“Yeah, had no problem at all,” she said, still wondering why he would call in the first place. All the jealous thoughts she had had of him earlier in the evening unfurled once again in her mind. She tried to shore up her I-couldn’t-care-less-what-you-think-or-feel-at-this-moment emotion, but it wasn’t happening. Hearing his breath on the other end of the line was having the opposite effect on her sensibilities.
“I’m not bothering you, am I?”
Even when he asked something like that, the sensual note in his voice rang out, appealing to her every nerve ending, almost as if he had one finger over the phone strumming her pulse in tune to his every whim.
Nadia cleared her throat, “Of course not.”
Damn girl, you could have played it up a bit more. Made it seem you might actually be doing something naughty for a change. Don’t want to sound like too much of a middle-aged spinster, do you?
Shucking those thoughts she asked, “Is there something you needed?” even as she prayed he wouldn’t let her off the line yet. This was a different connection than what they usually had. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized that there were many things that could make this conversation enriching-like the fact that she could hide from him, in plain sight, or hearing, rather.
The sound of him shifting rang out, and Nadia almost, almost, groaned as she imagined him lounging around. Her fingers clenched around the slim body of the Iphone and she heard the otter box protecting the device click in obvious strain.
“No, I didn’t need anything.” Another deep breath, then, “Just wanted to rub it in some more that I know you enjoyed the spa treatment.”
Nadia could practically hear his smile over the phone. The devil. He knew she was still fuming over his deception on getting the upper hand. And Nadia could be the better person in this situation.
“Okay, I will admit that I enjoyed the spa very much. And I’ll even thank you for the gift.” She cleared her throat, “Thank you, Drake.”
He chuckled, the resonance of that sound sifting into Nadia’s bloodstream, heating it to boiling. “I’m glad you liked it, darlin’. And since you wouldn’t accept anything else, I was finally convinced that I had found something that you would never be able to turn down.”
“Well, I would have turned it down if I had known it had been from you.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I only wanted to make you feel good, honey, that’s all.”
If only you knew…….Nadia thought to herself.
She stretched in the bed, and then said with all honesty, “It worked.” And almost as if a little demon sat on her shoulder she decided to take things further. “It worked very well, almost too well. I think I floated on cloud nine for about a week. My muscles felt less tight, my emotions were less tangled, and I can’t remember being more relaxed. Overall, it was a very good gift.”
“I’m glad, because you deserved it.”
He didn’t voice what they were both thinking. That the death of Belle had hurt her more than he had thought it would at first. Nadia was glad for him leaving that out of the conversation. At first she hadn’t really known what kind of direction to take this phone call in. Now it seemed that she was willing to do anything to keep him on the line.
“Have you ever been to a spa before? I mean, I’m sure it’s not something that busy men like you, or men in particular, actually admit to doing, am I right?”
Another sigh floated on the line, and when he spoke, his voice sounded deeper and even more intimate, if that were possible. “I’ve never been, but I have had massages before.”
Nadia could imagine the lucky woman that had the supremely ultimate chance to touch, massage, and basically run her hands up and down Drake Thompson. Lucky witch. “Did you enjoy them? I know it took some getting used to for me. I can’t handle a masseuse with heavy hands.”
“I enjoy them alright, I guess. It was more of a conditioning thing after working out for long hours.”
“Oh.”
Seconds passed with the sound of their breathing echoing on the line. Nadia didn’t feel the need to clutter up the quiet with conversation. She just sat there and listened to Drake breathe and shift on his bed, obviously, and considered herself a very happy woman.
And then he spoke again.
“You looked gorgeous tonight.”
Warmth burst through her body at that intimate compliment. Her breath quickened, her heart tripped and her blood sped up and out to every single inch of her nervous system that hadn’t been awakened by his voice yet. Her nipples pebbled against her night shirt, causing little pricks of awareness to bloom in her belly.
“Thank you.”
“God, you’re more than welcome, baby. More than welcome.”
Nadia wanted to moan at the simple thrust of desire that had taken her unawares in mere moments. But she held it back, barely.
“I guess I should let you go so that you can get some rest.”
Nadia bit her lip, silently begging him not to hang up with her, but knowing that if she wanted to keep him on the line, she would have to share more than just social niceties with him. Could she do that?
“Drake, don’t go yet.”
Oh my God. There, she’d said it. She actually went out on a limb and let him know with a few words that she wanted his conversation, attention, basically whatever he would throw at her. Nadia could hear the hesitation on the other end. Please God; he hadn’t hung up on her, had he?
“It’s just…this is nice, that’s all, and I don’t want it to end yet.”
God, can you sound any more pathetic, Nadia?
“You’re right. This is nice.” A few seconds of silence and then, “And for the record, I didn’t really want to get off the phone either.”
Nadia smiled at that. “I’m glad I wasn’t the only one.”
“But, unfortunately, I have to leave in four hours for a business trip.”
Despair crashed in on Nadia’s little party. And she had just found the courage to speak to him without cursing herself afterwards. “Oh, well, I understand of course.”
“But it would have been an interesting night, I’m sure, if I wouldn’t have to attend that damned meeting.”
Nadia felt her pulse flutter at his words. “I guess so.”
“Darlin’, I know so.”
Wow, had things just gotten hotter in here? No, it’s only your imagination firing up, honey, that’s all.
Nadia stuffed that thought. “Well, I guess I’ll see you when I see you.”
“I’ll hold you to that. Good night.”
“Goodnight,” she whispered back, and slowly ended the call.
Lying back in her bed, Nadia let her mind calm down from the exciting call. Too bad it would take her body another two hours to do so.
Chapter 8
Humid summer air wrapped around Nadia’s ankles. She stepped around rain puddles on the sidewalk, and hummed Back in Black by AC/DC under her breath as she made her way to the long, meandering front entryway to the Hollis’s house.
The large get-together was more of a summer party, and with the recent rain the party had been moved inside the large two and a half story monstrosity that Darlene Hollis called home. With its stately southern façade, Hollis House reminded Nadia of plantations one would see in Louisiana, not in Texas. The massive white house had a large gallery that wrapped around the frame of the structure. Tall mature trees added to the southern charm aspect, while night sounds echoed in the air around the home, giving it a touch of mystery.
She finally made her way to the front door where Darlene was standing amid a group of people while she greeted newcomers. Darlene’s eyes landed on Nadia the minute she cleared the massive double doors.
“Ah, little Nadia, welcome honey. I’m so glad you could make it.” Darlene, ever the southern lady, kissed both her cheeks and pointed in the direction of what Nadia knew was a coatroom off of the foyer. “You can put your belongings in there sweetie. And you are here as a guest, not as c
oordinator tonight, so you will have a good time!”
“Thank you, Darlene. How are the grandchildren?” Nadia asked with a smile. She loved the older southern lady because she was bluntly honest and never missed an opportunity to push business in Nadia’s direction, which not only helped out Nadia but it helped out charities that Nadia dealt with.
“Tommy is here with his new fiancée. You will have to meet her, such a nice girl. Now Randy, on the other hand, is stuck in Rome this weekend.” Darlene rolled her eyes. “He said he had business to attend to and couldn’t cancel.”
Nadia wouldn’t have minded being stuck in Rome, but she kept that to herself. “I’m sure he knows he is missing out.” She gave Darlene a hug and then left her side to mingle with the rest of the guests.
The large home was lit up like a Christmas tree for the dinner and in Nadia’s estimation there had to be at least over fifty people in attendance. Huge buffet tables were set up against the left wall and Nadia made her way over to them, her stomach growling its appreciation.
She had just filled her plate and was turning to find somewhere to sit whenever a chill skittered over her skin. With the small hairs on her neck alive with tension, Nadia turned and caught the large frame of Drake Thompson moving in her direction.
Her plate wobbled precariously, but she managed to avoid dropping it on the floor. Stilling herself, she pulled up her indifferent look and took in his appearance. A button-up dark maroon shirt, clearly tailored, covered up his magnificent chest. He wore dark grey trousers with boots, and for some reason that made Nadia smile slightly. Two weeks had passed since she had seen him in Houston for the fundraiser. She had spent two weeks of trying desperately to avoid thinking of him at all, but she knew that probably would never happen, especially since that phone call the same night.
“Hey,” the softly spoken word was drawled near her. Nadia came to the present and noticed he was standing directly in front of her. Caramel eyes were hooded by dark brown lashes and his mouth had a slight smirk to it.
“Hey,” she said back, hoping that she could garner more of a vocabulary where he was concerned. Shuffling the plate she tried to grab a wineglass from the table, but only proceeded to almost drop her plate on the floor. Cheeks burning, she tried again.
Drake’s hand came out and he asked, “Which one do you want?” He asked as her progress towards a glass stopped.
“The white wine please.”
His hands grabbed the glass delicately and he held onto it while looking at her. Seconds passed and Nadia felt at a loss for words. What was he waiting on?
“Is there a problem?” She asked finally, watching as his smirk turned into a full crooked grin. Her stomach dipped to her feet. The man was too sexy for his own good. And too tall, she had to lean her head back to see him, even in heels.
White teeth flashed as he spoke, “Where would you like to sit?”
God, she was a dumbass. She looked around, trying to hide her heated blush, and noticed some chairs off to the side in the hallway. “Over there is fine,” she told him as she gestured towards the hallway.
Without giving her a reply, he moved in that direction. Nadia walked behind him and took in the sights, which were damn good from where she was looking. Minutes later she sat in a chair and instead of walking off, he also sat. She tried to dredge up the charming conversationalist she had been on the phone that night, but her muse must have picked that moment to become shy.
Instead, she picked at her plate and tried to study him covertly. Warm eyes looked back and the slow tingling started in her blood, heating up her whole body. She stuffed something into her mouth, she didn’t know what. She just needed something to keep from stating how damn good he looked. Flavor exploded on her tongue seconds later. Eyes tearing up, she immediately reached for her wineglass, in his hands, and gulped the chilled liquid.
“Are you okay?” He asked her. Nadia sensed his worry, but she also sensed his laughter.
Fire burned in her throat but she managed to croak out a wobbly, “Sure.” That’s what she got for trying to not state the obvious.
Minutes passed, and Nadia realized she didn’t have the need to utter one word. She studied his dark hair and the way it drooped over his ear. Dark beard stubble was hidden right under the skin and Nadia wanted more than anything to feel it against her hands. That brought back images of the last time she touched him. Her skin burned in reaction. That dance was still making her want things she shouldn’t.
Her attention was snagged by a man passing close to her. He walked in the opposite direction and she noted that it was Donavan. He went towards the buffet and grabbed a plate, but never once turned and acknowledged Nadia or Drake. It wasn’t as if Nadia hated his guts, but she would rather not be drawn into his company. She knew he was a sly one. It was much easier on her well-being if she stayed away from him.
“I see you noticed him.” Drake drawled in a low tone from beside her.
“I’m sure I would have sooner or later. The party isn’t that huge,” she told him, taking another sip of wine and catching the hard look on Drake’s face.
“He is one of those people you just can’t trust as far as you can throw him.”
Nadia silently agreed as she continued watching him. “But he is such a great liar that you would believe anything that came out of his mouth.” Seems that she should have caught onto that part of his personality earlier and saved herself a load of trouble, but at least she learned somehow.
“I’m glad you aren’t tied with him anymore.”
Her shocked gaze flew to his. Warm honey colored eyes glinted at her from beneath a fringe of dark lashes. The wine she was drinking lodged between her throat and stomach.
“He basically seduced Suzanne and left her dazed at how fast he swindled some of her money.”
“The bastard. I never really knew him at all, did I?” Nadia mumbled, feeling supremely sorry for Suzanne. The urge to slap Donavan rushed through her.
“Just be relieved it wasn’t you, darlin’,” Drake told her. She turned back to where he was sitting and noted the relaxed look he was giving off. She didn’t buy it one bit. He always had animal fast reflexes.
“I see Jacob Ritter is here. There is something I need to speak with him about. I’ll see you later.”
Nadia nodded and watched him walk towards the large living area. He moved slowly, surely, as if he had all the time in the world to get where he was going. She wasn’t sure why he was actually hanging around with her, when she had expected him to ignore her after their confrontation.
Slight movement rustled near her side and Nadia looked up into Donavan’s face. Damn, the last thing she needed was arguing over how he had been so very sorry about his screw up with Suzanne. But Nadia pasted a bright, fake smile on her face anyway. Keep up social niceties, Nadia…
“Nadia, you look beautiful tonight. It is so nice to see you.”
She wanted to cringe but answered politely instead. “Thank you, Donavan.”
“I still never got a chance to apologize to you without being interrupted.” He looked perfectly embarrassed and his eyes were like a puppy dog that had gotten kicked to the curb. Nadia didn’t want to feel sorry for him, but she had known him for a good while and during that time he had never taken her money, treated her badly or done anything to make her think he would eventually cheat on her. Maybe what Drake had heard about Suzanne was a lie. Maybe he was just trying to make Donavan look horrible to her.
“You apologized already Donavan, and I forgave you.”
An earnest look crossed his face. “Please, let’s walk a little. I’ve missed your company.”
Nadia quelled the urge to tell him no, besides what could he possibly do with so many people wandering around? Not only that, she could also feel a few stares in their direction. She stood up and placed her half eaten plate and wineglass on the table beside her. “We can walk for a minute, but only to the porch.”
He gave a charming smile and grasped her elb
ow as they walked towards the large French doors behind the buffet tables. “Are you doing okay?”
“I’m fine, just extremely busy with the magazines and other charity works.” She started to slide into a familiar camaraderie by the time they made it to the veranda that wound all the way around the house. Nadia noticed a few people were on the north side of the porch, she could hear them talking but couldn’t see them, but she still felt safe.
They talked lightly for a few minutes. He told her of hearing about her rankings in the polls with other prestigious magazines and he also said that his accounting firm was on the up and up about to open up another branch in Dallas. Before Nadia realized it, ten minutes had passed. The darkness was full now, but with the soft gas lamps attached to the porch she didn’t feel any fear, nor did she notice that the other people had left the porch.
When Nadia finally noticed that Donavan was too close, it was too late. Staring at his hard face in the shadow of the gas lamp the first true touch of fear slid into her body.
“I think I should go back in now.”
A slight smirk crossed his lips. He leaned even closer. Nadia moved back, but felt the hardness of the house wall at her back. There was nowhere left for her to go. “Why would you do that when we are just starting to get reacquainted?” His hand came up to grasp her right arm as he leaned his much larger body into hers. She tried to work her legs between his so that she could knee him, but as he leaned, he pushed her open legs outward, removing that particular threat.
Nadia wasn’t about to be taken advantage of right outside Darlene Hollis’s house with a party going on. She shoved with all she was worth. When he stopped stumbling only two feet from her, his eyes swung in her direction and Nadia was shocked at the depth of anger she saw there. Battling down a sick feeling in her stomach, she told him coldly, “Don’t you ever, ever put your hands on me again.”
The angry look in his eyes calmed instantly and Nadia started backing away from the wall of the house and him, not trusting him one bit.
Her Druid Desire (The Amber Druid Series) Page 11
