“I try not to be, but somehow it always gets out of control. Would you like some wine?”
“Yes, please.” After accepting the glass, she takes a small sip. The smooth, mellow merlot glides down her throat, the perfect complement to the bubbling tomato scent permeating the kitchen. “So, what happened to you this morning? Why didn’t you show up to run?”
“I worked late last night and accidentally overslept. I called Jason, but he refused to give me your number until I told him I had something of yours and needed to get it back to you.”
She crosses her arms and tilts her head, only half joking. “You lied?”
“No, it’s the truth. Marta made this for you.”
Inside the white box, tissue paper covers a popcorn ball, caramel apple, pink frosted cupcake, and an oversize chocolate brownie. “It’s to thank you for helping her with the menu for the church bazaar.”
A lump rises in her throat. Marta’s generosity reminds her of the hobbies she misses with her mom. Maybe they can bake together sometime. “She’s so sweet. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just enjoy them. That’s what she wants.” He brushes her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
Jolts of pleasure shoot through her body. “Me too.”
“Shit!”
Covering her mouth with the wine glass, she tries to hide her laughter as he grabs a pot and lifts it off the stove. Waves of white foam roll over the top, sizzling as they drip off the bottom and hit the hot surface below. He dumps the noodles into a colander in the sink and wipes the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. “Marta makes it look so easy.”
Stirring the marinara, he tells her about his mom’s recipe for chicken parmesan. “It’s one of the few things I know how to make, so I hope you like it.”
After a grating a small bit of cheese, he makes two plates and places them on a black wooden tray. She grabs the wine bottle and their glasses and follows him outside. The wood and glass table sits just a few yards from the lapping waves, offering a better view than any restaurant. Orange and pink streak the sky as the sun sits low on the horizon. A lone seagull circles above the water before flying inland.
She takes a bite, the tangy, sweet sauce different than she’s used to. “This is really good. Your mom would be proud.”
He smiles at her. “I wish she was here to meet you. I know she would love you too.”
Heat prickles her cheeks at his bittersweet comment. Her heart aches for him, but it doesn’t erase her anxiety from yesterday. She can no longer pretend this is just a simple date. Unable to smile back, she plunges in. “I was really worried about you this morning when you didn’t show up.”
Winking at her, he reaches out to take her hand. “I‘m glad you like me enough to worry about me.”
“I’m serious. After what happened with Juan, I’m not sure what to think about your job.” She pushes the food on her plate around in circles with her fork. Her hands tremble, and she drops the utensil, startling at the harsh clatter. “Are you in the—?” She can’t bring herself to say the actual word.
His body stiffens. Several moments pass as they sit in silence, except for his fingertip tapping on the edge of the table. Her hearts pounds, fearful she’s ruined everything with her need to know, scared of what she’ll do when she learns the truth.
He takes a deep breath and leans forward. “I’m involved in a variety of business ventures designed to build wealth for my partners and the companies I invest in. But I want you to know that I keep my business and my personal life separate. My relationship with you doesn’t have anything to do with my work.”
No indignant denial. No offense at her implied accusation. An answer without the answer. But now she knows the truth. She clenches her skirt before pressing it down, unsure of what to say next, uncertain as to why she doesn’t force herself to stand up and walk away. Make herself leave this beautiful home and amazing man who immerses himself in a dangerous world where she doesn’t belong.
He gently squeezes his fingers around hers. “What else do you want to know? I can tell something is bothering you.”
“Did your father kill your mother? Is that why he isn’t here?”
Nick sighs. “Yes.” After blinking a few times, he stares at his plate. “I can’t remember a time when she didn’t have bruises or some kind of injury. He made her life fucking hell, and I was too young to do anything about it. Then, one day she was gone. He said she left us, but I know that’s not true.”
A throbbing ache fills her chest listening to his words and remembering his concern about her bruises when they first met. No wonder he was so upset.
“He was shot. He’s in a coma, and machines are keeping him alive. But, to me, he’s already dead. Whatever happens to him happens to him. I don’t give a damn.”
They sit quietly for a minute. He swirls the wine in his glass before taking a long drink. Lost at how to console him from bitterness wrapped in grief, she grips his fingers tighter. “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through, but I know how hard it is to lose your mother. I know how much you must miss her.”
“I’m sorry too. It’s a shame that one of the things we have in common is we both lost our mothers.” He entwines her other hand in his. “Is there anything else you want to ask me?”
Her face flushes with embarrassment, and she sits back, pulling away from his touch. “I shouldn’t have asked you those questions. It isn’t my business. I didn’t mean to be so rude.”
He climbs out of his chair and kneels down next to her. “Don’t apologize. It is your business, because I want you to be part of my life. You can ask me anything.” He caresses her cheek, lines of worry creasing his forehead. “Please don’t give up on me because of my job and my family.”
She meets his gaze, her stomach dropping at his earnest request. “I don’t want to, but I’m scared.”
His eyes never leave hers as he leans closer, their faces only a whisper apart. “I meant what I said yesterday. I swear to God I’ll never hurt you.”
Without any proof or reason to accept it, she believes him. Illogical. Naïve. Foolish. But somehow, she knows it’s true.
After standing up, he walks over to push a button on the wall panel by the door. Soft music fills the cool evening air as he comes back and holds out his hand. “Dance with me.”
The large full moon reflects across the black water, wiggling on the surface as the waves break and roll toward the sand. A few stars faintly glisten in the usually light-polluted sky. She leans her head on his chest and closes her eyes, pushing everything out of her mind and enjoying the peace of being in his arms.
He tips his head down and whispers in her ear, “Thank you for staying.”
When she looks up, he kisses her on the forehead. “I’m glad I did.”
As the temperature starts to drop, they clear the table and carry everything inside. He sits the tray of dirty dishes on the kitchen table, the only clean spot in the room, and smiles at her. “How about I wash and you dry?”
She hops up on the counter next to the sink and picks up the dish towel. As they work, he asks her about Carrie.
“We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. She’s always been artistic and creative, and now she’s my stylist.”
She laughs at his frown of confusion. Her lifestyle is foreign to him too. “She does my hair and makeup for my concerts, photo shoots, and stuff like that. She helps me pick out my clothes. She knows about the good designers and who I should wear. Somehow, that kind of stuff is important in our world.”
He raises his eyebrows and smiles. “Good to know.”
“Her parents are disappointed she didn’t ‘do more’ with her life, but I don’t think they appreciate how talented she is. I’m very lucky to have her. According to her mom, the only saving grace is she’s engaged to Nathan. He’s an emergency room physician. I guess in her mind, a doctor for a son-in-law is a real coup.”
“How did you end up living together?”
“I bought a house for my mom, but I was lonely living there by myself after she died. So, Carrie moved in with me until she gets married. She and Nathan have sworn off sex until their wedding night to make it more special, but it hasn’t worked even with them living apart. They keep giving in.”
He laughs deep from his belly at her comment. “I don’t know these people, but I can tell I like them.”
She smiles, relieved he’s returned to his old self after the tension during dinner. “I know they’ll like you too.”
Putting the last pan in the drying rack, he walks over to her, creating ripples of anticipation in her chest. “So, does that mean you’re going to let me in your life a little?”
She nods and slowly parts her knees so he can move closer. Sliding his hands around her lower back, he pulls her to him, eliminating all the space between them. Her pulse races as she straddles him, her dress bunched around her hips. Swirling sensations overwhelm her—the coolness of the countertop penetrating through her thin, cotton panties, the rough denim of his jeans on her thighs, his strong hands radiating warmth on her back.
Lifting her hand, she traces the outline of his face with her fingertip. His eyes burn into hers as she glides from his temple, down his strong jaw, and across his dimpled chin, resting on his lips. Whispering her name against her finger, he stiffens when she rubs back and forth. He leans forward and kisses her hungrily, moaning as she parts her lips, welcoming his tongue, fueling the fire he flames in her. Her body trembles with the need for his hands to touch her bare skin, to know she wants everything he craves from her.
He fists her hair, his lips gliding to her ear. “Stay with me tonight.”
A shiver shudders through her body at his whisper. She wants to say yes so badly. “I can’t.”
He holds her tight, placing a soft kiss on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I know I promised I would take it slow.”
Relief washes through her he accepts her rejection, another reminder of his gentleness and understanding. She loops her fingers through the curls on his neck, almost sorry she said no.
“When can I see you again? And don’t say at the gym. I want to take you out on a real date.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “What’s this ‘real date’ you’re always talking about?”
“You know. I come to your house and bring you flowers. I meet your family, meaning Carrie, and get the third degree, and take you out for a romantic dinner.” He leans back and winks at her. “Then, I bring you back here and make love to you all night long.”
“Nick!”
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. But please, let me take you out.”
Chapter Four
On Saturday evening promptly at six o’clock, the doorbell rings. Shae squeezes her favorite silver clutch, trying to hide her shaking hands. A swirly combination of excitement and fear flutters in her stomach. She‘s been looking forward to this night all week, succumbing to Nick’s contagious anticipation of their first real date.
Now that he’s here, she pushes down the panic rising in her chest. He said he was kidding. It’s just dinner, nothing else. Yet, she can’t stop thinking about the something else. She may not have the willpower to tell him no.
Carrie smiles at her before she opens the front door.
Shae’s breath catches in her throat. Nick stands in the doorway, wearing a sleek black suit and holding a single pink rose. He’s sexy and thoughtful and utterly terrifying. All the emotions stirred up from their kiss in his kitchen bubble back to the surface.
Her best friend looks back with a mischievous smile and winks before calling out, “Shae, your deadbeat boyfriend is here!”
Nick laughs while Shae shakes her head. “Carrie!”
“I’m kidding. Just trying to lighten the mood. Hi Nick, I’m Carrie.” She holds out her hand to him.
“Nice to meet you.”
With legs wobbling like rubber, she walks toward him and accepts the flower he offers. He lowers his head and brushes her cheek with his lips, warmth spreading across her skin from his soft touch. “You look beautiful.”
Up close, a slight scratch trails his jaw where he must have cut himself shaving. Faint red circles flush each cheek. His smile is almost hesitant. She can’t believe it. He’s nervous too.
Crossing her arms, Carrie leans against the doorframe. “So, where are you two kids off to tonight?”
He takes Shae’s hand, seeming to ignore the slight tremble of her fingers as they squeeze his. “We’re going to Bernard’s on the Water.”
Carrie lets out a low whistle. “Wow, that’s a fancy place. Are you sure you can afford it, Nick? It’s pretty pricey, you know.” Another mischievous smile plays on her lips. “Speaking of which, Shae’s precious cargo. Do you have a safe vehicle to transport her in? And, what are your intentions after dinner? She’s a respectable young lady, so she’s not going to tolerate any unwanted advances.”
Shae leans toward her, giving her sternest look to dial down the crazy. “What are you doing?”
Carrie shrugs her off while Nick rolls with laughter, playing along with her inquisition. “I assure you, ma’am, my intentions are honorable. I believe I have adequate funds to purchase dinner, and my car is in proper working condition.”
“Very good. But let’s talk about your sexual expectations? Shae has a reputation to uphold, you know.”
Oh, my God. She did not just say “sexual expectations” to Nick. Shae loops her arm through his. “Come on, it’s time to go.” As they walk past, Nick tells Carrie good night, and Shae laughs and shakes her head. “You are so embarrassing.”
Carrie swats Shae on the bottom and whispers in her ear, “I love you too. Now, enjoy yourself. You deserve it.” She shouts after them. “Have fun, kids! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
Outside, Jacks opens the car door for them. Shae smiles at him before climbing inside. “Thank you.” As they ride in the limo, she turns to Nick. “I’m sorry about Carrie. I don’t know what got into her. I told her what you said about the third degree, and I guess she wanted to give you a hard time.”
“I can see why you’re best friends. It did help to take the edge off. I hate to admit it, but I was a little nervous.”
His confession confirms her suspicions, yet still catches her off-guard. This rich, powerful, maybe even dangerous, man feels nervous about spending the evening with her. All the while having no idea of his impact on her, unaware the effect his attention has to her heart. She smiles before tucking her hair behind her ear. “Me too. But I feel better now.”
He squeezes her hand before bringing it to his mouth and kissing it. “I’m starving, so I hope this place is good.”
“I hope they have Bananas Foster.”
His laughter echoes through the car as they pull into the restaurant parking lot. Arm-in-arm, they enjoy a short walk on the pier leading to the entrance. Once inside, expansive windows provide a breathtaking view of the ocean from every direction. The lights twinkle on the rolling waves like stars.
Once they’re seated, he orders champagne. A string quartet plays quietly in the corner as tuxedoed waiters move unobtrusively throughout the room. The epitome of elegance, they sweep away crumbs with tiny brushes and hang finger towels over their arms when they serve food. Even traveling across the world on her tour, she’s never experienced a sophisticated setting quite like this.
“It’s a beautiful place. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Thank you for saying yes.” The earnestness of his expression conveys a message of more than coming to the restaurant. As if she gives him something beyond sharing a meal together.
After their drinks are poured, Nick raises his glass. “To real dates.”
Toasting his persistence, she laughs before clinking her flute against his. Her eyes close at the exquisite fruity, bubbly taste. When she opens them again, he gazes at her, his lips twitching with a playful smile, as if he enjoys her pl
easure.
“Tell me how you got discovered.”
“On YouTube, of course. My friend’s mom posted a video of us in our school musical. A talent scout saw it and tracked me down.”
“You must have impressed him.”
The usual twinge of suspicion sneaks up her spine from talking about her career. Shrugging it off, she reminds herself he’s not like everyone else, doesn’t want anything from her. She can be different too. She can be herself with him. “My mom was skeptical at first, but it was legitimate. I sang in this record executive’s office. I was so scared, but I guess I did okay. They signed me on the spot.”
Bittersweet memories of her mother’s desperation float across her mind. How she pinned all her hopes on this unexpected opportunity, praying the chance at stardom would end their ramen noodle existence. How she scooped Shae up and twirled her around at the smiles and head nods after the audition. Whispering “We’re rich!” in Shae’s ear through her shrieks.
He tilts his head, studying her. “Are you happy? Is this what you want to do with your life?”
She gives him her brightest smile. “Of course! I love performing, having people sing along and dance and have fun.”
He raises his eyebrows, as if he knows she’s holding something back, seeing through her guilty facade. “But?”
Shame forces her head down, unable to face him. “I know it sounds ungrateful, but I actually like acting better. I love the challenge of it. Making people believe you’re someone or something else. When it works, it’s magic.”
Straightening the napkin in her lap, she shocks herself admitting her true feelings, unable to believe she said the words out loud. Only a horrible person would have a wonderful, blessed life like hers and still wish for something more. “I’ve never told anyone that before. Not even my mom or Carrie.” Looking up, she meets his gaze, fearful of what she’ll see reflected back at her.
“I know what it’s like to have something given to you that isn’t what you expect or want. Sometimes, it’s not as good as it seems.” Her heart flutters again as he smiles at her. “I’m glad you trust me enough to tell me. I want to know what you think and feel, what makes you happy.”
Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) Page 7
