Chapter 7 7

Nina's POV

I dropped my keys into the bowl, shrugged off my jacket, and hung it on the wall. Exhaling deeply, I ran a hand through my hair before my gaze landed on the diamond ring on my left finger.

Shaking my head, I smacked my cheeks lightly. "Why are you having second thoughts?" I whispered to myself, wanting to kick my own behind.

"What are you doing?" Kevin's voice carried down the stairs as he paused, one foot still on the step before he walked toward me. Dressed in a casual t-shirt and dark jeans, he wore a constipated look. "Are you kicking yourself? Did you eat something bad again and need to far"

I grabbed the shoe beside the door and smacked him on the arm before he could finish, forcing him to go into defense. "I tot! I told you already! Tot! Tot!"

He covered his face, lifting one leg dramatically in the air, pretending to be hurt. "I'm kidding! Why are you always so violent?"

I huffed out a breath, blowing away a stray strand of hair. "I thought that was one of my charming characteristics," I said before flopping onto the couch.

Hugging a pillow tightly, I peered up at him. "Where are you heading tonight?"

Kevin grabbed his leather jacket and draped it over his shoulders. "My bachelor party, remember?"

"You're the only one who does a bachelor party a year before the wedding."

He dropped his shoes onto the wooden floor. "The sooner I do it, the faster I can get it over with."

I rested my elbow on the armrest, my cheek against my knuckles. "You really don't like going out, do you?"

He pushed his feet into his leather shoes. "I don't like loud and cramped places. You know I'm catastrophic and allergic to stupidity. Alcohol brings out the dumbest part of humanity."

"And yet, your bachelor party is at a club?" I let my arm dangle over the side of the couch, my mind already wandering to what I'd eat tonight.

He shrugged. "The guys suggested it. You know, I should experience life once before going to prison." A large grin stretched across his face, and I couldn't help but smile back. Kevin spread his arms wide, sticking one foot out. "How does your fiancé look?"

I waved him closer with a hand. Kevin slid over and leaned downward, striking a magazine-worthy pose before flashing me a cheeky grin. I reached out and pinched whatever baby fat was left on his face. "Yes. That's it."

"What's it?"

"Your face."

"What about my face?"

"It's protection enough. I don't need any reason to stop you from going because no girl will-"

"How dare you!" He straightened up, placing his hands on his waist. "This handsome face is the one you will see for the rest of your life. Every morning and every night. Yet you dare insult it?"

I exaggerated a groan. "Every morning and every night? Are you serious?" I threw an arm in the air dramatically.

Kevin grasped both my cheeks, shaking them. "Too late to back down now, Mrs. Vaughn." He quickly captured my lips with his. "You're trapped." Then, he grasped my left hand, planting a soft kiss on my ring.

"Maybe I'm the one who trapped you," I teased.

He snickered before flicking my forehead. "I'll be back home early tonight, okay?"

I waved him off, resting my chin on the edge of the couch. "Play as long as you want. You deserve it."

Kevin sent me another sly smile before pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Don't stay up too late."

"No promises." I curled into the blanket as the door clicked shut behind him.

I reached for the remote, groaning when it was just out of reach. "Why are you so far away?" I whined before finally snatching it up. Clicking through channels, I settled into my usual lazy night. Hours later, someone dared to disturb me.

Mouth full of chips, I picked up the call. "Hewoo?"

"Short Stack?"

I blinked, then glanced at the screen. "Oh, hey. What's up?"

"Are you watching TV?"

I chuckled. "Are you stalking me?"

"Yes. Do not look out your window." His sarcasm was thick. "But do turn down the volume. I can hear the screaming lady in the background."

On-screen, a woman ran through the woods, stupidly looking back at her pursuer. "You're watching a horror movie... with someone?"

I rolled onto my stomach, staring at the darkened wall as a murder scene played out behind me. "Alone." I exhaled.

"I thought you didn't like watching horror movies by yourself?"

My toes curled together. "I don't, but I'm bored."

"Where's Kevin?"

"Bachelor party."

Silence. Then, his voice came back, slightly off. "Are you getting married soon?"

I kicked my leg idly as another scream echoed from the TV. "No. Next year. But Kevin likes to do things early. It's part of his personality."

I grabbed the remote and shut off the screen, regretting my decision the moment I was surrounded by darkness. Shuddering, I rushed to flick on every light. "Better," I whispered to myself, slightly ashamed for thinking I could handle a scary movie alone.

"You turned on all the lights, didn't you?" His laugh grated at my misery.

"Stop stalking me," I hissed, settling back onto the couch. "I hope you didn't call me just to piss me off."

The call ended.

"Hello?" I stared at the blank screen. For some reason, I pushed the phone back to my ear. "Hello? Matt? Matthew?" Scoffing, I lowered the phone. "He did not ju-"

The phone rang again, making me jolt. Realizing it was my phone and not some horror movie jump scare, I patted my chest. "There's no serial killer after you. There's no serial killer after you," I chanted before glancing at the screen.

A video call. From Matt.

Pursing my lips, I slid to answer. Immediately, I turned the phone toward the wall as an undeniably handsome face appeared. I held my breath.

"Short Stack?"

Inhaling deeply, I cursed myself for answering before putting on my best poker face. Turning the screen back toward me, I forced a smile. "Can I ask why you're video chatting me... naked?"

He chuckled, the sound a warm melody. "I'm not naked." Lowering the phone, he revealed a white towel wrapped around his waist. "Nice to know you're ecstatic to see me." Sarcasm, again.

And then I saw it.

Holy shit.