by Susan Hayes
She placed the four mice in front of the carriage, recreating a scene right out of the movie. “I’m going to fucking kill him.”
“Hey, that’s from that kid’s movie! You know, Prince Charming, glass slipper. My girls loved that show, watched it over and over again when they were little.”
“It’s called Cinderella.” Lia uttered the word softly. She had a sinking suspicion what was in the third package now. It was long, narrow and didn’t weight much at all. Once she stripped away the wrapping, her suspicions were confirmed. Nick had given her a magic wand. It was covered in glitter and had a large gold star at one end as well as a number of pink and gold ribbons that sent shimmering clouds of glitter dust everywhere.
“I’d say someone is trying to be your Prince Charming,” Alan said, trying, and failing, to keep his expression neutral.
“Brilliant detecting, partner. Tell me, is water still wet?”
Alan threw up his hands and laughed. “Don’t get tetchy with me. Whoever this guy is, you have to at least give him credit for originality.”
“He’s just a friend. A strange, creative, soon to be dead, friend.”
“Uh huh. I have plenty of friends. I’ve never sent any of them fairy wands.”
Lia just shot Alan a hostile look and shooed him away from her desk. Once they realized the show was over, the others wandered back to their desks as well, leaving her alone. She sank back into her chair and stared at Nick’s present, her fingers still wrapped around the ridiculous wand. What the hell was she going to do? Nick was everything she didn’t need in her life, a sexy distraction that appealed to the girl she’d once been. He was handsome, fun, and wickedly tempting. His smile made her heart flutter, and the memory of the kiss they’d shared last had fueled a long, frustrating evening alone with her vibrator. Like it or not, the man had gotten to her, and Lia was no longer sure she could walk away. She was even less certain that she wanted to. She was still wrestling with her doubts when a shadow crossed her desk.
“Lia, can I see you in my office for a minute?” It was her boss, David.
And so it begins.
Lia glanced up, ready to meet a disapproving glower or at the very least a frown, but David looked almost amused instead. He had one of the catnip mice in his hand, and when he set it down again he made sure to put it back in its proper place.
“Of course, sir.”
He nodded and she stood, barely remembering to put down the ridiculous wand before following her boss into his cramped office. She closed the door and turned around, an apology on her lips.
She never got a chance to speak.
“I need to talk to you about something, Lia, and I apologize if this ends up being too personal a topic,” David said, gesturing for her to take a seat.
“Of course, sir.” She dropped into the worn chair and waited, fighting the urge to fidget.
“I assume that collection of oddities on your desk is some kind of gift from my brother?”
“Yes, sir. I uh, wasn’t aware you knew about that…I mean us. Not that there is an us, exactly.”
David actually cracked a smile at that. “I think you just told me all I needed to know. Nick phoned me last night. He wanted to make sure there wasn’t any sort of rule that would stop him from going out with you. I told him there wasn’t, but then it occurred to me that might have been your way of deflecting his interest. If so, then I owe you an apology.” He paused for a beat and then added, “But, somehow, I don’t think that’s the case.”
“He called you? Last night?” Lia was having trouble making her mouth form words because her train of thought had completely derailed. Nick had called David, about her. Last night. Right after he’d seen her again. Was he insane? Did he want to tank her career, or was he really serious about seeing her?
“He did. And I want you to know that if you decide to go out with him, I’m not going to have a problem with it. You got here on your own merit, and what you do in your personal life is your call. For what it’s worth, I’m not exactly on Nick’s speed dial, so if he called me about you, he thought it was important.”
“I appreciate you telling me that. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m going to see him again. Not that we’re dating or anything, he just gave me a ride home from the garage last night.”
“I heard about the wedding too.”
Shit.
“You’re family seems to be remarkably well informed.”
“Two active cops, two retired cops, and one very determined matriarch. Nothing stays a secret in my family for long. You sort of get used to it. As I said, your personal life is your own business. Whatever happens, I trust that you’ll be able to keep your personal affairs out of the office. You know, dating in our line of work isn’t always easy. At least Nick knows what he’d be getting into.”
“I…I hadn’t thought about it that way,” Lia admitted. She was finding this whole conversation a little surreal.
“That’s all I wanted to talk to you about. Oh, and to tell you that I’ve heard nothing but good reports from your partner, and the rest of the guys. Keep up the good work.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m glad to hear that.” After that, she said goodbye and left, feeling a little dazed. Things were not going the way she’d expected, and that didn’t happen very often. Lia thrived on maintaining control of her world, but ever since Nick Wilde had entered her life, she seemed to have lost the knack.
When she got back to her desk, she looked at the wand, then at her phone. Every time she tried to avoid Nick, the world found a way to put him back in her path. Maybe it was time to stop fighting this thing.
She picked up the phone and dialed the number. Nick’s answered on the third ring, and her heart beat a little faster just hearing his voice.
“Hello.”
“Nick? It’s me, Lia. I called to say thank you for your gift.”
He chuckled, and the sound sent a dark thrill tripping down her spine to pool between her thighs. “Is there something else you’d like to say to me?”
She could almost see the smug, satisfied smile on his face as she took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind for the first time in years. “Yeah, I have something to say to you. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.”
“You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I’ll see you in the parking lot after your shift. Bring the wand.”
“Why?”
“Because there might be other things for you to wish for tonight. See you soon, Lia.” He hung up before she could say good bye, leaving her to wonder what the hell she’d just gotten herself into.
****
Score!
Nick couldn’t help but grin as he saved Lia’s phone number to his contact list. He was making progress. Yesterday she was reluctant to even speak to him, and today she was calling him up. His plan was working.
“What are you grinning for, boss man?” Janie asked, glancing over the reception area, from where she was updating their website with pictures of her latest finished piece. Nick made sure that the shop had a strong web presence, making it easy for potential customers to connect with them. The gallery of tattoos was just as important as the portfolio every artist maintained.
“I have a date tonight.”
Janie cocked a pierced brow at him. “About damned time. I was starting to worry. According to my husband, if you guys don’t get regular sexing, things start to fall off.”
“Nothing is in danger of falling off, thank you. But I’d appreciate it if you could hold down the fort for an hour or so while I go pick her up.”
Janie turned around in her chair. “An hour? What kind of date are you going on, exactly?”
And here comes the questions. He and Janie had worked together long enough to become fast friends, which meant Janie felt perfectly justified poking into his personal life. “I’m just going to pick her up from work. Her car’s at Jo’s garage. After that, I’m not sure what we’re doing. It’ll be the lady’s choice. By then it’ll be time to close
up anyway.”
“You got it.” Janie’s grin turned wicked. “So, do I get to see this babe you’re actually leaving work to go fetch? She’s got to be someone special if you’re willing to take time off to see her.”
“If she wants to come in, I’ll introduce you. Just…behave yourself.”
“You are no fun. How can I decide if she’s worthy of your interest if I have to behave?”
“She’s a cop, Janie. If you don’t behave, she might shoot you in self defense.”
Janie’s mouth popped open. “Back up the truck. You’re dating a cop? You. A cop. I think you just broke my brain.”
“I don’t have to put up with this abuse, you know. I could fire you and hire someone with a more respect for their employer.”
She flicked a chunk of violet and aqua hair out of her bangs with her middle finger. “You won’t fire me. I’m too good at my job.”
“Lucky for you, you’re right. I’m going upstairs for a bit, call me if you need me.”
“You got it.” Janie waved him off and Nick headed upstairs to his private loft. This space was one of the reasons he’d fallen in love with the location in the first place. Big windows let in plenty of natural light, making it the perfect art studio. It was his home away from home. The kitchenette was always stocked with snacks, beer, and soda, there was a daybed for those nights he opted not to go home, and he’d outfitted the space with a top quality stereo system. Janie and Jo called it his man cave, but he preferred to think of it as his penthouse studio.
He turned on the stereo, pulled out his sketch pad and settled down at his desk. He had a few hours to kill before picking up Lia and needed something to distract him from the wait. Doing some work on the chest piece he was designing for himself would keep him occupied until it was time to go. At least, he hoped it would. Otherwise he was going to spend every hour between now and then thinking about Lia and all the wicked things he wanted to do with her and to her.
It might be a very long afternoon.
Chapter Five
Lia felt more than a little foolish as she stepped outside, her magic wand gripped firmly in one hand. She’d tried tucking it up her sleeve or into a pocket, but there was simply no way to hide the fact she was a grown woman carrying a child’s toy. She had briefly considered leaving it at her desk, but then she’d remember the sultry promise Nick had made her about there being other things she could wish for tonight. She’d spent the entire afternoon wondering what those other things might be, and every thought she’d had was more sinfully wicked than the one before it. It didn’t matter anymore if seeing Nick again was a good idea or a bad one. She’d crossed that line the moment she’d called him and uttered that ridiculous phrase.
It was bitterly cold outside, but at least the skies were clear for the moment. The forecast showed another storm on its way, but the city had another day to prepare before the next dump of snow. She just hoped she finished her shift and was snug at home before it hit. Next year she was absolutely going to book a tropical vacation instead of spending another Valentine’s Day alone and snowbound.
Or maybe I won’t be alone next year.
The thought came to her unbidden, accompanied by a sizzling recollection of last night’s kiss. Her pussy creamed, and her nipples hardened to nubs beneath her heavy coat as a wave of pure heat washed over her. Just the memory of Nick’s mouth on hers was enough to banish the cold. Would he kiss her again? Was there really any chance of a future with a man like that? Nick Wilde was exactly the kind of man she wanted, and everything she knew she shouldn’t have. Yet here she was, waiting for him to pick her up.
Doubts started to fill her mind, but before any of them could take root she spotted Nick’s truck. He pulled up right beside where she stood, and before she could take more than a single step he had the engine off and was hopping out to greet her.
“Hello, milady. Your carriage awaits.” Dressed in black jeans, motorcycle boots and a heavy jacket the same stormy blue as his eyes, Nick looked just as good has he had the night she’d seen him in a shirt and tie…or last night, half dressed. No, that wasn’t true. He looked even better shirtless.
Lia gathered her wayward thoughts and smiled in greeting. “Thank you for the presents. I can say with complete honesty that no one has ever sent me a vegetable as a gift before. And it’s very nice of you to offer me a ride. I…I appreciate it, Nick.” Goddamn it, she sounded lame even to her own ears. When did she get this bad at flirting?
“I can tell you with totally honesty I’ve never sent anyone a vegetable before either.” His eyes dropped to the wand she still held in her hand and his handsome face broke into a grin. “I see you brought it. Good.”
She waved it in the air between them, sending a few errant bits of glitter flying. “I did. Are you going to tell me why I needed to? You mentioned more wishes. I want to hear the details.”
“Not until we’re out of this wind. Frostbite is no way to start our date.”
“Date?” she asked, the word nearly sticking in her throat.
“That’s one of the things we need to talk about,” he told her as he took her free hand and led her over to his vehicle. He moved in close to help her climb in, and Lia’s breath caught as his hands gripped her hips to give her a boost. Nick even handed her the seatbelt and watched her belt in before closing the door and going around to the driver’s side and climbing in. His manners didn’t go with the devil may care attitude he projected. In fact, nothing about Nick was easy to categorize. Sizing people up was part of Lia’s job, but she couldn’t get a handle on what made him tick.
Not yet, anyway.
Nick put the key into the ignition and started the engine, then left it idling as he turned in his seat to face her. “Warm enough?”
Lia tugged off her gloves and undid her jacket as she nodded. “Much better, thank you. Now, explain what you meant about this being a date.”
“Straight to the point, huh? Alright then. If you want, I will take you to the garage so you can pick up your car. No expectations. No fuss. Jo’s expecting you. That’s your choice to make, but I’m telling you right now, that’s not how I want this night to go.”
Lia lifted her gaze so she could look him in the eye. What she saw there made her heart race. His stormy blue eyes were darkened with desire. He wanted her. She finally admitted the truth to herself. She wanted him too. “And how do you want this night to go?”
His lips curved upward into a predatory grin. “I want to spend time with you. Get to know the woman whose face has been haunting my dreams. And if I’m really lucky, I’m hoping you’re going to use that wand I gave you to make some of your wishes come true…and maybe some of mine too. Believe me, I’ve got quite a list.”
She let go of her doubts and gave in to temptation. “Why don’t we start with dinner?”
“I’d like that. Any thoughts on what you’d like to eat? Or where?”
Her stomach growled and the answer came tripping off her tongue. “Pizza. I haven’t had a really good, deep dish pizza in ages. My favorite restaurant closed a few months ago and I’ve been too busy to go looking for a new place.”
“I don’t know where you were eating before, but the best deep dish in the city is from a little hole in the wall not far from my shop. Make a wish, Cinderella. Make it official.” He tapped her wand and winked at her.
She smiled, picked up the wand and waved it in the air, making sure to get some of the glitter on him as she did so. “I wish for pizza for dinner. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!”
“Your wish is my command,” he said as he covered her hand with his so that they were both holding the wand. “I mean it, Lia. Anything you want, all you have to do is make a wish and I’ll do my best to make it happen.”
“Why?” she asked, struggling to understand what would possess him to make such a promise.
“Because I think you need a little magic in your life. Because you are breathtaking when you smile, and I want to see you do that more often. Do
I really need another reason?”
“I guess you don’t, no.” She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she made her final confession. “I’d like to get to know you better too. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, either.”
“I’m really glad to hear that, Cin.” His fingers tightened around hers, tugging her closer, and for a heart pounding moment she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead, he lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed a delicate kiss to her knuckles before letting her go. Without another word, he turned back in his seat, snapped his seatbelt into place and started driving. Lia was left to stare out the window, feeling like a child who had been denied the last candy in the bag.
Why hadn’t he kissed her? What was going on? The thoughts chased round her head like drunken butterflies, and then the answer dawned on her as his words from yesterday sounded in her mind. He’d told her that the next time he kissed her, it would be because she asked him to. Lia glanced down at the wand in her hand and smiled. It wasn’t just a wand he’d given her. It was the power to choose. If she wanted him, all she had to do was make a wish.
****
Nick was holding onto his control by a thread. He kept his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road, because if he so much as glanced over at the beautiful woman sitting only a few feet away, he was going to do something he’d regret. Like pull over to the side of the road, haul her into his lap and kiss her until neither of them could fucking think. He’d seen the desire flare in her eyes when he’d leaned in, the way her sweet lips had parted in anticipation. It had taken every ounce of will he had not to take what she was offering, but he was determined. If he pushed her too hard, Lia would just bolt again. This time, he would be patient.
Even if it kills me.
“I’ve a very important question to ask of you,” he said and she turned her head to look at him.
“What do you want to know?” she asked.
“Our future may well hang on the answer to this question. What do you want on your pizza?”
She blinked at him and then laughed. “If I say anchovies, you’re going to leave me at the side of the road, aren’t you?”
