by Emma Hillman
* * * *
She’d managed to push him out of the room so she could get herself ready. He’d watched her exit her bedroom minutes later, her hair in disarray and her face flushed. But she was wearing a dress that skimmed her curves and dipped low in front. His eyes almost bugged out at the sight. Fuck, she wasn’t making things easy! “Leah, you look great.”
“Thanks!” She speed-walked past him and banged the bathroom door behind her.
He sighed and sat back down. Guess she wasn’t finished with getting ready. Unbelievably enough, she emerged only minutes later. Her hair was still wet and curly, but it suited her. Her eyes were now rimmed with mascara, her mouth a groan-inducing red. “Hell.”
She froze. “Do I look that bad?”
He shook his head, fighting the urge to go to her and kiss that lipstick off her face. He’d always been a killer for red lips. “No, you look that good.”
“Oh.” She blinked. “Thanks.” She seemed to think about it for a second before adding, “Really?”
He grinned and sauntered towards her. His hands palmed her hips before drawing her forward. “Yeah.”
She felt his erection against her belly and let out a deep sigh. He really wanted her. He really did. He wouldn’t still be hard if he didn’t want to get naked with her. If he didn’t want to have sex with her. What had he said earlier? Oh yeah, and get her to scream his name. Phew, hot flash. She mentally fanned herself. “Thanks.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re welcome, baby. Do you mind if we stop by my place first? I need to change.”
“Oh, where are you taking me?”
He hid his grin at her apparent acceptance of their date, turning around to grab her purse. “A nice restaurant on the beach. You’ll see. Do you like seafood?”
“I love it.”
“Perfect, so do I.” He grabbed her hand in his and led her to the front door. “Are you feeling good enough for this, Leah? Tell me the truth. You’re no longer dizzy or overheated?”
She shook her head. “I’m fine. Well, I wouldn’t say I’m no longer overheated, but probably not for the same reason.” Wondering how he’d take her declaration, she looked up at him and waited.
He laughed, pleased she was getting into the spirit of things. “I hear you on that one,” he said, dropping a quick kiss on her lips. “I feel quite hot myself.”
“That’s because you are,” she replied as she followed him out of her apartment. “You’re hot as hell, Nick.”
“Wait until I’m inside you to say that, baby,” he whispered into her ear as she slid the key into the lock, his words making her do it at least three times before she finally managed to close it properly.
* * * *
They’d stopped at his condo for a few minutes, Leah staring at the view of the ocean whilst Nick changed into a dressy suit. He’d come out of his room looking so much like a runway model, breath had left her. “Wow.”
“You like?” He’d turned around once so she could also get the back view.
“You look amazing,” she’d truthfully replied, once more shocked by how good he looked. Especially in comparison to her. Shaking her head to rid it of those depressive thoughts, she’d let him lead her outside, his white Escalade waiting for them.
Sitting here at an upscale restaurant in the Marina, Leah wondered if she hadn’t hit her head and dreamt all of it. But no, Nick was sitting opposite her, his hand holding hers on the table separating them. She glanced at their fingers, one set tanned, one not, looking so incongruous it was almost funny. “I can’t believe I’m really here,” she said to herself.
Nick squeezed her fingers. “Believe it, Leah. I’m here, you’re here and we’re both going to have some fun, all right?” She nodded, unable to do anything else. “Good.” He smiled at her and let go of her hand to grab the menu. “What would you like to eat?”
She winced but he didn’t see it. She was still on her diet of veggies, fruit and water. No lobster and butter dip for her. “I don’t know. What do you suggest?”
“The lobster is good.”
Of course. She sighed at the dilemma now facing her. “I’m not very hungry. The heat, you know.”
“You have to eat, Leah. You weren’t well earlier and I need you full of energy later.”
His words hit her and she looked up, eyes wide. “Really?”
He licked his lips, his gaze never leaving her. “Hell yeah. We can have a night cap at my place.”
She felt her face flush at his suggestive voice. “Nick, I haven’t known you very long…” She let her voice trail.
“I know.” He closed his eyes for a second. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be pushing you like this. It’s just I want you so much, I haven’t been able to think of anything else since we’ve left your apartment.”
Wow. Could he really be telling the truth? “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Have sex with you?” She nodded. “Baby, I don’t want anything else.” And it was true, Nick thought. He wanted nothing more than to plunge into her body, her breasts jiggling wildly as he rode her to completion. He wanted to fuck her and reassure himself he still had it. That he could be with someone else other than Mia. And what better way than to fuck someone who looked so much like her? “So, what are you having?” He forced the thoughts away and willed his erection to die down.
* * * *
She stared at the butter on her plate, almost able to hear it call out her name. Eat me, it said, eat me! I go so well with lobster, it just doesn’t taste the same without me! “Hell.” Leah forked another tiny piece of shellfish and popped it into her mouth.
“Good?” Nick asked, clearly not having the same problems than her.
He was eating his lobster with gusto, licking his fingers when butter ran down them and laughing all the while. He looked so damn happy. Like he enjoyed life and had nothing to complain about. Mind you, he probably hadn’t. He was rich after all. He had it all, had already experienced more than she could even dream of when he was a pro player. And here he was, studying marine biology because he actually wanted to, not because he needed the money. He could do whatever he wanted. Must be nice.
“Earth to Leah?”
She was brought back to the present by Nick’s insistent voice. “Oh, sorry, I was daydreaming. What’s up?”
“Aren’t you going to eat more than that?”
She suddenly spotted the waiter waiting non-obtrusively by their table and fell on the opportunity offered. “No, thanks. It was very good.” She smiled as the man quickly grabbed her plate and left.
“You barely ate. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Fine!” She forced a wide smile on her face.
“If you say so.” Nick stared at her before adding, “Want to share dessert?”
Oh hell. Not dessert. He was bound to force her to indulge because he was already suspicious as it was, and she’d have to eat and then she’d feel even fatter. No, no, no. “I’d rather go back to your place.” She froze when she heard what’d just left her mouth. Well, it was a solution, that was for sure.
Nick stared back at her across the table, a smirk playing on his lips. “Really? I guess that could be arranged.”
She watched as he gestured for the bill, her stomach clenching even though she hadn’t eaten anything. Oh god, what had she said? He thought she wanted to have sex with him and she did. Of course she did! The man was a god and he kissed like one too, so imagine how he’d make love to her… But that would mean him seeing her naked and touching her and, hell. She was stuck and it was her own damn fault!
Chapter Four
“Nick?” Leah’s hands were clenched around the skirt of her dress, the material bunching under the strain.
“Yeah?” he asked absent-mindedly as he slid the car into traffic. “What’s up?”
“I…I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
His head swivelled around before he remembered he was driving. “What? I mean, yes it’s a litt
le early but it’s not like I’m planning on hooking up with you for a one-night stand.”
He wasn’t? Well, that was good news. But she still couldn’t imagine herself having sex with him that night. “I’m sorry. I just don’t feel comfortable.”
“Shit,” he cursed under his breath. “You’re the one who suggested going back to my condo, Leah!”
“I know.” She bit her lip, her mind frenetically searching for a valid reason for her earlier comment. “I want it, I do. It’s just we’ve only known each other for a little while. We’ve just kissed for the first time!”
“And?” He sent her a nonplussed look.
Men! She moaned inwardly. “Please, Nick, would you mind driving me home instead?”
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
She nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry.”
He sighed but turned on his right indicator. “You don’t have to apologize. It’s just that I want you, but I can wait.”
Oh, he was so nice. What had she done to deserve him? He’d brought her back home, worried about her health. Had kissed her, said some very sweet things before asking her out on a date. He’d taken her to a very posh restaurant, and now she wouldn’t even repay him for what had turned out to be a very good evening. “I’m sorry, Nick,” she repeated.
His right hand reached out and found her fingers, squeezing for a second. “It’s okay, baby, don’t worry about it.”
“But I feel bad.” She bit her lower lip.
“Don’t, we have time. Actually…” He let his voice trail, making her look at his pensive profile.
“Actually what?”
He took her by surprise when he asked, “What are you doing next weekend?”
“Nothing.” She didn’t even have to think about it. She did nothing on weekends, except study and do her weekly shopping and cleaning. Her days off were boring as hell, she’d accepted that a long time ago.
“Want to come with me? I’m going back home for a few days.”
She felt her eyes widen. “You want me to go home with you?”
“Yeah, it’ll be fun. I have a house over there and I miss the quiet.”
Wow, she mouthed to herself. He really was serious about this…this relationship. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.” He winked at her. “I promise I won’t do anything you don’t like. I just want to go home and relax a little. Hang out with some friends.” Mia, her face popped into his head but he quickly pushed the image away. She wasn’t here now and Leah was. “Come on, it’ll be fun. Trust me.”
“I…I guess.”
Nick laughed. “It’s just one weekend. Nothing’ll happen. Don’t worry, baby.”
* * * *
Leah was remembering his words days later when she sat down in the First Class seat that’d been assigned to her. The one right next to his, the one in which she could fit without contortioning herself. She eyed the glass of champagne that’d appeared right in front of her face and shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“Are you sure?” Nick asked.
“Yes. I don’t like champagne.”
“Suit yourself.” He winked at her as he grabbed a flute and downed half. He licked his lips and leaned back in his seat. “Now that’s better.”
She forced her lips into a semblance of a smile and wondered, not for the first time, why she was so scared. Nick had been a perfect gentleman all week long; he hadn’t even commented on her not asking him up when he’d dropped her off that evening after the restaurant.
He’d come to the café at least once a day, drinking his usual coffee but never leaving without at least claiming a short kiss. It’d been exhilarating, that was true. Leah had felt such a rush of pleasure each time he’d grabbed her hand and kissed her, amazed that he didn’t seem to care everyone could see them. Or rather could see him with her. She wasn’t used to this sort of public affection. Oh, she’d had boyfriends before, but they hadn’t been the type to hold her hand or even less kiss her in front of other people. They hadn’t minded having sex in the privacy of their own rooms, groaning her name when she’d gone down on them. Even complimenting her on her technique, if not her body. But Nick was different. And she should love it.
No, that wasn’t right. She did love it. She was just scared. They hadn’t known each other long, had only started dating a week or so ago, but here they were en route to his hometown and she was panicking. What the hell was wrong with her? Maybe she should have drunk that champagne after all. Alcohol never agreed with her, but a nice glow wouldn’t go amiss right now.
“Baby?” Nick’s voice was close, and she realized he’d moved forward in his seat.
She turned her head and felt her eyes widen when she nearly bumped his nose. “Yes?”
“Are you okay? I never thought to ask you if you hated flying.”
“Oh no, that’s not it.” She groaned inwardly when she heard her words. Way to go, Pearson. Let him know something is wrong!
“Then what is?” He grabbed her right hand and tugged her closer, waiting until she was leaning her head against his shoulder. “Leah?”
“I’m scared,” she finally admitted, tired of holding herself back. If she wanted this relationship to work –and god, she did!– she had to be truthful. With him. With herself.
“Scared? Of what? Me?”
“No,” she replied, wondering what she should say. “I just don’t know what to expect, I guess.”
“But that needn’t be a bad thing,” he murmured against her hair. “Do you trust me to take care of you?”
She bit her lip. Hard. “I barely know you, Nick.”
He palmed her cheek and turned her face, until she was looking straight into his eyes. “I know it’s difficult. I know we haven’t known each other long but Leah, I invited you on this trip because I wanted to spend some time with you. All right?”
She nodded, knowing she couldn’t do anything else. He was right after all. She was stupid, getting all agitated over nothing. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” He brushed a strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear. “I’m glad you told me what you’re thinking.”
She smiled and hid her face once more into the crook of his neck. She should have just shut up. A feeling of dread rose inside her and she tried desperately to squelch it. What the hell was wrong with her? He was so very nice. He took care of her, complimented her. But why did he keep on asking her to trust him?
* * * *
“Nicky!”
Leah stood there, disbelieving, as she watched herself –or rather a blonder copy of herself– run to her boyfriend and jump into his arms. She watched him laugh and twirl the other woman in the air, love blossoming in his eyes as he set her back down on her feet and kissed her lips. Her lips! What the fuck?
“Hey kid.” A tall man interrupted the moment, clasping Nick’s shoulder before giving him a quick hug.
“Shut up, grandpa,” Nick replied good-naturedly. “How are you, Kev?”
“We’re good. Happy to see you. How was the flight?”
“The usual, ya know. Did you drive my truck here?”
“Just as you ordered.” The older man saluted with a flourish. “I’m at your service, oh dear Apollo.”
“You’re so funny.”
“I tell him that every day.” The woman grinned, wrapping her arm around the man’s waist.
“I’m sure you do.” Nick smiled at the couple and Leah wondered what on earth she was doing here. She turned around, trying to spot her suitcase on the carousel. Surely she could grab it and make a run for it. Catch the next plane back to Florida. “Guys, I forgot to tell you but I’m here accompanied. Leah, baby?”
Shit, too late! She pasted a smile on her face and whirled around, her fingers clenched so tightly around her purse they’d gone white. “Hi.” The couple froze. The woman was the first to recover and as she advanced towards her, the resemblance became even stronger. So strong Leah opened her mouth and asked, unable to stop
herself, “Tell me you weren’t born in 1979.”
The woman blinked then understanding the question, smiled. “No, I’m older than that. I know what you mean though.”
They stood in front of each other and it’s only when Nick moved closer, his right arm hooking around Leah’s shoulders, that reality snapped back. “Mia, this is Leah, my girlfriend. Leah, this is Mia and Kevin, two of my closest friends.”
A chorus of “Heys” and “How do you dos” rang between them until an uncomfortable silence reigned. Kevin motioned to the carousel and asked if they’d gotten their bags yet and they all moved as one, thankful for the excuse to stop staring at each other.
* * * *
“You okay?”
Leah jumped, startled from her dark thoughts. “What?”
“Are you okay?”
“Sure.” And just like that, she went back on her erstwhile promise not to lie to him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about them. I just asked Kev to drop my truck off; I didn’t think they’d stay to welcome us.”
“Welcome you, you mean.”
“Yeah.” He smiled. “What do you want to do? Go to my place or back to theirs?”
It was clear what he’d prefer. Even without having known him for long, she still could read the signs. “We can follow them if you’d like.”
“You’re not too tired? You don’t want to get changed or something?”
“I’m fine.”
“Great.” He squeezed her hand and off they went, signalling to the other couple in the car parked opposite them that they’d follow.
* * * *
It took a good thirty minutes before they finally parked in front of a large house set in an even larger garden. Leah stared at her surroundings and gulped. She was so out of her league. But then, she should have expected it. She was dating Apollo Hamilton after all.
“Come on, babe, let’s go. We’ll leave the bags in the car, just let me know if you need something, ‘kay?” She nodded as she stepped out of the truck and smiled faintly at Mia. The woman who could be her twin. Well, if she was a few years younger but still… This was freaky. She felt a shiver of apprehension run up her spine and forced herself not to react. Stop being stupid, Pearson, she admonished herself. Maybe both men had the same taste in women? What did she know?