“Leader of the Dark Riders, the organization that the crazed vamp is running with,” he supplied easily, his edginess mounting. “He’s airtight. So far, I haven’t been able to gather anything substantial on him either.”
“Relax. This is where I come in,” Lucian said, sitting at the edge of the chair. “I’ll do some snooping to see what I can find out. As soon as I do, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Thank you. As always your help is invaluable, and I appreciate it greatly. I have to go.” Standing, he headed for the door, but then he arched a brow when Lucian fell into step along with him. He stopped midstride. “Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded.
“Where’d you think?” Lucian bit back. “I’m going to meet her. Anyone that can reduce you to a mess of rubble is worth noting.”
He eyed him closely. “Just remember what I---”
“I get it. She belongs to you,” Lucian said, slapping him on the back as he passed to the door. “Come on, she’s probably wondering where you are about right now.”
She belongs to you, his friend’s words whispered back at him as they trailed down the hall.
Why did his heart fervently wish that it were true?
***
“Your friend is quite interesting,” she observed quietly, several minutes later after Lucian had departed them. “He’s so well-schooled in music and the arts. I’m actually impressed that his knowledge is so extensive. Not even the music protégés that I work with on a constant basis have such an in depth base.”
She cradled the goblet in her hand loosely before turning in his direction again. Now, she reclined on the settee with her legs carefully folded under her. And admittedly, she was more than relaxed as she touched the glass to her lips and took a small sip of the champagne.
Even Macy was feeling relaxed, especially since she was dozing peacefully on the floor close to her.
“Don’t dare tell him that,” he said dryly. “His ego is massive enough already.”
She smiled inwardly.
Did she actually detect a note of irritation in his voice?
Or was it jealousy?
She shook the ridiculous notion aside.
“Well, it’s obvious that you’re close friends,” she added thoughtfully, leaning forward slightly to place the glass on the table. Then, she frowned. “How long did you say you’ve known each other?”
His hesitation was brief.
“Quite a long while,” he said abruptly, standing. “I think that I’m up for a little pool.”
She frowned again.
It seemed like an innocent, but legitimate question.
But, why was he being so evasive?
Firmly deciding that it wasn’t any of her business, she asked instead, “There’s a pool table here, too? Wow, he was certainly intent on covering all the bases when he designed this place, wasn’t he? There’s practically something here for everyone. Music, dancing, gaming…” her voice trailed away as he stayed silent.
Finally, he placed his glass down.
“You play?” he quipped lightly, standing over her.
Once again, her senses took flight as his sexy tone washed over her. The color stained cheeks face again. “Before the accident, I tried it a few times. Why don’t I just say that I’ve always had designs to play it well, but I never quite got good at it,” she admitted truthfully. “When it comes to pool, I’m practically a klutz.”
“Isn’t it your lucky day, then?” he said, humor filling his tone. “You’re talking to the pool master. Come on.”
Before she could protest, he hauled her up, and then grasped her hand before leading her towards the pool table.
“What are you doing?” she asked, and her heart flip-flopped as she followed behind him.
“What does it look like? I’m about to challenge you in a game.”
Suddenly, he stopped, causing her to collide into his hard body.
Unperturbed, he faced her.
“Why don’t we start with the basics?” he teased. “Do you fully understand the premise behind the game?”
“Oh, come on,” she scoffed, resting her hands on her hips. “I’m not a complete nitwit when it comes to the game.” Now, amusement filled her tone. “Are you trying to insult me, or do you actually believe that I need one of those self-help books for dummies?”
“Hopefully, we won’t have to go that far,” he joked again, and they both laughed.
She listened closely as he arranged the balls on the table.
A smile flitted across her face.
When had she ever been this light-hearted?
She sobered.
Of course, she knew why or rather who was responsible.
Finally, her thoughts caught up with his words again.
“…knock the ball through the pocket, and you’ve scored,” he finished, tapping the cue stick against the table, and then humor laced his tone. “Now, are you up for a game, or are you afraid that I’m going to wipe the floor with you?”
“Must I point out the obvious?” she asked, quirking her brows in a frown. “Obviously, I’m at a slight disadvantage.”
“No, you’re not, and something tells me that you never back away from a challenge. I’m going to assist you,” he suggested quickly, closing her hand around the cue stick.
“And how do I know that I can trust you? For all I know, you’ll have me knocking the eight ball in,” she teased as he guided her closer to the pool table. Then, all her amusement fled as he moved behind her.
“You know that I’d never do that,” he admitted, his warm breath teasing her head as he stood over her. “You ready for your first shot?”
“Of course, I am,” she said, forcing herself to breathe.
Hands trembling, she grasped the cue stick before inching it back.
“I hate to inform you of this. But, I do need my ribcage. And with the way you’re jabbing that thing, I’ll be lucky it’s intact after it’s all over,” he said jokingly. “Relax. The first step for any pool gamer is the correct stance. Bend over, relax your shoulders…”
At once, her senses fled as he leaned over, and in that burning moment, she pondered if she’d die of air deprivation. But, still, his touch was gentle as he guided her movements. “Now, pull the stick back like this,” he instructed, pulling her arm back slowly. “And then, tap the cue stick against the ball.”
Finally, she breathed as she smacked the ball, and then cheered as it rolled into the pocket.
“I thought that you weren’t any good at this,” he remarked. “That’s a pretty good shot for a rookie.”
“That’s because you’re helping me,” she smiled, still finding it difficult to maintain her sanity since he was standing so close.
“Don’t give me too much credit, sweetheart,” he said again, easing her to the far end of the table. “You’re controlling all the actions, all the movements. I’m merely support. Believe in it, your capabilities, yourself. Ready for your next shot?” he inquired, standing behind her again.”
“What was I thinking when I didn’t wager any money on this,” she teased back, leaning over as she grasped the cue stick firmly. “It’s obvious that I’m going to sweep the floor with you.”
“Well, I can’t let this get out then, can I? I’m actually getting my butt kicked by a female.”
She laughed along with him as they moved into position again.
And for the first time in a long while, in her heart, she believed.
Chapter 8
Three months later……
The light classical music drifted across the stage, but it was easily droned out by the mingling crowds. After adjusting the music sheets on the piano frame, Nicole grabbed the hand fan from the piano’s top. This is it, she mulled, waving the fine velvet-lined fan before pausing it in mid-air. After all their preparation over these last weeks, they’d finally showcase their hard work and effort, and sheer perfection would be the ending result.
“Seriously, the li
ghting department needs to dim these blistering stage lights, or shut them off altogether,” Leslie complained, sliding onto the piano bench beside her. “If they don’t, we’re all going to melt.”
“You won’t get any argument from me,” she conceded, waving the fan again. A faint breeze swept across her face, and she nearly groaned with pleasure. “Do we have a good crowd?”
“The place is packed. And you wouldn’t believe some of the people that are here. In the front row, there’s the diplomatic crowd and people are literally dangling from the balcony. And I must add that some rather hot, eligible and not-so eligible bachelors are in attendance,” Leslie teased.
As Leslie chattered on, she feigned interest, but her concentration was elsewhere. The butterflies in her stomach took flight again, and she understood that it wasn’t due to the boisterous crowd.
With a trembling hand, she waved the fan faster.
What had she been thinking by inviting Xander?
To her chagrin, he’d neither accepted nor declined.
So, was it likely that he’d even show up?
A shiver of nervous anticipation ran up her spine.
Was he out there in the crowd--- waiting for her now?
Both fear and elation seared through her.
Her mind finally caught up with Leslie’s words again.
“And once again, you look absolutely stunning! And I think that I deserve some of the credit, especially with all the tantrums you pulled while I helped you get ready,” Leslie grumbled with affection. “If you’re not careful, you may catch the eye of one of these eligible bachelors. And if that happens, feel free to pass my number to one of his friends.” She laughed. “And, you know that I’m not kidding, right? But, seriously, Nicole, you are going to turn heads tonight. Trust me on that.”
“Oh, stop with all the flattery,” she shushed her. “You are going overboard with the compliments, but I do appreciate them. I know that it’s rare to see me in attire other than t-shirt and jeans. Believe me--- I’m still trying to adjust to the feel of something other than cotton and denim. But, more importantly, I have no interest in catching the attention of anyone.”
That wasn’t entirely true, her inner voice reminded her.
“I suspect you’ll have a change of heart when one of them approaches you.” Leslie hugged her before standing up. “I have to finish setting my instrument up. I’ll try to catch up with you when everything’s over.”
“Ok, I’ll see you then. Good luck.”
Her thoughts strayed again.
Hopefully, she looked half-decent.
With much encouragement and badgering from Leslie, she had even donned makeup, a girly pleasure that she hadn’t done in ages. She’d never been poked, prodded, or fussed at in her life, she groaned inwardly, remembering Leslie’s antics as she experimented with a huge palette of colors on her face.
Her eyelids were now shadowed in a dark, blue shade, and her lashes were thick, having received a lush dappling of black, silver tinted mascara. Her soft cheeks were dusted in coral rouge, and a gloss of rosy pink tinted her lips.
The soft tendrils framed her lovely face, and her black tresses were upswept in an elegant chignon, carefully held in place by an ivory comb. And a pair of small, teardrop diamond earrings dangled from her ears.
A champagne satin, draped-back gown swathed her frame. Its fitted bodice consisted of an asymmetrical neckline in front and gathered at the left shoulder, accented by a rhinestone brooch. The plunging, back neckline was framed by champagne satin, draped fabric. The elegant gown fitted along her midsection, with ruching front and back, and its long flared A-line skirt reached her feet. And now, the matching, chiffon wrap lay loosely across her lower back, stretching along her bent arms.
During their shopping venture weeks before, Leslie had described the stylish piece to her. When she’d fingered it, the dress had slid across her palms like fine silk, and she was immediately sold. So, she’d splurged and purchased it.
Needless to say, she was feeling the pinch from her elaborate purchase.
And hadn’t she done it to impress Xander, she mulled, hoping that he’d take notice.
She started when applause erupted in the room.
Taking a shaky breath, she listened as the heavy curtain lifted.
The applause died along with the soft murmurs, leaving only a calm silence in its wake, and then the conductor clacked his matching batons.
Her posture straightened at once, and her fingers automatically went to the piano’s keys.
The woodwinds, percussions, brass, and strings began in succession, and everything but the music faded from her mind.
***
Frustrated, Xander tugged at the tuxedo’s neckline.
Naturally, he’d forgotten how irksome bow ties could be.
What’d possessed him to don the tux anyway, he frowned.
It’d been eons since he’d even visited his tailor, and a suit and tie would’ve easily done. Of course, he understood what or rather who was responsible for his actions tonight.
His gaze switched to Nicole.
Even from his stance in the balcony, her exquisite beauty blew him away. Until this point, casual wear was the only thing he’d basically seen her in. But, tonight, she’d pulled out all the stops.
The huge, stage lights swung overhead, alternating between white and a pale blue color, easily creating a surreal atmosphere around the orchestra.
He watched her.
She swayed along with the music.
And he was captivated…
More than he had any right to be.
He cleared his throat uncomfortably.
Could it be possible that he really cared about---
Immediately, he clamped down on his feelings.
There was no point in going there.
But, in this last month, their friendship had certainly grown, and it was blatantly obvious that they shared a deep attraction. Yet, they hadn’t acted on it.
“Ahem.”
Turning to his right, he found two beady eyes trained on him, and finally realized that he was occupying too much of the chair’s arm rest.
“Well, I never!” the elderly woman hissed, and then frowning, she whacked him with the folded fan.
I’m close to sure that you haven’t, he muttered to himself, straightening in his seat.
Instead, he said, “Sorry, ma’am.”
His eyes moved past her onto the sea of faces around him.
Thankfully, the crazed vamp wasn’t here.
As a matter of fact, he hadn’t detected his scent in weeks, he thought, staring at the stage below.
The conductor raised his batons, directing the other musicians as Nicole went into the haunting solo. At once, the violinists joined in, adding an even more melancholy lilt to the score. The huge spotlights beamed upon her, shining brilliantly as she played each note.
As he watched her, his own senses were caught up in a whirlwind forbidden love affair, and again he was seduced as she stroked each key. Then, she struck a high chord, dangling him at the edge of some forbidden truth. Finally, the other instrumentalists cut back in, jolting him from his reverie.
Blinking fast, he sat higher in the seat.
Moments later, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra kicked into another score, this particular tune having a modern, scaled upbeat. And surprisingly, he enjoyed it, too.
Thunderous applause erupted across the hall as the concert ended, and he joined in their rambunctious praise as he stood.
The conductor bowed graciously before departing the stage area, and excited murmurs rose from the exiting crowd as they moved quickly down the aisles. Still, he remained seated as the mad crowd rushed out.
His gaze dropped below.
Still, Nicole wasn’t making any moves to depart, although the other musicians were. Seemingly, she was taking the same stance that he was.
Which meant that she’d need an escort, he reasoned, coming to his feet.
And he certainly fit the bill.
***
Moments later, the noises settled around her.
She sighed in relief.
Thankfully, the other musicians had made a mass exodus. Gently grasping the piano’s edge, she stood up just as Leslie approached.
“Weren’t we great?” she smiled.
“Oh, Nicole, we were past perfect! And you---I just can’t say enough about how awesomely great you were! And the critics agree!” Leslie exclaimed, passing the faux minx to her. “They are already raving about us. I can’t wait to read the columns tomorrow. This positive buzz will do wonders for our professional careers, Nicole. We are going to be famous!”
Smiling, she shrugged the coat on.
“How are you containing all of your excitement?” Leslie went on. “I can barely control mine. Some of us are hanging out at Chasm’s Lounge later to celebrate. Wanna come?”
“No thanks. Not tonight, Leslie,” she said, taking a cautious step in the half-inch heels. “I’ve had enough excitement for one evening.”
“Give me one good reason why you can’t come and celebrate with us. The only thing you’re going to do is go home, be bored out of your mind, and what’s the fun in that?” Leslie observed. “Well, I’m not going to allow it! Not to---shut up! You won’t believe who’s coming our way!”
Her breath caught.
Had he actually showed?
“Ladies,” Xander said slowly, his sexy timbre oozing over her. “The performance was outstanding. Not that I want to discredit everyone else. But, I have say, Nicole, that your solo rendition was magnificent. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” she said, surprised that her voice was steady. Her stomach was turning somersaults! Still, coolness masked her tone. “And I’m glad that you enjoyed it.”
“And once again, thank you for inviting me,” he said.
“Well, considering everything that you’ve done for me, I owe you something.”
“Who’s keeping count?” he asked smoothly.
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