by Wynn, Renee
“Ashton? How did you find me?”
He looked at her beautiful, hazel eyes that seemed, at that moment, to be too large for her face. A frown creased his forehead at the noticeable weight lost. What was wrong with her?
He ignored her question. “You’ve lost weight? Are you dieting?”
“I’m not dieting.”
He took in every detail of her body, resting on her full perky breasts and then traveled down to the smoothness of her lovely thighs. “You’ve lost your curves.”
Color stained her caramel skin.
He continued his survey, enjoying the journey; finally he lifted his eyes back to her face. Although, she had dropped a few pounds, it didn’t take away from her beauty. He fought to calm the fire that lit in his body. He wanted her but needed more. For starters, they needed to build a relationship and solve the problems between them first.
“You let everyone assume you were on the east coast and then Europe when you were actually in California. I lost precious time searching for you.”
“Why were you looking for me?”
“Did you think I would just let you go?”
“It was only one night, Ashton. You act as if it meant something. Did you forget that you don’t do relationships?”
“I didn’t forget a damn thing.”
“Don’t raise your voice to me.”
He cursed under his breath and asked again, “Why did you run?”
“I didn’t.”
“The hell you didn’t. I came out of the shower and you were gone. No note or explanation. You snuck out like a damn thief. I thought you had more guts that, Nicole.”
“I will not tolerate your bullish attitude. If you came here to argue, you can leave.” Nicole walked to the door and swung it open.
This was the Nicole he was used to, the one who always gave him attitude, not the uneasy woman who first opened the door. He strolled to the door and shut it with the palm of hand, placing both hands on the panel beside her head.
“I’ve been trying to contact you for over a month. I’ve left messages and sent texts. I have had private investigators and a top notch security agency searching the world for you.”
“That’s ridiculous. Besides I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“Wrong. You belong to me.”
“You’ve lost your mind.”
“I don’t give a damn if I have.” He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear. “You’ve always gone toe to toe with me. You’re running scared and avoiding me. I don’t like it. I never took you for a coward, Nicole.” His lips lightly caressed the side of her lovely face. “You’re afraid of the hunger…the power…the all-consuming pleasure that we both found with each other. You don’t need to be. That night was very intense for both of us. It won’t be forgotten.” He pulled back but kept his hands up against the door panel.
Her breathing changed. Good, she was angry. He could deal with her anger. It was her indifference he couldn’t tolerate.
“It was just sex, Ashton.”
“Damn good sex but it was something more and you know it.”
“You’re unbelievable. I left Dallas because I wanted a quiet vacation and not be bothered. Your persistent phone calls and text messages were intrusive and annoying,” she retorted.
Ashton squinted. “We’re going to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Damn if there isn’t. We have a few things to settle.’
“You have come a long way for nothing.”
He removed his arms from the panel and crossed them over his broad chest, relaxed his stance and waited. She made no move to leave, which enable him to relax—just a little. Good. She wasn’t afraid of him.
She glanced at the slim watch circling her wrist and then back at him. “Alright, ten minutes, Ashton, and then you’ll leave,” she threw at him grudgingly.
Nicole moved past him and walked down the hall.. No invite was issued to follow, so he swiftly strolled behind, observing the sway of her hips in the white shorts that rode high up on her backside and teased him. He grabbed hold of his wayward thoughts. Sex between them was explosive but it wasn’t all that he wanted, he needed her to trust him.
They stepped into a small living room that housed a dark chocolate sofa set, a high back burgundy chair, and a long, mahogany sofa table that held two tall lamps on each end, surprised him. There was only one window in the room, a large double bay that faced the ocean. The room was neat and cozy but it didn’t fit Nicole’s personality. The bright and vibrant colors she loved were missing.
She moved toward the sofa but didn’t sit; instead placed her hands on her slim hips and glared.
He observed the battle stance, drinking in every inch, getting his fill. He hadn’t touched or wanted another woman since he’d made love to Nicole.
Her shirt exposed her smooth belly. A tiny ring in the shape of a dangling unicorn hung from her navel.
The imprint of her nipples against the soft fabric of the shirt advertised the fact she wore no bra, diminishing his ability to breathe normally and distracting him from appearing unaffected. His body reacted with maddening enthusiasm.
For the second time in his life, Ashton wanted to throw caution away and answer the call of his heart to make her his again. Shit. He was definitely in trouble. The subtle change of anticipation swamped him.
“Let’s talk about what happened between us.”
“Why?”
“You were a virgin. I didn’t set out to seduce you. But I know you must have questions.”
“You did seduce me,” she said matter-of-factly. “You knew how I felt about Brent but you didn’t let that stop you.”
“You’re determined to hold onto that childish crush you have on Brent. It you loved him there’s nothing that could’ve made you crawl into my bed.”
“Go to hell.”
“You’re angry with yourself. This attraction between us isn’t going away. It will only get stronger.”
“There’s no tangible substance.”
“Some people have less than that.”
“It’s not a joke, Ashton.”
“Do you see me laughing?”
Shaking her head, she placed her hands onto her stomach. The action caused him to frown. She looked as if she was going to pass out.
“What’s wrong with you?”
Nicole wouldn’t look at him. “Nothing. I had pizza last night. My stomach is a little upset.”
“With sausage, anchovies and jalapeno peppers.”
She frowned. “How did you know that?”
“I know more about what you like than you think.”
Her hands played nervously with the belly ring.
“Do you have something to take?”
“For what?”
Ashton pointed to her stomach.
“I was getting ready to make a cup of herbal tea.”
“I never drink the stuff but I’ll take a cup of coffee, if you have it.”
“Sure, I’ll only be a minute,” she stated and walked out of the room. He ignored her silent command to stay put and followed.
###
In the kitchen her hand shook as she placed a cup under the spout of the Keurig maker and waited for the coffee to brew. She felt his eyes on her, which only made her more nervous.
She nodded to one of the two chairs at the table. “Have a seat.”
Ashton pulled out a chair, sat and stretched his long legs in front him.
Once the coffee was complete, she poured it into a cup. The smell of the hot brew caused a fresh wave of nausea, . Nicole swallowed quickly to keep the bile from rising. After making the tea, she shakily set the cups of coffee and tea on the table.
She quickly sat, hoping he didn’t notice how unstable she was.
He sipped the coffee but his eyes never left her. “Do you still feel sick?”
“No.”
“Liar.”
“Will you stop analyzing me?”
<
br /> “I noticed when you handed me the coffee you were trying not to barf from the smell.”
“I told you the pizza—”
“I know what you told me but it’s what you’re not saying that concerns me.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Are you pregnant?” he asked dryly.
Chapter Seven
Shocked, her heart dropped to her feet. Nicole held herself utterly still. Taking the time to gain her composure, she said, “Don’t be ridiculous, you used protection.”
“I did.” There was a strong moment of silence. Her heart was pumping so loud, she knew it could be heard. “But mistakes are known to happen,” he uttered.
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t use a fresh condom during the other times that night.”
“You’re kidding? Right?”
“No, I’m not.”
The impenetrable silence that followed was like a steel wall. Nicole jumped up from the table and started to pace, mumbling to herself.
“You did this on purpose,” she screamed, pointing a finger at him.
He rose from the table but didn’t approach her. She was glad. The way she was feeling right now, she was liable to punch him in the nose and she wasn’t a violent person. His hard, blue gaze followed as she continued around the small kitchen.
Leaning over the sink, she grabbed the counter, and tried to assemble a measure of calm. How in the hell could she have been so stupid! She took a deep breath and turned toward him. To keep from throwing something at him, she wrapped her arms tightly around her waist and rested against the counter.
“Are you ready to listen now, Nicole?”
“How could you do this to me?”
“It wasn’t purposeful. We’re in this together. It happened and we’ll deal with the consequences.”
She laughed cruelly and threw up her hands. “Deal with it? You expect me to believe the great Ashton Campbell Sinclair IV, who has slept with more women than keys on a keyboard, would do something so totally out of character as reuse a condom?” She stopped and glared at him. “Tell me something I can believe.”
The realization that she could be pregnant wasn’t something she could deal with at the moment. She observed Ashton. He appeared calm, but the obvious tick in his tightened jaw spoke otherwise.
“You’ve gotten it out of your system. Do you feel better now?”
“Go to—”
“Stop, Nicole.”
“I’m the one whose life will be altered. You’ll just continue on your merry way, sleeping all over Texas with every woman who comes into your path.”
“My past is just that…the past. It will stay there. It has nothing to do with us.” His eyes were cold and unyielding. “You’re not alone. I take my responsibilities seriously.”
“You can kiss my ass,” she sneered.
The color drained from his face. The tick in his cheek now worked overtime. After the words left her mouth, shame surfaced. She had never spoken to another person in that manner. Nicole knew she was being irrational but the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy scared the hell out of her.
Ashton could always push her temperature to the boiling point. But it still wasn’t an excuse. She was a grown woman. Although inexperienced when it came to sex, she needed to take e responsibility for her part in the debacle.
He invaded her space, but didn’t touch her. His skin was flushed and his eyes narrowed with anger, giving the r telltale sign that he was pissed. So what, so was she.
“Don’t ever speak to me like that again. I’ll never disrespect you and I expect the same. You are a grown woman, Nicole, not a child, act like it. This is an adult situation, which will be handled as such.”
“I apol—”
He held up a hand. “Don’t. An apology isn’t what you’re feeling. No lies. I want nothing but honesty between us. If you feel like I’m being an asshole, then tell me. Don’t go to the gutter.”
She stiffened. He glared. They were like two warriors in battle neither willing to surrender. Finally, he moved and she released the pinned up air in her lungs.
“I was stupid to sleep with you.” Saying the words brought on a raw wave of panic. “I’ve never done anything so irresponsible in my life.”
“It was evitable. For years, we tried to ignore the chemistry between us.”
“That’s not true.”
“Remember, I ask there be no more lies. You need to take a pregnancy test.”
“What?”
“When is your period due?”
In her head, she quickly calculated the dates, realizing she was almost two weeks late. Her menstrual cycle had never been late, not ever. Damn. Damn. Hysteria bubbled close to the surface, threatening to explode.
“There’s no baby,” she said, surprised at the calmness of her voice.
“Denying it won’t make it go away. Taking care of you and the baby is my first priority.” He ran fingers down her cheek and then touched her stomach.
She swatted his hand away. “There’s no baby.” The tension at her temple escalated. He was like a dog with a bone. His hands now were loosely wrapped around her waist. The heat radiating between them caused breathing to become difficult. He dropped his hands and moved. Immediately, the loss of his warmth was missed. Her arms circled her waist, to sooth her frayed nerves. “Ashton, I’m fine. You can leave.”
“Get used to me being around.”
“We slept together only one night.”
“If I recall, we didn’t do a lot of sleeping.”
“You know what I mean. It was craziness. I won’t let a moment of lapse judgment ruin everything for me.”
“We’re good together,” he said with confidence. “It will work.”
“You’re jumping to conclusions.”
“I don’t need to confirm what I know in my gut.”
“Please stop it, Ashton.” Shaky fingers ran up and down her arms, searching for warmth. He was staring at her stomach again.
“What?”
His heated glaze glided slowly across her breasts and then to her stomach, causing her nipples to tighten.
“You’re still wearing the belly ring. It could be dangerous for the baby,” he said.
“Please.”
He caressed her stomach. She flinched at the unexpected sensation.
“Did I hurt you?”
“No.”
“Why did you jump?”
She shrugged. “I wasn’t expecting you to touch me.”
“We have made love.”
“That was different.”
Again, silence, he had a habit of doing that and she hated it. It made her uncomfortable. If he had something to say, she wished he would just say it.
“Why do you do that?” she asked.
“Do what?”
“Go silent in the midst of a conversation.”
For a long time, he didn’t respond. “I have to get back to Dallas.”
“Then I suggest you go.”
“Not without you.
“I’m not going.”
“Yes, you are.”
“Let’s get one thing straight. You don’t command and I obey. Don’t push me. If you do, I’ll push back.”
“I’m not pushing you, Nicole.”
“Yes, you are. The sad part is that you don’t even realize when you do it. It’s so much a part of your nature. You’re a bully.”
“Damn, woman, you’re going to be the death of me. What do you want?”
“Go home and leave me alone.”
“I can’t do that.”
“You’re crowding me. You’re like a bulldozer. You don’t know when to stop.” She screamed. “Ashton, I need to think and I can’t do that with you around.”
“You’ve had more than enough time to think.”
“You’re not listening.”
“Yes, I am.” He took her hand. “Why don’t we get some lunch? I’m starving.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not hungry.”
“Well, I am. I passed a little café on the way to your house.”
She tried to pull her hand from his but he held firmed and pulled her closer. She stumbled and fell into his chest. She gasped and grabbed his arms for support. The air between them shifted. Heat slithered down her spine. And suddenly it grew difficult to breathe. Memories of the unbidden night they shared surfaced and flooded her mind. His eyes devoured her lips.
She cleared her throat and moved out of his arms. “You said you were hungry and I think I could do with a light lunch.”
He growled. “Now all of a sudden you’re hungry.”
She didn’t want food but if they stayed at the house, they would definitely end up in bed. It was something she wasn’t ready for. Besides, it wouldn’t solve their problems.
His lips tilted. “Are you sure it’s food you want?”
She turned away, confused by her need for him. “I need to change.”
“I like what you have on.”
She sucked her teeth. “You would. I’ll be only a moment.” Moving down the hall to the bedroom, she felt his eyes on her back, but she refused to turn around. She quietly closed the door behind her, leaned against it, and exhaled. Whew. She was in big trouble.
When she returned to the living room, Ashton stood at the window but turned upon her approach.
“I’m ready,” she said.
She’d changed into a red sleeveless cotton blouse that covered the entire stomach. A modest khaki skirt now replaced the hip-hugging shorts. Ashton scanned what she was wearing.
He opened the door, and whispered in her ear as she passed. “Changing your clothes can’t hide what I know is beneath them. You think you are off the hook but don’t get too comfortable. You’re running toward the finish line and I’ll be there waiting for you when you cross. ” His lips lightly grazed her ear. “Then the heat we share will explode. You can count it.”
Chapter Eight
