by Y. L. Stokes
“There’s no rush. Can I help?” Nicole asked.
“Sure, I’ll read the measurements out to you, and if you could fill this out for me….”
Nicole looked at the clipboard he’d given her.
He’d brought his ladder in and had just climbed up when his cell rang. “Could you answer that for me, please?”
“Hello?” she answered, unprepared for the bit of jealousy that hit her at the sound of a female voice on the other end.
“Yes, I was trying to reach Jack Maxwell?”
Surprised that her professionalism didn’t slip, Nicole said, “I’m afraid he’s busy at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?”
“Too busy. I find that hard to believe. Tell him that it’s Charlotte,” the voice purred.
“Well, Charlotte, I hate to disappoint you, but I can assure you that he is too busy to come to the phone.”
A pause on the other end. Again, Nicole offered to take a message.
“Who are you? Are you his new secretary?”
Nicole held the phone away from her and glared at it. “Jack, honey, she wants to know if I’m your new secretary. Are you looking for a new secretary?” she asked in a sugary voice.
“Well, I was thinking about hiring one, but I really didn’t want to go through all the hassle of interviewing and all that mess,” Jack said from atop the ladder.
“Well, what if I do it for you on a temporary, part-time basis? That way you don’t have to worry about going through all of that interviewing mess.” She batted her eyes up at him.
“Works for me.” He shrugged.
She gave him what she hoped was a devilish smile. “Well, Charlotte dear, it appears that I have just been hired as Jack’s secretary. Now, does that make you feel any better about leaving a message?”
The only sound coming from the other end of the line was the rumble of an outboard motor trying to start. She disconnected the call.
“Oh, well, I guess she didn’t want to leave a message. Is she a girlfriend?” Nicole couldn’t have stopped the question that flew out of her mouth had she wanted to.
“No, she was someone that I met at a fundraiser that Mom had about a month ago. She got my number on the pretense of looking to have a security system installed. When I went over to do the measurements, she tried offering something that I didn’t want.”
Nicole reveled in the warmth that spread throughout her body. “What, she wasn’t your type?”
“Nope.”
Nicole couldn’t stop herself from asking the next question. “What is your type?”
He climbed down the ladder and didn’t answer her question until he stood directly in front of her, his mouth just inches from hers. “You,” he whispered, and his mouth claimed hers.
After stunning her speechless, Jack took the clipboard from her, wrote down the measurements, and headed for the door. He wrote something on the back of a business card and placed it on the table next to the door. Nicole wasn’t sure how long she stood there after he left.
“Maybe I heard him wrong,” she said, trying to calm the unknown feelings swarming through her body. Surely she must have heard him wrong….
She read the back of the card.
I hope our children will be blessed with eyes as beautiful as yours.
Yours forever,
Jack.
Chapter Ten
Ashley laid Marcus in his crib for his nap. The phone rang. About to answer it, she decided to let Nicholas get it—she really didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. Too much on her mind. Even though she was happy about marrying Nicholas, she worried about what kind of trouble her brother would inflict on him. Marcus fell asleep, yet Ashley remained in the room, hiding, unsure why. She headed for the kitchen. Cooking would help her figure it all out.
Nicholas had just finished talking to Jack, and he’d gained some very interesting information—information on his soon-to-be brother-in-law. It took immense self-control not to get in his car, drive over, and beat Ashley’s brother to a bloody pulp. From what Jack had told him, Nicole was worried about what kind of trouble her father would make for Ashley. Knowing Ashley like he did, he’d bet she was worried about what kind of trouble her brother would bring to him too. Now that he knew how his future brother-in-law worked, he knew how to deal with him. Nicholas mulled over the meeting he would have Monday. A noise came from the kitchen.
He stood in the doorway smiling to himself, remembering what Jack had just told him, that when Nicole and Ashley were worried they cooked.
“Are you hungry, honey?” he asked as he walked over and stood next to her, casually leaning against the counter.
“Oh, well, not really, but I just wanted to get something started before it got too late.” Ashley turned towards the stove and swiveled back around to find the meat she’d taken out had gone. “What happened to the chicken?” she asked, puzzled.
“I put it back. You’re not hungry, so there’s no reason to cook. Besides, it’s only two o’clock in the afternoon.”
“I know what time it is, but I need to cook,” Ashley snapped.
Nicholas’ eyebrows rose.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap.”
“It’s okay, honey, but why don’t you tell me why you have to cook?” He sensed her anger growing. Well, it’s as good a time as any to have an argument.
“Look, Nicholas, it’s just something that I have to do, okay?”
He shook his head. “No, it’s not okay,” was his calm reply. His calmness was pushing her over the edge, and that’s exactly where he wanted her to be.
Ashley took a calming breath. “Nick, I’m trying to cook dinner so that it will be done or at least damn near done when Marcus wakes from his nap.”
“Why?”
“Why in the hell do you think? So that I won’t have to take care of him while I cook!”
“I can take care of him while you cook, or you can take care of him while I cook.” He offered a nonchalant shrug.
She swung. The sound of her hand connecting with his cheek echoed throughout the kitchen.
“Oh my God, Nicky, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
Nicholas grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay, honey, I know you didn’t mean it. Shhh, don’t cry, honey.”
Her tears came in earnest. Nicholas scooped her up and carried her into the study. He held her in his arms until she calmed down.
“I don’t know what came over me, Nicky, I just….” Ashley’s voice broke.
“Listen to me, honey, it wasn’t your fault, it was mine. I pushed you to it.”
Ashley struggled to rise from his lap. “That’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have hit you,” she wailed.
She continued to apologize, and he silenced her with a kiss.
“Now listen to me. Jack told me about your need to cook when you’re worried. When I heard you in the kitchen I knew what you were doing. Honey, I wanted you to understand that you don’t have to keep all of your worries to yourself. I’m here, and we’ll share our anxieties together. I know you’re fretting about what your brother’s reaction will be and you’re also wondering what kind of trouble he could cause me. I know me telling you not to think about it won’t stop you from worrying, but what I want you to do is talk to me. Whenever you feel the need to cook at an ungodly hour, just talk to me. Will you try to do that for me?”
She smiled at him, her love showing in her eyes. “I’ll try, Nicky, but I’m so used to only having Marcus and Nicole to talk to.”
“I understand. All I’m asking is that you try.”
Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder.
“What are we going to tell Robert?” she whispered.
“We’re going to tell him that you and I are getting married and that he is more than welcome to attend the wedding, which, by the way, will be next Saturday, at two o’clock.”
She tried to bolt out of his lap. Nicholas stoppe
d her.
“Nick, I have so much to do before Saturday.”
“Don’t worry, honey, my mom and Nicole are planning everything, and they’ll take you to look for the dress on Wednesday.”
“I can’t let them handle everything,” she protested.
“Yes you can, and you will. Those were their words.”
“Are you sure they don’t want me to do anything?”
“I’m positive. If you don’t believe me you can call them.” He reached for the phone, but her next words stopped him.
“I don’t think Robert will come.”
Nicholas shook his head. “I disagree, honey. I think he’ll be there. In fact, I know he’ll be there.” He won’t have any choice.
“I don’t want him there, Nicky,” she said in a small voice and stared down at her hands.
“Then we won’t invite him,” Nick said reassuringly.
Chapter Eleven
Nick turned over and reached out to pull Ashley back into his arms. Her side of the bed proved empty, and he came wide awake, surprised at her gathering her bags.
“What are you doing?” He climbed out of the bed and stood before her, naked.
“I’m packing so that we can go back home. This was for the weekend only, remember. I have to go to work tomorrow, and my car is at home.” Ashley went into the baby’s room to collect Marcus’ things.
Nick unpacked her bags.
“What are you doing, Nicholas?” Ashley said upon her return.
“What does it look like? I’m unpacking your bags. This is your home. This is where you and Marcus belong.”
Ashley let out a deep sigh. “Nicholas, we’re not married yet, and won’t be until Saturday. Marcus and I can’t stay here until then,” she stated, her voice calm.
“Why the hell not? This is where you belong, right here with me, and I’m not going to lose you.” Fear edged his voice.
Ashley walked over to him and placed a hand on his arm. He shook.
“Nicholas, you’re not losing us. We’re just going to my house where the rest of our clothes are.”
“Ash, baby, do you know how scared I was when I reached over and you weren’t there? It scared the hell out of me. There’s no way I’ll be able to sleep without you being here. Hell, I know I’m being selfish, but damn, it’s my right.” Nick stood in front of the double doors and stared out at the predawn sky. “I tried to be strong and keep my feelings to myself, trying not to rush you, but everything was taken out of my control, and when I heard you say that you loved me, everything fell in to place. I have the woman that I love and a wonderful little boy. I guess I’m just so afraid that something will happen between now and Saturday,” he admitted.
“Like what, honey? I’m not going to stop loving you, and you will always be Marcus’ dad.”
Nicholas paced. “That’s not what I’m worried about, Ash. What if Peter and his grandmother try and whisk you and Marcus away or something like that? I don’t know, I’m just not willing to take the risk.”
“So what you’re saying is that we should stay here until after the wedding? What about my clients? And how am I going to go looking for a dress if you don’t want me to leave the house?”
Nicholas stopped pacing, stood before her, and raked his hands through his hair. “Ash, I’m not saying that you’ll be held under house arrest or anything like that, I’m just saying that since we’re going to be married Saturday, why should we stay at separate houses until then?”
Ashley appeared to think for a moment. “You know, honey, you’re right. You are being selfish, but I love you for it, so I guess I’ll give in, but only on the condition that you’ll let me know when you go talk to my brother.”
Nicholas swung around to face her. “You slick little chick, you! You set me up, didn’t you?”
“Maybe just a little bit,” she confessed, smiling.
“Why, you wait until I get my hands on you.”
Before he could get her, Ashley dashed out of the room and headed towards the stairs. He caught her on the landing as her foot touched the last step.
“Now I’m going to show you what happens to someone that tries to manipulate me.”
He gave her a fireman’s lift, carrying her downstairs slung over his shoulder.
“Nicholas what are you going to do? Put me down this instant!” she demanded.
“You’d better stop screaming before you wake Marcus,” Nicholas warned.
“I won’t until you put me down.”
“I’m going to put you down, all right. Right across my knee.”
Ashley inhaled a sharp breath. “You can’t mean what I think you mean.”
“Oh, yes, my love.”
“I’m not going to let you treat me like a child.” Ashley pounded on his back. “What is your back made of, brick?” she yelled as he continued down the staircase.
He didn’t stop even once they reached the family room.
“You know what, I don’t have to put you across my knee. I have you in the perfect spot right now.”
The sting of his hand smacked her bottom. She tried to reach behind her to cover herself, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Nicholas, I’m never going to forgive you for this.”
“Is that right? It’s okay for you to slap my cheek, but it’s not okay for me to slap yours?”
“I told you I was sorry.”
“And sorry is supposed to make it okay?”
Still hanging over his shoulder, she remained quiet. Nicholas walked out onto the patio and reached up for the light fixture. Ashley strained to see what he was doing, but he promptly slapped her bottom. She screamed.
“You’d better keep it down or our neighbors are going to hear you.”
“If you don’t put me down I’ll give them a reason to come running.”
“Honey, they won’t be able to hear you. Our nearest neighbor is a couple of miles down the road. Now, I’m sure that your cute little bottom is stinging. I know a sure-fire way to cool it off.”
Nicholas flipped the switch. Part of the patio floor began to move, revealing a full-length pool underneath. He placed a kiss on her stinging bottom and put her down, but didn’t release her. She stared at his chest, and he placed his thumb under her chin and lifted her face.
“Now that I have your full attention, let’s get something straight. I love you with all my heart, but I won’t be manipulated. Don’t make me go through what we just went through upstairs again,” he warned.
“I’m sorry, Nicky, but you know how I worry.”
“Ashley I know you worry about what your brother will do or try to do to hurt me, but he can only hurt me through you, and I’m never going to let that happen. I won’t let your brother or anyone else hurt you or Marcus, okay?” He touched his forehead to hers and stared into her beautiful honey eyes. His hand rubbed her bottom. “Does it still sting?”
“Yes, you big lug-head.” She pouted.
“Well, let me see if I can make it up to you by making you forget all about it.”
“I’d like to see you try,” she challenged.
“Oh, really?”
His mouth captured hers. He removed her robe, scooped her up into his arms, and headed for the pool. Naked, Nicholas walked to the end of the oval-shaped pool and descended the stairs. The lights inside the water cast a soft glow. The warmth of the water surprised Ashley. His hard cock rubbed against her. Reaching down, she took him into her hand and stroked. He growled in the back of his throat, grabbed a handful of her hair, and covered her mouth with his in a searing, passionate kiss.
He tore his mouth away from hers and placed kisses along the side of her neck, continuing down to her breast. He slid his free hand down her stomach to the juncture between her legs and slipped his middle finger inside.
“Wrap your legs around my waist,” he said in a harsh whisper.
Ashley immediately did as he’d instructed. She moved to take him inside her, but he stopped her. She let out a frustrated
groan and looked into his eyes. “Don’t make me wait, Nicky,” she demanded.
“Not until I get your promise. Promise me you won’t try to leave me ever again.” His voice sounded strained and hoarse as if he’d been yelling. The fear in his voice cut through the haze his passion had enveloped her in. Taking his face into her hands, she stared into his blue-green eyes.
“I promise, Nicky, I’ll never leave you,” she whispered and kissed him.
With one thrust he embedded deeply inside her. They both screamed as their pleasure rocked them to the core. The waves caused by the movement of their bodies enhanced Ashley’s pleasure. She dug her nails into his back and rode him, matching him thrust for thrust. Nick captured a nipple with his mouth and suckled. Her head fell back in surrender to the lust coursing through her. Desire tugged Ashley closer and closer to the edge. She tightened around him, on the verge of climaxing. She wanted it fast.
Ashley gripped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper and sending them both over the edge of bliss. Nick held her in his arms and whispered how much he loved her, how he was going to spend the rest of his life making her happy. He carried her out of the pool and back into the house, pausing only long enough to grab the robe and wrap it around her. He hit the switch to cover the pool, and as he walked into the house, he continued to tell her how much he loved her. He climbed the stairs. By the time they’d reached his bedroom, sleep prodded Ashley. Her eyes briefly opened when he removed the robe from her body and smiled down at her. He climbed into bed with her, and she snuggled up to him, let out a contented sigh, and drifted off to sleep.
The sound of Marcus’ laughter woke Ashley. She looked over at the clock, saw the time, and sat straight up in the bed. “Oh my God, I’m going to be late.” She hopped out of bed, ran for the bathroom, and quickly turned and headed for the baby’s room. I’d better check on Marcus.
“Marcus, give Mommy a moment and I’ll….” The words froze in her throat at the empty room. Her heart hammered faster. About to run downstairs, she realized that she didn’t have on a stitch of clothing. She quickly grabbed a shirt of Nick’s, buttoning it as she went down the stairs. Whispering came from the kitchen. She stopped at the doorway and watched her son and the man she loved play over breakfast.
