Too Haught to Handle (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 2

"You made quite an impression," Sam teased, as Waverly sat down at her desk Monday morning.

"Did I?" Waverly replied, trying to work out what she'd done at The Lucky Pig to merit the comment. She'd stayed until the end, enjoying the party atmosphere, getting a taxi back to her new flat with Sam. Sam hadn't mentioned anything in the taxi, so Waverly was confused.

"A certain Nicole Haught spotted you," was all Sam offered, a telling grin on her face. "She asked me about you, seems you caught her eye."

"Did I?" Waverly repeated, not quite sure what that implied.

"So, a few of us are going for drinks after work tomorrow. Do you want me to see if Nicky is free?" Sam offered.

"Great," Waverly replied, hesitantly. OK, what just happened here, she pondered. I never even spoke to Nicky the whole evening. So weird. Why didn't she come over? She was all over Shae, very hands on. Now Sam is telling me she had me on her radar. Not really liking this, Waverly thought.

"You OK, with me inviting Nicky?" Sam asked, sensing Waverly wasn't as enthusiastic as she'd hoped.

"Yes, of course. She's great," Waverly replied, knowing what she had just said sounded utterly false.

People gravitated to Nicole. Waverly had watched her in the bar that evening and it was clear she liked to be in the mix of things. She had also noticed how affectionate she had been with Shae. There was something between them, perhaps close friends, perhaps more. Waverly wasn't entirely sure. She had only just met this group of people and already she was feeling out of her depth.

Sam had chosen a quiet bar just off trendy Carnaby Street. It was cosy, intimate, perfect for talking to people. They left work together, heading towards a night that would prove pivotal for Waverly. A few drinks in, and everyone was beginning to relax. That's when Nicky entered the bar. Waverly was the first to spot her, feeling a flutter in her stomach she hadn't expected. She looked amazing. Designer black skinny jeans, white figure-hugging t-shirt, black leather cropped jacket. This girl was out to kill.

Nicky leant in to kiss Sam on the cheek, her eyes on Waverly.

"Hi, what does everyone want to drink?" she offered.

"More wine if you're going," Sam suggested, as Nicole headed to the bar.

Returning with two bottles of red and more glasses, she placed them on the table and sat down next to Sam.

"What a day," she exclaimed, as she poured herself a glass.

Waverly sat transfixed. There was something about this woman she couldn't put her finger on. She oozed confidence, presence, raw sexual energy. There are people you meet in life who have a magnetic personality. Nicole was one of those people who was a south to everyone's north, you were drawn to her. She knew it, of course, that was her entertainment. But, she wanted those who resisted her the most. It was more of a challenge. No, a game.

Sam made the first move.

"You've met Waverly," she said, as Nicole took a sip of her wine.

"You're my new Shae," Nicole responded, looking directly at Waverly, a look that said everything and nothing.

"Perhaps," Waverly replied, realising she'd need a lot more words to get through this evening.

"Shae said you run your own business."

Nicole got up and moved to a seat just behind Waverly so that they could be closer to hear each other.

"That's right. Corporate events. Silly stuff, really. It's how I know Sam."

"Really?" Waverly interrupted. "I thought you were BBC?"

Nicole laughed. "No, I provide fun days for people like you. You should come on one."

And just like that, Nicole had asked Waverly on a date.

More wine was consumed. Waverly and Nicole mixed with other members of the party until it was time to head home. As the group began to disperse, Nicole touched Waverly on her arm.

"If I gave you my phone number, would you ring me?"

Waverly felt a shiver down her spine, sensing what Nicole was asking. Such an innocent gesture from someone who clearly knew what they were doing. And, yet.

"Yes." Was all she could offer.

"So?" Sam, asked in the taxi ride home. "What do you think?"

"She amazing," Waverly responded. "But, I don't know. She draws you in. It's kind of scary. Perhaps. We'll see."

Waverly waited a few days to call Nicole. It wasn't that she didn't want to call her. She was curious to take this further. But, she also sensed that if she made THAT call, it would change her life. She made the call.

"Hi," Waverly said, as Nicole answered.

"So you called."

"Yep."

"Fancy a drink in Covent Garden, tonight?" Nicole suggested, knowing she needed to take things slowly with Waverly.

"Sounds good. I finish at 6pm. What time's good for you?"

"6.30pm. Does that give you enough time?"

"Perfect. See you later."

Waverly, sat at her desk, wondering what the hell she was getting herself into. Nicole sat at her desk, realising a new adventure had just begun.