Sweeter Than Chocolate: Valentine's Day Anthology

by Gina Kincade

  “Oh, brother. You are so in love with her.” She smirks.

  Rolling my eyes, I let out a sigh. “How can I be in love with someone I don’t really know?” Absurd. Love. I thought I was in love with Nicole only to find out I only loved arguing with her. I learned later it wasn’t true love but a longing for it. I don’t even know what it feels like to be in love.

  She reaches over, taking my hand. “Think about all you’ve been through together. The times you’ve shared. How you feel when you’re with her.”

  “I feel complete, in a way. I also feel as though I could have an anxiety attack wanting to be with her again so badly.”

  “Yes! Love!” I look at her as if she’s crazy. “Love can take hold of us and make us feel like we’re alive. It can also debilitate us until we think we could die without them. They’re always on our minds, not able to stand it until we see them again.” She lets out a dreamy sigh.

  Confusion fills my head. “Who are you talking about, sis?” It’s definitely not about me and Diana.

  Pulling her hand back, she sits up straight. “Oh! I was just thinking about you. How you must be feeling about her.”

  I cough. “Bullshit.” She starts laughing. “Fess up, Jillian. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.” She folds the napkin and sets it back by my plate. Suddenly, her eyes light up. “Okay. So, I’ve been going out with someone. He’s just…” She looks up at the ceiling then back at me. “He’s just wonderful.”

  My brows raise and I have to admit, talking to her, I feel a bit better. “Does Mother know?”

  “Oh God, no.” She waves her hand. “She’d want to meet him, pick him apart. Our secret?”

  “Our secret.” I smile. Picking up the sandwich, I take a bite. It doesn’t taste so bad now.

  “Nolan.” I look over at her. “Fight for her. Get your shit together, quit feeling sorry for yourself, and fight for her.”

  She’s right. “How’d you get so smart?” I ask, reaching over and ruffling her hair.

  She laughs. “Look who I have to deal with.”

  ***

  Another month goes by, and I’m trying to no avail not to let depression drag me under again. David keeps telling me the Lancaster’s are getting closer to wanting to sell their company, yet I’ve seen no motion. Today is Thanksgiving and the next charity ball is the first weekend in December. Always the fucking holidays that hold too many bad memories. Yet, the anticipation of seeing Diana again overtakes the bad. And it’s only a week away.

  “Hello, Mother.” I kiss her cheek and she smiles as she takes the bottle of wine from me and walks into the kitchen.

  “Jillian.” I pull her into a hug. “Thank you, again, for the pep talk.” Taking off my suit coat, I hang it in the closet.

  She moves to me as close as she can. “Well, did you see her yet?” she whispers, looking over her shoulder to make sure Mother doesn’t hear.

  I shake my head but smile. “Next weekend is the next ball.”

  She smiles, leans up and gives me a hug.

  Dinner was filling, the conversation not so much.

  “So, have you seen that woman again, Nolan? You know you hardly talk to me about anything,” Mother asks while picking at the turkey on her plate with her fork. You know, the turkey and all the trimmings the cook made.

  “No, Mother.” I pick up my drink and down it and ask the server for another. “And I talk to you. We had lunch and we talked.”

  Her eyes widen, totally not amused. “That was months ago. Really, Nolan. Would it hurt for you to call me or stop by every once in a while?” She shakes her head.

  “I’m sorry, Mother. I’ll try to do better.” I drain the new drink as soon as the server sets it on the table and immediately ask for another. I knew it would go this way.

  “Um…” Jillian looks at Mother, then at me, then at Mother again. “What woman?”

  Mother picks up her glass of wine and takes a sip. “Oh, please, Jillian. I’m sure he’s already confided in you.” Jillian’s brows raise. Her face picture perfect for a superb job of acting innocent. Mother lets out a sigh. “He met her at some masquerade charity or something.” She looks at me and smiles. “He’s either smitten or using her for sex.” She shrugs.

  “Mother,” I say in disgust.

  “Oh, darling. I’m sure your feelings are valid.” She looks at Jillian. “I just don’t know why he can’t meet a woman at one of the clubs. Someone, you know, in our world.” She makes a circle with her glass.

  “And what world is that, Mother? The one where the father can’t stand his wife anymore, so he leaves his son and daughter and hightails it out of town, never to be seen again. Or is it the pretentious world only you are in?” I stand, not wanting to stay here another moment.

  “Nolan! I’ll not be talked to that way. Sit down and finish your dinner.”

  Smacking my hands on the table, my anger takes hold. “That’s my cue.” I walk quickly to the closet and put on my coat.

  “Nolan. Where are you going? I was just kidding.” Mother comes up behind me as I head to the front door, Jillian hot on her heels.

  I turn around and face her. “This is why I don’t like coming over here. Kidding? Really? You’re talking about the woman I may be falling in love with. A woman who has made me feel again. And…you’re kidding? Very distasteful, Mother.”

  Her face changes instantly, her lips purse. “Go, Nolan. I’m sure this woman wouldn’t fit in anyway. Go ahead, run away, just like your father.”

  Behind her, Jillian holds up her hand to her ear, mouthing “Call me.”

  The realization of what I said hit me on the way home. I may be falling in love. That’s it! That’s why I’ve been so crazy missing her. It’s not the sex—it’s a lot of the sex—but I miss her. I want to learn more about her. Her likes. Her dislikes. What does she like to do to have fun? Besides sex. Did she grow up in a loving family or like me without a father figure and a mother who treats you like shit? So much I want to know. Now, I’ve just got to get through the work week.

  ***

  It’s the evening of the ball, and I’m in the best mood I’ve been in for years. Visualizing her face puts a kick in my step. I hum all the way in the cab. After bidding on several items in the silent auction, I get myself a drink and stand at the wall down from the door inside the ballroom. Now, I just wait.

  And wait.

  Still waiting two hours and four drinks later. Where is she?

  Another hour and people are beginning to leave.

  She didn’t show.

  Deflated, I skip going to see Nancy and go home. Alone. To my empty penthouse. Where no one can watch me fall apart.

  Chapter Eight

  “Rumor has it, Lancaster’s in the hospital. Not sure why. My sources haven’t been able to find out yet.” David’s been in my office for too long talking me to death. “Oh! And this came for you.” He places a large envelope on my desk. I eye it wearily. “It’s another ball invitation. I’m guessing a Christmas one. Like last year.”

  “I’m not interested,” I grumble as I stare at the computer screen, looking at some company wanting to sell.

  “What? Of course you are!” He pushes it closer to me.

  Without tearing my eyes away from the screen, I let out a huff. “No. I’m not. You go if you want,” I say angrily.

  “Who pissed in your post toasties?” He laughs.

  Not able to help myself, I look at him. “My what?”

  “It’s just a saying, never mind.” He leans his elbow on my desk. “Don’t you want to see your mystery woman?” Sitting up straight, he has a perplexed look. “What? You didn’t say anything about the last event. You know, the one after Thanksgiving?”

  I look back at the screen, trying desperately to ignore him. “No, I didn’t.”

  “Oh, did you not have fun? You seem to always have fun at the events. In fact, after the last couple, you seemed to change. Like…like you’re a nice person.” I give him a s
cowl. He looks up as though he’s thinking then looks at me, his eyes widening. “You fell in love with her, didn’t you?” My brows lower and I go back to work. “Okay, maybe that’s pushing it, especially for you. But there’s something.” Resting his chin on his hand, he taps his temple with his finger.

  “Stop!” His elbow slides off the desk, but he catches himself before he falls. His eyes widen with fear. “Quit trying to fish for information. There is no information to catch. And…” I stand, setting my hands on the desk. “What I do outside of this office is none of your business.” Anger rises to an all time high. I can feel the heat on my face. “I’m not going to anymore masquerade balls, events, or anything else you want to call them. I’m not seeing anyone now nor in the foreseeable future. Got it?”

  He swallows hard. “Yeah. Sure. I’ll just…” Standing, he walks to the door, looks at me, opens his mouth then shuts it quickly and bolts out of the door.

  Now, David isn’t a bad guy. He’s actually a good looking man. Women are always vying for his attention. He may seem a little wimpy at times, at least when he pisses me off, but he works out all the time. Large biceps and I’d wager underneath that suit and button-down shirt is a six-pack. Another reason I don’t want him to have anything to do with Jillian. Besides, she’s dating Paul. Uh, Michael. Oh, hell. She’s dating someone.

  ***

  I’ve been holed up in my home, not wanting to do anything. My thoughts tormenting me. Why did she stand me up? Was there a valid reason or did she not want to see me anymore? Fuck! Now I know how women feel when they get stood up or the man says he’ll call them after having sex and never do. They wait by the phone, wondering what in the hell they did. Damn, I’ve been watching too much TV. Yet, somehow when I was at the ball, at least for a moment, I felt her presence. I’d stake my life on it. Did she come, see me, then run away? But why?

  The doorbell rings. “Who in the hell can that be?” I complain to myself as I walk to the door. Why can’t everyone just leave me alone in my fucking misery? I open the door and my anger changes to confusion.

  “Pardon me, Mr. Aldridge. Someone left this downstairs at the front desk for you.”

  “Thank you, Thomas.” I take the small package he offers me.

  “Goodnight, Mr. Aldridge.” He smiles as he turns and steps into the elevator.

  “And to you, Thomas.” I give him a nod and shut the door.

  Who would send me a package? I walk over and sit down on the couch, setting the package on the coffee table quickly as if it would burn me. It’s wrapped in plain paper, delicate handwriting in pen with my name. After staring at it for a few moments, I pull up the corners carefully as if a sudden movement would set it off. When I expose a box, I lift the lid, my head tilting in confusion. A black mask with a tint of green and red delicately wrapped around the edges. Unlike the mask I wore to the Christmas Ball last year, this looks manly with a hint of festive. Subtle. Refined. Picking it up, I notice a note beneath it.

  Nolan,

  Please forgive me for not attending the Thanksgiving Ball. An emergency came up at the last minute. I hated not being able to tell you myself.

  Meet me at the Christmas Ball.

  I’ll give you my number.

  Diana

  My mouth lifts into a smile, one I thought had left me forever. She didn’t stand me up. Well, not on purpose. She wished she could have told me herself. Dammit. Nancy was right, again! That I’ll keep to myself.

  I returned to work the next morning a new person. A smile on my face. I was even pleasant to people. Lisa thought I’d gone mad. I’d invited David into my office. By the look on his face, he apparently thought he was in trouble. I’m sure he will be at some point.

  “David. Please, sit.” Slowly he enters the room and sits down. “Have you heard anything more from Lancaster?” Clapping my hands together, I rub them back and forth. “I’m in the mood to buy his corporation.”

  “Oh.” He releases a long breath. “All I’ve heard is that he was pretty sick and got out of the hospital. My sources are just not getting anything else.”

  I frown, feeling disappointed. “Well.” I smile. “There’s time. That’ll be all.”

  “I heard you’re going to the ball this weekend. Change of heart?” He’s fishing again. Wait!

  My brows lower. “How did you know? The only person who knows that, besides me, is…” Jillian. She called to check on me not long after Diana’s package arrived. I told her what happened, and she said how happy she was for me. I look at him and growl, “Don’t talk to my sister.”

  “Jillian? Oh, well, I…” he stammers, lifting his hand.

  “You what?” Leaning over, I place my hands on my desk, and he moves back into the chair. “Just how often do you…talk to my sister?”

  “Ummm,” he hums. “Not very often. I mean. Sometimes.” I glare at him, my arms starting to shake. “Please don’t fire me.” I’m sure he can feel my fury. “Or hurt me,” he whispers.

  I’m about to explode from the thought of him and Jillian talking together somewhere. Or is he calling her to get information? But why? “When…”

  “Mr. Aldridge. I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s a call for you.” I hear Lisa say.

  Reaching over, I push a button on my phone. “Who is it,” I growl.

  “It’s your mother,” she says with a shaky voice.

  Pushing the button again, my anger grows. “I’m not in.”

  Looking over my desk, I notice the chair David was sitting in is empty and my office door is closed. “Coward,” I mumble as I sit down and go back to work.

  ***

  “I’m seeing her tonight.” I hope. “Another ball. She sent me a package with a mask and a note apologizing for not being at the last one.”

  Nancy shakes her head. “I hate to say I told you so, but…”

  “I know.” I sit down after pouring a drink. “I’m nervous.”

  She lets out a long breath. “From what you told me about how you became a recluse, nearly drinking yourself into a stupor, almost becoming an alcoholic…” I roll my eyes. She’s so dramatic at times. “I can see why you’re nervous.”

  Leaning forward, I rest my arms on my legs. “I’m not sure what to do.”

  She shakes her head. “About what?”

  My brows lower. “I’m afraid I don’t know how to be in a normal relationship.”

  She smiles, settling in her chair. “Is that what this is?” I give her a smirk. “Is that what you want? A relationship?”

  “I think so?” I say more as a question, looking down at my hands, then back to Nancy. “All I know is, I want more time with her. I want to know her. Everything. I want to go out in public with her.” Nancy’s brows furrow. “Take her on a real date. To dinner. Maybe a movie. I don’t know. Whatever people in a normal relationship do.”

  I watch as her chin quivers slightly. “I don’t think you need me anymore, Nolan.”

  I blink several times. “Yes, I do.”

  She laughs. “Yes, you probably do.” We both stand, and she puts her hand on my arm as we walk to the door. “Go to the ball, Nolan. Have fun and relax. Don’t try so hard to figure out what to do. Let things happen naturally.” We stop at the door and face each other, my heart beating rapidly. “Quit fretting over everything. You and Nicole weren’t right for each other. That’s obvious.” I nod. That’s an understatement. “People will argue and that’s okay. Just not twenty-four-seven or when it happens so often that it outweighs the good in the relationship. That’s not healthy.” She smiles and opens the door. “Go to your Diana.”

  ***

  I arrive in the ballroom, and I feel a sense of calm. I haven’t even had a drink yet. Looking around the room, I don’t see her. Guess I will get a drink, not because I need one but because I’m bored. By the time I bid on some items at the silent auction, walk around the ballroom a few times and had a couple more drinks, my heart dies. She’s not coming, again. Why would she send me the mask, apolog
ize for not being at the last event, and promise to give me her number when she comes tonight, and then not come? I don’t know if I can handle it if she doesn’t show.

  My heart is slowing dying. I’m about to give up when I feel a hand on my arm. When I look to my right, my heart begins to beat again. She pulls on my arm, leading me out of the room. My smile can’t be any larger as I follow her to the closet. The one I’d practically dragged her to before. Once inside, she pushes the door closed and her mouth is on mine in an instant. Her fingers move up into my hair as her tongue glides around mine. “I’m sorry, I’m late,” she says breathlessly as she begins kissing my cheek, my jaw, finding my mouth again and kisses me hard.

  Emotions swarm me. I feel dizzy. Grabbing her long hair, which is styled with long ringlets of curls flowing down her back, I pull hard. My mouth takes the lead, hunger I’ve never felt before. She moans into my mouth, and my cock hardens until it’s painful. Without a word, I bend down, grab her waist and lift her as we continue kissing. Her legs wrap around my waist, and as I hold her with one arm, I pull down my pants and boxers, letting them drop to my ankles. I tug her dress up, finding her thong, and push it aside. Fuck, she’s already so wet. With a grunt, I push inside her, backing her up until she’s against the wall. My need for her overwhelms me. She meets my every movement, her panting loud in the small confines. I cover her mouth with mine, pushing, pulling out then pushing inside again. Our rhythm can’t be denied.

  Her chest heaves against mine, her head lulls back. “Oh God,” she pants. I kiss her hard as she comes undone in my arms. Once my orgasm subsides and our breathing returns to normal, I start to set her down when I notice my cum running down her thigh. Shit! I forgot to use a condom. It’s not the first time. Grabbing her thong, I tear it from her and wipe up my mess. Setting her down, I stick her thong into my pocket and smile when I see her watching me, a smile across her beautiful face.

  “Please tell me you don’t want to go back to the ball.” Tilting my head, I look at her. Really look at her. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Especially now with the light flush across her cheeks, her lips swollen from my kisses, and her hair falling out a little from our activity.