"Ok, I can do that. Thank you, Austin. I know you're going out on a limb with me. I won't let you down," Nikki admits bashfully.
"I know you won't," he replies genuinely before turning around and heading back towards his office. Before he makes it out of earshot, he hollers, "And don't forget to eat, Nikki!"
Laughter erupts from her and she smiles affectionately as she begins to fill out the paperwork.
The remaining hours of the work day speed past as she sets to work memorizing the calendar for Connelly Construction.
Austin ensured she was fed several times during the day, but despite his care, he startles her once the work day has drawn to a close. Helping her slip into her coat, he goes through the end of day routine with her and shows her how to close up the building. At last, they lock the front door and he turns to her.
"Come on, Nikki, let's head home."
Home.
How she wished that were true.
AUSTIN IS IN A terrible mood. His nights were usually filled with a dreamless sleep that left him feeling refreshed in the morning. Prior to Nikki, his "guests" always knew they weren't allowed to stay the night. Austin didn't tolerate anyone or anything messing with his sleep. If he were to go into work tired, serious mistakes could easily happen.
And today, he is drained. The two cups of coffee he had quickly downed had done little to shake the exhaustion and weariness he was currently facing.
So worn-out from ignoring his emotions during the day, Austin had imagined that his head would hit the pillow and he would be out instantly. Instead, he had tossed and turned for hours, imagining Nikki in the room next door and how she would look with his cock buried deep inside her body. Austin had so many sex dreams during the night that he could have opened his own porn company. When at last he had seen Nikki, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in his kitchen, happily making breakfast for them, he couldn't help but feel anger towards her.
Obviously, he is losing his mind. Austin felt bad about how short-tempered he was with her before they headed into the office, but he was getting really tired of trying not to show that he was falling in love with her again. Hell, he had never fallen out of love with her, but he just wasn't sure his heart could handle an attempt at reconciliation.
Yet as Austin glances at Nikki's profile while she gazes sweetly out the window of his truck on their way to the office, he realizes that he doesn't want to fight it anymore. He wants her more than he has ever wanted anything. She was the only one that made him doubt his decision to stay away from relationships and the mess that they inevitably entailed: she was the love to coalesce his damaged heart which had never recovered from Ashley's betrayal.
Of course, Nikki and his family only knew part of the story -- the part he had cared to share. It was easier to talk about the unrelated details that comprised a reasonable excuse for why he previously had no desire to be a father. It was the same reason that had made it so easy for Austin to relate to Logan's initial hesitancy in pursuing Avery.
Shaking his head, Austin knows he needs to share this piece of himself with Nikki if he ever wants to completely exorcise his demons and move forward with her.
He takes a deep breath and exhales, then repeats the gesture a second time before allowing his voice to echo throughout the large cab of the truck.
"Six years ago, my girlfriend Ashley miscarried a child," Austin begins in a nonchalant tone.
Nikki's head whips around so fast he can actually hear the swish of her long hair as it brushes against the window.
"She was about twelve weeks along and hadn't even realized she was pregnant. I'm still not really sure how that can happen, but she claimed to have always been irregular," he continues with a shrug of his shoulders. "I was devastated when I found out what was going on. I hadn't even known the child existed and I loved it with everything I am. When she was back at home, recovering, she sprang the truth on me about the affair with her step-father… how the baby could have been mine or his.” He stares straight ahead, swallowing hard. “Distraught is not a strong enough word for how I felt. She had claimed to love me, but I had never felt as hated as I did in that moment."
Austin risks a glance in her direction, gauging her feelings. To his surprise, Nikki’s eyes are brimming not with sadness and pity, but with hatred and disgust.
"It's why I always said that I didn't want a family. It had nothing to do with mine personally, but for the loss of a child I never had the chance to know. My vision of relationships and fatherhood have been completely tarnished by that woman and I am very sorry that I have been taking it out on you." Pulling into his designated parking space, Austin turns in his seat and grips Nikki's hand in his. "I do understand why you ran, especially after everything I had said beforehand, but I want you to know that I will be here for you and the baby. No more running, Nikki."
"I won't. I promise," she reassures. "How could...how could someone do something so cruel? I just don't understand."
"Ashley only cared about Ashley. She had been that way since high school and had never changed, I just didn't realize it until it was too late."
Running his shaky hand through his hair, he leans back against the headrest, closes his eyes, and takes in the relief of finally sharing his story with someone - especially with Nikki.
Shock registers in his eyes when they open and widen at the sensation of Nikki's soft lips pressed against his own. The kiss is not one of exploration, but one of understanding and healing. It's one to draw all of the hurt and sadness into herself, and take the burden from his weary shoulders. It is a kiss of pure love. Nikki doesn't draw back at his reaction; she simply presses another kiss to his cheek and then moves to jump out of the vehicle, leaving him stunned, gracious and, quite frankly, horny as hell.
When Austin comes back to himself, he enters the office to find Nikki seated behind her desk, taking a phone call and jotting down notes. He bypasses her and heads to his office, where he moves directly to the restroom and splashes cold water onto his face.
Glancing into the mirror above the sink, Austin takes note of the life that has been breathed back into his eyes. The lethargy he had been feeling early this morning is diminished and instead is replaced by a new joie de vivre. Austin feels as though he has run five miles: his mind is crisp and sharp, and he has Nikki to thank for that.
When he reenters his office, closing the bathroom door behind him, he finds Nikki perched on the edge of his desk, flipping through a small personal planner. It is just now that he takes notice of her attire. She is wearing a tight, black pencil skirt with a purple silken blouse tucked in at the waist. Her long legs are encased in high-heeled boots that rise gracefully to the knee.
Fuck, I want her.
Austin adjusts his pants before moving to his desk. When Nikki notices he has returned, she hops down from her post and brushes her hands down her skirt, then tucks her loose hair behind her ears.
"What can I do for you?" he asks, thinking he knows exactly what he’d like to do for – or to her.
"Oh, it probably could have waited, but I wanted you to know that I spoke to Brooks and he is in town. Apparently, he has taken the week between Christmas and New Years to relax. He can meet with us for lunch tomorrow if that works for you."
"Sure, just call Angie’s to get the back room so we won't be interrupted. Let him know that we can come here to show him the current plans. If he even has an inkling of taking on this project, then I want to make changes now. We have demolition scheduled for Thursday. And we were lucky to get this spot, there wasn't an opening for the engineer until May and we know how patient Avery can be," he snickers.
Nikki's giggle joins with his and they both explode into more raucous laughter that leaves them gasping for air.
"Did I tell you that she is trying to convince her doctor in Asheville to schedule an elective C-section early? She wants to meet the twins so badly. Too bad the doctor won't do the surgery unless it is necessary. I think Avery grumbled on the phone for an hour."
Without a second thought, Austin chuckles and reaches for Nikki's hand, tugging her towards him and wrapping her in his embrace. At first she is stiff, unsure of his intentions, but when he rests his chin on her head, she settles into his familiar warmth.
They stay like this for an unknown amount of time, each of them nervously wondering how long the other will let this go on, before they hear a cough at the doorway. Nikki jumps back and Austin grabs her arm to steady her.
"Sara, can I help you?" he asks the redhead who is now glaring at Nikki's back.
Sara is a new addition to his team in Carson, having relocated from their office in Atlanta, Georgia. She is indeed beautiful by normal standards - tall and statuesque with desirable features -- but Austin has never been attracted to her, though she has hinted at pursuing him a time or two. Now he felt shameful at the way she is reacting to Nikki's presence, yet he has done nothing to feel this way.
"I just wanted to see if you were free for lunch today," she inquires, carefully arranging her facial features into those of a seasoned seductress.
Ever grateful for another woman's company, Austin says, "Actually, I am having lunch with Nikki today. I don't believe you two have met. Nikki, this is Sara Fleming. She was Vice President of Design in our Atlanta Office, but we relocated her position to Carson. This is Nikki Deveraux. She was Office Manager at Carson Physician’s Clinic." He takes a moment to glance down at Nikki before continuing, "She is also the mother of my soon-to-be daughter."
"What?" Sara bristles from the doorway.
"Is there anything else, Sara? I believe you need to finish up the build design for Logan before our meeting tomorrow."
Eyes still scalding in anger (and possibly pain), Sara storms off up the stairwell to her office.
Nikki glances up at Austin in confusion and concern.
"Were you two a thing?"
He shakes his head in denial before adding, "I think she had hoped, but I have never been interested in more. The only one who has ever made me want a relationship was you."
Her body melts at his words, then she whispers her anxious thoughts, "Did you two ever sleep together?"
"No.” He replies firmly and truthfully, “I can honestly say we have never even been alone in a room together."
Relief floods her features and Austin takes her bit of jealousy as hopeful interest.
"Go to dinner with me tonight," he says suddenly, all doubts vanished from his mind.
"What?"
"I want to take you out."
"Like a date?" she asks, a hint of optimism hiding behind her eyes.
"Yes, like a date."
Murmuring, she tucks her chin close to her chest, "You're not mad at me anymore?"
"I wasn't mad at you, Nikki. I was just...hurt. I didn't understand how you could just walk away. But I get it now. You were protecting yourself and our child. I think I'd like to see if we can piece together what we had and continue forward."
"Really?" she questions brightly, tears welling in her eyes.
"Yes, really."
"Ok. I'd...I'd like that.” She replies with a blush, “But I better get back to work before my boss reprimands me."
"That bastard," Austin replies heatedly, desire washing over him as he envisions truly reprimanding Nikki: spanking her perfect ass as she rests across his desk.
Luckily, she turns around and exits his office before she can see his erection straining against the denim of his jeans. But as he glances up, he notices that Nikki adds an extra sway to her hips: she definitely noticed his growing need.
She's going to be the death of me.
NIKKI WAS DISTRACTED ALL day. She had to completely retype two different emails, and check the inventory for the demolition so many times she lost count. All she could think about is her date with Austin this evening.
And now, here she is, waiting outside his door as he finishes his phone call. Out of the corner of her eye, she watches as Sara leaves the break room and heads back up the staircase. Nikki assumes it is typical in this field to work late, and since Sara is due to deliver the plans for the home Logan and Avery were having built, Nikki brushes aside the curious sight.
Startled, Nikki jumps and shrieks as Austin wraps an arm around her waist.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's ok. I was lost in my own mind."
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yes,” she nods, following him outside.
Once they are in the truck, Austin discloses that they are headed toward one of the local wineries. They had started sprouting up all around Carson a few years back, resulting in a boom of tourism for their little town. Nikki loves wine and had been to a few of the older vineyards, but the one Austin mentions is new and has a full service restaurant.
As the large truck barrels down the gravel path, Nikki stares in awe at the miles of delicious grape vines, all lit up with twinkling lights for the holidays. It is absolutely beautiful.
"I've never seen anything like it."
"It's quite a sight, right? The brochure had a picture of an evening wedding on the property and it looked remarkable."
"I can only imagine. I should mention this to Avery for their wedding. She hasn't said anything, but I bet she'll want to wait until she loses the baby weight from the twins."
"You never know," Austin mutters, and Nikki has the strangest sense he knows something she did not.
Have Avery and Logan already chosen a date?
Nikki had thought (or maybe even assumed) that Avery would ask her to be a bridesmaid, but perhaps she has changed her mind.
Before long, Austin pulls into the parking lot and escorts Nikki from the car, wrapping her jacket tenderly across her shoulders. As the couple approaches the main building, Nikki's eyes widen at the sight of the imposing wooden structure. Ushering her inside and out of the cold, Austin gently removes her jacket, placing it over his arm as he sets his other hand at the small of her back. They walk towards the restaurant, but Nikki moves blindly, taking in the grandiose surroundings of wooden beams, steel and leather decor. The aura of the restaurant is heavy with sensuality. As the aroma of wine filters through the room, she feels herself heating with desire.
It has been way too long since I have had sex, she thinks to herself.
Squeezing her thighs tighter together, Nikki walks with a more severe sway in her hips than before as she tries to hide her need. When Austin glances down at her, she knows by the sparkle in his eye that she has been unsuccessful.
As they wait in line behind the hostess, Austin leans down, his lips brushing against the edge of her ear.
"I can smell you from here. I used to dream of that scent.” He presses a gentle kiss in a place he knows she loves, “What has you so worked up?"
"I have no idea," she whispers in return. "There is just something about being in this place...with you."
Austin doesn’t have a chance to respond before the hostess at the front takes them to their reserved table.
"I want to try something with you, Nikki. Something I haven't done before."
Letting his words wash over her, the fear begins to trickle into her subconscious, but is followed quickly by excitement.
"What …" she begins, but has to cough to keep her voice from sounding abrasive, "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is I'd like to try to give us another chance. But we both need to forget all the bad things that happened up until this point. And right now, I want to fuck the shit out of you, but I won't do it unless you're mine," Austin announces huskily.
His voice washes over Nikki in a provocative caress and she can feel herself withering before his eyes.
"Yes," she responds without question.
Nodding, Austin turns his attention towards the menu and orders for them when their waiter arrives at the table. Nikki's mind is too distracted to think of food between the scent of fresh wine swirling around them, the words Austin expressed… and the ones he implied.
She ab
sent-mindedly eats her meal, her mind deep within itself, thankful for the muscle memory that brought her fork to her lips. She assumes that she held up some form of conversation, but at this second, she can't remember a single word that had been spoken. Well, except - "I want to fuck the shit out of you," he had said, her mind rewinding over and over again, back to that part, during the entire duration of their meal.
Once they finish and pay, she stands waiting as Austin shrugs on his jacket, staring blankly ahead like a zombie eyeing her feast.
"Are you ok, Nikki? Was your meal alright?" Austin asks, obviously concerned over her lack of conversation.
"I'm fine. I'm just a bit...distracted," Nikki responds, flicking her wrist as if it is no big deal.
But it is a big deal, because she is completely overtaken with lust for Austin and he is staring back down at her as though she were the Holy Grail he’d been searching for his entire life.
Grunting, Austin tugs her towards the exit, merely saying, "Let's go.”
Her breath comes in short, quick pants as the cab of his truck seems to shrink around them. They are silent, but the air around them is heated with barely-contained, desperate desire. The closer they get to Austin's home, the slower time seems to become. Of course, when they finally reach the lone stoplight in town, it turns red upon their approach.
Nikki sighs heavily and Austin cries out, "Fuck."
He turns his head in her direction and the two lock eyes. Nikki watches as Austin’s pupils dilate, the blackness absorbing all surrounding color.
"Unbutton your shirt," he demands heatedly.
"What?"
"Just do it, please."
Without a glance to their surroundings, Nikki quickly and efficiently unfastens the five buttons above her skirt's waistband. As her shirt falls open, allowing the white lace of her bra to peek out from beneath the material, she watches as the knuckles on Austin's hands turn white as he grips the steering wheel with immense force.
Coming Together: Welcome to Carson, Book Two Page 6
