What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG)

by CJ Roberts

He struggled to hold back his grin and settled for a small smile. “Chérie, don’t worry about the cost.” Turning to Bridget, he said, “Please bring the gowns she liked.”

  As the woman was leaving, he asked Lauren, “What’s your shoe size?”

  “Seven, why?”

  “Bridget, please also bring her some matching shoes in a size seven.”

  Lauren’s eyes bulged. “Shoes too?”

  “Come here,” he said. “Might as well have some coffee and relax while you wait.” With one arm, he pulled her down onto his lap, making her laugh.

  “And here I was, all worried about showing you any signs of affection in public,” she teased.

  “Never be worried about that.” He pulled her more tightly against his chest and crushed his mouth down on hers. He thrust a hand in her hair and let the strands flow through his fingers. Her tongue slid against his, making him groan deep in his chest. He loved the taste of her in his mouth and the feel of her in his arms. His cock was as hard as the fucking marble tabletop. Fucking? Tabletop? God, he wanted this woman.

  Lauren whispered, “Bridget’s back with the gowns.”

  Shit. As usual, Lauren had eclipsed the world for him. She stood up, grinning as if he’d muttered that out loud. Hell, maybe he had. He crossed his legs at the knee to camouflage the tenting action. “Go.” He waved toward the changing room. Was it his imagination or was there more wiggle in her walk than usual? The little minx knew exactly what she did to him. And she loved it.

  He took another sip of coffee, then looked up to see Kaden standing like a sentinel with his big arms folded across his chest. After scanning the room, he met Nic’s gaze. “You have it bad, man.”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “As obvious as you winning another Oscar for Bad Days.”

  “Yeah, well.” He grinned. “I don’t care. I really like her.”

  Nic heard Lauren’s soft laughter coming from the changing area. As he turned, she emerged, a vision in a flowing, curve-hugging black creation that fit like it had been made for her. Drawn by the mixture of joy and apprehension on her face, he rose and met her halfway. “You look outstanding,” he said, his voice suddenly hoarse. He ran his fingers along the neckline of the gown until he encountered the dog tags. “But these don’t go with this gown.”

  “What?” Then she looked down at his hand. “I… in all the excitement, I forgot I was wearing them.”

  He raised her chin until she met his eyes. “It’s okay, chérie. I understand,” he said, making his voice soft.

  Her lip wobbled a little and her chest rose as she took a deep breath. “I’ll take them off.” She pulled the chain over her head and handed it to Bridget. “Could you put this in the changing room?”

  “I’ll set it on your purse.”

  Nic took Lauren’s hand and twirled her around. “Let me see the b—”

  Jesus Christ. The dress was cut low enough in the back to reveal the indentations at the base of her spine. He was torn between wanting to lick his way down to those adorable dimples and wanting to rip his shirt off and cover her up.

  She shot him a knowing grin over her shoulder. “I knew you’d like it.”

  Fuck yeah. “It’s beautiful. You’re beautiful. And the shoes?” She lifted up the hem of the dress so he could see. The strappy silver three-inch heels made her legs look about a mile long, legs that would look awesome wrapped around his waist.

  Bridget approached, holding out a small glittery handbag. “What do you think of this?”

  “It’s wonderful,” Lauren said, reaching for it. Nic watched the women ooh and ahh over the ensemble and had to agree. Lauren looked stunning. She’d have nothing to worry about tomorrow night.

  He shot Kaden a grin and joined him. “I have an errand to run, but I want you to stay with Lauren. I’ll be right back.”

  “I’m not real comfortable with that idea.”

  He knew Kaden took his job seriously, but today, Lauren came first. “I’m just going down to Harry Winston’s.”

  Kaden whistled low between his teeth. “Okay. But if you’re not back in ten minutes, I’m grabbing Lauren and we’re coming after you.”

  “Fair enough. But keep her busy. I don’t want her to realize I’m gone.”

  He raced the half block down to the shop. Even though he didn’t have the requisite appointment, as soon as he entered the quiet, classy interior, he was greeted enthusiastically by a smiling young man.

  “I need something to go with a black gown.”

  “Diamonds, colored stones, pearls, or gold?”

  “Her eyes are a bluish-green so I’m thinking emeralds.”

  The salesman peered into the display case and pointed to a necklace on his left. “Something like this emerald and diamond drop necklace? The setting is 18K yellow gold and platinum.”

  “Can I see it? And this one, too.”

  “You show a fine appreciation for jewelry, sir. Sunset by Harry Winston is a padparadscha sapphire and diamond necklace. The setting is also 18K yellow gold and platinum.” He laid the two necklaces on a velvet-lined tray in front of Nic.

  Nic eyed both pieces, imagining them around Lauren’s neck in place of the dog tags. Either one would look fantastic on her, but which would go better with the dress? The emeralds would bring out the color of her eyes, but the pink sapphires would make her sparkle.

  “I’ll take the Sunset necklace. And matching earrings.”

  “Excellent choice, sir.” The man artfully gift-wrapped the necklace and earrings. Nic checked his watch. He had to hurry; in about one minute Kaden would come after him. After paying, he raced out of the shop.

  He reached Valentino in time to see Lauren emerging from the changing room wearing her shorts and tank. “Got everything you need?” he asked, hiding the bag behind his back.

  Lauren’s face shone as she indicated her choices. “Yep. Dress, shoes, and handbag. I’m all set.”

  Nic leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Not quite. Next stop, La Perla?”

  She gulped. “Are you kidding? Their lingerie makes mine look like Walmart specials.” He nuzzled her neck. “Okay. But, I’m going in by myself.”

  No. Not okay.

  “Hey, don’t look so disappointed.” She laughed. “I thought it would be more fun to model my purchases for you at home. Alone.”

  His mouth went dry as the tent in his pants made a comeback. He couldn’t think of a more pleasurable way to spend an afternoon than watching a beautiful woman parade around in sexy lingerie. And if there was a bed nearby? Even better.

  Excitement and anticipation warmed her blood as she settled onto the comfortable leather couch, a glass of cabernet sauvignon and a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream beside her. Finally, she had a few minutes to finish watching the video of Nic’s first night home. With any luck, he’d taken a shower. Watching him soap up his perfect body made her wet. She closed her eyes and brought up the memory of him lathering up until his hands were covered in bubbles, and then using one large hand to stroke his cock, up and down…. That sight drove her wild every time.

  After taking a deep breath to slow her speeding heart, she hit play. Seconds later, the TV lit up, showing Nic going through a stack of photos. She leaned forward and saw he was looking at photos of himself. When he pulled a sexy shot out of the pile and signed it, she frowned. Who was he autographing it for? It had better not be for that bitch Lauren.

  A woman appeared in the doorway carrying a glass of something for Nic. She stiffened when she recognized the photographer. “Well, at least she’s taking care of him,” she muttered. When she heard them chatting about Kaden staying to protect them, she laughed. The bitch might need protection, but not Nic. She was all the protection he needed.

  Her laughter abruptly cut off when the hussy sat on Nic’s lap and ran her hand down his neck and into his shirt, unbuttoning it. Enraged, she jumped off the couch and got closer to the TV. What the hell was the tramp doing now? She gasped when she saw th
e woman take his nipple into her mouth. “Bitch! Get your hands off him!” she shouted at the screen.

  Nic’s bodyguard interrupted them. “Good man,” she said out loud. She watched as he took the autographed photo from Nic and left. Returning to the sofa, she took a sip of her wine and prayed the whore would leave too. She really had to do something to get rid of her.

  When the woman pulled up her skirt to straddle Nic’s lap, she choked on her wine, spewing the red liquid onto the white carpet. Nic rose, the bitch’s legs wrapped around his waist, and carried her out of the office. Her heart started to pound, and not in a good way. For a few seconds, the television was blessedly blank, showing only Nic’s empty office. Wiping her mouth on the back of her hand, she prayed this would be the end of it. Nic wouldn’t do this to her. He loved her!

  The image on the screen changed to show Nic laying the bitch down on his bed, the big king-size bed he was supposed to share only with her. Dread tiptoed up her spine. She had a brief moment of hope when Nic stood up. Maybe he’d changed his mind? But no. Her heart sank when he returned to the bed. They spoke softly, but she could still make out parts of their conversation.

  The bitch said, “It’s been a long time for me….”

  “How long?” Nic asked.

  “Over five years.”

  So the hag hadn’t been laid in five years? Didn’t surprise her one bit. The only thing that surprised her was that the bitch actually thought Nic was going to end her dry streak.

  “Ahh, Nic. You bad boy,” she chuckled, picking up the bowl of strawberries, and relaxed against the couch. She selected the biggest, ripest berry, coated it in whipped cream, then bit into it as she watched the bitch take Nic in her mouth. He was toying with the woman, using her the way any man would use a whore; it was clear as day. That’s all the bitch was good for: getting him off and then getting out. She couldn’t wait for Nic to toss her onto the street.

  Oh, what was this? Nic was stopping her? Priceless! The bitch couldn’t even give a decent blow job. No wonder she hadn’t been fucked in the last five years. She laughed so hard, tears clouded her eyes, blurring the screen. Eager to see the look of horror on the woman’s face, she wiped away the wetness.

  “No!” she roared, disgusted by what she was seeing on the screen. The woman lay sprawled out on the bed and Nic was servicing her! This was all wrong. Nic was hers, he was supposed to pleasure her, not some no-talent bitch. He had to be playing her. Come on. The man could have any number of beautiful women. Why would he settle for an overweight loser with stretch marks?

  He wouldn’t. Nic was her destiny. He was just slaking his needs with the bitch until everything was ready for them to start their future together.

  With growing horror, she saw him roll a condom down his ready cock. Her gut clenched as he pushed himself between the bitch’s thighs. Her eyes welled as his beautiful body undulated, muscles bunching and stretching. Her tears spilled as his back arched in ecstasy. She hit the stop button.

  Nic had betrayed her.

  Which left her with a dilemma: She could hate Nic and throw away their future together, or she could forgive him and live the life she’d planned for them. Could she do it? Could she forgive his infidelity? Closing her eyes, she looked deep in her heart. Nic was young. He’d made a mistake. Yes, she could forgive him, but first she’d bring him to his knees. Then she’d make him crawl.

  And the bitch photographer had to go.

  She’d done some research, and the slut’s father was a former Chicago cop who’d raise hell if his daughter disappeared or turned up dead. That wouldn’t deter her though. She’d just have to be more cautious getting rid of her than she’d been with Summer. Resigned, she decided to watch the rest of the video. Maybe something they said or did would give her an idea. She’d get the bitch out of the picture and punish Nic at the same time. What was that expression again? Oh, right.

  She’d kill two birds with one stone.

  15

  Lauren stepped out of the shower and sighed contentedly as she wrapped herself in a huge bath towel she’d heated on the warming rack. She might never be able to afford Nic’s shower with its multiple body jets, but she could definitely treat herself to a towel warmer. In two days, she’d already become addicted to that little luxury.

  She’d also learned that if she didn’t use the Frizz-Ease she’d brought along, the heat and humidity quickly turned her hair into a big humiliating fuzz-ball. After applying the product, she pulled out the hair dryer and began scrunching her curls. As she worked, her mind drifted to the wonderful day she’d spent with Nic.

  Starting with shopping on Rodeo Drive, the whole day had been beyond her wildest dreams. Like when they’d driven to Santa Monica to have a late lunch. While Kaden kept watch from a distance, they’d run along the beach, splashing in the water like two teenagers. The sun, the waves, the company—everything had been perfect. She’d felt young and carefree, the world her oyster. Was Nic the pearl hidden inside? She was starting to think so.

  Her skin a little dry from the heat and salt water, she opened her purse to get the tube of cream she always kept handy. Reaching inside, her fingers tangled with Todd’s dog tags. After slipping them on, she slathered herself with the cream.

  With a naughty grin, she opened the box from La Perla and pulled out a sheer lace babydoll. All day she’d imagined Nic’s reaction to seeing the lavender wonder. After slipping on the top and panties, she stood in front of the newly installed mirror, twisting and turning to see herself from every angle.

  The triangle cup bodice allowed a hint of nipple to show through the lace and the split front exposed her belly. The matching g-string covered the dark triangle between her legs but the skirt of the babydoll revealed more of her butt than it covered. She’d never looked so sultry or felt more sexy.

  When she bent over to fluff her hair, the dog tags fell across her face. She flipped them onto her back to get them out of her way, and then straightened, draping all her hair over one shoulder. After a last check in the mirror, she took a deep breath, opened the bathroom door, and joined her lover.

  Nic sat leaning against the headboard reading a script. When he saw her, he tossed it and seemed not to notice when the script landed on the floor instead of the nightstand. His gaze fixed on her and his features tightened with lust. She shivered at his hunger.

  He launched himself off the bed, advancing on her like a jungle cat. He was naked, hard, and ready—his intensity intimidating. For each step he took forward, she took one back until she felt the cold wall behind her. With nowhere left to go, she lifted her chin and smiled sweetly. “Do you like my surprise?”

  “Like it? Jesus, Lauren. You look good enough to eat.” He threaded his fingers through her hair and leaned down to kiss her. Her lips parted and he pressed his tongue inside, sliding it along hers, along her teeth. When he took a slow swipe across the inside of her bottom lip, she felt her world tilt. If not for Nic’s strong arms holding her up, she would have fallen.

  His hands skimmed down her sides and around to the backs of her thighs. He raised her knee, anchoring it on his hip, his fingers tracing up her leg. When he groaned, his hands cupping her butt cheeks, she knew he’d discovered the g-string panties. In a swift move, he lifted her up, pushing her back against the wall.

  “Wrap your legs around my waist.” His voice was husky with arousal. He thrust his hips, rubbing his cock against her core. She plunged her fingers in his silky hair and moaned as wetness soaked her panties.

  He trailed soft kisses from her ear down her neck but then drew back. His face hard, he lowered her until her feet hit the floor. Why had he stopped? “What’s wrong?”

  Without saying a word, he put his hand against her neck and ran a finger under the chain she wore. He tugged, twisting it until Todd’s dog tags fell forward to land in the palm of his hands. “You put them back on.”

  She raised her gaze to his face. What was going on? “I always wear them.”

  Sighi
ng, he let them drop against her chest and sat on the bed. He leaned forward and held his head in his hands.

  “What’s the problem?”

  He looked up at her, his eyes sad. “I know you loved your husband, chérie. But when we’re making love, I don’t want him in the bed with us.”

  Her eyes widened. “I had no idea you felt that way.”

  “Would you like me wearing a gift from a previous girlfriend?”

  She’d hate that. She could barely stand his friendship with Vivian. Kneeling in front of him, she took his hand in hers and brought it to her lips. “I’m so sorry.”

  “You’re still hanging on to him. Why?” His gaze was tender, filled with concern.

  She sat down on the bed beside him. “I’ll tell you, but it isn’t pretty.”

  “Chérie, you of all people know my life is anything but pretty. Nothing you say will change how I feel about you.”

  She palmed Todd’s dog tags. “The photo shoot in D.C. when I had you wear them was the only time I’ve ever taken these off, except to shower.”

  “It meant a lot to me.” He placed his hand on her knee.

  She let the dog tags slide through her fingers. “But I’m not wearing them for the reason you think.” He furrowed his brow, and before he could ask the obvious question, she said, “To explain this properly, I have to start at the beginning.”

  He nodded. “Take your time.”

  Hugging her knees to her chest, she took a deep breath. “I’d known that Todd going to Afghanistan was dangerous, but I never imagined he’d be killed. The day I opened my front door and saw two uniformed men standing there, I couldn’t believe he was dead.”

  Nic ran a hand along her cheek. “It was the same when my mother died.” As he said this, she realized how little she really knew about him.

  “The first week was terrible, but it wasn’t the worst. I barely remember his funeral. But when the shock wore off…” She paused as her eyes welled. “I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest, leaving all this emptiness.” Tears slid down her cheeks and she looked away, pressing her face against her knees. All the old feelings of helplessness and defeat flooded back.