AMB~she~OUS

THIRTY-ONE

"So what's it like working together? I mean it must be completely....odd working with each other considering your relations and being the same age and all." It seemed like an open question but I knew it was directed at Nick like the last fifteen had been.

It was a complete waste of my time, I didn't even understand why they had invited me if they were more interested in my stepson. I had answered only 5 of the questions and thankfully they hadn't been obvious.

Our interviewer was a young and upcoming journalist who had a huge appetite for gossip.

Vicky Hartman.

I had heard of her before and she was exactly how I had imagined her. Skinny with a bust and ass that didn't seem to fit her physique, she had definitely gotten some work done. Even her long auburn hair and tan seemed fake, now don't get me wrong I didn't have anything against getting work done, a person should do whatever makes them happy.

Bu-

"Actually, we make a pretty good team. I'm extremely..."

My attention snapped back to Vicky and Nick who were sitting next to each other on separate plush velvet chairs. The chair I was sitting on was placed opposite them strategically a bit further from Nick, it didn't take a genius to figure out how that came to be not that I wasn't conplaining.

But-

"...extremely fond of my stepmother."

My ears perked at that and my harsh glare found its way to Nick's heated gaze.

I felt my pulses jump when he dragged his eyes slowly down my form, stopping for a second on bare legs that were barely covered by my blue pencil skirt, then back up to my eyes.

As thrilling as my body found it, I knew if Nick kept this up then someone was going to notice something. It had become a constant fear lately but I couldn't be too careful especially not in a building full of journalists.

"Oh, that's.....that's very unusual." Vicky spoke, looking a tad bit surprised.

"I mean, normally..." Her voice trailed off when her eyes landed on me.

"Forget it. And you Mrs Daniels? Do you share the same sentiments as Nick?"

"We have excellent teamwork." I kept my words short and void of any emotion or fondness.

"Oh okay. I guess that's a wrap. We just need to get a few photos taken for the article then we can call it a day. Simon will take you to the studio."

Simon, who I was extremely surprised to find out was a girl came rushing in, a large camera hanging around her neck.

"Simon is an intern and one of the best photographers we have here, you'll be in good hands." Vicky smiled brightly at us or Nick to be more precise.

"If you'd follow me, our make-up team will give you little touch-ups just to get your camera ready. Lotty is..." I drowned out her voice when my ears picked up something more interesting.

"Nick, it was lovely having you here. We should do this again sometime, in a less... um, formal setting." I heard Vicky say with a little unnecessary giggle at the end.

I had to give it to her, she was bold.

To make a such a move openly to an engaged man was extremely bold. Not to say I was any better, I had slept with the man for goodness sake but still...

                          *****

"Now can we get one of you Mrs Daniels sitting on the armrest of the couch Mr Daniels is sitting on, just to show how comfortable you two are around each other." Simon called from behind the camera.

I rolled my eyes at her and begrudgingly oblige to her request. We had been at this for half an hour and none of the photos seemed to satisfy her.

I mean, how hard can it be to take one good picture for an article, we weren't shooting for a whole Vogue magazine.

"That's it. Come a bit closer...yeah right there...perfect! I think we're done here."

"That took longer than expected." Nick muttered beside me.

"You're telling me."

My feet were already numb from the photo session and I Just Wanted To Go Home!

"Can I be excused for a second?" I asked, dragging my sore feet towards the door.

I found the ladies' restroom not very far from the studio and was grateful to give my feet a break sitting on the toilet seat. It wasn't like there weren't better places to be resting but the privacy and peace toilet cubicle offered was something else.

Or so I thought...

"...don't you find it a bit weird though?" A female's voice rang out followed by a snicker and the sound of heels clicking loudly.

"Mmhmm, you're totally right. I heard Vicky completely lost it when Nick told her that he wouldn't do the interview unless she invited his stepmother."

Was it actually possible for a human heart to stop beating for a minute on a living person? I think mine did.

"You think maybe there's something...Nah, forget it. I don't think he would be into her even if he had that kind of kink, she's just too cold."

"Yep, totally gives me the chills, always walking around looking like something smells bad."

The two voices burst into laughter before the sound of their shoes filled the room again.

"Let's go ogle Nick again, he's just so handsome up close."

The door clicked signalling I was alone again and even more troubled than ever.

A shaky breath left my lips. I just needed a minute to get my thoughts together but that was easier said than done.

What the hell did I just hear?

                                ****

"The photos came out absolutely beautiful, you two got incredible chemistry...far beyond the eye can see." Simon called out to us, eyes darting between Nick and me.

My back stiffened as Simon's eyes stayed on us longer than necessary.

"Nick, think about what I said yeah?" Vicky called from the door as she came strutting into the studio.

My shoulders relaxed as an involuntary sigh escaped my lips.  Never thought I would be grateful for that woman's presence but I was thankful for the interruption. It had become like a natural reflex to tense up whenever I thought someone was looking at Nick and me with suspicion.

"Yeah, of course, if you'll excuse us."

                             ****

"You're going the wrong way." I pointed out to Nick who was supposed to be driving us back home but seemed to have lost his sense of direction.

"You know I know this city better than anyone." He answered, keeping his eyes ahead of him.

"Then may I ask where we're heading cause I'm pretty sure I didn't agree to this."

It was this side I hated about him, so pushy and controlling. It was like I had no say in anything, pretty much the same way I was treated around the office.

"You'll see." This time, a small smile played on his lips and I knew it couldn't be anything good.

He was annoying and I could feel myself becoming worked up over it, as usual.

-------

A bit difficult for me to write but I'm trying to build something between Nick and Kate before the climax.

I'm currently editing this book aside and completely reinventing it to try and make it better.

😘