“Excuse me,” she said. “What time is it?”
He glanced at the bedside clock. “A little after eleven.”
“Is it that late?” She sat up, surprised, and slipped her shoes back on. “I’d better go.”
“No.” He grabbed her hand as she stood. “Stay the night.” It was scary how much he wanted her to stay—right here, in his room, in his bed with him all night long.
“Alexander...?” Her heart somersaulted in her chest. She wanted to stay with him more than anything.
“I mean, it’s too late for you to go home. I’d worry about you. You can stay in my guest room down the hall.” He could have offered her one of the upstairs guest rooms, but he wanted her close by. He refused to ponder why.
“Well...” She seemed to consider it.
“Stay,” he repeated.
“Okay.”
“Good.” He reluctantly released her hand. “Grab one of my shirts out of the drawer to sleep in.”
“Thanks.” She walked over and selected a red T-shirt. “Do you need anything before I turn in?”
“No, I’m good.” That was a lie. He needed her. What he wouldn’t give to have her curl up beside him.
* * *
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Nicole said. She didn’t want to leave him and sensed he didn’t want her to go either.
“Good night, Nicole,” he finally said to alleviate the silence between them.
“Good night.”
She left and made her way to the guest room, which was half the size of Alexander’s but still extremely roomy. Plopping down onto the baby-soft quilt, she picked up the phone to call Monique and let her know she’d be staying at Alexander’s. As expected, she had to endure some good-natured teasing from her roomie before ringing off. Then she took a hot shower and crawled into her blissfully comfortable bed, wearing Alexander’s too-big T-shirt and trying to forget he was just down the hall, just out of reach.
* * *
Alex woke at 6:30 a.m., later than usual, to bright sunshine filtering through the window. He gingerly sat up and thankfully had only minimal pain. Sighing, he slowly got out of bed. A hot soak in the tub, and he’d be good to go. He didn’t care what the doctor said; he was going into work today, but first his bath, and then he was going to cook breakfast for Nicole—his angel of mercy.
A smile lifted the corners of his mouth at the thought of her. She was a breath of fresh air—genuine, talented and caring. She was special, she made him feel alive again and he was dangerously close to forgetting—and even closer to breaking—his number-one rule, which was no romantic entanglements with his employees.
After his disastrous relationship with Nina Laurent—which had nothing to do with love and everything to do with necessity—it was a well-founded rule he hadn’t been tempted to break until now, until meeting Nicole. It was funny and scary how much Nicole had changed his life for the better in such a short time. Scarier still was how hard it was to imagine his life without her in it.
An hour later, with breakfast tray in hand, Alexander made his way to his guest room where Nicole had slept. He hadn’t heard any signs of her stirring yet and wondered if she was still sleeping.
Nicole?” He knocked on her door lightly. “Nicole?” He opened the door with one hand and peeped inside. She was still asleep.
He started to leave but unable to help himself, he walked into the room instead and placed the tray of French toast, scrambled eggs and juice on the dresser. Staring down at her, a strange feeling came over him—one of utter contentment. He liked having her in his house and would like it even more if she was sleeping in his bed. Man, he was losing all objectivity when it came to her, and he had no earthly idea of how to get it back.
The covers were pushed down to her waist, giving his greedy eyes an unobstructed view. She was lying on her back, one arm strewn restlessly over her head, the other lying across her stomach. She looked so peaceful, beautiful and desirable.
Unable to stop himself, he sat on the edge of the bed and smoothed her bangs away from her closed eyes. She stretched and turned over until her face trapped his hand under her cheek. He smiled and used his other hand to trace light patterns on her other cheek. She sighed, and her hand moved up to cover his. After a few seconds she slowly opened her eyes.
“Alexander?”
“The one and only.” Her sleepy eyes became alert, and she rolled onto her back, releasing his hand.
“What are you doing out of bed?”
“I’ve been up for a while.” He motioned to the tray on the dresser. “I even cooked you breakfast.”
“Alexander, you didn’t!” She sat upright. “You’re supposed to be resting.”
“I feel ninety percent better.”
“Why don’t you try for one hundred?”
“No can do. I’ve got too much work waiting for me at the office.”
“You need to rest—”
He held up a hand, forestalling her words. “Nicole, I’m fine. I’m not one to sit around for too long. One day is about my maximum, unless I’m unconscious.”
“Stubborn man.”
“I am,” he proudly agreed, and humor lit up her face.
“What time is it?”
“7:30.”
“What?” Her eyes widened in shock. “I’m going to be late for work. I need to go home and change and—”
“Nicole, relax.” His smile alleviated her angst. “Don’t worry. I’m the boss,” he reminded her.
“That’s right. You are.” She settled back against the pillows. “How do you feel, really?”
“Much better after your TLC.” He stared deeply into her warm brown eyes and felt completely lost yet strangely found. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” After a slight hesitation, she sat up and placed a hand on his cheek. “That was a very nice thank you, but this is how you thank me properly.” She boldly pulled his lips to hers.
He didn’t even consider resisting her, but instead jumped headlong into the vortex of their desire. His mouth demanded capitulation from hers, and his seeking tongue stroked her lips and teeth before slipping inside of the warm recesses of her mouth, expertly stoking the fires of their passion.
They kissed madly—each holding nothing back. His hands found a way under her shirt to touch her bare back before running up her sides and inching toward her round breasts. She groaned against his bruising lips, threading her fingers into his hair, pulling his mouth tighter against hers as they ate voraciously from each other.
Each knew how this embrace would end, and they both welcomed the inevitable conclusion they had been skirting around for weeks. Nicole slowly reclined back onto the bed, drawing Alexander with her. When he winced against her mouth, she sat upright, forcing him to do the same.
“Your back!” She carefully pulled out of his arms. “I’m so sorry.”
“No, it’s all right.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” He sat up slowly until completely erect and then stood. “I’d better let you eat your breakfast and get dressed.”
“Let me help you back to your room.” She threw back the covers and got out of bed.
His eyes dilated at how little his T-shirt covered, stopping right above midthigh. Damn, she had a body to die for, and he ached to explore every delectable inch of it. Mercy, he ached for this woman!
“No, I can manage.” He backed away from her as if she was a dangerous predator.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” He walked slowly to the door and turned to smile at her briefly before leaving.
* * *
Nicole sank onto the bed and sighed heavily, fingers touching her still-tingling lips, eyes sliding closed. She had it bad for that man. She couldn�
�t stop her heart from fluttering when he entered a room or when he looked at her with those unique, expressive eyes of his. The sound of his voice was like a velvet caress on her skin, and she constantly craved the touch of his body and his lips since first tasting those forbidden fruits. She feared she always would.
Opening dreamy eyes, she came to a long overdue decision; she was through trying to rationalize and certainly through denying it—she wouldn’t be satisfied until she had received everything from Alexander, until she had given him everything.
Chapter 12
Time flew by in a blur as they worked furiously getting ready for the fashion show that was in a little over a week. Neither Nicole nor Alexander made mention of the near consummation of their relationship at his house, and Nicole gave him the space he appeared to need. She knew he wouldn’t be able to ignore their mutual desire much longer, and she could wait until he worked out his personal demons because she knew in her heart where they were headed and prayed they would reach their destination sooner rather than later.
It was April 21, Nicole’s birthday, the first she would spend without her family. She hadn’t allowed herself to think about that until receiving calls from her parents, brother and sister at work. In the afternoon, four huge, gaily colored bouquets of flowers arrived at work from home, bringing tears to her eyes.
“Hey, who sent the flower garden?” Monique eyed the arrangements littering Nicole’s desk and smiled teasingly. “The boss?”
“No.” Nicole shook her head. “My family.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“It’s my birthday today.”
“What?” Monique’s mouth fell open in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Honestly, we’ve been so busy, it slipped my mind.”
“You’re too young to want to forget your birthday,” Monique accused. “How old are you?”
“Twenty-six.” Nicole laughed.
“Three years younger than me. We need to celebrate tonight.”
“That would be great, but by the time we get off, all I’m going to want to do is crash.”
“Nicole, you can’t spend your birthday working.” Monique stared at her, aghast.
“Why not?”
“Because you can’t!”
“There’s no law against working on your birthday.”
Monique placed a hand on her hip. “Well, there should be.”
“It’s just another day.”
“Nicole, you have to...” Monique stopped and grabbed her stomach, and Nicole stood and touched her arm.
“Monique, what’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing. I just got a little pain in my stomach.” At Nicole’s worried glance she assured her. “I’ll be fine. It’s probably my lunch not agreeing with me. I’ve got some antacids in my office.”
Nicole watched worriedly as her friend walked slowly back into her office. For the next hour, she kept a watchful eye on Monique, who stayed in her office and made phone calls with one hand pressed either to her stomach or her head. When she exited her office an hour later with her purse slung over her shoulder, Nicole wasn’t a bit surprised.
“I think I might have gotten food poisoning, and the boss is letting me go home.”
“Can you make it alone?” Nicole stood and walked her to the elevator.
“Yes. My cast-iron stomach will rebound in no time.”
“I don’t know, Monique...”
“I’ll be okay. A little rest, and I’ll be good as new.” She squeezed her hand. “I promise I’ll call my doctor if I don’t feel any better. Besides, you’ll be home in several hours.”
“Still...”
“I’ll be fine,” Monique reiterated. “We’ll celebrate your birthday when I’m feeling better.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Nicole said dismissively. “Just feel better.”
“I will.” She entered the elevator. “See you tonight.”
“Call me if you need anything, promise?”
“Promise.”
* * *
For the past couple of hours, Nicole had kept watch on Monique by phone. Her roommate sounded much better and vowed she’d be at work tomorrow no matter what. Feeling relieved, Nicole threw herself into work, trying to forget she had no plans to celebrate her birthday.
“Happy birthday.” Nicole glanced up at Alexander as he leaned against her desk.
“Thank you, but how did you find out?”
“Monique mentioned it when I told her to go home.”
“Oh.”
“Any special plans tonight?”
“No. Monique was talking about doing something, but then she became ill.” She shrugged, hoping he would suggest taking her out, but he didn’t.
“If I had known, I would have planned something for you here at work.”
“It’s no big deal.” She hoped she sounded convincing. “Just another day.”
* * *
Nicole seemed so sad. He wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her. In fact, it took every ounce of self-restraint he possessed not to do just that in front of everyone.
Tonight would be the perfect time to give her the present he had been holding on to for weeks now. He’d go home after work, pick it up and bring it by her place at the surprise party Monique was now busy planning.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m just worried about Monique.”
At her evident concern, he felt like a heel, but if he told her the truth, it would spoil her party, and he didn’t want to do that.
“I’m sure she’ll be okay.” He covered her hand with his. “It’s probably just a virus or something she ate.”
“You’re right.” She smiled slightly. “I talked to her a little while ago, and she sounded much better.”
“See.” Alex squeezed her hand. “I’ll bet by the time you get home, she’ll be up and about.”
“Knowing Monique, she will.” Nicole smiled slightly.
“Sure she will. I’ll let you get back to work.” He stood and walked away before he was tempted to tell her what Monique had planned for her tonight—anything to wipe that sad look from her beautiful face.
* * *
She stared after him dejectedly, wondering why it didn’t occur to him to ask her out tonight—not that she’d go with Monique not feeling well, but it would be nice to be asked. It would show that he cared.
She glanced at her sketch without seeing it. What could be worse than being far away from home in a foreign country for her birthday, her roommate being sick and the man she dreamed about nightly having no desire to spend this special evening with her?
This was turning out to be the worst birthday ever.
* * *
“Monique, I’m home!” Nicole announced as she entered their dark apartment around 7:30 that night.
“Surprise!” A multitude of voices yelled as a throng of her coworkers jumped out to greet her and the lights were switched on.
“What the...?” Nicole jumped and placed a hand to her throat.
“Happy birthday!” Monique hugged her tightly, followed by Victor.
Nicole studied her roommate, who looked perfectly healthy. She was smiling from ear to ear.
“Monique, you were faking,” Nicole accused around a laugh.
“For a good reason.” Monique looked pleased with herself. “I had to arrange this impromptu party for you.”
“I don’t believe this.” Nicole glanced around the gaily decorated apartment. “You shouldn’t have.”
“Yes, I should have. Now go into your bedroom and change into the festive duds I’ve laid out on your bed and hurry back.” Monique gave her a light shove, and Nicole obeyed, laughing.
On her bed she
found a lavender dress. After taking a quick shower, she donned the light and airy creation, which fit her feminine curves perfectly, from the long sheer sleeves to the tight bodice and skirt that hit midthigh and swayed when she moved. It was a sexy number that Nicole wished Alexander could see her in. She wondered if he knew about her party and if he’d be attending. She hoped so.
Donning the matching strappy shoes, she then sprayed on some French perfume she had recently purchased. After finger combing her short hair into ordered disarray, she rejoined the party, which was in full swing.
“There’s the birthday girl.” Victor whistled and hugged her tight. “You look fabulous.”
“Thanks.” Nicole glanced down at her ensemble. “Monique, when did you buy this dress?”
“This afternoon after I left work. I’ve been so busy I’m ready to collapse!”
“The trouble you must have gone through.” Nicole fought back happy tears.
“What trouble? This was pure fun. Besides, these guys love any excuse to party,” Monique whispered, pulling Nicole into the center of the room.
When the doorbell rang, Monique asked her to get it, piquing Nicole’s curiosity by predicting it was probably her other present. Nicole started to ask what she meant, but the bell rang again and she walked over and opened it with a smile.
“Alexander!” Her smile widened. “Hi.”
“Happy birthday, Nicole,” he responded, then handed her a red-and-white package with a frilly red bow.
“Thank you.” She took the present and stood aside to allow him in. “Come on in and join the party.”
“Thanks.” He followed her inside.
Bless Monique—now her birthday was complete. No wonder he hadn’t asked her out; he had known Monique was throwing this party. It all made perfect sense now, and the heaviness that had invaded her heart earlier completely vanished.
“Can I get you a drink?” Nicole asked.
“Sure, anything.” He followed her to the set-up bar.
“Glad you could come, boss.” Monique smiled as he passed her and winked at Nicole, who shook her head tolerantly. Bless her matchmaking little heart!
Our First Embrace Page 12
