Mending the Soul by Alexis Lauren Read Free Book Online Page B

only be fair for them to stay at his house this time."  Jenna told her.  She knew that wasn't the only reason they were staying over at his house.  Nicholas had begged to let the kids stay with him so that Vanessa wouldn't get any ideas about trying to go back to his place after they went out.  He was trying to do everything he could to let Vanessa know that he didn't want to sleep with her without coming right out and saying it.
    "Oh, is there any chance that I can convince you to let them stay here tonight?"  Vanessa asked.
    "Nessa!  They are staying at his house tonight.  It's not negotiable."  Jenna said, starting to get angry with her friend.  "You need to calm down and understand that Nicholas isn't ready for what you're offering him.  Just relax and be happy that he even agreed to go out with you tonight, ok?"
    "I guess."  Vanessa said, defeated.  "I'll go downstairs and let you finish getting dressed.  The guys will be here soon."  Vanessa left the bedroom, shutting the door behind her so that Jenna could get changed in private.
    Jenna groaned and began to get dressed.  She was not looking forward to a whole night of Vanessa's flirting, and she hoped that Nathan wouldn't try anything with her.  The things she did for her friends!  After she was dressed, she took a look in her full-length mirror and was surprised that she didn't look as slutty as she thought she would.  'I bet Nicholas will like me in this outfit!  Wait!  Did I just say Nicholas?  I meant Nathan.  The whole N thing is going to throw me off tonight!  Yeah, that's it, just because both of their names start with an N.'  Jenna thought.  The sound of her doorbell brought her out of her thoughts.  She grabbed her purse and headed downstairs to greet the guys.
    Vanessa opened the door to see a tall, very built blonde guy standing there.  He had the most beautiful, crystal blue eyes, definitely Vanessa's usual type of guy…too bad he was Jenna's date for the night.  "Hi, I'm Vanessa.  Come on in, Jenna will be right down."  She said as she reached out and grabbed his arm to lead him inside.  He was wearing crisp khakis and a white polo shirt, filling both of them out well.
    "Hi, I'm Nathan.  Nice to meet you."  He said as his eyes swept over Vanessa from head to toe, then back up again.  Nathan smiled in appreciation for what he saw.  Vanessa was wearing a little brown leather mini skirt with a cream-colored halter top.  Her long blonde hair was left down, reaching the middle of her back.  She had styled it to lay in big curls, so it was all bouncy when she moved.
    As the two stared at each other, they almost missed Jenna walking into the foyer.  Thank god for the loud noise her shoes made on the slate floor or else they never would have known she was there.  Nathan broke the gaze first and turned to look at Jenna.  "Wow, you look great."  Nathan said, a little less than enthusiastic.
    "Yeah, you look so pretty."  Vanessa said, a little too cheery, as if she was trying to hide something.
    "Thanks, I think."  Jenna said, getting more and more annoyed by the minute.  Thankfully the doorbell rang again.  "Why don't you two go sit in the living room and I'll get the door.  It must be Nicholas, so we'll be right in."
    Nathan and Vanessa walked into the living room and made themselves comfortable on the couch while Jenna went to answer the door.  As she pulled it open, her breath caught in her throat when she saw Nicholas.  He was wearing a red button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearm a little, with nice black pants.  His hair was gelled to perfection, and his brown goatee was trimmed short.  He looked nothing short of…hot!  "Wow!"  was all Jenna managed to get out of her mouth.
    Nicholas stood at the door not able to move.  He saw Jenna and was taken aback by how great she looked.  "Yeah, I could say the same for you.  Aren't you the same girl I went out with last weekend?  The one that keeps