by Ostrow, Lexi
She saw the playful gleam shift into his midnight eyes. Her smile shifted into a smirk, and she shoved him playfully. “My, there is that DeMarco charm again.”
He grinned and walked to the table near the door. “You’d better get used to it, as my girlfriend, I intend to pamper and spoil you for the next eight days. I shall ruin you for all other men.”
She snorted and followed him to the table, sitting down in front of a ton of gingerbread house supplies. “I think that wooing a movie star isn’t going to be as easy as the socialites you’ve bedded.” She gestured to the table, “We’ve got at least eighteen hours before someone else shows up, what would you say if I challenged you to a ginger bread house contest?”
“I would say that I —” he paused and a look of pure grief washed over him. “I would say that not loving Christmas might have cost me Leena and that, maybe, I can stand an extra helping of joy and good will for the New Year.”
Tasha was silent. It didn’t happen too often, but she didn’t know what to say to Nick. Leena belonged with Jake. Tasha had seen them together enough to know that. It didn’t mean seeing such a wonderful guy heartbroken wasn’t hard. Nick DeMarco could likely have any woman he wanted, and instead, he was playing make believe with an actress he’d never seemed to care about, even as a client.
Giving him a small smile, she tugged the red lid off the Duncan Hines white frosting and stuck her finger in, scooping out a copious amount. With a devious look at Nick, she slipped her finger in her mouth and slowly slid it out, moaning softly at the delicious sugary taste.
He raised a brow at her, “Are you attempting to see if you can seduce me to make the weekend easier? I can tell you, my desires are not too hard to stir with women that look like you…and are willing to do anything for a friend.” He grabbed two pieces of gingerbread and proceeded to steal the tub of frosting from in front of her.
“Well, let’s just say you’re not proving to be the worst company. And, if you’re willing to make gingerbread houses with me, I promise I won’t tell anyone how easy it is to seduce the rich and handsome Mr. Nikolas DeMarco.”
“Why, Tasha, you’ve got yourself a deal. Let the bonding for a fake relationship begin!” He was holding down one square of gingerbread, trying to get it to stick. When he let it go, it fell immediately, and he growled.
Tasha’s laugh burst free at the sight. “Well, this looks like it’s going to be a very easy competition.”
“Shh, shh,” Nick said, raising his finger to his lips. He turned his head and looked out the window behind the sofa. Sure enough, Leena and Jake were tugging suitcases up the snowy walk. “They’re here. Let the show begin.”
He tried to force a grin, but felt the weight of his foolishness weighing on him, until Tasha snuggled up next to him on the couch. She was warm, and he could feel the curve of her breast on his chest. The smell of her coconut shampoo wasn’t half bad either. Watch it, DeMarco. You had one hot kiss. This is just to make sure Leena doesn’t look at you with pity in her eyes.
“Here we go. Get ready to see what I’m like in action,” Tasha said as she flashed him a million dollar smile.
She titled her head up and kissed him before he had any clue what was happening. The gentle slide of her lips against his was more than enough to get him into the role he’d insisted they play. He wrapped his arms around her mid-section, tugging gently as their mouths danced together and his body ever so slowly began to stir with desire.
“I’m telling you, Jake! Oh —”
The sound of Leena’s voice snapped him out of the kiss. His head reared back, and he slammed it into the glass window. Grimacing, he rubbed the back of his head as he opened his eyes. Leena and Jake were staring at them, but it wasn’t the reaction he’d secretly been hoping for.
Leena’s pale blue eyes were open, happiness beaming out of them, and her mouth was curved into a grin. Jake’s expression mirrored Leena's, and he was expecting his brother to offer him a high-five. He couldn’t have cared less what his brother thought, but he’d hoped Leena would show some sign of disappointment. Something to indicate maybe she’d made the wrong choice.
Nothing of the sort happened. Her face was bright and cheery. She stuck her hand out toward Jake and grinned impishly. “Pay up, Jake.”
He groaned playfully and dug his hand into his jacket, pulling out his wallet and handing it to her. “Just take whatever you want. I don’t have the energy to hand it to you. I’m still in shock,” Jake teased as he bent down and kissed Leena quickly.
“Pay up for what?” Tasha spoke, pushing up out of his lap and walking to hug Leena.
He’d almost completely forgotten she’d been there, which was incredible, given who she was. Tasha Morningstar was one of the hottest stars in Hollywood — both her body and her acting skills. Her Native American heritage made for striking, sensual features. He’d never denied that her dark hair and eyes weren’t incredibly appealing. Leena had just been his main focus. Having Tasha kiss him was the first time he’d felt alive, and in an instant, Leena had taken that from him.
“Oh, I just had a feeling if I gave you and Nick enough alone time, you’d find yourself attracted to one another.” She grinned at Tasha. “It would seem I was correct.” Her grin faded the moment her eyes landed on his. “Nick...”
Hearing her say his name was a sucker punch. She’d sounded breathless, like she’d had after they’d kissed, and he knew it was because she was uncomfortable around him now. He knew he needed to fix things, but he hadn’t been the one to break them.
Swallowing hard, he stood up from the couch and walked toward them. He could feel sweat beading under his shirt and was glad Tasha had convinced him he’d look more at ease with his suit coat off. He stopped next to Tasha, and bless her heart, she slipped her hand around his waist. The touch sent a zap through him, and while he wasn’t ready, he spoke.
“Leena, it’s been…awhile.”
She wrapped her arms around him then. The force of it took him by shock. He expected to feel this rush of sexual desire, but he didn’t. She felt warm and cozy tucked into his body, but she didn’t feel the way Tasha had a few moments before. Well, that’s a relief. Then her lips touched his briefly, and he immediately felt like she’d ripped his heart out.
Leena must have known it too because she stepped back, right into Jake’s embrace. “I’m sorry, Nick. I’ve just missed you.” She looked at the ground.
He felt his anger bubbling up, everything that he’d suppressed over the past year, boiling to the surface. “Don’t do it again, Leena.” There was a dark edge in his voice, and he should have kept quiet. Should have, but didn’t. “You lost the right to do anything or say just about anything to me on New Year’s Eve.” His eyes narrowed, and he couldn’t miss the specs of tears glistening in her eyes. Fuck. “We’ll keep it simple. You and Jake do your thing, and I’ll spend my week getting to know Tasha the way I should have years ago.”
That, caused the gut wrenching reaction from Leena he’d wanted earlier. Only it didn’t feel as good. She looked as if he’d slapped her, tears spilling over her porcelain skin. Everything in him wanted to apologize, but it would undo everything that made her cry. He’d done it.
“I’m going in my room. Someone shout when Mom gets here.” He turned and stalked off down the hall like a child. He heard footsteps and turned to tell Leena or Jake to back the fuck off, but found himself face to face with Tasha’s dark gaze.
“Are you okay?” her voice was hushed, as if she was comforting a child.
He felt like a child. “I wasn’t ready for her not to care at all. I’m sorry, that’s rude to you, I know. I just assumed she’d react in some way other than being happy, which is what we wanted her reaction to be, I know, but I couldn’t help —”
Tasha kissed him. A serene press of her lips to his, and then she pulled back. His lips almost tingled from the brief contact, and he looked sheepishly at her. He wasn’t one to let someone else be in control, whether it was work or the bedro
om, but she’d taken control just then, and it had soothed a part of him.
“I wouldn’t expect that to be easy. You went a little too far though, Nick.”
She was right, he knew it, but it didn’t matter.
“Excuse me. Can I talk to my brother?” Jake’s voice was loud after the quiet tones he and Tasha had used.
She gave him a look, but he nodded, and she left, leaving him alone with Jake. The pair of them stood awkwardly in the hall, and Nick grabbed at his tie, loosening it.
“Not cool, Nick. One hundred percent dick move.” Jake’s voice was quiet, as if he didn’t want Leena to hear.
“What’s a dick move is sleeping with the woman I love and then getting engaged to her right after she tore my heart from my chest,” he growled louder than he meant too and walked into his room. “If we have to do this, fucking get in here.”
Jake stepped in. Nick took in his appearance and knew they were about to come to blows — verbal or otherwise. Jake didn’t get angry too often, but his brother was a lot bigger than he was, more muscular. His arms were crossed so tightly over his chest, the muscle in his neck bulged. His eyes were shooting bullets at Nick, and his mouth was set in a firm scowl.
“What happened was bad, all the way around. I put her into a rough position. She chose based on what her heart told her. You might have lost her in time anyway. Don’t dump any of this on her. You want to hate someone, you want to make below the belt comments,” Jake patted his chest, “I’m ready for you. But you will not go after Leena ever again.”
Nick’s hand twitched at his side. He’d been waiting to take a swing at Jake ever since Leena had said she loved him. His body shook with the need to make a move toward his brother. He didn’t, not even the smallest lunge. Not because he thought Jake would kick his ass, but because he’d hurt Leena enough.
“Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “Stay the fuck out of my way though. Both of you. I’m not okay with any of this, and Tasha doesn’t deserve to feel like shit because I still love Leena.” He said the words, but the conviction was lacking, just slightly. He did still love Leena, or he wouldn’t be that pissed. He hadn’t reacted to her touching him, but her brief kiss had shot him off, and that was enough for him to know he wasn’t done with her, even if she was done with him.
“Not a problem, Nick. Not a problem at all. Don’t fuck with Tasha either though. I saw how you looked when Leena was happy for you both. I’ve spent a lot of time with Tasha when she filmed in Paris this year. She’s good people, and she’s strong enough to take your shit, so don’t ruin that if you’re only doing it to hurt Leena. It won’t work, and you’ll hurt a good person.”
Jake turned and walked out of the room. Nick felt his anger growing, and he punched at the lamp, sending it the ground with a shattering crash. He frowned, it hadn’t helped his anger, and he wasn’t certain which he was angrier about. That Jake clearly had Leena, that Jake had also spent time with Tasha or that he was beginning to regret asking Tasha to play house with him, since it clearly wasn’t going to work.
She sat across from Leena, her arms hugging her chest. Tasha had been uncomfortable a lot growing up. Being Native American had led to countless insults before she’d developed in her teen years. Those things didn’t hold a candle to the way she felt right now. Leena’s eyes were shimmering with unshed tears, and she sat on the other side of the dining table, not saying a word.
Not that Tasha blamed her. What Nick had done was nothing short of horrible. She’d been a huge factor in Leena following her heart, and she wouldn’t change her opinion on Leena and Jake. She’d watched her best friend desire Nick for eight years, and one day he simply decided he wanted to return the favor. It hadn’t sat right with her, which was ridiculous, since it’s not as if she saw them together too frequently. She sighed, if Leena was that upset by Nick’s actions, what would she say if she knew they were acting just to get Leena to believe she’d succeeded?
“Leena —”
“It’s okay, Tasha,” Leena said with a loud sniffle. “I knew things weren’t going to be simple…or easy. I had even expected a chunk of remarks. I hadn’t expected to be told to get out of his way though.” She sighed and dropped her head into her hands. Her blonde hair flew to the sides as she shook it and let out a muffled scream. “I caused this. I ruined Christmas.” She lifted her head, tears dripping down her cheeks. “At least, maybe if you’re really happy, he’ll realize I was wrong for him.”
Tasha felt as if she was going to lose her latest meal. She couldn’t do this to Leena. While she’d enjoyed kissing Nick far more than she’d ever thought she would, or would admit aloud, she couldn’t yank her friend around like this.
“Leena, about that —” She paused and someone interrupted.
“Hello in there!” an older sounding female voice shouted out. “Has anyone arrived, or did Marshall leave the lights on?”
“Mom! Marshall wouldn’t do something like that,” snapped a younger voice, likely the youngest DeMarco child, Anna.
Leena looked panicked and scrubbed her hands over her face, furiously trying to wipe away the tracks of tears and mascara. She gave Tasha a pleading look just as the rest of the DeMarco family arrived.
Tasha knew them all from the news, of course — Elaine DeMarco, her second husband Peter and Anna. Tasha couldn’t help but smile. Peter was loaded up with boxes and bags in shades of Christmas colors.
“I’m going to set these under the tree before I drop something,” Peter said and started to walk away.
Elaine DeMarco looked as if she was going to speak, but her eyes landed on Tasha and she paused for a moment. “Miss Morningstar, what a delight to see you! I’m so glad you could make it, Leena wasn’t certain if you would.” Elaine scooped her up in a hug that should have been reserved for family before turning to Leena and giving her one as well. “Now, where are those boys of mine? Not killing one another I hope.”
Leena looked queasy and Elaine laughed. “My dear, I was merely joking.”
“Well, you didn’t see the response when we arrived,” Leena said glumly.
“Leena, let’s get the decorations laid out. Your green sweater looks as if you’re already ready to decorate!” Anna said with a laugh and guided Leena from the room.
Tasha hoped that the tree could help. There were few things in the world Leena enjoyed more than decorating a Christmas tree, other than looking at Christmas lights and making snow angels.
Elaine smiled at her and gestured for her to sit. Tasha did obediently, unsure of how to act around the other woman.
“So tell me, how is my son treating you?”
Tasha paled, how could his mother know about that?
“Taking good care of one of his most talented clients?”
Tasha blew out a breath in relief. “Oh, of course. Though it’s a little strange to speak with his account reps instead of Leena when I have something I need addressed.”
Peter walked back in, two wine glasses in his hands, and set one down before Elaine. “Sorry, Miss Morningstar, forgive me,” he said as he pulled out a plush chair and sat.
“Please, Tasha is fine. I don’t even like when the tabloids call me Miss Morningstar.”
Peter smiled and turned to Elaine. “The boys are, well, they are here. Nick’s got his door shut, and Jake walked out as I was setting the gifts down.”
“I’m here,” Nick’s less than thrilled voice said as he walked out of the opposite hall.
Tasha hadn’t realized how many rooms connected, and she was shocked to see Nick. Even more shocked at what he was wearing. His suit was gone, in its place was a red poinsettia button down and jeans, and there was no tie around his neck. He almost looked casual. The shirt clung to his body in all the right places, and for about the sixth time that day, she couldn’t help but think about how attractive he was.
“Nikolas,” Elaine rose and kissed her son on the cheek. “You’re almost in Christmas attire. Dare I think you’ll be less grumpy
decorating the tree this year?”
Nick’s eyes met Tasha’s, and she covered her mouth to hide a laugh. He looked exasperated.
“Just keep us far enough apart, Mom.” As if he just realized their act, he walked over and kissed her, right in front of his parents. “Did Tasha tell you, we sort of found one another yesterday?”
Peter and Elaine exchanged a strange look. Tasha wasn’t certain if it was disbelief or concern she saw passing across their faces, but she didn’t blame them. There was a lot wrong with their plan.
“Well, if you’re happy, then I’m glad. Besides, Tasha is more successful and prettier than you. She’ll wise up soon,” Elaine said with a wink.
Nick growled low and pulled her chair out. “Thanks, Mom. Fantastic show of faith after last Christmas.” He looked down at Tasha and offered her his hand. “I don’t do Christmas festivities too well, but would you like to join us in decorating the tree?”
Her mouth slipped open. Leena had told her what a tradition it was for the family to do it. She shifted her eyes to Elaine, who gave a slight smile and a nod. Slipping her hand into his, she let him tug her up.
“I’d love to.”
Nick’s frown shifted, almost to a smile, and then he forced it the rest of the way. His hand slid down and rested on her lower back. Tasha almost shifted closer to him, enjoying the feel, but stopped herself. It was strange having Nick guide her in such an intimate fashion.
She couldn’t stop her gasp as they walked out to the living room. There had been boxes prior, but Tasha hadn’t realized just how many decorations had been in them. She couldn’t miss it now. Everywhere she looked, a Christmas bobble lay on the floor. Of course, they were perfectly separated by type, as Leena would always do. Everywhere she looked, the plush cream-colored carpet was covered with sparkling, glittering decorations.
Candy canes — which she hoped were fake — lay in a pile closest to her feet. Sparkling balls in red, gold and green lay next. Tasha could tell from the way they glistened in the light that they were glass and fragile. Next to them, sat blown glass cardinals sitting on tiny perches, and on the other side, glass snowflakes to match. A pile of rich red velvet ribbon in was coiled in the next row, surrounded by glass icicles and little gold glittering bows. Custom ornaments sat side by side as she continued scanning things toward the tree. There were dates painted on most, but some were less obvious, like the tiger or the moon. Leena was untangling garland, a glistening white strand that looked like the snow in sunlight, next to the tree, and the lights getting the same treatment from Anna.
