Nick:

I awoke, looked at Brianna, then rolled to my other side and reached for my phone off her nightstand. Four in the morning, I quietly breathed. I rolled onto my back and moved my head to the side to make sure she was still fast asleep. Seeing she was, I looked back at my phone and saw I had ten missed calls and twenty-five text-messages. I sighed, then without waking her. I quietly rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to clean up.

I then headed to her kitchen and knowing most people had a junk drawer in their kitchen. I quietly began opening drawers, looking for some scratch paper and a pen. After finding what I was looking for, I sat at her dining room table, wrote her a note, then headed back home.

It was actually nice driving at this time. It was peaceful, with not a soul in sight.

I noticed all the lights were off as I pulled up to my house. Stepping out of my car, I turned the flashlight on my phone, wanting some sort of light as I entered the house. I slowly and quietly opened the front door, walked in, removed my shoes, walked into the kitchen, and quietly set my keys down on the kitchen counter.

I headed over to my couch and was just about to lay down when I felt someone lying on it. Shit. I shined my light and shook my head after seeing Jemma staying the night.

Great... bed it is, I muttered.

I reluctantly headed to my room, stared at who was lying in my bed, and sighed while quietly climbing into bed—not wanting to wake her.

Just as my eyes closed, I felt her roll to her side and drape her arm over me, whispering, "Where have you been all night?"

"Out," I irritatedly responded. "Go back to sleep," I said, removing her arm.

"Since I couldn't get a hold of you, Jemma decided to stay the night."

"I saw her," I groaned, moving closer to the edge of the bed.

I can't fucking do this anymore. I just can't.

Brianna:

I rolled over and went to wrap my arm around Nick, but when I felt an empty spot beside me, my eyes opened. Seeing he was gone, I quickly rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Thinking about how much fun I had with Nick and how he made me feel like a kid again, and then the sex. Oh, God. The sex was fucking amazing. Feeling thirsty, I got myself out of bed and headed to the kitchen for a glass of water. Along the way, I saw a note sitting on the table and picked it up.

Sorry beautiful. I had to get going. I just want to let you know I had a wonderful time, and I'll give you a call later.
Nick.

A smiled crept up my face while reading his note. I set it down next to the flowers, then walked over to the sink. Grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and took one long drink. I looked back over to the flowers, then the time, and jumped. I needed to shower and get ready for work.

While in the shower, I couldn't stop thinking about Nick. I didn't know what it was about him, but how he always made me feel made the feelings I was having for him even more robust. I just wished he wasn't so secretive and hoped he would stay longer instead of always leaving in the middle of the night.

Just as I stepped out of the shower, my phone rang. I reached for my towel, wrapped it around me, and rushed into the living room. My eyes rolled, seeing it was my boss, but answered it politely, anyway, "Hello?"

Sounding tired, she responded, Hello, Brianna. I'm calling because I was wondering if you could start early this morning. My husband came home late last night, and after he climbed into bed, I wasn't able to get much sleep. I have a client that is supposed to be there in about thirty minutes. I won't be able to make it there on time, and I know how much closer you live to the clinic than me.

"Yeah. I just got out of the shower. I'll hurry my ass up and get ready; then, I'll head over there."

"Thank you so much," she said relieved.

I hurried into my room, quickly dressed, pulled my hair back, and as I headed out the door, I lined my lips with lipgloss.

While driving to work, I asked my phone to call Nick.

He never answered.

Huh. I wonder what time Nick even left this morning?

I walked into the clinic, to the computer, and checked my client's schedule for the day, then looked to see who Tessa was to work with, went over his file then looked to see what he was to have done. Rehabilitative deep tissue trigger point therapy. I looked at the time, saw he was here in five minutes, and then hurried to get the room ready.

"Ah, Brianna?" Jordan, the receptionist, asked after opening the door.

"Yeah?"

"Tessa's appointment is here, but I haven't seen her come in yet."

"She called me this morning. Said she's running late and asked that I take her patient. I'll be right out."

I finished setting up the room and walked over, greeting Tessa's patient, with my hand extending out towards him. "Hello. I'm Brianna. Tessa won't be in today, so I'll be the one taking care of you. Will that be okay?"

He smiled while shaking my hand. "I don't care who takes care of me as long as when I leave here. I'm feeling better than how I first arrived."

"I can definitely make that happen."

"What a deal," he teased.

******

Six o'clock finally came. I finished taking care of my patients, cleaned my area, then got it ready for Monday's clients. I was tired and ready to go home. While walking down the hallway, I saw Tessa walking towards me. She's usually a beautiful woman, but today? Not today. She looks like shit.

"Are you okay?" I asked, stopping in front of her.

"Home issues."

"Anything I can help you with?"

"No. There's nothing you can do about what I'm dealing with at home. Thanks, anyway," she snapped.

I shrugged a shoulder. Okay then. "Well. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She didn't say anything, but as I started walking away, she called out for me. Using my heel, I spun around. "Yes?"

"Could you give me a relaxation massage?"

I raised my wrist and looked at the time.

"Please? I could use some stress relief," she said, sounding exhausted.

Since I hadn't heard from Nick, I agreed. "Sure. I can do that."

"Thank you."

We entered her room, she laid down on her stomach, and as I began massaging her shoulders, she mumbled, "I think my husband is cheating on me."

I stopped massaging, bit my cheek, then moved my hands to her neck and started massing. "That's not good.

"I don't have proof he is. But lately, he never comes home, or he'll come home in the middle of the night. Long after I'm asleep."

"Have you asked him?"

"No. I have a feeling if I were to ask, it'll turn into a big fight. It seems like that's all we do lately."

"He must have some excuse on why he's not coming home or coming home late?"

"All he tells me is that he's been with his friends or had to stay late at work."

Typical guy cheating excuse.

"Well, why don't you relax. I'll see what I can do to relieve these knots in your back."

"Thanks. You're a lifesaver."

******

You have a text message from Nick. My phone alerted me while I was driving.

About time, I groaned.

After parking my car, I grabbed my phone and looked to see what kind of excuse Nick had for not seeing him tonight. All-day today, I had an inkling he would message or call and tell me he couldn't see me.

I was right.

I'm so sorry, beautiful. But I won't be able to take you out tonight. Some things came up, and I need to get them taken care of. I'll miss you. Nick...

That's a bummer. I was looking forward to seeing you tonight. I responded, ending it with a sad emoji.

I'm sorry, Bri. I promise I'll make it up to you.

Promise?

I Promise. Nick ended with a smiling and kissing emoji.

Feeling bummed and unsure of what to do for the night, I moped into my apartment, dropped my keys on the table, then looked at the flowers Nick bought me. They really were beautiful. I sighed while plumping my ass on the chair, then reached for the flowers and pulled them to me, smelling them. Damn you, Nick.

I stared at the flowers, debating with myself if I wanted to head to the bar with friends. Or stay home, grab a tub of chocolate ice-cream out of my freezer, and dig in while watching a movie. Not realizing I ate the entire pint of ice-cream after the movie was over.

I'll just see what's on tonight. Then, I'll decide what I'm going to do. I walked to the couch, sat, then turned and extended my legs across the entire sofa, flipping through the movie channels. I wasn't finding anything interesting. Not even a movie that caught my attention, and turned the TV off.

Bar it is, I mumbled, grabbing my phone and calling Uber for a ride.

******

I walked into Anticipations and immediately spotted my loud, obnoxious friends gathered around a table, doing shots and waving for me to come over. "Hey, ladies!" I said, pulling out the last empty chair.

"Brianna! You came! I thought you were going on a date tonight?" Lydia asked.

"Change in plans," I said sadly. "But he promised to make it up to me."

"Would you like a drink?" Alex slurred.

I giggled. Alex is such a lightweight, and seeing the empty shot glasses sitting in front of him made me laugh harder. "Sure. I'll have a vodka cranberry and a shot of whatever you're buying me," I winked.

Alex's eyes widened in delight, and devilishly grinned. "A shot of my choice? Now that's dangerous."

I reached for his hand, resting mine on top of his. "Be easy."

He excitedly walked away. I can only imagine what I just set myself up for. I looked over at Sarah and laughed. "I think I just made a mistake telling him to buy me whatever shot he felt was right."

"You're damn right it was a mistake," Sarah giggled. "Watch him come back with a shot of scotch or something else nasty."

I reached in my purse and pulled out a five-dollar bill. "I'm going to play the jukebox. Any requests?"

"You better play Uptown Funk," Lydia squealed.

"Don't worry. That song was already in mind," I smiled, sliding off my chair. "Any other requests?"

"Surprise us."

I hummed and sang as I stood in front of the jukebox, picking out all the fun dancing music I could think of, even though five-dollars doesn't give you much music at the jukebox anymore.

After loading the jukebox full of our music, I turned around and started heading back to our table; then, my heart stopped when I saw Nick enter the bar. At first, I felt giddy and excited to see him; then, I felt anger after he broke our date off. Now, to see him here and without him contacting me, asking if I would like to join him? Fuck him.

I stormed to our table, grabbed my drink, and drank it one gulp. Then without knowing what, Alex bought me for a shot. I picked up the shot glass filled with amber-colored liquid and drank it. Then I slammed the glass on the table and looked at Alex while reaching for his hand. "Dance with me."

Alex excitedly pulled me to the dance floor, pulled me to him, and lowered his hands to my ass, swaying his hips with mine while dancing to the song Blurred Lines. I noticed Nick watching us out the corner of my eye, and he didn't look happy. I wrapped my arms around Alex, and the next thing I saw was Nick rushing towards us, and pulled Alex out of my arms.

"Dude! What's your problem, man?" Alex yelled, adjusting his shirt. He stepped in front of Nick and shoved him. "Don't you ever put your hands on me, or my friend again. Or you'll be seeing my fist!"

Nick lunged forward and pointed at Alex, yelling, "Keep your fucking hands off, Brianna!"

Alex held up his hands, palms facing Nick, and looked at him with a confused look. "Chill out, man. Brianna is my best friend. Who the fuck are you, anyway?"

I stepped in between them, placing either one of my hands on their chests, blocking them from throwing any punches. "Hey, guys. Let's go back to the table, and we'll finish our talk there. Okay?" I said, turning my head back and forth, from Alex to Nick, until they both agreed.

Alex and I sat at the table while Nick headed to the bar. Alex got the waitress's attention, then ordered our table another round. Nick walked over to our table, stood behind me, and claimed me by reaching his hand around to my chin, tilted my head back, then lowered his mouth, covering mine. "Mine," he breathed.

"Who is this guy?" Alex asked with furrowed brows, sounding pissed and inching closer to me.

I tilted my head back and looked at Nick. "Nick. These are my best friends," I said, lowering my head, then pointing to each person as I said their name. "This is Cora. Lydia. And this standing next to me is Alex. Which you've already met. Guys, this is Nick. The man who I've been seeing for the past five months," I said, reaching around and pushing him to move to the side of me.

"How come I've never heard of him? Alex asked.

I smacked Alex's arm. "Yes, you have. I talk about him all the time! He's just always busy whenever we hang out. Which reminds me..." I said, turning to Nick. "Why the fuck are you here tonight? You said you had things to do and broke off our date.

Nick lifted his bottle of beer and took a long drink, then lowered his hand. With the beer still in his hand, he pointed to my phone, sitting in front of me. "Look at your phone," he groaned.

I reached for my phone, turned off the screensaver, and saw I had missed Nick's phone calls. And some text-messages. I opened the messages, and as I read them all, my lips pursed back. Oops. I looked up, then lowered a brow. "How were you able to find me here?"

I remembered you once telling me about a small-town bar you liked going to. I figured since I told you we couldn't hang out, and when I tried calling, and you weren't answering your phone, then for it to be a Friday night, I assumed you were here," he said, raking his fingers through his hair. He picked up his beer, took a drink, then looked at Alex, and apologized.

"I accept your apology," Alex smiled, reaching across the table and shook Nick's hand.

Nick's arm wrapped around me, then lowered to my ear. "Feel like going home?"

I looked at my friends, raising my shoulders. I didn't want to leave them hanging.

But I also wanted to spend the night with Nick.

"You can leave. We'll be fine," Lydia smiled.

"Sure. We can leave. I only came for a couple of drinks, anyway." I stood and slithered my arm around his waist. "Let's go."

"How did you get here?"

"Uber."

He smiled. "Perfect. My car is waiting for us outside."

His arm tightened around me as we headed out of the bar. Once outside, he stopped walking and squeezed me tighter. I looked up his way as he was lowering his face to mine. "I'm sorry. It's been a long, rough day," he said, parting from my lips.

"It's okay. We all have those kinds of days."

The ride to my place was quiet. I didn't know what to think anymore or what Nick's plans were. And as I looked out the window, I asked, "Are you staying the entire night tonight? Or will I be waking up to an empty bed again?

His hand rested on my thigh, then he squeezed. "I planned on staying the entire night if that's okay."

"You're not leaving in the middle of the night again?"

"No. I'm all yours until your eyes open in the morning."

Hope you enjoyed the new and improved second chapter!