The Sunday

The Sunday morning air was crisp and invigorating, sending shivers of excitement and nervous anticipation down my spine. It had been years since I last set foot in Nick's place, and the thought of returning filled me with both eagerness and apprehension. Would I be able to handle the tension and unresolved feelings that lingered between us? 

As I read the note my parents left on the dining table, informing me of their overnight absence, a surge of anxiety washed over me. Without their presence, I was left to navigate the evening's events alone. And with a dinner planned, the pressure to look my best only added to my unease. How would I manage to dress myself without my mother's expert guidance? 

Desperate for assistance, I reached out to Ava, my trusted friend and confidante, pleading for her help in getting dolled up for the evening. With her reassuring assurance that she would be there to lend a hand, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. She promised to arrive at my doorstep around 4 p.m., giving us ample time to prepare together. 

In the meantime, I whiled away the morning in a state of lazy indulgence, lounging around the house like a contented feline. A simple breakfast of bread and eggs filled my stomach, while thoughts of the evening's festivities danced through my mind. For lunch, I opted for a light and refreshing green salad, hoping to maintain a sense of freshness and vitality as I awaited Ava's arrival. 

As I sat down for lunch, my phone buzzed from the bedroom. My heart raced with excitement, hoping it was a message from Lucas. I hurriedly made my way to the bedroom, anticipation coursing through my veins. But to my disappointment, it was Nick's name that flashed across the screen. His message was simple: "Are you coming in the evening?" An involuntary sigh escaped my lips as I typed out a curt reply, "Of course, unlike somebody, I stick to my word." 

I knew my response was harsh, but I couldn't help but let my frustration show. Nick's persistent pursuit weighed heavily on me, a constant reminder of the unresolved tension between us. Returning to the living room, I tried to distract myself by watching an episode of "Friends", but my mind kept drifting back to the complicated web of emotions entangling me. 

Just as I settled back into the couch, my phone rang again. This time, it was Lucas. My heart skipped a beat as I eagerly answered his call, a rush of warmth flooding my senses at the sound of his voice. 

I picked up the phone, my heart racing with anticipation as I heard his husky voice on the other end. "Hello, love. Were you waiting for me to call?" His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but smile. 

"No, why would I?" I replied, feigning nonchalance, though my pulse quickened at the sound of his voice. 

"Ouch," he chuckled, his tone playful. "Shush," I whispered, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "So, what's up?" 

"I just dreamed about you and I thought you were missing me," he confessed, his words dripping with desire. 

"Ahaa, and what was the dream about?" I teased, my cheeks flushing at the thought of him dreaming about me. 

"You were in a hot red one-piece, and I couldn't take my eyes off you. We were at a ball, and you were dancing so beautifully," he described, his voice filled with longing. 

"Ahem, ahem, well, that's just a dream, and I wasn't missing you. If there's nothing else, I'd take my leave," I replied, trying to sound unaffected, though my heart was pounding with excitement. 

I didn't want to end the call, craving the sound of his voice a little while longer, but I couldn't resist teasing him just a little more. 

"My love, what's the rush? So, you are coming right?" Lucas asked nervously, his voice tinged with anticipation. 

"Of course," I replied, feeling a rush of excitement coursing through my veins at the thought of seeing him again. 

"Great, should I pick you up? I'll be your personal chauffeur, bodyguard, anything you want?" he offered eagerly, his words dripping with seductive promise. 

I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "Come on, Ava will be coming with me. You should relax," I teased, trying to conceal the desire that burned within me. 

"Oh, my bad," he chuckled, his voice husky with desire. "Anyways, see you in the evening. Bye, love." 

"Bye," I whispered. 

As the clock struck half past four, Ava arrived at my doorstep, her presence igniting a fire of anticipation within me. With her help, I carefully selected a red dress, its slit running provocatively along one side, accentuating every curve of my body in a tantalizing display of sensuality. Ava, in contrast, chose a sleek black gown that hugged her figure in all the right places, her beauty radiating effortlessly. 

With deft fingers, Ava expertly styled my hair into a seductive bun, ensuring that the alluring contours of my back were fully revealed, a tribute to the designer's craftsmanship. We opted for a minimalist approach to makeup, enhancing our natural beauty with subtle touches that only served to intensify our allure. 

Despite our meticulous preparations, a nervous energy pulsed through me, causing doubts to linger in the recesses of my mind. Should we cancel the dinner? The question lingered like a shadow, threatening to eclipse the excitement that simmered beneath the surface. 

Nevertheless, as the hour grew late, Ava and I found ourselves in the sleek confines of a car, the anticipation of the night ahead coursing through our veins like a potent elixir. With each passing moment, the allure of forbidden desires beckoned, promising a night of unbridled passion and insatiable longing. 

Nick paced back and forth in his living room dressed in a charming sky-blue half-sleeve shirt and cream-colored chinos, his nerves fraying at the edges as he prepared for the evening ahead. As he glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time, Nick couldn't shake the anxious fluttering in his chest. He had invited Isabella, of course, but the mere thought of asking her had sent his heart into overdrive. What if she said no? What if she sensed his inner turmoil and rejected his invitation? 

Lost in his thoughts, Nick barely noticed the sound of the doorbell ringing. With a deep breath, he composed himself and made his way to answer it. To his relief, he found Lucas standing on the other side looking dashing with black pants and a white half-sleeve shirt with an inshirt, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. 

"Hey, man! Ready for tonight?" Lucas greeted him, clapping him on the back in a show of support. 

Nick nodded, grateful for Lucas's unwavering friendship. "Yeah, just a bit nervous, you know?" 

Lucas chuckled, his easygoing demeanor helping to ease Nick's nerves. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Isabella will come, I'm sure of it." 

Despite Lucas's reassurance, Nick couldn't shake the lingering doubt gnawing at him. He had to know for sure. Summoning his courage, he broached the subject with Lucas. 

"Do you think Isabella will actually come?" Nick asked, his voice laced with uncertainty. 

To his surprise, Lucas's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding Nick hadn't anticipated. "I think she will." 

As the guests began to arrive, Nick found himself swept up in a whirlwind of activity. The house buzzed with laughter and conversation, the atmosphere alive with anticipation. 

Amidst the chatter, Nick caught sight of Isabella entering the room, her presence sending a jolt of electricity coursing through him. She looked stunning, as always, her smile lighting up the room in a way that made Nick's heart skip a beat. 

Isabella's eyes met his, a hint of hesitation flickering in their depths. But before Nick could dwell on it, Lucas appeared at Isabella's side, his easy charm diffusing the tension that had settled between them. 

"Nick's been waiting for you to arrive," Lucas teased, nudging Isabella playfully. 

Isabella's lips curved into a smile, her gaze softening as she turned to Nick. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, her words sending a surge of warmth coursing through Nick's veins.