FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 8

The next day East was still experiencing the aftermath of the horrific night. The effect of the vicious kick of Nicole and the murderous stiletto heel of Amber was enough to make damage to his right leg. It felt it had been trampled on by an elephant. His right foot was swollen and in pain all bandaged up. He could not even get into a decent pair of shoes without grimacing in pain. Given no choice in his expensive suit he had to wear men's sandals open toed just to be able to go to work. The wrath of women. He muttered out loud. It was a miracle he was even alive. Even his cheek hurt from the painful slaps he suffered. Shit! What a way to make a first impression. He could just image Nicole laughing out loud seeing him limping to the office. Nicky. He could only smile. She was very naughty. But that was what he loved about her. She had always been a challenge to him even back then. Still she made him keep on wanting her even so much more now.

It was going to be a very hectic week finalizing the plans of the project in time to present the overall undertaking to the Board. They needed the Board's approval hands down in order to proceed full force into the project. East was the man to run the show so there was a lot of pressure on his head. He thrived on these challenges seeing that everything was done to perfection with no room for errors.

The first thing East wanted to do before he reached office was write a check to Amber Collins. As he wrote the $1,000 dollar figure he could just breathe a sigh of relief. The chapter with Amber finally ended even if he had suffered a murdered foot or he had to pay enormously for that shitty mini dress he didn't care. All he felt was utter relief. So he could focus his energies on Nicole and only Nicole.

East arrived in the office with people staring at his foot making him embarrassed. Even his boss Ken Whitman noticed it first with concern in his eyes.

What happened to you East? Have you had an accident? he asked eyeing his foot.

It was Kevin who interjected chuckling obviously enjoying his discomfort.

Women problems Dad. Looks like the girl got her revenge for sure. Kevin said this time laughing harder. You should see how East looked yesterday. He was soaked to the bone. Female wrath.

Ken Whitman could only laugh with his son. Needless to say East had to laugh along with them. What choice did he have play along. But honestly he hated being the brunt of jokes. Try being the victim and let's see what's funny. he thought to himself.

I'm lucky to be alive sir. East admitted good naturedly.

Right you are East and ready to move our project I'm sure. Ken Whitman added for confirmation.

Yes sir. I'm on top of it. he declared. East wanted to escape this barrage of humor which he provided. Work would be his greatest escape.

Then I better get to it sir work right in time for our meeting later.

You do that East. Ken Whitman said with a thump on his back. As early as now Ken Whitman seemed like a father to him unlike Kevin who he was wary of not knowing what was on his mind.

Nicole could only observe East trying to jive with the Whitman's but knowing him she knew how embarrassed he was. He was just good in covering it up appearing always confident even if he was not. He looked so dashing in his suit but it fell flat with the big bandage on his foot. He was even limping. She could only enjoy looking at him a giggle escaping her lips. He ran a hand exasperatedly through his hair stopping short seeing her giggling in one corner.

Now what's so funny? he muttered. You're even laughing at me. Can't a guy have enough punishment for one day? Oh maybe you want to give me one of your iron hand slaps again. He said clearly irritated.

She continued to giggle irritating him further.

What a turn off going to a meeting looking so sharp in an Italian suit with bandages all over. And open toed sandals! Hahaha she continued to laugh taunting him further.

East reddened. Go ahead laugh and whose fault it is anyway! he said rolling his eyes.

You've put it upon yourself East baby she teased further mimicking Amber.

East couldn't help but smile at Nicole. This time he was giving her his adorable gazes only for her. Who cares if Kevin saw. His eyes never leaving her face. East found Nicole blushing. He still had that effect on her. Hitting her weakness. She was even getting flustered.

Get back to work East. she commanded still red in the face at his gaze.

What if I just want to stare at you till you get all flustered and red in the face like right now. he grinned naughtily.

Then I'll tell on you to Kevin. she said looking menacing but failing considerably.

This time East laughed. Nicole was like a tattle tale little girl. He would like that very much and end her relationship with Mr. Slave Driver.

Dare Nicky. Do that. I'm not scared of him. he challenged.

She just looked at him her chin held up high.

Or would you prefer another iron hand slap? he shot back.

East laughed this time. I get this feeling you're enjoying this Nicky. Getting masochistic in taste. Maybe you like tying me up too with a whip in your hand.

Nicole could only growl. He got her there. He was enjoying this.

I hate you East. No wonder Amber felt the same way. Now I'm siding with her.

He laughed naughtily. Nothing new to me Nicky. Try something better. he pushed her further.

He could only see her dagger gazes unprepared for Nicole with her high heels stepped on his right foot full force. All he felt was excruciating pain

He paled on the spot grimacing in pain. He could not even yell as there were people around.

You are some menace Nicky. Have a heart please. That hurt like hell! Do you want me to become an invalid? he cried out loud.

She could only stuck out his tongue at him laughing at his pale face. It must hurt a lot she thought. She could only see East shake his head in exasperation. She had slapped him, kicked him and stepped on his foot but he was still so good natured allowing her. He was really a good guy. And she loved East. It never stopped.

You win for now but next time I won't lose easily. he mumbled as he touched his extra sore foot slowly walking limping to his office with Nicole laughing and enjoying herself.

East found himself smiling even if his foot was hurting like crazy. He was truly a sucker for Nicole punishment. God he was crazy about her.

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