The Strong Family Romance Collection

by Cami Checketts

  Mary clutched her hands together under the pristine white tablecloth. She was messing up her one chance with Nick Strong, and she could feel it. The stilted air that hung between them, the way he kept glancing at her then away, the lack of his usual Nick Strong grin, and the absence of any kind of stimulating conversation proved it. They were sitting at some fancy restaurant in Vail, the waiter had brought their drinks and they were quietly eating their salads and crusty bread. The food would’ve been good, if she didn’t feel so awkward about the way she’d fired up when he said it was ’just me‘. He was her dream man and could never be ‘just’ anything, but after she reacted so strongly she hadn’t known how to explain that, without throwing herself at him. Dang, that would’ve been fun and interesting.

  “So … do you think you’ll stay in the valley?” Nick asked.

  Mary shrugged. “I doubt it. I can work anywhere so I just need to figure out where my dream spot is.”

  He didn’t seem to like that answer and set his bread down. “Why don’t you want to stay close to your family?”

  Mary pursed her lips. “I haven’t made any decisions. Are you staying around?” she challenged him.

  “I don’t know,” he admitted, pushing his salad around with his fork. “I love the valley. I love my family and Gavin’s resort. I just don’t know my place here.”

  “That’s tough. You would’ve stayed in the military?”

  “For sure. It’s what I was made for.” He looked up to the ceiling, but it was as if he were searching the heavens. “Apparently, He has different plans than I do.”

  Mary couldn’t hide a small chuckle. “I’ve thought that often, regarding my own life.”

  Nick smiled at her. This was going better. She thought. They could talk as friends, and she wouldn’t make a fool of herself and throw herself at him.

  “But your life seems to be going fabulously,” he said. “You graduated college, worked a prestigious job, and now have started a successful business.”

  “Thanks.” She returned his smile but couldn’t help but say, “But life’s not only about your career.”

  His smile disappeared and he said, “You’re right. It kind of feels like it sometimes though, doesn’t it?”

  “Yeah,” she agreed. She leaned forward. “If money wasn’t an issue, what would you do?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “If you didn’t have to work for money, what would you do with your time?”

  Nick studied her for a beat, and then admitted quietly, “Money isn’t much of an issue. I saved most of my paychecks and invested them in whatever Heath told me to, and those investments are doing really well. I might not be a millionaire like Gavin or Heath but I don’t need to worry about a nine to five job.”

  Mary leaned back. “Oh. And what are you doing?”

  Nick gave her a frustrated smile. “That’s just the thing, nothing. I’m helping Gav out, but he doesn’t need me. Ella got everything running smoothly while she was helping him and his assistant and other employees could easily take over my responsibilities.” He shook his head. “I should be doing something like Cassie and Jed, starting some charitable foundation, but I’ve got no ideas, none.” He lifted his hands, helplessly.

  “Are you praying about it?” she asked softly.

  Nick shook his head shortly. “I think He gave up on me.”

  “Nick, He would never give up on you.”

  Nick didn’t reply. The waiter brought their dinners and they ate in a stiff silence. She hardly tasted her shrimp scampi. Nick pushed away his half-eaten ribeye and muttered, “I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry?” she asked. She was sorry that this night wasn’t going right, at all, but that was just par for the course with her and relationships. She was the idiot, after all, who fell for Blake, unable to see past his charming mask.

  “I shouldn’t have told you any of that.” He gestured to the dinner. “What kind of fool gets Mary Coulter out for a nice dinner and instead of wooing her spills his frustrations?”

  Mary wondered what he meant, acting like it was some high privilege to secure a dinner date with her. She focused on the rest of his sentence. “I like that you shared with me. You’ve always been this happy-go-lucky guy, but I could tell yesterday, that attitude is kind of a front right now.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “I hope it’s not a front as I have always been naturally happy and that’s how I choose to be, but …” He pushed a hand through his hair. “It isn’t exactly comfortable when you feel displaced. I’m used to having goals, dreams, working my butt off to be the best I can be and never letting my buddies down. Now …”

  Mary pushed back from the table, stood, and rushed around to him. She extended her hand. He looked at her, maybe like she was a little strange, but he took her hand. Power and warmth seemed to surge through her as they touched. She tugged on him and he stood easily. Mary simply wrapped her arms around him and held on.

  Nick was stiff for half a second: surprised, embarrassed, she didn’t know, but she just held on. He relaxed into her and his arms came around her back. He cradled her close. Mary hoped she was relaying strength, comfort, and understanding. She was getting much more than that from this impromptu hug: exhilaration, warmth, and desire to never leave his strong arms.

  The waiter approached. “Oh, excuse me. I’ll … come back.”

  Mary gave an embarrassed laugh and finally stepped back. Other patrons were staring at them.

  Nick tilted his head. “Do you want to get out of here?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Yes, please.”

  Nick’s devil-may-care smile filled his face. He pulled out his wallet and threw a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the table then he took her hand and escorted her through the restaurant. They walked out into the fresh, spring air. It was chilly now that the sun was down, and she shivered. Nick put an arm around her and said in a gravelly voice, “Better?”

  Mary glanced up at him. “Being in your arms or getting out of that stuffy restaurant?”

  Nick chuckled but he sobered as he gently turned her toward him and brushed her hair over her shoulder. His fingers brought pinprickles of awareness as they trailed along her neck. “Both,” he murmured.

  Mary’s breath caught as he looked at her, really looked at her. This was not the look a man gave his ‘friend’. This was the look of a man who cared about and desired a woman. She found herself leaning closer and arching up toward him. Nick bent down. It was the culmination of so many of her dreams.

  His lips were a breath away when the restaurant door opened behind them, and she heard laughter and voices. She drew back and Nick turned her with his arm and directed her toward his vehicle. She hoped that the near miss wasn’t her one chance with Nick Strong. Who knew if she’d ever get another?

  Nick got her door and escorted her into the leather seat of the black sport utility. He strode around the vehicle. She stared openly at him, loving the strength, confidence, and beauty that all blended together to make Nick Strong. His scars didn’t take away from his allure, not for her.

  He settled in and gave her a warm smile. “Where to?”

  She grinned back. “Depends what you had in mind.”

  His eyes dipped to her lips then back up. “Talking,” his voice was deep and husky. “Definitely more talking.”

  Mary shivered with pleasure at the intonation that she was going to get kissed, and thoroughly at that. Nick lifted his hand and softly cupped her cheek. She leaned into his palm. His hand slid slowly along her hyper-sensitive face and neck then he tenderly traced her bottom lip with his thumb.

  Mary’s breath was coming in short pants, her lip and face were tingling from his touch. His thumb stilled on her lip and his eyes seemed to devour her face, as if he could never get enough of looking at her. Mary, feeling very brave and daring, opened her mouth slightly and touched the tip of her tongue to his thumb.

  The reaction was instantaneous. Nick drew in a quick breath and his dark eyes flashed
with fire, a fire for her. His hand slid around to her hair and he tugged her toward him as he leaned across the console.

  Mary’s phone rang. She jerked in surprise.

  Nick’s brow furrowed.

  “Sorry,” she squeaked, ready to cuss whoever was interrupting them. “Let me just silence it.” She pulled it out of her bra and Nick’s eyes widened. She gave an uneasy smile and shrugged her shoulders. “The dress had no pockets.”

  Nick chuckled. “Okay.”

  Mary pushed the button to silence her phone, dropping it in her lap. Was their moment ruined, again? She wouldn’t let it be. She leaned in closer and murmured, “Where were we?”

  Nick’s grin was restored. He ran his hand along her arm and moved back toward her. “Almost to the spot I’ve always wanted to be in.”

  “Really?” Her own eyes widened. What was he saying?

  “Really.” Nick’s lips brushed hers and fire exploded in her.

  Her phone started ringing again. Mary’s nose bumped into Nick’s chin as she startled. “Stupid phone,” she muttered, grabbing it. It was Chelsea. She hated to even say it, but she had to. “Chelsea wouldn’t be calling me, while I am on a date with you, if it wasn’t an emergency.”

  Nick nodded. “You better answer it.”

  Mary leaned back into the seat and put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “Mary!” Chelsea’s voice sounded panicked, upset. “You need to get home right now.”

  “Why?” She sat straighter. “Is everyone okay?”

  “Blake’s here,” Chelsea said in a stage whisper.

  Sick horror raced through her. Blake. He’d followed her. He wasn’t dangerous physically, but he was powerful and controlling. Mary’s gaze strayed to Nick. He was watching her with concern. “You okay?” he mouthed.

  She forced a smile and nodded. Just when she finally thought she might have a chance with the man of her dreams, the man of her nightmares reappeared to mess things up.

  “We’re in Vail,” she told Chelsea. “It’ll be about twenty minutes.”

  “Okay. See you soon.” She fought to keep her voice level. Ending the call, she clutched her phone in her right hand. Looking at Nick she said, “I’m sorry. I need to get home.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  She nodded shortly, forcing a smile and lying, “It’ll be fine.”

  He put the car into gear, and she turned her phone over and over in her palm as she wondered why Blake would show up here, how he dared show up. He was thick if he thought she was getting back together with him. She didn’t like the thought of Chelsea being alone with him. Chelsea could usually hold her own but Blake was determined and deceptive. He’d had Mary thinking he was a good guy for far too long. Their parents were at some dinner club tonight. Though it would be better for Chelsea, Mary didn’t want to think about the fireworks that would happen if her dad got back anytime soon. She’d spoken poorly of Blake. Her overprotective and massive dad would probably pummel him. She smiled at that.

  “Are you okay?” Nick’s voice cut through her thoughts.

  She swung to him. “I’m sorry, Nick. I’m being horrible company.”

  He gave her a tight smile. “I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you.”

  “Don’t be. I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look fine.” They cruised along the highway, almost to the turnoff for their valley. “Do you want to tell me about it?” One glance of those dark eyes and she wanted to unload the entire story on him, beg him to come in and throw Blake out of her parents’ house. Sadly she couldn’t do that. Nick would probably pound Blake into the carpet, Blake would sue him, and it would become a huge mess. She simply needed to somehow convince Blake that she was through with him, for the hundredth time. The man was thick in the head! Bringing Nick into the mix wouldn’t accomplish anything. They’d almost kissed earlier, but sadly, she couldn’t claim they had a relationship or anything of the sort.

  Mary looked back out her window, hoping the view of endless pine trees and her beloved mountains would calm and soothe her. She spoke in what she prayed was a level tone. “It’s no worries. A friend from Boston showed up to visit.”

  “A friend?” His voice revealed that he didn’t quite believe her.

  “Yeah.” She focused back on him so he wouldn’t realize what she was trying to hide. With his experience and training was he like a human lie detector? No, that would be a spy, she hoped.

  He took his eyes off the road for a brief second, meeting her gaze and asking her all kinds of questions with those dark eyes. Questions she couldn’t answer.

  Luckily they were driving through the canyon, so he had to look away and focus on the road. He gripped the steering wheel with his right hand. Mary admired the strength in that grip and wished she could take some of his strength in or let him walk into the house with her. She smiled to herself. Blake would come unhinged if he saw Nick. She didn’t need the added drama a man as strong and impressive as Nick would create with Blake’s possessiveness of her.

  They pulled into the valley and a few minutes later up to her parents’ house. A silver Audi was in the driveway.

  “Thanks for dinner,” Mary rushed to say, pushing her door open and hurrying out of it and up the sidewalk.

  “Mary, wait,” Nick was out of the car and approaching fast.

  Mary whirled and rushed back toward him, stopping short of plowing into him. What she wouldn’t give to throw her arms around him and just hold on.

  “I can’t just leave,” he said. “I need to know you’re okay.”

  Mary’s heart pounded from Nick’s nearness and thoughtfulness, and the fact that she’d be facing Blake soon. If she didn’t get Nick out of here Blake would probably pop out of the house and make this all the more messy.

  “Thanks.” She forced a smile. “I’m great. I just … need you to go.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ll call you and explain tomorrow.”

  Nick studied her for half a beat. “You’re sure you don’t need me?”

  Need him? Oh, how Mary needed him, but getting rid of Blake would be much easier without riling him first and without having to explain any of the mess to Nick.

  “No, but I really appreciate you being willing to help me. I need to go.”

  Nick nodded shortly but didn’t back away. Mary pushed out a breath, gave him a brave smile, whirled and hurried toward the front porch.

  She grabbed the door handle and gave Nick one last glance. He looked so appealing to her, standing there so strong and willing to help her. If only she could give in to the weak part of her that wanted to beg him to come in, shelter her from Blake’s attempts to lie and manipulate her. No. She had to face this on her own. She could face this on her own.

  Giving Nick one more smile, she pushed through the door and prepared to face the demon.

  Chapter Four

  Mary straightened her shoulders, tilted her chin and walked through her parents’ foyer into the living room. Blake stood as she walked in and pocketed his phone. He looked polished and handsome as ever in a deep blue suit with his blond hair perfectly tousled and his blue eyes sparkling at her. He opened his arms, as if she’d walk right into them, and gave her his patented smile, the smile she used to think was attractive, which she now recognized as conniving and shady.

  “There you are. Hello, beautiful.”

  Chelsea stormed in from the kitchen. “Mare! You okay?”

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  “Such a beautiful sister you have,” Blake inserted, grinning what he thought was his charming grin at Chelsea. Normally it might have worked. It worked on every other woman he gave it to, but Mary had shared what a slime-ball he was with her sister.

  “Humph.” Chelsea stuck her nose up at him and turned back to Mary. “This lowlife keeps giving me compliments, assuming I don’t know what a loser he is.”

  Blake’s eyebrows shot up, his blue eyes filled with hurt. If Mary didn’t know what a fabu
lous actor he was she would think he was truly hurting. Thank heavens Chelsea hadn’t fallen to his charms.

  “Will you excuse us for a few minutes, Chels?” Mary said in a falsely cheery voice.

  “Are you sure you want to be alone with … him?” Chelsea sniffed at him, as if he were a piece of cow dung left on their living room rug.

  Mary smiled. She loved her sister. “I’ll be fine. Blake would never hurt me … physically.”

  Blake’s eyes got even more sad-looking. “You have to forgive me, Mare.” He started toward her but Mary held up a hand to ward him off.

  “I’ll come talk to you soon,” she said to Chelsea.

  “Okay.” Chelsea turned to Blake and jabbed a warning finger at him. “You hurt her and I’ll cut you to pieces.”

  Blake nodded smoothly. “I would never dream of hurting the love of my life.”

  Chelsea snorted, raised a threatening fist at him, and stormed from the room. A few seconds later Mary heard her door slam.

  She turned toward Blake. “How did you find me?”

  He smiled and stepped closer. “Give me some credit, love. You thought I couldn’t track you down at your parents’ home? You always told me how much you loved it here.” He glanced around as if in appreciation. “Beautiful home, beautiful valley. Are you having a nice getaway?”

  “Don’t, Blake.” She held up a hand. “Don’t try to pretend that I went on a little vacation. I caught you with your boss.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re disgusting. I’m more than over you. Please leave.”

  She stepped back so he’d have a clear path to the door. Of course he didn’t take it. He moved right into her space. She stood her ground, but when he tried to touch her face she flinched away.