NO STRINGS ATTACHED

ELEVEN

"You think that's gonna stop me?" Brow arched, his face was set.

Abby cleared her throat and popped a Cajun fry into her mouth. Shaking off her sandals, she slid her leg up his beneath the table and leaned back. She watched how his expression changed.

"Maybe we can work something out? I do possess a wide variety of skills." Her feet slid deliberately over his crotch and she felt him hardened immediately.

"Abbigail," he breathed, eyes hot on her. "You're unraveling me. You know what happens when you purposely tease me"

Wiping away the excess dressing with her middle finger and sucking on the pad seductively. She watched him swallow hard and felt his hand gripped her torturous feet.

"If this dinner wasn't filled. Id have gotten down on both knees and take you in my mouth ... making you come right here." To hell if everyone was paying attention. She felt her breast get heavy from arousal and an ache began to form that only he could pound away.

He grinned sheepishly down at her as she blushed. "I love seeing you this carefree and happy." Nick realized she'd been less worried and defensive since. "This is perfect," he continued. "Just you me and ... Chelsea!"

Abby frowned as Nick's expression changed. She turnt to found who he was referring to.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude." The girl said, her cheeks crimson red. "I heard you were back in town and I just needed to see for myself."

As far as beauty went, Abby had to admit the blonde dressed in designers from her straw hat to heels was a dead ringer.

Nicks face was impassive as he stared up into the bright smiling blue eyes.

The intruder continued. "You haven't been back in what, almost fourteen years?" She'd gave a quick glance in Abby's direction and smiled brightly. "Oh I'm sorry how rude of me, you must be Nick's friend. I'm Chelsey Chetleham." Perfectly manicured French tips extended down to Abby.

"No no, its fine, we were just .... " It was the first time Nick's spoken in the past few minutes. He glanced back at Abby not even really paying attention. "I'm sorry, What are you doing here?" he got out of the booth quickly shoving his hands in his pockets.

Abby felt her heart sank so she just stayed there and watched as they hugged.

"I was in town for the weekend. Came back for my dad's retirement party, planned the whole thing myself."  She was clearly proud. "So there I was over at Marie's deciding between traditional roses or Lillie's and Maggie-Sue was gossiping with her church group that you were back in town and I just rushed right over. To see you."

"How have you been?"

"Just perfect." Chelsey laughed. "I just can't believe it's you, back here. Who's your friend?"

Nick whirled around immediately as if suddenly remembering she was there in the booth with him. Clearing his throat apologetically, he extended a hand to Abby. "This is Chelsey, an old friend"

"Yeah, kind of gathered that." Abby felt her heart strings thug, infect it felt as if they were about to snap.

"Friend?! You silly thing." Chelsey touched an arm to Nick and rubbed softy. "I was Nick's fiancé for four years. We dated since high school. It was just something meant to be with the connections our families had." Chelsea elucidated, smiling her bright smile. "So Ashley, how long have you known my Nicky?" Chelsea speaks.

Abby paused, Her Nicky? Ashley?

"Its Abby, as in Abigail." Abby tried her best to smile. "I'm his girlfriend."

"I see you've clearly changed. He used to have such a thing for blondes." Twirling her hair around her fingertips, Chelsey smiled at Abby. "Any who, I have an extra invite for you Nicky for the retirement party. Everyone who's everyone would be flying in. Id expect to see you there. My parents would be so thrilled that you're back. Please tell me you'll come?" She pouted.

Accepting the invite with a blank stare, Nick inspected it. "Sure."

Before modeling off she planted a soft kiss on Nick's cheek and turned back to Abby. " I know you'd probably feel out of place at an event like that so I won't hold it against you if you didn't come tonight."

Abby watched as entered back the booth, invite still in hand as he sat.