happens."

I grinned at his relaxed attitude, wondering if it was something that came with age or if he had always been easygoing about his career path. Gwen and I both felt the pressure of figuring out our lives now that we had finished college.

"What are you planning to study in graduate school, Cassandra?" Nick asked me.

"I think library science," I told him, immediately regretting that I added the 'I think' at the beginning of my reply.

Nick's eyes brightened. "My sister got that degree here in the states," he said.

"Oh, wow, what a coincidence," Gwen commented.

"Does she still live here?" I asked.

He nodded. "In Chicago. Though she's recently married and I believe wants to move back to London before she starts having babies."

"Do you miss London?" I asked curiously.

"Yes and no," he admitted. "I'd probably miss it more if I didn't expect to live there again at some point. Besides, it's easy to get back for visits," he added with a shrug.

We began talking about England and our varied experiences there - Gwen had been on the same London term trip as I had, which was when we'd become friends. Before I knew it dinner was over and we were walking back to our apartment. Nick led us a different way home, wanting us to see other parts of the neighborhood. He walked us to our door, where Gwen thanked him again for dinner and quickly excused herself, claiming she was exhausted from moving. I invited him in for a drink and was surprised when he accepted. We sat near each other on the couch, chatting about New York and the West Village as well as his neighborhood on the Upper West Side. When he finished his wine and leaned forward slightly, I could tell he was getting ready to leave and I sat up straighter, thanking him again for dinner.

"It was my pleasure," he told me, giving me that winning smile. "I hope we can do it again soon."

He stood and I followed suit to walk him to the door.

"I'd really like that," I said, hoping I didn't sound desperate.

I reached for the door but stopped when he turned to face me.

"Would you like to take in a play sometime? This weekend's the last chance for Shakespeare in the Park, if you're interested."

I felt the smile break out on my face. "That would be great," I said enthusiastically.

He grinned and told me he'd call me to make plans. He kissed me on both cheeks again before leaving. On the way to my room, Gwen popped her head out of her door and looked at me expectantly. I made a face at her and she laughed.

---

Nick and I spent almost the entire day together that Saturday. We had lunch before the play, then strolled through the park, stopping at a cafe where we talked for hours. We wandered around a bookstore and on the way back to my apartment, he asked if I felt like dinner. Of course I said yes. 

We began getting together a few times a week - either for dinner or drinks, or to see a play or exhibit at one of the museums. On the weekends we'd browse bookstores or the library or just explore different neighborhoods and parks, walking and talking, stopping for food or coffee when the mood struck us.

I still found him unnervingly sexy, but I was becoming more comfortable with him. That's not to say I didn't have many moments of being completely flustered when he'd compliment me or say something so charming that it was difficult not to read too much into his words. There were times I caught myself just watching him when he wasn't looking. I would study his face or his hands, or listen while he spoke to a waiter or made small talk with a stranger, entranced by his voice and his easy charm. But I hoped, at least, that I wasn't acting like a schoolgirl with an obvious crush.

Gwen continued to tease me about him, refusing to believe me when I said he didn't see me that way. I knew it was true, but it didn't stop me from hoping. He kissed my cheeks with each greeting and parting, and every time my heart would race. Whenever he would tuck my hand into his arm as we walked, or place his hand on my back as we waited in lines, the blood would rush to my head, making me almost dizzy. I knew logically that none of this contact meant anything to him. Despite telling myself this, I found myself looking for signs that he might be interested only to immediately talk myself out of it.

On one occasion we were at a bar waiting for our dinner table to become available and a drunken customer made a lewd remark about me. I didn't hear it, but Nick did, and it was the only time I'd ever seen him enraged. He told the man off efficiently without making a scene, then put his arm around me to lead me out of the restaurant. His reaction was somewhat possessive, more protective than I would expect a friend to be. I explained it away in my head as him being gentlemanly, but it was simultaneously thrilling and confusing.

I had become close with two of my co-workers, Ian and Maitri, and between them and Gwen, I had an active social life, but Nick was the one I spent most of my time with. He and I still exchanged the occasional email, but on days we didn't see each other, we mostly communicated by phone or text until it was rare that a day would go by without speaking. I had resigned myself to accepting that this would be the extent of our friendship, that he would never see me in a romantic way. 

One Sunday afternoon after we'd seen a Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim, we got caught in a rainstorm in the park. Thoroughly unprepared, we each pulled our light jackets over our heads and looked at each other. The rain was quickly accompanied by thunder and lightning.

"My flat isn't far," Nick said, speaking loudly to be heard over the downpour.

I nodded and followed him at a quick pace through the park. Stepping off the curb to cross the street, Nick encountered a puddle and cursed. I looked down to see his pant leg soaked to the knee. I giggled as I looked up at him. His eyes narrowed.

"Think it's funny, is it?" he teased, stomping into the puddle with his other foot and splashing me.

I squealed and jumped, then kicked some water at him. He laughed, suddenly throwing his jacket off his head. He looked up, letting his face get soaked, then took a step toward me. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him, rivulets of water cascading down his face and neck, tantalizingly drenching his shirt. I felt my eyes widen and my face get red. Nick leaned over and shook his head, splattering me with the water flying off his hair. I wiped my face, which was pointless.

"You're in for it now, mister," I warned.

I was just about to kick some more water his way when he grabbed my hand, laughing.

"Right," he said with a grin. "Come on."

We ran across the street and he led me up one block to his building. We spilled into the lobby, laughing hysterically. Pushing the wet strands of hair from my face, I tried to pat myself dry with the inside of my jacket, quickly realizing it was futile. Nick put a hand on my back and led me to the elevator, still chuckling. By the time we got to his door, we had left a telltale trail of water and muddy shoe prints behind us.

"I hope they don't send you the cleaning bill," I remarked as he unlocked the door.

Nick glanced down the hall then looked back at me speculatively.

"We should run up and down the hall," he said decisively. "Throw them off our trail."

I giggled. His head jerked a little and I noticed his eyes traveling over my face.

"What is it?" I nervously tried to fix my hair.

He shook his head and looked a little embarrassed, opening the door and gesturing me inside. I hovered near the door, not wanting to mess up his floor. Nick took my jacket and hung it up for me.

"Leave your shoes and socks here," he told me. "I'll get you some dry clothes."

Kicking off his shoes, he disappeared down the hall, leaving me to try to slow my heart down. He's getting me clothes, I thought, blushing. I removed my boots and socks, looking around the apartment. It was spacious, with tall ceilings and an entire wall of windows. The furniture was simple and classic, the room sparsely decorated but without feeling cold or sterile. Nick returned, now wearing a pair of cargo pants and t-shirt, his hair still damp. I had to tear my gaze away from the shirt stretched taut across his chest and noticed his arms were full of clothes.

"Is there going to be a costume change at intermission or something?" I teased, pointing at the pile of clothes he carried.

Nick gave me a surprised laugh. "I wasn't sure what would fit - I think everything will be swimming on you regardless." He held out a towel. "The loo's right there," he said, pointing.

I held the bundle of clothes gingerly, trying not to drip on them. The bathroom was spacious for a powder room, sleek-looking with silvery-grey tile and glass shelves. I picked through the clothes, chuckling at how many he'd brought me. There were some comfortable-looking flannel pajama pants that I knew would be way too long, so I decided on boxers and a t-shirt. Pleased to see he'd included a bathrobe, I wrapped the towel around my head and peeled off my clothes. I was drying my body when there was a knock at the door and I jumped.

"Uh, yes?" I said weakly.

"I can put your clothes in the dryer when you come out," Nick said on the other side of the door.

"Oh, thanks."

I did the best I could with my mess of hair, tying it in a bun. Inspecting my reflection, I washed off my smeared makeup and leaned into the mirror. At least my skin is clear. I slipped the robe on over my clothes and left the bathroom.

Nick was in the kitchen pouring us some tea. He turned and stopped short at the sight of me. I watched his eyes travel the length of my body and straightened my shoulders. After a short pause, he noticed my wet clothes in my hands and took them from me.

"Cuppa?" he asked when he returned to the kitchen, holding a cup out to me.

"Thanks." I wrapped my hands around the warm cup.

We sipped our tea in silence until a buzzer sounded and I gave a small jump. Nick shot me an apologetic smile and went into a room off the kitchen, returning with my knee-high socks. I gasped in delight as I took them. They were toasty warm. I set my cup down and sat on the floor to put them on. I heard Nick chuckle and glanced up.

"You look adorable," he said, grinning.

I blushed, realizing how childish I must look, sitting on the floor in boxers and socks. He reached out a hand to help me up and I impulsively squeezed his fingers. There was a pause while our eyes met, my hand still loosely in his, before he spoke.

"It might be a while before your clothes are dry...should we order in some dinner?"

I looked around his kitchen. Like the other rooms I'd seen it was sleek and uncluttered.

"Do you have any food here? I could make us something," I offered.

His eyebrows jumped. "No, that's okay -"

"I'd like to," I told him. "You always insist on paying for everything."

"Well." He shrugged awkwardly. "But -"

I watched his struggle, amused. I had never seen him look uncomfortable before. I set down my cup again and started looking through his cupboards before checking the fridge.

"I don't usually keep much in the house," he said unnecessarily.

"Is pasta okay?" I asked, holding up a box of penne.

He looked somewhat dumbfounded and I smirked.

"Where do you keep your spices?" I continued, looking around again.

He pointed to the drawer next to the stove, and then indicated a drawer on the other side of the kitchen when I asked about cooking utensils. I frowned.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

I rested a hand on the inside of the spice drawer.

"Well - it's just that right next to the stove might not be the best place to store spices. If this drawer gets any heat when the oven's on it could ruin them."

He looked at me blankly. "Oh." Then his eyes crinkled as he grinned. "What else am I doing wrong?"

My face flushed. "Sorry," I said.

He looked amused. "I'm serious, I want to know. Not that I do much cooking, clearly."

I giggled. "Well, the cooking tools would probably make more sense in this drawer anyway - close to the stove and this counter where it would make sense to prep food - it would be easier to grab than moving across the kitchen."

Giving me an admiring look, he began emptying the spices onto the counter. I chuckled and found a pot to boil water. He was a good assistant, readily handing me anything I asked for as I cooked. He spent the rest of the time rearranging his cabinets when I suggested something that might work better. When he complimented my skills I explained that my last roommate was a chef and had taught me almost everything I knew. He opened a bottle of wine and we drank half of it while I cooked, sharing stories of our meager college meals and various cooking disasters.

Telling myself I needed to call my old roommate to thank her for going to culinary school, I presented Nick with our dinner: penne pasta in a light sauce of butter and herbs tossed with vegetables, sprinkled with Feta cheese. Nick was staring at the meal in amazement.

"Cassandra," he said softly. "This looks delicious."

"Dig in," I said, sitting down.

"Did I really have all of this?" he asked, looking a little stunned. "Are you sure you didn't sneak some of this in?" he added teasingly.

I laughed. "You have my clothes - where would I have hidden it?"

My face flushed as I thought about him handling my clothes. Fortunately he was still focused on the food. He gave a small sigh after taking his first bite.

"Marvelous," he told me.

Picking up his glass, he raised it in a slight toast in my direction. I gave him a pleased smile and looked down at my plate. After dinner we went into the living room, where he had started a fire. He had a large sectional sofa facing the fireplace and the flat-screen TV that hung over it, but he led me to a small loveseat that faced the wall of windows. I noticed a drafting table to the side and found myself drawn to it. It was strewn with paper, most of them either sketches of the skyline or the park. There was one of a dog in mid-air, catching a Frisbee in its mouth. I ran my finger along the dog's back, almost able to feel its energy humming off the page.

"Nick," I said in astonishment before reluctantly tearing my eyes from the sketch.

He had been watching me and met my eyes with some discomfort.

"How is it you ended up working with money?" I asked, glancing back at the sketches.

He laughed in surprise. "Well, I enjoy having it, mainly. I don't have an artist's temperament or talent to make a living of it."

I looked at him curiously before turning back to the table. I didn't know much about art, but I knew what I liked. And these spoke to me.

"I don't think you're right about that," I said vehemently.

"Thank you." He looked pleased.

He sat on the loveseat and I joined him. We watched the rain come down over the city, the flickering light of the fire and our silhouettes reflecting back at us in the glass. We were silent, looking at the view and drinking our wine. I felt warm and cozy, thinking about how difficult it was going to be to get up when it was time to leave.

Nick's arm was across the back of the sofa and brushed against my hair. I glanced at him instinctively and found him staring at me. His gaze faltered slightly when our eyes met but they came back to mine quickly. I blinked, staring at the rich brown eyes focused on me. Most of the evening had felt so comfortable that I had temporarily forgotten how attracted to him I was. But one second of eye contact and my body was like a lightning rod, absorbing all of his electricity straight to my core. My throat went dry and I moistened my lips. I watched his eyes flicker to my mouth briefly before returning to mine.




Meant To Be Ch. 01



"Um, I'm going to help myself to a glass of water, if that's okay?" I said, my voice wavering. "Would you like one?"

He held my gaze as I stood and shook his head with a small smile. I drank an entire glass of water in the kitchen before refilling it and returning to the love seat, placing the glass on the side table. Nick stood as I approached and, before I could sit, wrapped his hands around my elbows. I looked at him quizzically, then my expression cleared when he ran his hands up my arms until they were cupping my cheeks. My eyes widened as he leaned his head in, pausing to search my eyes for a moment.

Then his mouth met mine and my eyelids closed, my eyes beneath them rolling to the back of my head. His lips were so soft and warm, full and tender. It was a gentle kiss, but not tentative. A small whimper came from the back of my throat. Nick pulled back a millimeter, brushing his lips against mine.

"All right?" he murmured, his lips tickling mine as they moved.

"Yes," I said in a husky voice, placing my hands on his chest.

Our mouths met again with urgency, but it somehow felt like a tender caress. He kissed the corner of my mouth and then my cheek, then I felt his lips near my ear. He murmured my name in a breathy whisper and my heart jumped into my throat. I slipped my arms around his back and his mouth found mine again, his lips parting, his tongue searching for mine. We kissed languidly, our hands stroking the other's backs, until I felt my knees beginning to give out and I shook a little. Breaking the kiss, Nick sat down and gently pulled me to sit beside him, sliding his arm under my knees and draping my legs across his lap. Smoothing my hair, he studied my face for a long moment.

"I apologize if that was forward," he said softly, running a finger across my mouth. "You just looked so - well, you're enchanting."

"It wasn't forward," I said, my voice squeaking in surprise.

I didn't know how to respond to being called enchanting. My stomach was twisting so much I felt like my whole body was shaking.

He kept watching me, his eyes holding mine. One of his hands was stroking my arm and when it made contact with my hand, I turned my wrist and grasped his fingers lightly. He nudged me until I was resting against his chest and I felt his chin on the top of my head.

"I don't want to be inappropriate," he said quietly, stroking my back.

I frowned, my eyes closing. I knew it, I thought. He sees me as a kid. He must have felt my body tense because he drew back, lifting my chin to face him. He looked concerned but also...afraid? Maybe it was all the wine or maybe it was the hesitancy of his expression; I'm not sure what gave me the courage to kiss him. But I did, and he returned the kiss heatedly.

The blood was rushing through me powerfully, making my body throb. I wanted him so badly that my fingers were itching to undress him, but I couldn't move away from those lips. I melted into him, my fingers running through his hair and along the length of his back. His arms were wrapped around me and soon I was reclined against the armrest of the loveseat, his chest pressed against mine. His lips moved to my cheek and my ear, grazing my skin and making me shiver.

Now, I thought. Now, this is actually going to happen. My breath was coming in short, excited gasps and I arched my back slightly.

The buzzer on the dryer went off and we both jumped in surprise. Nick drew back slightly, hovering over me as our eyes met and we chuckled awkwardly. He regarded me with a combination of desire and uncertainty. Brushing some hair off my face, he ran a finger down my cheek.

"I should see you home," he said somewhat regretfully.

No! my mind screamed.

But his voice was decisive, and I couldn't bring myself to disagree by asking to stay. I wasn't brave enough to risk being turned down. So I simply nodded and he sat back so I could get up. I tidied up the dishes while he retrieved my clothes, then changed in the bathroom. On our way to the elevator, I couldn't help giggling at the muddy trail on the carpet. Nick was grinning at me. He took my hand and pressed my fingers to his lips.

Despite my protests, Nick hailed a cab and insisted on accompanying me home. He asked the driver to wait while he saw me to my door, where he gave me a long hug and a soft kiss. We stared at each other for a moment before he left. My mind was racing, my body humming.

What does this mean? Are we dating? Did he regret it? What is going to happen now?

The thoughts were on the verge of spilling out of my mouth. It took all my self-control to only whisper a goodnight before he walked away.

---

"Jesus Christ, that's romantic," Gwen said dreamily.

I giggled, still feeling as if I were flying. She had been in her room when I got home and I had rapped on her door loudly to announce that Nick kissed me. Flinging the door open, she'd dragged me into her room, demanding details.

"So when are you seeing him again?" she asked excitedly.

"I don't know, he said he'd call me tomorrow," I said, feeling anxious. "I don't know what this means, really. He said he didn't want to be inappropriate," I told her. "I think he still just thinks of me as a kid."

"I don't think so," Gwen assured me. "Maybe he's uncomfortable by the age difference, but he wouldn't spend so much time with you for months on end if he thought of you as a kid."

"Maybe," I said despondently.

Then I remembered the feel of his lips and smiled widely, dropping to my back on Gwen's bed. I sighed happily and she laughed.

Nick did call me the next day as I was walking to work. I excitedly stopped in a shop doorway, knowing I wouldn't be able to concentrate on walking and talking to him at the same time.

"Hi, how are you?" he asked hesitantly when I answered.

"Great," I replied happily, knowing I was gushing. "How are you?"

He gave a low chuckle and I felt goose bumps on my arms.

"I'm great." There was a short pause. "I...I had a very nice time yesterday."

My grin widened.

"Me, too," I said quietly.

"Cassandra -"

His voice was serious and I straightened up in nervous anticipation. Is he about to say it was a mistake? I pressed my lips together in consternation.

"Cassandra, I know we had planned to see that play on Wednesday..."

I squeezed my eyes shut. Here it comes.

"But I was wondering if you were free for dinner tonight?"

My eyes flew open in shock. My mouth opened but I couldn't find any words.

"Are you there?"

"Yes, I'm here!" I said in a rush. "Sorry. Yes, I'm free tonight."

"Good." He sounded relieved. "I'll come around at 7:30?"

"Great. I'll see you then."

I know he could hear the smile in my voice. My cheeks were starting to hurt from it. After the call ended, I remained standing and grinning at my phone. It was only when a customer approached to enter the shop that I came out of my daze and resumed my walk to work.