“I wouldn’t have chosen these…things,” Roger said, waving a hand delicately in the air.
Score one, Victoria thought. He gave her another reason to want her business to thrive. She could prove to him that all the things he disapproved of could make her successful. He continued nosing around, noticing the changes, while she stood silently, arms crossed.
“Where are the girls?” He flashed a grin, one he’d told her could get any girl in his bed—and damned if she hadn’t fallen for it—and walked closer to her.
Victoria refused to back down, even though his closeness made her skin crawl. He didn’t control her anymore. She stepped around him to the middle of the living room, giving herself space. “They’re upstairs packing their bags. They’ll be done in a minute.”
“Good. I’m taking them to the restaurant to have dinner.”
Of course he would. He couldn’t wait to show off how he was such a good father to his twin daughters. Victoria pitied him and hated him in the same breath. He had no idea what he missed out on in the girls.
Helena flew down the stairs, beaming at Roger. Score ten to him, Victoria thought. She tried to ignore the pain it caused her to know that she couldn’t make Helena smile like that.
“Daddy!” Helena jumped into his arms, her bag forgotten at their feet. “I’m so glad you came.”
Roger patted her back absently before stepping away from her. “Yes. Me, too.”
Helena didn’t see her dad’s disinterest, and Victoria sighed. When she eventually noticed, it would break her heart.
“Hi, Dad.” Lucia offered Roger a smile, nothing more, then hugged Victoria. “See you Sunday, Mom. I love you.”
Victoria held Lucia longer than necessary; it was so tough to watch them leave. Helena ignored her, not even giving her a smile as they walked out the door. She shut it behind them and leaned against it. This was literally only the third weekend she’d ever spent without them. What was she going to do with herself? Should she call her sisters?
No, Halle had a nursing conference in Long Island, and all Addie had talked about this week was her date tonight. Knowing Addie, she’d end up with the guy all weekend, if he didn’t bore her to death. At the thought of that kind of freedom, Victoria smiled and shook her head. She hadn’t been on a date in years, a decade really. She’d have no idea what to do.
The house creaked in the silence around her. The TV wasn’t on, blaring reality shows, and her girls weren’t there. The quietness settled around her. All her life, she’d been surrounded by people. First her family, then her dorm mate, and then Roger and her girls. Being alone like this struck her as unnatural. Maybe she should get a dog.
Her cell phone pinged from the arm of the couch, and she picked it up.
Nick: Hey, you busy?
Victoria laughed at the screen. She was so far from busy, and she couldn’t deny that maybe, a little, she wished he’d ask her out. After seeing Roger, remembering the years of blandness, of settling, she might just want a hint of the passion Nick had to offer.
Victoria: No, what’s up?
She’d expected him to text, so when her cell rang, she jumped. She answered the phone, her belly fluttering. “Is something wrong with the office?”
“No, it’s nothing like that.” His voice sent goosebumps over her body. He sounded nervous.
“Oh? Is everything okay?” She paced, like she always did when she talked on the phone.
“Yeah, yeah.” He paused. “Um, I need a big favor. I have this friend, one I used to fight with on the circuit, and he’s getting married tomorrow night. With work, I forgot about it.”
The butterflies multiplied. “Okay?” She really couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“I need a date. I know he’s invited this girl, one I used to…hang out with…and I really don’t want to go by myself.”
Victoria pressed her lips together. Those butterflies shriveled up and settled heavy in her stomach. He didn’t really want to go with her; he only wanted a buffer. “Why don’t you ask one of your many, many one-night stands? Maybe find someone who’s available?”
Nick’s was silent. “That came out wrong.”
“I bet it did. Look, I wasted enough time on a man who didn’t really want me, who wanted to use me to further his image to get higher in his career. I don’t need to be used again. So, goodbye, Nick.” Victoria ended the call. She stared at the screen for a minute, then decided she was an idiot. Why did she let herself become even the tiniest bit attracted to him? Was it because she wanted to feel reckless for once? To experience true passion in her life?
She knew she couldn’t focus on work now and pulled up Netflix, choosing a suspenseful movie to keep her mind off everything. When she heard the knock on her door, she paused the movie. Her sisters had already left for their stuff, and her parents were out on a date night. If Roger was bringing the girls back, she’d punch him in the throat.
She slung the door open, prepared to go off on Roger. No sound came from her open mouth. Nick stood on the porch, looking delicious in jeans and a dark green t-shirt. She became acutely aware that she wore a pair of cotton shorts and a sleeveless work out shirt. No makeup, glasses on.
“Hey.” Nick ran a hand through his hair. “Got your address from your dad.”
Victoria blinked. She finally shut her mouth and stepped back from the doorway.
Nick came inside, and she shut the door behind him.
“I came to apologize. What I said…it came out wrong.”
“I’m not sure that it did.” She crossed her arms, aware that earlier Roger had been where Nick now stood. It was surreal. Nick glanced to her chest, and heat flushed up her neck.
He snapped his attention back up to her face, his eyes darkening. She backed away as he stepped closer. “I want you to come because I want to spend time with you.”
She arched a brow. “You have a funny way of telling me that.” His body heat lit her nerves on fire. Jesus, she wanted him to push her up against the wall and kiss her. “Besides, why don’t you take that girl from the flea market?”
“Are you jealous?” His brows rose.
“No.” She lied. She glared at him.
“Look, this is new to me.” He took a deep breath. She stared at the tattoo that swirled up his left collarbone. “I’m not the dating type.” She snorted, and he shot her a look. “But I do know there is something between us. I know you feel it. I want to explore that.”
Victoria’s breath hitched. It wasn’t the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her, and he didn’t state that he wanted to date her, but the desperate look in his eyes, the way he almost pleaded at her to understand, reached her like nothing else. “Oh?”
“I know what you’ve heard about me. I know that I have the worst reputation. But, it’s one night. Come to the wedding with me. If you think that I’m still a lost cause, or that I’m not worth your time, tell me. I’ll forget about this craziness in my mind and finish out the job without bothering you.” He observed her expression, waiting on her answer.
She ignored the sinking in her stomach at the thought of him leaving her alone. “Is this wedding formal?”
The grin that spread across his face almost made her rip her clothes off right there. It softened the edges of his face, made him seem more carefree. “Semi-formal. You got something to wear?”
“I might.” She smiled back at him.
“Great. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at three. The wedding’s at six, and it’s a two-hour drive. It’s supposed to be cool tomorrow night, so have a jacket, or whatever wrap thing you women wear.”
“Smooth.” Victoria laughed. “Real smooth.”
“I try.” Nick nodded at her. “Okay. Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She let him out, locked the door, and leaned against it. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest, and her skin flushed
. This was bad. Real bad. She wanted him, wanted to tempt that passion in him, have him lose control with her. It surprised her, since she was usually more timid about this kind of thing. She just couldn’t help herself.
Chapter Eleven
VICTORIA HADN’T BEEN this nervous in forever. She’d picked out the perfect dress, a navy blue and beige chevron print, which she’d paired with nude heels and a fitted blazer. She added a delicate heart necklace the girls gave her for Mother’s Day last year and curled her hair, letting it frame her face.
She knew she looked amazing; she just prayed Nick agreed. She’d never wanted to blow a man’s mind before, never felt this reckless abandon. It was like her hormones had completely taken over. She knew it was crazy to get involved with him. He had a history of moving from one woman to another, never having a girl “over” for more than a few nights. Last night she’d thought about this for a while and decided she’d take those few nights.
Passion was missing in her life, in her past, and she didn’t want to settle for boring again. If Nick could only give her that for a small amount of time, she’d take it and be happy.
With one last look in the mirror, she grabbed her clutch and took a deep, steadying breath. It was only one night.
She opened the door right when he knocked, and dear God, she almost drooled. He wore a dark gray, three-piece suit that molded to his body. His thin black tie was askew, and it took everything she had not to pull him inside by it and forget about the wedding.
“Wow.” Nick’s stare roamed from her feet, up her legs, slowly taking everything in. The heat in his eyes left a caress everywhere he looked. The slow, lazy grin weakened her resolve. “I’m going to have my hands full tonight.”
Her heart skipped until she realized he probably meant the way she looked, not that he literally wanted to have his hands full of something. Like, maybe, her. He’d told her the night was going to be cool, but she already wanted to strip off her jacket. Maybe her dress, too.
“Ready?” He held out his hand. “We need to leave before I forget we’re supposed to go somewhere.”
She placed her hand in his and felt his calloused palm against hers. She wanted to feel those hands on her, trailing over her skin. She let him lead her to the truck because she knew she couldn’t form a coherent thought. He opened the door for her and made sure her feet were inside before shutting it.
He entertained her on the drive with funny stories about his job, some of it from her own remodeling. She laughed in his truck more than she had in the past year, and every time she did, his eyes lit up. While he drove, she took the opportunity to watch him. He seemed so comfortable in his own skin. She didn’t feel like she had to fake her laughter or smiles. He talked about the happy couple, telling her things about the MMA circuit she’d never wondered about.
Violence was so foreign to her. Her father had never raised a hand against another person. The most violent thing he watched was football. She couldn’t wrap her head around wanting to hurt someone else, getting paid to do it, or winning trophies. How did that testosterone-filled adrenaline not bleed over into their regular lives?
She snuck a glance at Nick. He didn’t seem to have a temper, didn’t seem to be violent. She couldn’t mix the thought of him being a fighter with the genuine way he treated people. His hands held the steering wheel in a sure grip. It didn’t seem like he’d lose himself to that violence.
He pulled off the interstate, and it only took a minute to reach the church. Once he parked, he opened the door for her. When he grabbed her hand and interlocked their fingers, her breath quickened.
His friends’ marriage ceremony was being held in a beautiful, brick church that had a Southern-style wrap-around porch with white columns. The dark wooden doors were propped open, and an usher stood on each side, passing out programs to guests. Inside, people sat on either side of the aisle in white wooden chairs.
“Hey, Nick!” A redheaded guy clapped Nick on the shoulder as they passed the ushers. “You made it!”
“Colin!” Nick let her hand go and gave the guy a bear hug. “How’s Nora?”
“She’s great. Ready to pop.” Colin turned to the side and pointed to a very pregnant woman sitting down toward the front. “Twins.”
“You’re in luck then.” Nick took Victoria’s hand in his again. “Victoria has twin girls, so maybe she can give you and Nora some tips.”
Colin glanced at Victoria in surprise and grinned devilishly. “Twins? Nick’s actually dating a woman with kids? Never thought hell would freeze over, guess I need my coat.” His laughter boomed in the room. “Nora and I could use all the help we can get. We’re having girls, too.”
They followed the burly redhead to where his wife sat.
“Nick, it’s good to see you.” Nora had a pixie-like frame, except for the pregnant belly, complete with a platinum-blonde pixie cut. She smiled warmly at Victoria. “I’m Nora.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Victoria.” She took the seat next to Nora and crossed her legs. “Twins, huh?”
Nora nodded and rubbed her belly in a way that Victoria empathized with. “Colin mentioned that you have twins, too?”
“I do; they’re twelve.” Nick sat on her other side, and Victoria instantly became aware of his every movement, as if her body was tuned in to his.
“Is it as hard as everyone says?” Nora asked.
Victoria laughed. “Oh, yes. But it’s so rewarding, like with any children. Just double the work.”
* * *
The way Victoria’s eyes lit while she spoke to Nora about her girls planted a seed in the back of Nick’s mind. He’d always thought kids were cute, from a distance, and not something he’d ever want to get involved with. Especially as a father figure. That’s why he steered away from women with kids. He let his hand trail down Victoria’s arm. Distinct satisfaction rose along with the goosebumps on her skin. He knew he affected her; he could tell from how she reacted to his touch.
She was slowly changing something in him, and he pushed down the acute panic that rose with the thought. Like he’d told her, it was just one night. It didn’t mean they were going to shack up tomorrow and live the rest of their lives together.
The ceremony started, and Victoria sent him a sweet smile that knotted his stomach. She was so beautiful. Her ex had to be one stupid bastard to let her go. He couldn’t resist interlocking their fingers again and didn’t want to examine why he had to touch her tonight, even if it was only holding her hand.
Gerritt’s face stretched in a wide smile when he saw Nicola appear at the end of the aisle. Gerritt, who swore he’d never settle down, looked as if he’d die if Nicola didn’t hurry down that aisle, as if he’d found the other half of his soul.
Nick cursed inwardly. When had he become such a girly bitch? If anyone knew what he’d been thinking, they’d take away his man card.
The short ceremony was sweet with promise. The couple headed back down the aisle, beaming. The families and friends slowly stood and made their way outside for the reception. Golden lights hung from ribbons across trees and surrounding the dance floor. Arrangements of white calla lilies stood on each table.
Nick and Victoria walked with Colin and Nora to one of the tables, claiming it as their own.
“I hope you like chicken. I wasn’t sure what you’d want.” Nick told her.
“Chicken’s great.” Victoria licked her lips, and an electric shock shot to his groin.
He wanted to show her a good time. That didn’t include scaring her off. From what he’d heard about her ex, the man was selfish, and Nick knew what that translated to in bed. Quick, uncomfortable, and unimaginative. She probably wasn’t used to being seduced, but she would be now. He’d take his time, make her so hot for him she lost her mind. He’d show her how a real man did it.
He cleared his throat and took a swig of his beer. Resisting her ton
ight was going to be the hardest thing he’d ever done. Especially with her sitting next to him, fresh and beautiful. Every time she smiled, or laughed, it pulled him to her. She’d bewitched him.
“Oh, God. Stella’s here,” Nora groaned.
Nick’s head shot up. Victoria watched with curious eyes, and he wanted to sink beneath the table before Stella saw him. If she did, it would just strengthen Victoria’s resolve to stay away from him.
Stella’s auburn hair stood out in the crowd. She wore godawful heels that made her already six-foot frame tower over the other women. Her body-hugging green mini dress sparkled in the lights. If a man’s gaze wasn’t on her, she considered it a personal affront.
Unfortunately, she saw him looking and wiggled her fingers at him. Her sly smile stretched across her face, and Nick knew she was going to head over. They’d had a few whirlwind nights two years ago, and ever since he’d refused to continue the liaison, she’d hunted him. She hated that he’d gotten away before she was finished with him.
“Jesus, Nick. Did you have to let her see you?” Colin grimaced. “Now she’ll never leave this table.”
Victoria raised a brow at him, and he knew what she thought. That he’d only proved her right. He had to make sure she understood that Stella was nothing to him.
“Nick,” Stella purred as she stopped by his chair. She leaned down, showing her ample cleavage to everyone, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her thick cloud of perfume stung his nostrils. Before she could slide onto his lap, Nick put his hands on her arms to keep her standing. She pouted at him.
“Stella, I’d like you to meet my date, Victoria.” Nick tipped his head toward Victoria, who sat silently next to him.
“Oh. I see.” Stella straightened and held out a perfectly manicured hand. “Hello, Victoria. I’m Stella de Noren.” Her bold green-eyed gaze raked down Victoria. “Such a quaint dress. But I guess not everyone can buy from Gucci.”
Crossing the Line Page 7
