She placed the icepack across her stomach and patted the cushion beside her. The speed with which Nick sat and pulled her into his embrace made her smile despite her discomfort. “Sounds like a plan. I’m sure kissing is fine. It might even help me heal faster.”
“It might.” Nick’s lips brushed her cheek. “Can we talk, though? Something’s been bothering me all night about your restaurant.”
A tendril of dread threaded down her spine. While she believed Nick was trustworthy, questions made her nervous. “What?”
“How did you open it? I mean, you’re in hiding. There are taxes to pay, the building to lease, probably countless other things I haven’t thought about. How are you doing it?”
“Oh, that.” She snuggled against him, wondering how much detail he really wanted—probably not everything. “I have a...friend,” and ex-lover, “who put everything in his name. When the profits roll in, he’ll get a cut. I guess sort of like what you do for your restaurants, but on paper Bradley is the owner of Carlie’s Creations.”
“Makes sense.” Nick nodded, but favored her with his hawk stare for a moment. “I thought you didn’t have connections to your past, so you could stay hidden.”
She wondered why Nick had a problem with that. In truth, Bradley had been her good friend for months and progressed to a friend with benefits. Nick probably didn’t want to hear that. Though she never told Bradley about her past, he knew she hid from people who wanted to kill her. When she decided to move back to Washington, he agreed to help her open the shop.
Shrugging, she looked away. “Bradley’s my only friend, but our relationship is complicated. He’s engaged now and not allowed to be friends with strange women.” Because the idiot told his fiancée about the benefits part with Carlie. “We’re business partners. He won’t turn me in to the assassins.”
“Good, that’s what I was worried about.” Nick kissed her forehead and cuddled her to him, though his touch was gentle. “We have to do whatever we can to keep you safe.”
Carlie released a deep breath. She had to get over her nerves. Nick cared about her. That was all. His questions weren’t meant to harm her. She wished trust weren’t such an issue for her. Then again, though they had been lovers, she hadn’t trusted Bradley with as much as she already shared with Nick. There was something special about him, and she was eager to know him better.
Making a conscious decision to release her anxiety, Carlie forced herself to relax. “Since we’re spending the day together, what kind of shows do you like to watch?”
Nick laughed. “Time for the important stuff, huh?”
Nuzzling his neck, she kissed it softly. “Well, if a man wants to make out with me, I have to make sure we’re compatible first.”
His fingers tenderly stroked her cheek. “If it means spending time with you, I’d willingly watch chick flicks. Don’t worry, my lady. We’re compatible.”
Chapter Eleven
The following morning Carlie felt a bit better. Another soak in Nick’s whirlpool tub the night before had done wonders for her strained muscles. Spending the day cuddling with him had rejuvenated her even more than that.
However, people out there still wanted to kill her. It was time to learn better defenses so no one could hurt her again.
After a quick breakfast, they headed to her house. Although she was nervous about returning, it made sense. They’d have more room and privacy to train. That knowledge didn’t stop her from feeling exposed.
Nick pulled the Porsche into the driveway, parking behind her Camry.
“How did my car get here?”
He cut the engine and shrugged. “I called a business associate to bring it over.”
“Someone from your restaurant?”
He turned to face her, a charming, lopsided grin on his face. “So full of questions? I thought you’d be happy I took care of things. I didn’t want you going back to Stephen’s to get it.”
I’m being too suspicious again. “You’re right. What I meant to say was, ‘thank you for getting my car home.’”
She opened the passenger door and climbed out. Nick had packed a bag and promised to stay a few days until they figured things out, which made her feel better. She knew he couldn’t protect her forever, but if she was going to remain in Sayle, not run, it was good to know she had some backup.
Nick grabbed his bag and walked to the Camry, opening the driver’s door and stooping down. When he stood, he had Carlie’s keys in his hand and held them out to her.
She accepted them, her unease growing. “My keys were in there, not locked up? My house key is on here. What if someone went inside?”
“Spoken like a hunted person.” He raised his eyebrows. “I do trust the people I work with, Carlie.”
Did he think she questioned his judgment? Then again, she supposed she did. Over the past couple days, Nick had convinced her of his sincerity. She knew she could depend on him. However, everyone else in town was suspect.
Without replying, she led the way across the yard and up the porch steps. To her relief, the door was at least locked, though that didn’t mean surprises didn’t await them inside. She unlocked the deadbolt and the main lock, exhaling deeply.
“Wait.” Nick’s hand covered hers. “I’m sorry. You’re right to worry.”
She looked into his dark eyes, noting the compassion in them. “I do trust you, Nick, but I have to be careful.”
“I understand.” His fingers caressed the back of her hand, sending zaps of pleasure up her arm. “That’s why I’m going in first to make sure it’s safe.”
“You don’t have to do that. I should take care of myself.”
“No. Taking care of you is my job.” He handed her his bag and opened the door, stepping past her. “Wait here.”
Not certain sitting back and minding him like a good little woman was in her best interest, Carlie entered behind him. Then again, she needed to be practical. Nick was a better fighter. If someone waited in the house, she’d probably only be in the way. As much as she hated to admit her helplessness, it was best to follow his orders.
She shut and locked the front door and set Nick’s bag on the couch. The closed curtains cloaked the room in ominous shadows. Seconds ticked by with no sound from the rest of the house.
“Nick?” she called, wondering what took him so long. There was only the kitchen, dinette, one bedroom, and bathroom to search. “Are you okay?”
Hard footsteps vibrated through the floorboards, and Nick appeared in the entryway from the hall leading to the bedroom. “It’s clear.”
“Thank goodness. I was starting to worry.” Carlie knew she couldn’t get used to his protection, nice as it was. Nick owed her nothing, and she was already so indebted to him, she didn’t know what to do about it. “I appreciate this, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to fight my battles.”
Nick crossed the room and stopped in front of her. He cupped her neck gently in his hand and pulled her into him, pressing his forehead against hers. “What if I’ve decided this is our battle?”
His minty breath jangled her nerves. His lips were so close, all she had to do was lean in a bit more. He claimed he wanted to take on her problems—wanted to be a team. She wanted him.
She licked her lips. “I’ve been on my own a long time.”
He inched his mouth a little closer and his fingers lightly trailed over her neck and down her spine. “So have I.”
Her heart pounded wildly, thudding so hard she was sure he must have felt it. Everything in her screamed out to take his mouth in hers, but she’d played the foolish girl ruled by her passion with Ryan. It landed her in this mess.
She backed away slightly so their heads no longer touched. “I’m tired of being by myself, but it’s not easy to depend on others.”
“I agree.” He swallowed hard, jiggling his Adam’s apple. “That’s why I think we should make a deal.”
The way his lips moved when he spoke made Carlie wonder what other wonderful
things they could do.
No. I can’t think of that. Focus.
Despite the pep talk, the smell of his cologne threatened to overwhelm her senses. What she wanted to do was push him onto the couch and take advantage of him. Unfortunately, she didn’t know if she really liked him that much, or if the feelings were stirred up because he saved her life and protected her now. She’d heard intensely dangerous situations stimulated sexual desire. Was that what was going on? She didn’t know how to tell.
And she wasn’t sure it mattered.
“What deal are you talking about?” Her voice was breathy in her ears.
He gripped her shoulders and pushed gently. Carlie stepped back, trapped between the wall and his body. Walking forward, Nick pressed his chest against hers. With feather-light fingertips, he caressed her neck and jaw line, careful of her bruises. Goose bumps formed along her arms while her insides melted like warm honey. He was so tender and considerate, she wanted him more than she thought possible.
“The deal,” he said softly, tilting his head and closing in on her, “is that we both let go a little, give up some control.”
“I like being in charge.” He was so close that her lips brushed against his. “I’ve had to be careful for so long.”
“We’re not so different, Carlie. And you can probably tell I’m a man who likes to be in control.” He puckered slightly, sliding his mouth across hers for the briefest moment. “That’s why we compromise and both give up a little bit. We might gain something even better.”
She tried to think, tried to reason. He overwhelmed her, thrilled her. Giving up some control to be with him didn’t seem so bad. “I want you.” Carlie leaned forward, no longer caring if things moved too quickly.
His hot mouth was open and inviting. Carlie dipped her tongue inside greedily. Nick stroked her sides, and she barely noticed the discomfort when he brushed across her bruised ribs. She wanted all of him, wanted him to give up control and take it all from her at the same time. Sliding her mouth from his, she kissed his neck and shoulder, using her teeth on the sensitive skin there.
Nick moaned in her ear, a raspy, masculine sound. She hadn’t been with anyone for a while, but her body knew what it wanted. It wanted Nick. She caressed his chest and abs before finding the bulge in his pants. She cupped him softly, thrilled to know he felt the same passion she did, desperate to feel more of him.
“Oh, Carlie.” His voice was deep, guttural. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me.” He slid his hand down her stomach and beyond, rubbing the seam of her slacks. Carlie wondered if he could feel how wet she already was through the fabric.
He took her hand and guided her to the couch. Carlie followed, though she squirmed with anticipation.
He threw his bag on the floor and pushed her onto the cushions. “Lay back.”
She had no choice but to obey. As soon as she did, Nick knelt on the ground, his hand returning to her crotch. He rubbed the seam against her, and Carlie thought she would explode.
“Nick, please.” She knew she begged, knew she had given up control. And she didn’t care. He made her hot and desperate. “Please give me more.”
He undid the button on her slacks and yanked down on them. Despite the flare of pain in her stomach, Carlie arched her pelvis to help him, and he jerked them to her mid thigh. Before she even had time to settle on the couch, Nick slipped one large finger beneath the elastic of her panties and found the core of her need. He alternated between flicking her sensitive clit and swirling his fingers around it.
Rocking forward on his knees, he crushed his mouth into hers, rasping his tongue across her lips and then nibbling on them. His finger dipped lower, teasing at the verge of her entry. She twisted, wanting him inside her more than she’d ever remembered wanting anything.
He pulled his mouth away and looked at her with a dreamy expression. “What do you want?”
“Please,” she whispered, barely a sound, mostly a moan. “Please.”
A smile split his face. With his other hand, he pushed her sweater up out of his way, revealing her small breasts in their plain white bra. “You’re so beautiful, Carlie.” He kissed her stomach, licking upward until he reached her breasts, biting the tight nipples beneath the fabric.
Carlie caressed his hair, unable to reach much of him from his position on the floor.
He peeked up at her, biting down once again and sending zaps of electricity from her chest to the liquid heat between her legs. His fingers still teased, caressing and rubbing. Everything but entering.
She closed her eyes, overloaded with sensation. “You have complete control of me,” she panted.
Chuckling, he dipped a finger into her, filling her, stretching her.
Carlie clenched down against it as her muscles pulsated and contracted. A second finger joined the first, and Nick plundered her as far as his fingers would reach, only to pull out again and surge back in.
“Yes, yes, please, please.” She’d never begged in her life.
Nick’s thumb slipped through the folds of her slick heat to find the source of her pleasure, flicking it faster and faster while his fingers plunged in and out.
Carlie clamped down, holding her breath as wave after wave of lightning flooded her body. “Yes.” It was the only coherent word she could form as her pleasure crested and tremors took over.
Her body convulsed one more time and Nick withdrew his fingers, smiling as he laid his head on her stomach. “Was that worth losing a little control for?”
Panting, she was unable to answer right away. Her tremors dissipated and her heart rate slowly returned to normal. “Totally worth it.”
“Good.” He moved back up her body, rubbing his chin over her skin until he reached her mouth. He kissed her softly, his supple tongue dancing a tango with hers that turned her on again, despite the prior belief she was spent.
“I need to return the favor,” she said into his mouth. “The deal is we both give up control, not just me.”
Nick stood, and Carlie reach for his hard length. He sucked in a deep breath and undid the button of his jeans. Carlie eased his zipper down and slipped her hand inside the opening.
A pounding on the front door cut through the otherwise silent room, startling Carlie.
“Go away,” Nick groaned softly.
Carlie put a finger against her lips, shushing him, and swung her legs off the couch, pulling him next to her. She curled against his side, ignoring the twinges of pain. If it was someone looking to kill her, they wouldn’t have knocked. Anyone else could wait until later.
She latched onto his ear, sucking the lobe powerfully while she stroked her hand down his stomach. She tucked her fingers inside the top of his underwear, tickling the curly hair there.
The person outside pounded again.
“Don’t make a sound,” she breathed.
The pounding didn’t stop. “Carlie! Open up!”
“Crap.” Carlie leaned away from Nick, meeting his eyes. “It’s Shelley.”
“No, no, no.” He shook his head. “Please tell me you’re kidding. Not now. You can talk to her later.”
“Carlie!” The pounding got louder. “I spoke with Muhammad. I’ve been going out of my mind with worry. Is Nick in there? Open up.”
Nick flopped his head against the couch. “She’s not going away, is she?”
Carlie shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Didn’t you call her and tell her what happened?” She paused. “Well, an excuse anyway?”
“Damn.” He shook his head. “I didn’t think about it. I called Muhammad yesterday morning, then hung signs on the front door of the shop while you bathed. I just didn’t think to call her.”
Groaning, he stood and pulled Carlie to her feet, wrapping his arms around her. His erection pressed into her stomach and he nuzzled his mouth against her neck, sending shivers through her.
“Guess I’ll go into the bathroom until I get myself under control.”
She couldn’t help but find hum
or in the situation, since it had been his idea. “Maybe you shouldn’t have given up control yet.”
“Not funny.”
“You’re right.” She gave his crotch one last, loving stroke. “How about I owe you?”
“Big time.”
The doorbell rang. “Carlie? Please let me know you’re okay!”
“I’m coming!” she yelled.
Nick growled. “I was trying to.”
She couldn’t stop her mouth from twitching. “I promise I’ll make this up to you.”
He headed toward the bathroom. “I’m holding you to that.”
Chapter Twelve
Carlie buttoned her pants and waited for Nick to turn the corner into the hallway before unlocking the door.
“Took you long enough.” Shelley brushed past her as if she owned the place. “What were you doing?”
Hoping the bruises made it hard to see her blush, Carlie shut and relocked the door. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“Never mind. I’m just glad you’re okay. When I showed up at the shop and saw the sign hanging on the door, I didn’t know what to think.” She crossed to the window and pulled open the blinds, filling the shadowed room with sunshine. “Muhammad said you were in a car accident. I tried to call, but your phone is off.”
“Nick must have my phone.” Carlie felt guilty for not thinking about her friend. She wondered how many people worried about her over the years when she disappeared without a word. “I’m really sorry, Shelley. I should have called. I’m fine.”
Shelley turned from the window and faced her. A soft gasp escaped her throat. “What…the…hell?” She rushed over and grabbed Carlie’s chin, forcing it up similar to the way Nick had before. “Those are finger marks. That didn’t happen in a car accident.” Her eyes glanced to the side and narrowed before meeting Carlie’s again. “Nick did this? I’ll kill him!”
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