Looking away, Damon backed off. “Get out of here.”
“No problem.” Jared grabbed his bag. “I don't get you man. I really don't. A blind man can see you have feelings for Nicole and she sure as hell has feelings for you. I never figured you for a coward.”
“You don't know what you're talking about.” Damon still didn't look at him. But Jared was right, he was a coward. This little human scared the hell out of him.
Shaking his head, Jared walked out. “Whatever.”
Chapter 7
The week had gone by in a flash of work, shopping for a dress and missing Damon. Nicole stood in front of her full length mirror making sure her finishing touches for tonight's charity dance were acceptable. Jared had taken her and Pam dress shopping Wednesday and had actually been very helpful. He had sat patiently as they tried on many dresses and commented on each. He actually had very good taste.
Nicole had finally settled on a black chiffon spaghetti strap gown with a sweetheart bodice. It hung with an uneven hem and flowed around to a short train. She had really liked the dress, but thought it was too casual for the event, but Jared had insisted it was perfect and she was glad now she bought it. Glancing down at her shoes, she smiled. They were very pretty, but something she wouldn't have bought herself. Jared had insisted, saying that they set the dress off. They were black satin, with a wraparound instep, rhinestone toe straps and ended with a five-inch stiletto heel. She prayed she didn't break her neck. Glancing one last time in the mirror she smiled, wondering if Damon would be there tonight. For once she looked like a lady and secretly wanted him to see her. Jared had warned her not to go anywhere without him tonight. They were afraid with the combination of public exposure and the prominent people attending the event tonight, it would be a prime time for someone to make a hit on her. Walking out of her bedroom she closed the door softly.
Jared whistled. “You are absolutely gorgeous.”
Nicole blushed. “If you think your flattery will get you more of my fried chicken....you're absolutely right.” She laughed and took the arm he offered. “You look very handsome yourself sir.”
“Let's get you to the ball Cinderella.” Jared grinned. If this didn't open Damon's eyes then nothing would, so to his way of thinking that made Nicole available. Jared's grin took a wicked turn.
Damon tugged at his collar for the hundredth. God, he hated tuxes, feeling more at home in his BDU's and t-shirts. Everyone was on alert knowing that this would be the best time for someone to make a hit on Nicole. She would be accepting an award tonight for her work with the kids. Yeah, that would make this the best possible time to prove a point. Damon casually looked around at the happy party goers, his hands in his pockets. Where the hell were Jared and Nicole? Pam and her date had arrived a half an hour ago. His nostrils flared thinking of Jared as Nicole's date. Well, he certainly had pushed that into happening, now hadn't he?
“Penny for your thoughts.”
Damon looked over at Sid, who sidled up next to him. It looked like he went to the same tux rental place that he had gone to. “Not in the mood, Sid.”
“Testy much?” Sid chuckled. “Let's see if I can guess those thoughts and save me a penny. You are beating yourself up for putting the lovely Nicole in the clutches of the handsome and humorous Jared, who could charm a virginal nun out of her godly habit?”
Damon rolled his eyes, but was surprised that he had hit it right on the head. “Not even close.” He totally lied.
“Really? Hummm....” Sid winked at a beautiful woman who eyed him as she walked by. “I guess I'm also wrong about the reason Jared is the one with Nicole and not you. I mean she is just a lowly human and not good enough for you. My God, we are of a warrior class and cannot have a human mate. Fates be damned that should happen.”
Feeling a headache coming on, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I really think it would piss Duncan off if I mopped the floor with your bloody corpse, so why don't you just stop talking and walk away Sid.”
Chuckling, Sid patted him on the back. “You know Damon, that's what I have always respected about you. You never were afraid to speak your mind. But you forget I can read minds too and lately you have been like a movie of the week. Haven't been blocking very well and that, my friend, is a very dangerous thing in our line of work.” Taking a swig of beer, Sid looked around. “We can't choose who we are mated to Damon, so why don't you stop fighting it and go with the flow? Work it out with her that is, after seeing my handsome puss, she still wants you. I can read her mind, but I would bet my last dollar you can't.”
Damon watched Sid walk away with his confident swagger, sliding up to the beauty he was eying earlier. Sighing, Damon turned to leave, shock stopped him cold. Jared had just walked in with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. “Jesus.” He groaned, realizing it was Nicole like he had never seen her before. Gone were her jeans and t-shirts and in place was a gown that was tight in all the right places and flowed in all the others. Her pale blonde hair had been left loose with the sides tied up into a jeweled comb in the back. Soft wisps of hair framed her face. From the top of her lovely head, to the bottom of her high heeled shoes, she was perfect. And all the instincts that drove his kind to their mates screamed “MINE”.
“Now that my friend is one hot piece of …..” Sid had stepped back to his side, staring at Nicole.
“If you want to keep those fangs, don't finish that sentence.”
“Then do something about it and do it soon, cause if you pass on that, I sure as hell won't.” Sid chuckled moving out of the way when Damon went to grab him.
Jared and Nicole made their way to Damon after being stopped a few times. Nicole's gaze kept flicking to him. She had never seen anyone so handsome. His hair was tied back and the tux looked like it was made for his fine hard body. In this room full of people she had never felt more alone in her life. She knew next to nothing about this man, yet every fiber of her being wanted him and wanted to be with him.
“Have you already talked to Duncan?” Damon asked Jared, dragging his eyes from Nicole.
Feeling Nicole's hurt rolling off her in waves, Jared seriously wanted to punch Damon in the face. What an idiot. “Yeah, I know what's up.” Jared took Nicole's hand giving it a squeeze and moved past him heading toward their table. He knew for a fact that Nicole had dressed for Damon tonight, even if she would slit her own throat before admitting it and Damon had pretty much thrown it back in her face by ignoring her.
Not looking at Damon for fear he would see the hurt in her eyes, she let Jared lead her away, the hurt starting to turn toward anger. She knew she wasn't as beautiful as the woman he was with at the warehouse, but he didn't have to act like she was nothing. He wouldn't even acknowledge her and that hurt. Determined to enjoy the rest of the evening, she sat down in the chair Jared pulled out for her and smiled up at him.
“He's an idiot.” Jared frowned as she sat down beside her.
Nicole laughed. “No he's not.” Shaking her head she put her hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for everything Jared. Don't be mad at Damon. He's your friend and I'm a big girl with a little crush.” There, she admitted it. That was the first step to getting over this awful obsession with a vampire she didn't really know.
As the night went on, Nicole really did enjoy herself. Along at the table with her and Jared were Mitch, Pam and her date Kenny. Soon the dinner was over and the speeches began. The last to get up was Mitch. Nicole suddenly developed a case of nerves as Mitch began to talk, afraid of what he might say. Lord knew when Mitch got on a roll no one was safe.
Mitch took the podium with a huge smile on his face. He told a few jokes to break the ice, then smiled down at Nicole. “Tonight I have the great pleasure of presenting the Community Service Award to one of my employees. When Nicole Callahan first walked into my office intent on getting the job she was applying for, I knew I'd hit pay dirt. She was the most optimistic person I had ever met, and after experiencing the daily life of a social service empl
oyee, she remains just as optimistic, if not more so. I am very lucky to have a full staff of employees who are good at their jobs day in and day out, but Nicole has always gone a step above what is expected because she has been where these kids are coming from and what they are going through, being a ward of the state herself for the first 18 years of her life. Her story is one that she freely relays to the kids she deals with, so they know she truly does understand, but that is not my story to tell. I will tell you; however, if there is anyone who deserves this award, it is Nicole. On top of her job in my office, which believe me can be twenty-four-seven, she volunteers at the Free Store, homeless shelters, women's centers, Children's Hospital, and The Boys and Girls Club. Also, beware, because I know she is actively recruiting volunteers for the softball charity game coming up.” Everyone laughed, and Mitch grinned, liking the attention. “But the most important job she does is taking children who have no one and placing them in homes so they have a place to grow up safely.”
Nicole sat, stunned. She figured Mitch would treat this like a roast, and although tell them good things about her; add how big of a pain in his butt she was. When he turned his attention to her with a slightly crooked grin, she might have thought too soon.
“I would like to present this plaque to you, Nicole Callahan, and personally tell you, thank you for your hard work and dedication. It has been inspiring, even to a mean grumpy boss like me.” Everyone clapped loudly as Mitch held the plaque toward her.
Nicole stood, grinning from ear to ear. Jared took her hand and led her to the podium, giving her his arm while walking her up the steps before returning to his seat. Looking up at Mitch, she took the plaque with a smile and tears.
“Didn't see that coming did you Callahan?” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You deserve it.”
Nicole laughed. “Thank you, Mitch.” She kissed his cheek back.
He looked embarrassed, but before leaving he added. “Yeah, well don't get used to it, cause Monday its back to normal.”
Shaking her head grinning, she watched him trot down the steps, leaving her alone in front of a hundred people, who were all staring at her waiting for her to say something. Clearing her throat, she looked over the crowd. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a social worker, helping children, and I actually did know the title because that is who I pretty much grew up with. I was never adopted and I can't say that I am bitter about that because being in foster home after foster home gave me what I needed to become a good social worker for the kids. To me, this is not my job, but my life. I love what I do and believe me it's not for the paycheck.” She grinned at Mitch when everyone whooped and laughter filled the room. “Seriously, if I didn't have bills and need to eat, I would do this for the satisfaction I get from it. To be honest, I think anyone who does something for the betterment of children should get this award, so I share this with all my co-workers who put their lives on hold for some not so fortunate. Thank you so much for changing the life of a child to a better one.” With a smile she started away from the podium, but stopped and went back. “Oh, and please, I really need volunteers for the softball game, so see me. I got the sign-up sheet with me.” Nicole waved the sheet with a grin.
The room erupted with laughter and applause as Jared helped her back to her seat, but not before he hugged her placing a quick peck on the lips. When her eyes shot to his in surprise, he winked.
Damon had watched every guy in the place dance with Nicole and it was driving him nearly insane. So far no attempt had been made on her life. Warriors were scattered everywhere, if anyone made a move toward her they would be on them. Even when she danced, Jared was right there ready. When the band announced that the last dance was to be played, Damon made his move.
Pam stood talking to Nicole and Jared as Damon walked up. “Will you dance with me?” He held his hand out.
Looking up at him, her heart thumped so loud she was sure everyone could hear it. Nodding, she put her hand in his as he led her to the dance floor. Yeah, like she could say no to him. Not a chance. Every man she danced with tonight, she wanted it to be him.
A few couples had taken advantage for one last dance and were scattered about the dance floor. Pulling her into his arms, Damon didn't say a word. He just held her tightly, swaying with the music. When the song ended, she wanted to plead for one more song, but the lights came up and it was over. With a sigh, she pulled away and looked up into his golden eyes.
“Thank you for the dance.” His voice was low and caressed over her, sending shivers down her body.
Not trusting herself to speak, she smiled and nodded. Turning, she looked for Jared before she made a complete fool of herself and begged him for one night. God, she was a fool.
“We need to talk.” Damon spoke before she could make her break from him.
“I don't think that's a good idea.” Nicole really didn't think it was a good idea. As much as she wanted him to want her she couldn't get the other woman out of her head. She didn't break up relationships and there was no way she could compete with that woman.
Damon watched her walk away from him to Jared. When Jared smiled down at her and draped his arm across her shoulder, Damon felt a deep seated fear that he might be too late. The fear turned deadly when Jared leaned down and whispered something in Nicole's ear, making her laugh. Damon headed toward them.
Grabbing Jared's arm, he pulled it off of Nicole's shoulder. “I have this.” Damon told Jared grabbing her hand, pulling her away.
“What are you doing?” Nicole gasped.
Damon eyed her as he pulled her toward a private corner. “I said we need to talk.”
“And I said that wasn't a good idea.” Nicole glanced around, but thankfully no one seemed to be paying attention.
“Why the hell not?” Damon asked, giving Jared a death stare when he noticed him walking toward them. “What, you want Jared now? Is that how it is?”
Nicole's eyes popped open wide, her head snapping back. “Seriously?” When she saw that he was serious, she got close to him with a death stare of her own. “Go to hell.” she hissed as quietly as she could without drawing attention.
The crowd had thinned out and only a few remained moving toward the door to leave. Nicole and Damon stood glaring at each other. “Answer me.”
Rolling her eyes, she threw her hands up. “Sure. Yeah. Me and Jared are hot and heavy. Don't know why that should bother you when you have a gorgeous girlfriend, which by the way you should get back to. I'm sure she's waiting for you.”
“Girlfriend?” This time she got away and walked out the door with Jared, his damn arm around her shoulder again. God, he was going to kill the son of a bitch. With one last glance he headed toward the back exit. “Girlfriend?” He repeated, stumped. A couple of stragglers passed by eyeing him warily.
“You okay?” Jared looked down at her frowning.
“Yeah, I'm good.” Nicole lied with a smile. “Thanks for coming with me, even though it was your job.”
“Best job I've ever had, honey.” Jared wiggled his eyebrows.
God why couldn't she be attracted to Jared instead of Mr. Doom and Gloom. Jared was nice, a real sweetie and very handsome in dark mysterious kind of way, but he just didn't do it for her. Before she could reply, a motorcycle raced up to them and stopped. Turning to look, she saw Damon straddling a solid black and chrome Harley, sending her heart thumping out of her chest. God, he looked good on the bike. She was a sucker for a man on a Harley.
“Get on.” Damon demanded over the roar of the bike, his eyes holding her hostage.
Was he serious? She was in a freakin evening gown. Shaking her head, she turned to Jared. “Please take me home.”
Nodding, Jared glanced at Damon. “If you want to talk to her, meet us at her place.” He turned and led her away to his car.
“I don't want to talk to him, Jared.” Nicole stared at him accusingly.
Once at the car, he turned her to face him as Damon's bike roared past them. Jared wat
ched Damon disappear, trying to get a read on him, but he had him blocked. “I can read you, Nicole. I just think you need to hear him out.”
Damon (The Protectors Series) Book #1 Page 8
