Alice Carpenter

by McKay's Heroine (lit)

  "I’ll be right back." He turned and left the room. Nikki could hear his feet pound down the stairs and the Jeep start in record time. She smiled in satisfaction and snuggled into her pillow to await his return.

  * * * * *

  Jarrod stood in the bedroom doorway, the bag from the drugstore clutched in his hand. His heart fell. She was asleep. It’s better this way, he tried to convince himself. He had tonight all planned out.

  As he watched, she raised her right arm and curved it over the top of her head. The movement caused the sheet to slip down to reveal her breasts. His breath caught in his throat and he was instantly hard again. Her voice startled him. "Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to come here?"

  His eyes flew to hers and he stepped forward automatically. "I thought you were asleep. I didn’t want to disturb you."

  She smiled lazily at him. "I wasn’t asleep. I was just resting up." She held a hand out to him. "Come here."

  He walked slowly to the side of the bed and handed her the bag. She opened the bag and looked in surprise at its contents. "And exactly how long did you plan on staying in bed?" She upended the bag, four different boxes of condoms fell out.

  Jarrod could feel his cheeks redden. "Well, I didn’t know what kind you’d want, so I got a variety."

  Nikki looked up at him in surprise. She smiled slowly. "I don’t think it matters what kind you use. It matters what you put them on . . . and what you do afterward."

  His eyes dilated rapidly. Her voice got lower and huskier as she said, "Take off your clothes and I’ll show you."

  The shirt was ripped off over his head without undoing the buttons. The shoes flew in opposite directions and his jeans and briefs were left in a rumpled pile on the floor.

  By the time he’d gotten undressed, Nikki had one of the condoms out of the box. "Come here." Her husky voice sent shivers of anticipation down his spine.

  She helped with the protection and pulled him down to her. "I love you," she said softly as she brought his mouth down to meet hers. The first time they made love was relatively quick, but very satisfying. After a short rest, they started all over again . . . much slower.

  * * * * *

  Nikki woke up to find Jarrod on the edge of the bed as he got dressed. "Honey?"

  Jarrod smiled down at her. "Why don’t you rest some more. I’m going to go fix us a special dinner. Do me a favor and stay out of the kitchen and dining room for a while. I want it to be a surprise. Okay?"

  She smiled, looked puzzled. "Okay."

  He looked down at the floor and then back up at her. "Could you, uh, I mean would you, uh, mind dressing up for dinner? I had Lainey pick out some things for you. They’re in the closet in the spare room."

  She raised her eyebrows. "Please. Just humor me." He looked at her hopefully. She nodded and he bent to kiss her quickly. "Thanks. Everything should be ready in about an hour or so." He kissed her again and left the room.

  Slightly bemused, she watched him go and wondered what he was up to. She planned her actions as she slowly got out of bed. If he wanted her to dress up, he would get the whole nine yards.

  She smiled. First a bubble bath . . . She picked up her clothes and walked back to the spare room.

  It took her longer than normal to get dressed. Her shoulder was still sore. The garter belt and sheer stockings took the longest. She shook her head at the outfit Lainey had picked out for her.

  She had known that Lainey would get her back for when she told Nana about Sean. The lingerie was new and positively indecent. The dress was also new, a beautiful green that matched her eyes, and the lingerie, exactly. It was also short and clung to her curves, some of which were a little smaller than usual due to her injury and recuperation.

  The cut and quality of the dress proclaimed that Lainey had made it herself. The material alone would have cost a pretty penny. Pure imported silk.

  She ran her hand along the soft material. Positively sensuous. Which is exactly what her aunt would have had in mind. She grinned into the mirror. Subtle was one word that did not describe her aunt.

  A knock at the door startled her. "Yes," she said breathlessly, her hand over her rapidly beating heart.

  "Are you almost ready? I’m going to change clothes. Dinner’s ready." He paused. "Honey?"

  "What?"

  "Five minutes, okay?" He sounded nervous and Nikki grinned.

  "I’ll do my best."

  A pause and then, "Please do." The sound of him as he walked down the hall and into his bedroom echoed through the quiet house.

  Nikki stifled her laughter as she put on her dangly earrings and perfume, and brushed her hair one last time. She knew what he was up to now and she loved it. Steve had obviously told him about the conversation they’d had and her complaints about the lack of romance in their relationship. Jarrod had decided to try very hard to be romantic.

  He had succeeded, too. Another knock at the door sounded. "Are you ready?"

  "I’ll be downstairs in just a minute." He obviously had the evening planned down to the last minute. She would let him have his way except for one thing. She wanted him at the bottom of the stairs for her grand entrance.

  Chapter 25

  He had never seen her really dressed up and she wanted him to have the full impact. With a grin, she slipped on the high heeled pumps that had been dyed to match the dress.

  She opened the door and walked slowly to the head of the stairs. Saxophone music played on the stereo downstairs. Jarrod waited at the bottom, just like she’d hoped.

  He wore tight white jeans and a red silk button-up shirt. The shirt had the top three buttons undone, which showed a triangle of tanned skin and a few dark hairs, the sleeves were rolled up to just below the elbow.

  The tight white jeans molded every curve of his muscular buttocks and thighs. She felt her heart start to pound. Lainey had obviously planned Jarrod’s wardrobe too. Her aunt knew she had a thing for a man in tight white jeans.

  Jarrod obviously knew it too. He smiled up at her as he waited patiently. Slowly, one step at a time, she descended the staircase. She didn’t even notice that she wasn’t afraid of the stairs anymore. Jarrod’s jaw dropped slightly and he swallowed convulsively as he watched, his eyes glued to her swaying body.

  She reached the bottom of the stairs and looked up at Jarrod. Even when she wore heels he was still much taller than she was. She smiled up at him and put her hand on his chest. He closed his mouth and took her hand in his.

  "Come with me." His voice was deep and husky. He led her into the dining room that was lit by a dozen taper candles. The table was set with his best dishes and crystal. A huge bouquet of flowers sat on the sideboard.

  Nikki gazed up at him. "I’m impressed. Did you do this all by yourself?"

  "Well, I got some advice from my family and Lainey, but yes I did do it myself. Do you like it? Really?" His voice was anxious.

  She stood on tiptoe and kissed his mouth. "Yes. It’s wonderful."

  He smiled in relief and pulled her chair out for her. Dinner was delicious. Chicken cordon bleu, fettuccine Alfredo, and fresh salad. Lainey had definitely given away all her secrets . . . like her favorite menu and her favorite attire for a man.

  She blinked rapidly and looked down at her plate. No one had ever cared enough to do all of this just for her. To go to this much effort just because they knew she’d like it. Because they wanted to please her.

  "Nikki?" Jarrod’s worried voice interrupted her thoughts.

  She looked up at him and smiled, her eyes lit up. "I love you."

  Relief filled his eyes as he relaxed. "I love you too. Are you ready for dessert?"

  "Sure."

  He disappeared into the kitchen and she wondered what he was up to this time. It had crossed her mind that she might be dessert, but that obviously wasn’t the case.

  He returned minutes later with a plate of chocolate truffles arranged on a crystal plate and a bottle of champagne. He set the plate down
then opened the bottle of champagne expertly.

  Jarrod poured the champagne into the two crystal flutes and handed her one. He set the bottle down and picked up his own glass. "To us." He touched his glass gently to hers and took a sip. She lifted her glass and took a sip, the bubbles fizzed in her throat.

  Nikki took a truffle and ate it slowly; washed down the delicious bits of chocolate with icy champagne. Jarrod watched her raptly. He ate a truffle without being really aware of it, and swallowed champagne to wash it down.

  After they’d finished dessert he blew out all the candles, refilled their glasses, and picked them up. "Let’s go into the living room where it’s more comfortable."

  When they had settled comfortably on the couch, he handed her a glass and put an arm around her, drew her close. She leaned against him and sipped the champagne slowly.

  They sat comfortably for some time, as they listened to the soft music. When Jarrod stirred beside her, she sat up. He took her glass and set both flutes on the table. Before she knew what had happened, he was on one knee in front of her, her hands in his.

  "I love you, Nicole. I’ve loved you since I saw you get out of your car in the parking lot at the police station. I’ll love you until the day I die."

  He took a deep breath before he continued, "Will you marry me, Nicole? Will you be my wife and love me forever? I can’t promise to be perfect. But I can promise to do everything in my power to make you happy." His dark chocolate eyes gazed into hers, his feelings showed in their depths.

  Astounded at his declaration, she swallowed heavily. "This is the most romantic thing that anyone’s ever done for me." A single tear trickled down her cheek.

  "Is that a yes? Do you need more time to think about it? I can wait if you need me to." Jarrod wiped the tear off her cheek with his fingertip.

  "I don’t need time to think about it. I’ll marry you." Nikki smiled up at him through her tears.

  Jarrod stared at her in stunned silence. He finally pulled himself out of his trance and put an unsteady hand to her face. "Yes? You said yes? You’ll marry me?" His voice was incredulous and full of hope.

  She smiled through her tears of happiness. "Yes. I’ll marry you."

  His own eyes shone with unshed tears as he gathered her gently into his arms. "You’ll never regret it. I promise." He kissed her. A kiss full of promise and commitment.

  Jarrod pulled away. "I almost forgot." He reached over to the end table and picked up a small velvet box. He opened it, took out the ring, and slid it gently onto her left ring finger.

  Nikki gazed at it with wide eyes. It was a modified Irish wedding band with a large heart-shaped diamond at its center. She blinked back tears and looked up at him.

  "The wedding band is a row of emeralds that fits at the base. Do you like it?" His eyes searched her face.

  She nodded, the lump in her throat too big to get words around. Another tear rolled down her cheek.

  "You know, if you’re going to cry like this when I propose I’ll have to make sure I don’t propose any more." He smiled softly and brushed the tears away from her face with his fingertips.

  Nikki smiled at him again. "I don’t need another proposal. I got the only one I’ll ever want or need." She stroked his cheek lovingly with her hand.

  When she spoke again her voice was low and throaty, "We still have three different kinds of condoms to try out."

  His smile broadened into a grin. He turned the stereo off with the remote, picked her up, and walked slowly up the stairs to their bedroom.

  * * * * *

  Nikki woke up alone in Jarrod’s huge bed. She pushed her hair away from her face and tried to figure out what had woken her up. The sound of voices downstairs provided the answer. It sounded like the whole neighborhood was in Jarrod’s house.

  She got out of bed and wondered how to get to the spare room when she noticed the pile of clothes on the bed. It was her jeans, T-shirt, underclothes, socks, and shoes. Her hairbrush and toothbrush lay on top of the pile.

  Curioser and curioser. She frowned in puzzlement. Something was definitely up. She brushed her teeth and hair, and dressed quickly, she didn’t bother with a shower in her hurry.

  The voices got louder the closer she got to the living room. She looked around in surprise, to see that all of the McKays were present. She didn’t know what Jarrod was up to, but she felt as if, whatever it was, she wasn’t going to like it.

  Briana was the first to notice her in the doorway. She ran toward Nikki and wrapped her arms around Nikki’s legs. "Nikki! Daddy said that you’re gonna marry him and you’ll be my mom. Really? You’re gonna live here all the time? I’m finally gonna have a real mom?"

  "That was the plan as of last night. Unless something has changed that I don’t know about." She raised an eyebrow and looked at Jarrod. Everyone had fallen completely silent and Jarrod looked anywhere but at her.

  She folded her arms across her chest. "Would someone like to tell me what’s going on?" Her foot started to tap impatiently as the tension in the room mounted. "Now would be a really good time."

  Jarrod cleared his throat, but Briana beat him to it. "Daddy said we’re gonna move all of your stuff out of your house today and what we don’t have room for here is gonna go into one of those places you rent to store stuff you don’t need." She took a deep breath after her long, convoluted sentence.

  Nikki impaled Jarrod with her glance. His cheekbones turned a dull red and he looked at the floor. "Your den. Right now." Her voice was clipped and sharp.

  She stalked out of the room, but didn’t particularly care that everyone exchanged worried glances as she left. So much for his promise of talking things over with her instead of ordering! Jarrod followed, his face worried.

  Nikki sat on the edge of the desk, folded her arms and glared at him. "Now would be a very good time for an explanation. Actually, you should have asked for my opinion in the first place." Her voice was low and furious.

  Jarrod flinched and shut the door behind him. He leaned against the door and sighed. "I really meant to tell you . . ."

  "Tell me? It’s my stuff and my life and you were going to tell me what you planned to do?" Her voice rose ominously and he flinched again.

  "Well, we’re going to get married and we don’t need two places to live in."

  "You obviously had this planned before this morning. Don’t you think I should have some say in the matter of the disposition of my own property?" Her voice was incredulous. "What gives you the right to make all my decisions for me? Is this what our marriage is going to be like?"

  He met her gaze. "No. I don’t have the right to make your decisions for you and this isn’t what our marriage will be like."

  "You could have fooled me!" Nikki was livid by now.

  Jarrod looked at her, fear grew in his eyes. He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at his feet. "I, uh, wanted to make it hard for you to leave. Hard to change your mind."

  Nikki stared at him in stunned silence. He still thought she would leave him! After all they’d been through, even though they’d decided to get married, he was still afraid. And she’d been worried that she was the only vulnerable one in this relationship. How wrong she had been.

  A whole lot of things seemed to make more sense now. Jarrod reluctant to leave her side at the hospital. How he took time off work before and after he’d brought her home, and never left her alone for more than an hour. And when he did get home the first thing he did was find her, wherever she was, whatever she was doing.

  Her heart ached. She knew that he trusted her. But he was still afraid she would walk out on him . . . just like Chloe had. Now he looked at her as if he was terrified she would leave him right now.

  "What did you plan on doing with the duplex? I assume you had gotten that far in your plans." She kept her voice carefully neutral.

  "Well, Erika said she really liked the place and she’d rent it for whatever the going rate is. Now that she’s got a job, she wants to move out on
her own."

  "I see." Nikki tapped her upper lip with her finger, as she thought furiously. "Come with me." She grabbed his slack hand and pulled him back out to the living room.

  The McKays stared at them apprehensively, they didn’t know what to expect. "There’s been a slight change in plans." Nikki felt Jarrod stiffen beside her.

  "We’re not going to put anything into storage." Jarrod’s hand tightened around hers.

  "Whatever doesn’t get moved over here will stay there." She felt Jarrod’s hand jerk in surprise.

  Everyone looked at her and Jarrod in confusion. "There’s not much point in putting stuff in storage that I’ll never use again. If Erika plans to move into the duplex, she’ll need some furniture. Of course, there are some things I plan to take. Like my nice wood furniture, the pictures and things on the walls and my personal effects." Nikki could feel Jarrod stare at her in shock.

  "But the bed, couch and love seat, barstools, most of the linens and most of the kitchen stuff can stay. Jarrod’s got everything here that we’ll need. My dessert stuff has to come over though. I don’t think Erika wants to get stuck with desserts for all the family get-togethers from now on."

  The silence was complete. No one knew what to say. Erika was the first to move. She walked up to Nikki and gave her a careful hug. "Thank you! I had planned to sleep on the floor until I could buy a futon. I never thought I could afford to rent something that was already furnished. Especially one that looked so nice!"

  Nikki hugged her back with her right arm. She held tightly to Jarrod’s hand with her left. "There seems to be a little confusion." Erika and Jarrod both eyed her warily.

  "The furnishings I leave will be yours. If you move, they move. If you want to recover or whatever, it’s up to you"

  Erika’s eyes got round with surprise. "Mine? Really? How can I ever thank you?"

  "Yes, really." Nikki smiled. "You can thank me by helping your parents take care of Briana when we’re on our honeymoon. Since I plan to take my dresser, the night stands, the kitchen table and chairs, and the entertainment center for here, I’m sure Jarrod won’t mind donating a few of his things to you."