Our First Embrace

by Judy Lynn Hubbard

  He had certainly changed her opinion of him in record time. It seemed he could be both human and appealing when he wanted to. But she wasn’t sure which Alexander she preferred—the gruff one who set her teeth on the edge, or the likable one who she longed to get to know better—and not in a professional way.

  * * *

  Nicole left work at two and changed into faded jeans, a red “I Love NY” T-shirt, a denim jacket and sneakers. Monique had gone home to change and was meeting her at the hotel at three. Thankfully, the move wouldn’t involve any furniture, just clothes, though Nicole had a lot.

  She hadn’t unpacked most of her bags, for which she was grateful. She stood in the middle of the sitting room, where she had gathered almost everything, and groaned at the rather large pile in front of her. A few bags were still in her hotel bedroom. Goodness, had she really packed this much stuff?

  She was shaking her head in self-recrimination when someone knocked on her door. Expecting Monique, she opened the door and gasped in shock when she found Alexander and Victor dressed casually in jeans, T-shirts and light jackets.

  “What are you two doing here?”

  “We’ve come to make amends for our faux pas earlier.” Victor glanced at the pile of her belongings inside the room. “Looks like you can use our help.”

  “You don’t have to help me move.” Nicole directed her words to the silent Alexander. “I’m sure you have better things to do with your day.”

  “We want to.” Alexander finally spoke. “May we come in?”

  “I’m sorry.” Nicole stepped aside to allow them in. “Come in.”

  “Is this all that’s going?” Victor pointed to the stack of luggage piled on and beside the sofa.

  “Most of it. There’s some more in my bedroom.”

  “I’ll start on these. Alex, why don’t you see what’s in the bedroom?”

  “All right.” Alex glanced at Nicole, who pointed the way and then quickly followed him, praying she didn’t have any unmentionables lying about. Thankfully, the coast was clear.

  “I can manage this,” Alexander assured her after surveying the small stack of bags. “Why don’t you go and help Victor?”

  “Are you sure? I can take...oh!”

  She stumbled over a suitcase on the floor and wound up flying toward Alexander. He caught her effortlessly, strong arms automatically encircling her off-balance body. He held her tight against his unyielding strength.

  All air left Nicole’s lungs, more from the close proximity to Alexander than from the impact of landing against his hard chest. Both appeared frozen in their unplanned yet potent embrace. Her palms rested flat against his broad chest cushioned by solid muscles. His hands rested on her waist. Their eyes locked, and each was aware that their mouths were only inches apart. A fact that became crystal clear when Alexander’s eyes darted to her slightly parted lips and stayed focused there as if mesmerized.

  She held her breath while she waited to see what would happen next. She didn’t have to wait long. Unable to help himself, Alex lowered his mouth to hers. Their lips touched lightly several times before they both sought out much longer contact, and when they achieved it, time froze.

  Their lips flirted, pressed lightly, pulled away. Alex’s teeth nibbled softly at her lower lip before sending his tongue to investigate the same territory. Nicole shuddered. Her arms snaked up his chest to rest into his hard shoulders as she moved and was pulled closer to his unbending length. She sighed and parted her lips invitingly, and her eyes fluttered close in anticipation of a deeper, more satisfying kiss.

  “Nicole!” Victor shouted, splintering the intimate moment. “Monique is here.”

  “I...I’ll be right out,” Nicole breathlessly replied, moving guiltily out of Alexander’s arms, placing fingers to her tingling lips. “Excuse me.”

  “Of course.” Alex managed a slight smile as she skirted around him and out the bedroom door.

  Oh, Lord, what had she done? She let out her breath on a noisy sigh. The chaste kisses they had shared didn’t begin to quench her disturbing desire for her boss, only managed to inflame it further. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed with Victor’s interruption, but she was certainly unfulfilled.

  * * *

  “Hi, roomie,” Monique greeted Nicole as she entered the room. “I see we have help.”

  “Yes.” Nicole prayed she didn’t look as flustered as she felt. “Alexander is here, too. He’s in the bedroom.”

  Monique grinned. “Is that where you’re coming from?”

  “Yes.” Nicole pushed her bangs out of her eyes with somewhat shaky fingers.

  “Why do you look so flushed?” Monique’s knowing grin caused Nicole to shift uncomfortably. “What was going on in there?”

  “I... We...” Nicole floundered but thankfully Alexander entered, arms laden with luggage, and ushered Victor out the door. Nicole envied his composure.

  “Hi, Monique.” Alex nodded as he passed by her.

  “Hi, boss,” Monique greeted before refocusing on Nicole. “Is your lipstick smudged?”

  “I...um...” Nicole absently touched her lips. “Must have happened as I packed.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Monique’s wide grin informed Nicole she wasn’t buying her lame explanation.

  To avoid any further inquisition, Nicole grabbed a bag and hurried after the two men. Monique laughed, picked up a suitcase herself and followed her fellow movers out.

  * * *

  When they reached her new home a short while later, Nicole was pleased to realize Monique hadn’t exaggerated; the apartment was lovely and spacious. It was located in a picturesque part of the 6th Arrondisement and had shining hardwood floors and a myriad of windows and was decorated in brightly colored, comfortable furniture with lots of cushions. Nicole’s bedroom and bathroom was next to Monique’s. The living area was huge, and the kitchen was perfect. Nicole knew she would be very happy here.

  It was about 5:15 p.m. when they finished moving Nicole in. Though she and Alexander didn’t mention their kiss, the remembrance of it hung between them like thick fog. Nicole was a nervous wreck every time he glanced at her and touched her—by mistake or on purpose, she wasn’t sure.

  “Hey, is anyone else hungry?” Victor asked as they all lounged in the living room after the last bags had been unloaded.

  “I am,” Monique answered from her perch on the arm of a chair.

  “What about you two?” Victor smiled at Nicole and Alex, who purposefully sat a good distance apart on the sofa.

  “I could eat,” Nicole slowly admitted and inwardly groaned at the prospect of having to spend more tension-filled time in Alexander’s maddening presence.

  “Well, bro?” Victor stood and nudged Alex’s shoulder. “Are you with us?”

  All eyes fixated on him, and his locked with Nicole’s uneasy ones.

  “Sure.” Alex finally sighed. “But nothing fancy.”

  “Dressed like this—” Victor glanced at their attire— “Casual is the way to go. How about the Latin Quarter?”

  “Perfect.” Monique walked over to the sofa. “Excuse us girls while we freshen up.” She took Nicole’s hand and pulled her up from the sofa and out of the room. Once they were alone in her bedroom, she turned to Nicole. “What’s wrong? You look shell-shocked.”

  “Nothing’s wrong.”

  “Are you nervous about going out with the boss?” Monique correctly surmised.

  “No.” At Monique’s skeptical stare, she confessed, “Okay, yes. What am I supposed to say to him?”

  “Oh, Nicole!” Monique laughed and gave her a light hug. “Victor and I will be there. Besides, he’s simply a man—a rich, powerful, handsome man, but still just a man.”

  “He’s also our boss.”

  “There’s no
law against having dinner with the boss,” Monique reminded her.

  “I suppose not.” Nicole fingered her hair. “I really should be happy he’s gotten over his displeasure with me for being a week late.”

  “I told you he’d get over it.”

  “I know, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly,” Nicole admitted. “He’s so...”

  “What? Appealing? Available?”

  “No, unpredictable.”

  “Hasn’t anyone ever told you predictability is boring?” Monique winked. “Come on, let’s make ourselves presentable for our dates,” she said suggestively and laughed heartily at Nicole’s uneasy expression at her choice of words.

  * * *

  Alexander glared at his brother, fighting the urge to punch him. Sometimes he wished he was an only child.

  “You had to open your big mouth, didn’t you?”

  “What’s wrong? Do you have something against having dinner with two beautiful women?”

  “Nicole is probably tired and wants to relax,” Alexander insisted. “She felt pressured into going because she didn’t want to be rude.”

  “Are you sure you’re not talking about yourself?” Victor asked.

  “I helped her move, didn’t I?”

  “With some prodding from me.” Alex rolled his eyes at Victor’s self-satisfied expression and was rewarded by one of his brother’s sheepish grins.

  “More like nagging,” Alex corrected.

  “You owed her,” Victor reminded. “We both did.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Alex scratched his chin. “I’m not complaining.”

  “No? Then what do you call this?”

  “Nothing.” Alex ran a hand over his lips, which still longed for the taste of Nicole’s. “Forget it.”

  * * *

  Victor studied Alex’s pensive expression. He knew his brother was definitely interested in Nicole, but he also knew, because of a horrible past relationship, Alex wouldn’t risk cultivating that obvious interest—unless someone gave him a not-so-gentle shove in the right direction.

  Well, he thought, chuckling inwardly, that’s what little brothers are for!

  “Alex, what happened between you two in the bedroom?”

  “Nothing,” Alex quickly denied and shushed Victor’s response when Nicole and Monique returned. “Ready?”

  “Ready,” Monique and Nicole responded in unison and then laughed.

  “Then let’s go.” Victor opened the door and followed the ladies out, with his somber brother in tow.

  * * *

  The weather was still pleasant, with the temperature in the low sixties as they walked toward the Latin Quarter. Monique and Victor led the way, with Alex and Nicole following behind them.

  The closer they got to the quarter, the more crowded the sidewalks became, and the streets narrowed, causing the two couples to gravitate toward each other. Somehow, Nicole wound up holding Alex’s hand, and Monique hooked her hand through Victor’s arm to keep from getting separated.

  Each side of the narrow street was lined wall to wall with six-story grayish-white stone buildings. It was difficult to tell where one shop or bistro ended and another started. The streets were a little restrictive, but the carefree charm of the quarter soon took Nicole under its spell, and she glanced around with wide, excited eyes.

  As they neared their destination, the festive music increased in tempo and volume, and suddenly it seemed as if all the inhabitants of the busy streets and sidewalks were talking and laughing at once, making it nearly impossible to hear the person standing right next to you. Victor ushered them into a crowded and boisterous bistro that he swore served the best pizza in town.

  A makeshift dance floor was filled with revelers, and a table only became available after Alex discretely handed a waiter several folded bills. Even though they were four, they were seated at a small table for two, which meant they had to sit ridiculously close together—Nicole, to her delight and dismay, found herself pressed against Alexander on one side and Monique on the other.

  “Isn’t this a great place?” Victor asked.

  “What?” Monique, Nicole and Alex screamed over the loud music.

  “Isn’t this nice?” Victor screamed back.

  “It’s great if we don’t want to hear each other,” Alex drily shouted.

  “I like it,” Nicole decided.

  “Me, too,” Monique chimed in.

  “Well, since we can’t hear each other—” Victor turned and smiled at Monique “—how about a dance?”

  “Huh?” Monique leaned a little closer to him.

  “A dance?” Victor stood and showed off a few moves. “How about it?”

  “Oh.” Monique laughed and then shocked everyone by standing and agreeing. “Why not?”

  Victor nudged Alex’s arm. “Don’t just sit there, bro. Ask Nicole to dance.”

  “Thank you for the unsolicited advice, Victor.” Alex glared. “Now get lost.”

  Victor chuckled, took Monique’s hand and pulled her off toward the other dancers. Once alone, Nicole furtively glanced at Alex, who was watching her intensely.

  Chapter 5

  “Would you like to dance, Nicole?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I’m fine, really.”

  “Come on.” Alex stood and offered his hand. “I promise not to step on your toes.”

  This was a bad idea. She knew it was a bad idea; however, after only a second’s hesitation, she took his hand and stood. It was only one dance. Where was the harm in that? You know where the harm lies, she silently chastised but ignored her wise advice.

  The music was fast and loud. Nicole and Alexander made their way through the throng of people until they reached the dance floor. Smiling at each other a little uneasily, they began to dance. Soon Nicole was lost in the beat, and she and Alexander danced very well together. She was surprised at how good a dancer he was. The type of music didn’t necessitate them touching much, but each was keenly aware of the other as their bodies teased and flirted.

  When the song ended some minutes later, an unexpected slow one started. Alex and Nicole stared at each other before he extended his hand, which she slowly took and allowed herself to be drawn into his strong arms. Her free hand rested on his shoulder, and she swallowed a lump in her throat as their bodies nearly touched.

  “Well, at least we can hear each other now.” Alexander now spoke in near normal tones.

  “Yes.” Nicole wasn’t sure if that was a plus or a minus.

  “Nicole, about our kiss earlier.” Alex broached the subject that hung thickly between them. “I’m sorry—”

  “It’s all right,” she quickly interrupted. The last thing she wanted was for him to apologize for kissing her. “Let’s just forget it.”

  “Can you do that?” He watched her closely.

  “Of course.” She forced herself to appear unconcerned, praying he would buy her carefully orchestrated lie. She wouldn’t forget that kiss for a long time.

  “It won’t happen again.”

  At his easy assurance, she felt like asking him why not, but she refrained.

  She purposefully changed subjects. “Have you been here before?”

  “No. I come to the Quarter often, but there are so many shops and restaurants it’s easy to miss one.”

  “I’ll bet.” She fought a groan as his hand moved across her lower back. “It’s very festive. It reminds me of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.”

  “Ah, New Orleans.” Alex smiled wistfully. “I haven’t been to a Mardi Gras in years.”

  “Do you get back to the States regularly?” Lord, it was torture chitchatting when his nearness was making it impossible to think clearly.

  “I try to make it once or twice a year for a few
months.” He smiled. “You’re a good dancer, by the way.”

  “Thank you.” She returned his smile. “I’d better be. My sister, Natasha, is a prima ballerina, and she taught me how to dance.”

  “She did a wonderful job.”

  “She’ll be happy to hear that.” She laughed as he expertly twirled her around. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

  “My mother insisted on sending me and Vic to dance class every Saturday.” He rolled his eyes. “We hated it.”

  “What little boy wouldn’t?” Nicole sympathized. “At least it paid off.”

  “I guess that is some consolation now, but back then...” He made a face, and Nicole laughed.

  “Why do our parents insist on embarrassing us?”

  “I have no idea.” He paused thoughtfully and then offered, “I think it’s embedded in their DNA.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  They fell silent and concentrated on the seductive music, which seamlessly merged into another song, much to Nicole’s dismay. It felt too good being in Alexander’s arms; she wanted to entwine her arms around his neck, press closer to him and feel his lips on hers again. Oh, God, what was she thinking? She suddenly stepped out of his embrace, and he eyed her curiously but remained silent.

  “We should go back to our table,” she said, attempting to explain her actions. “Monique and Victor are probably looking for us.”

  “Think again.” She followed his gaze and saw Monique and Victor still dancing.

  He pulled her back into his arms, and they continued their dance. It felt good being in his arms, her soft body yielding against his hardness. She was content to simply dance with him all night. She longed for him to kiss her again—properly, thoroughly this time, the way he would have if Victor hadn’t interrupted them.

  “Alexander?”

  “Hmm?” He focused on Nicole’s questioning gaze, his eyes laced with barely concealed hunger.

  “Where were you?”

  “Just thinking.”

  “About?”

  “Nothing in particular,” he said, pulling her closer and resting his chin against the top of her head.