by M. Clarke
“Hello Mom,” Nate said over the phone.
My head in the space between his shoulder and neck, I snuggled against Nate, listening to his phone conversation on speaker.
“Hi, honey. Everything okay? You’ve never called this time of night before.”
Nate’s eyes sparkled against the lamp light. Though I wished we were at his place, I was just as happy to be with him in Josh’s cabin. At least we had our own private room.
“I wanted to tell you something,” Nate continued. “Olivia and I are dating again, and she’s right beside me.”
Silence.
Oh dear God! It dawned on me she might be upset with me. Not knowing if Nate had told her I broke us up, my face flushed with heat and I held my breath. Why wasn’t she saying something? As if she could see me, I sat up and crisscrossed my legs.
“Hello, Olivia.” Nate’s mom’s voice was sweet and tender.
“Hello, Mrs. Cross. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Same here, dear. Although we’ve never officially met, I feel like I know you. Nate has told me many wonderful things about you.”
My lips curled, smiling at Nate. “Thank you. I’ve heard many wonderful things about you too.”
Nate’s mom giggled and her voice softened. “Oh, He’s just being nice. So, when do I get to meet you?”
“We have a photo shoot in New York in a week.” Nate winked and placed one arm behind the nape of his neck. The curve of his bicep muscles distracted me. “I was going to bring Olivia to Texas if your schedule is free.”
“We’ll make it free.” Her tone went up a notch. “Don’t worry about that. Tell me when. We’ll be here. I could call Nick and Natalie and let them know. I’ll cook my best meal. Oh boy, I’m rambling, aren’t I?”
“No, you’re not.” Nate chuckled, caressing my exposed leg. My long nightgown had scrunched up. “I’ll check our schedule and give you the exact date. Sound good, Mom?”
“Wonderful. It was nice to meet you over the phone, Olivia.”
“It was my pleasure, Mrs. Cross. I can’t wait to meet you.”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Bye, Nathan. Make sure you eat well.”
“I will. I’m hanging up now. Bye.”
Nate clicked the phone to end the call and reached over to the nightstand to place it down. “I don’t think she’s excited to meet you.” His grin broadened.
I frowned, keeping a straight face, but my lips started to twitch, itching to spread. “I don’t think so either.”
“Come here, you.” Nate snaked his arm around my ass and yanked me to him. Then he caressed my face tenderly. “I can’t believe you’re here, Olie.”
“I can’t either,” I said, trailing my finger around his five o’clock shadow. God how I missed his stubble. My eyes followed where my hand roamed. Over his shoulder, down his strong bicep, up his chest, and all the way down his front.
Nate moaned softly, and his hazel eyes darkened. “Are you trying to seduce me?”
I shrugged and licked my lips with my hand still pressed to his cock. “What gave you that idea?”
“I don’t need ideas, Olie. I have plenty of naughty ideas of my own. Let me show you.”
Before I could protest, my body slammed against his chest and his lips conquered mine. The pleasant familiar ache from his stubble reminded me how much I’d missed him.
Chapter 17
Olivia
“What’s his name again?” Mom set the dishes and wine glasses on the table. “Did you tell me his name? Why can’t I remember?” Mom went back to the kitchen before I could reply.
“‘Cause you’re too nervous.” Charlene poured a glass of wine and took a sip. “She’s bringing a date home, not a fiancé.”
Mom ignored Charlene’s comment and set the bowl of salad in the center of the table. “What time did you say he’s coming?” Then she turned her attention to Charlene. “She better not be bringing a fiancé when it’s the first time we’re meeting him.”
“Maybe they’re already married.” Charlene shrugged and winked at me.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Olivia wouldn’t do that.”
“Is that what you think? Tell me, how many things did you do behind your parents’ back? Besides, I’m trying to tell you Olivia is a big girl. She’ll make her own choices.”
Mom huffed out a breath. “I know she’s a big girl. You didn’t have children, so you wouldn’t understand.”
Why did they always speak as if I wasn’t there? I cleared my throat. “I’m here.” I waved. “How about asking me?”
Mom froze and her eyes narrowed. “Does Charlene know something I don’t? You two seemed very cozy earlier.”
“Mom. Slow down. You’ll love him.” I placed my hands on her shoulders and led her to the kitchen. Just before we entered, I mouthed to Charlene, “Stop it. You’re driving her crazy.”
Sometimes Charlene liked to get Mom all worked up. Charlene had a sick sense of humor. Take away that character, and she was an awesome friend to Mom.
Nathan
The weekend flew by too fast. On the way home, Olie rested her head on my chest the whole ride down. Luckily, the motion sickness didn’t affect her as much as it had on the way up. Josh dropped me off at my place while Isla took Olie home. We wanted to tell her mother about us, but we wanted it to be a surprise. Just before we left the cabin early Sunday morning, Olie called her mom and asked if she could bring the guy she was dating over for dinner. Her mom agreed.
I texted Olie to let her know I was at the front door and inhaled a deep breath. Holding a bouquet of flowers, I waited with bated breath. Why was I so nervous? Olie’s mother loved me. The door flew open. Olie dressed in jeans and a white sweater greeted me. Her sexy smile widened, and her eyes glowed.
“Hello,” she murmured sensually. “Come in.”
“Hello, beautiful.” I stepped in. “This is for your mom.”
“Awww, you didn’t have to do that, but thank you.” She took it from me and closed the door. “So, just for my mom?”
“I have something for you later. It requires taking off clothes.” I waggled my brows.
“Shhh! Mom still doesn’t know it’s you,” she whispered. “Stay right there. No. Go back out and knock on the door. Mom is in her room, and Charlene is in the bathroom. Go.” Olie pushed me and shut the door.
I rolled my eyes. This was ridiculous, but I played along for Olie.
Knock! Knock!
“Mom, can you get the door? I’m changing.” Olie’s voice muffled through the door.
Footsteps approached.
“Who is it?” Emily asked.
“It’s Olivia’s date,” I replied with a deeper voice, trying not to sound like my own.
The door opened, big eyes widened and alert. Shocked, her jaw dropped.
“Na...Na...than?” she stuttered. “What are you doing here? I am...Did Olivia tell you to come?” Her eyes dropped to the flowers and then met my gaze.
“I thought I’d stop by. These are for you.” I extended my hand, feeling horrible for playing along.
“Oh, dear,” she let out, shaking her head. “Thank you. These are beautiful. It’s been so long since anyone has given me flowers. Come in.” Her lips spread, and then her forehead creased. She placed the flowers in the kitchen and then headed to Olie’s room. “Olivia, Nate is at the door.”
When Olivia stepped out of her bedroom, her mom pushed Olivia back in.
“What are you going to do?” Emily whispered. “Nathan is here? This is terrible.”
Her concern for me was genuine and heartfelt. I felt so bad for her, but I knew Olie would stop the charade.
“Nathan? What are you doing here?”
Charlene’s usual chirpy, friendly voice was gone. Her eyes grew, and a worried expression marked her face.
I shoved my hands inside my jeans pockets, wishing Olie would come out. “Hi, Charlene.”
“Mom, Charlene. Meet my date,” Olie announced, standing next
to the door.
Charlene and Emily exchanged glances, still looking confused, and then lit huge smiles.
“Nathan,” Emily squealed and threw her arms around me. “I got my Nathan back.”
“So, does this mean you slept together?” Charlene snorted.
“Charlene,” Emily scolded. “I don’t want to know. They’re not married.”
“I’m trying to modernize this woman, who still lives in the stone age. Nobody waits till they get married.”
“I did,” Emily said proudly, her chin up high.
“I know. You got married to the person you fell in love with. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t expect your daughter to do the same.”
Olie rolled her eyes and slapped her hand on her forehead. “Nathan is standing right there. We don’t want to hear your quarrel.”
“Quarrel?” Charlene lightly tapped Olie’s ass. “This is how we talk all the time. You should be used to it by now.”
“I don’t think I’ll get used to it,” Olie said under her breath. “Come on, Nate. It’s dinner time. I’m hungry.”
“I didn’t know you were coming, Nathan. I didn’t get a chance to bake your pie,” Emily whined as she rushed to the kitchen.
“That’s okay, Emily. You can blame it on Olivia. She planned this whole charade.”
Olie smacked my ass. “Don’t squeal on me. We’re a team, traitor. You shall be tied and hung tonight.”
Charlene sat in her same spot at the table, smirking. “Hmmm...sounds very...”
“Don’t you dare say anything.” Mom scowled, placing the plate of rice pilaf on the table.
“I was going to say interesting. Geez, Emily. You think everything that comes out of my mouth is perverted. But hearing you thought I was going to say something like that only means you were thinking it. So...ha, there is a naughty side in you.”
“Emily, do you need help?” I broke up the conversation that seemed to perturb Olie and also tried to be polite.
“No, thank you, Nathan. I’ve got it handled. You go sit down.”
I pulled out a chair for Olie and sat next to her.
“Sorry, Nathan,” Emily muttered. “We old people don’t have a life, especially that woman.” She pointed at Charlene. “We live through Olie. Sometimes I wish I could go back and change things. Of course, having Olivia wouldn’t be one of them. I’m so happy you two found a way to work it out. True love is rare and hard to find.”
“Don’t worry, Mom.” Olie placed her hand on my arm. “I’m not running off this time.”
“And I’m not letting her go,” I added, caressing her thigh.
“Awww.” Charlene smiled and sighed. “Young love.”
“Well, I’m going to go back and get the roast beef. Start serving yourself.” Emily went back to the kitchen for the third time.
Sweat damped Emily’s forehead when she finally sat. “How’s the beef? I used a new recipe.”
“Delicious.” I took another bite. “It’s the best.”
Emily’s cheeks turned pink. “Thank you.”
Charlene sliced a piece. “It’s true.”
Emily swallowed and wiggled her nose. “Why, Charlene, it’s the first decent thing you’ve said all day.”
Emily’s comment wasn’t funny, but knowing Charlene’s personality, she was on target.
“Oh.” Emily’s eyes lit up. “Congratulations, Nathan, for being the next Sexiest Man Alive.”
Charlene wiped her mouth. “That’s right. Congratulations. That’s amazing. I’m going to brag I had dinner with the sexiest man alive.”
Not good with taking compliments, I grinned sheepishly. “Thank you. It’s no big deal.”
Emily stopped chewing. “What do you mean? It’s like winning the lottery. Everyone in the entire world will know who Nathan Cross is.”
My lips twitched. “Yeah. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing. Don’t get me wrong. I’m truly honored. It hasn’t hit me yet.”
Charlene scooped a spoonful of rice pilaf and dumped it on her plate. “You will.” She paused. “And by the way, I voted for you.”
“Thanks,” I said gratefully.
“And I did too.” Emily jumped in.
“Thank you.” I smiled and then changed the subject. “You should vote for Olivia. We’re both running for Sexiest Couple Alive.”
“What?” Emily stopped the glass midway to her lips. “I didn’t know she was. Why didn’t you tell me, Olivia?”
Olie waved her hand as if it was no big deal. “I didn’t mention it because there are many models posted. I’m never going to win.”
“Well,” Emily sniped. “You want another girl to take a picture with Nathan? Have the world see him snuggling another woman? ‘Cause Nathan is going to win again. I’m going to vote for you and so will Charlene. I didn’t raise my daughter to give up before the race even begins.”
“Yes, Mom.” Olie pressed her lips together and kept quiet after that.
After dinner, we had apple pie, which was almost as good as Emily’s key lime pie. Charlene left shortly after dessert, and Emily called it a night. Olie and I got on social media together on her laptop in her room. Olie sat on the edge of the bed while I stretched out along the length of it.
Splashed on Knight Fashion media sites read: Congrats to @NathanCrossModel #SexiestManAlive #KnightFashion We are very proud. First model to hold that title.
“Wow, look at that.” Olie’s index finger followed the words across the screen. “Tomorrow is the big day. Do you have to stop by Matthew’s office?”
“No. I go in for a shoot on Tuesday.” I lifted her sweater and kissed her exposed skin. “But you and I have an appointment tomorrow.”
Olie twisted her side and craned her neck toward me. “We do?”
“Restraining order.” I kissed her again.
She quivered and released a soft moan. “I don’t know, Nathan. I’m scared.”
I caressed her cheeks. “Olie, I’m going to take care of this. Troy won’t ever bother you again, I promise.” The thought of him threatening my Olie didn’t go well with me. I would beat that bastard to a pulp if I could, but I had to remain professional. He wasn’t going to ruin both of our careers. I tried my best to reassure her everything was going to be fine, but I sensed her doubt.
Olie nodded after few long seconds. “I trust you, Nate, but Troy is manipulative, conniving, and he gets his way.”
“He sounds like a crazy woman. But he’s never had to deal with me. You are my priority, and I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Olie jumped on me, our bodies pressed together. All of her touched all of me, melting into one.
“I love you so much, Nate. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you,” she murmured.
“I love you, too.”
I held her tightly, our bodies moving to the rhythm of our breaths, allowing her to soak in the comfort and security I had always given her. She might have forgotten it in our time apart.
Olie released a long sigh as if she let out air for the first time.
She remembered.
Chapter 18
Olivia
Sitting at a restaurant waiting for Isla, I scrolled through the media sites. “Nathan Cross, Sexiest Man Alive” was splashed everywhere—newspapers, magazines, and social media sites. People posted comments, love symbols, and even marriage proposals. I laughed and even frowned at some of the suggestions women had posted: I want to marry you. Make babies with me. I love you. You’re my sexiest dream alive.
Though I wasn’t surprised, Knight Fashion Magazine had Nathan shirtless with a light teal background to splash a taste of elegance across their front page. One of the headlines hinted about how Max and Matthew started M. Knight Men’s fashion clothing, and the other advertised swim wear fashion tips.
Nathan Cross was climbing up the successful charts, and though he might not have felt it, the social media sites proved otherwise. Scrolling through his personal page, I squealed softly at
a photo of the two of us. Nate had his arm draped around my shoulders, and his eyes lovingly set on me, as if to tell the world, “This woman is mine.”
My arms around his waist and my face pressed closed to his told the world, “I got him back.” Under the photo, he posted, vote for Olivia Hunt and me for the Sexiest Couple Alive. No, he didn’t? Oh, yes he did. I loved that he had. Secretly, though I wouldn’t admit it, it would be a dream come true. Then I froze at a thought. What if Troy saw this picture?
Nathan told me not to worry about Troy, but how could I not? It wasn’t that Nathan couldn’t handle himself. But he had no idea what Troy could do. Even I had no idea what Troy was capable of. Certainly Troy wouldn’t ruin our careers, would he? Just when I was about to put my phone inside my purse, I got a text from Nate.
Nate: What are you doing?
Me: Staring at the magazine Mom bought. Headline: Sexiest Man Alive
Nate: Haha. I need to hide from the world. You saw the cover. I’m topless.
Me: Yummy!
Nate: No, not yummy. My media sites have gone through the roof.
Me: You knew that would happen. It’s fantastic. We need to celebrate.
Nate: Meet me for dinner.
Me: Where?
Nate: I’ll text you.
Me: Where are you?
Nate: I’m on my way to a photo shoot.
Me: I’ll stop by.
Nate. No! I’ll text you the dinner location. Meet me there.
Nate’s answer stung. I had no idea why. Though it felt like a rejection, I knew he didn’t mean it that way. Dismissing the thought, I peered up when I heard Isla’s voice.
“Olivia. Sorry I’m late.” Isla took off her coat, placed it behind the chair, and sat across from me.
I smiled, admiring her fuchsia sweater. “It’s okay. I just got here.”
“So, what’s new?” Her blue eyes twinkled with her smile.
