by Zoë Lane
I sighed. That sounded like way too much work. I would rather spend money on Vero…
14
VERONICA
Nico came into the bedroom and shut the door. I’d already laid his pillow and blankets down on the floor. He stared at them for a long time without moving.
I frowned. The bed was big enough. He could stay way, way over on his side and I’d feel comfortable.
“You didn’t come into the office today,” I said softly.
His eyes briefly flickered over me. “My face is fine. It’s just a bad bruise.”
“You’re filing charges?”
He nodded. “Already done. If Diego thinks he can get away with pushing people around—like you—then he’s gonna learn the hard way that he’s an idiot, and that he can’t do that.”
“I really wish you wouldn’t.”
Nico stared at me. “And why shouldn’t I? The GM practically tore into me today, saying I shouldn’t defend myself and should just walk away when someone touches me. Now you want him to get away with everything?” His voice rose. “Vero, that’s stupid, you realize that, right?”
“Nico—”
“He can’t do that. I don’t care who he is or what he called me. He can’t get away with that.” He stalked to his bed.
“It’ll make my life a living hell.”
“What will?”
I lowered my voice. “When I leave here, and get my own place. I’ll have to deal with him, and then—”
“Then just stay here. Problem solved.”
He had to be mad! I stood. “No,” I stated firmly. “I’ve worn out my welcome.” It wouldn’t be good for either of us. Too much attraction. I needed to heal from my breakup, not room with a hot football player who kissed me into ecstasy EVERY. DAMN. TIME.
He snorted. “My mom loves you, and other than me missing my bed, you’ve been the perfect houseguest. You don’t even leave toothpaste around the cap. If I were the marrying type, I’d ask you to marry me for real.”
I couldn’t see his face as he had turned to pick up his pillow and fluff it. Was he actually being serious? I refused to entertain the thought. He wasn’t asking me for real. He was just angry at being punched, and probably at sleeping on the floor again. I glanced over the expanse of the bed.
“I’d be the third wheel whenever you have women over.” My throat constricted and my stomach turned. I didn’t want to think about him having sex with some random girl while I was sleeping in the bedroom next door. Who were they? Why did he pick them over—
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll take them to a hotel.” He winked, but his eyes didn’t smile.
I slapped him with a pillow. “You’re gross.”
“You’re thoughtful.”
His bruise looked terrible in the light coming from the wall sconces. “Please let me look at that bruise. I can’t believe your mother took you seriously when you told her you got that in practice.”
“It’s football. A contact sport. She gets it.”
“You’re the kicker,” I said dryly. “You’re not coming into contact with anybody.”
“Not always true. And I’m fine.”
I grabbed his arm and pulled him as hard as I could. He narrowly missed me and crashed on the bed. “Now stay,” I ordered. I leaned in close and gently touched the injury. I saw him attempt to cover a wince. “It’s painful.”
“It’s fine,” he said in a tired voice.
“It’s swollen. You need to take an anti-inflammatory, and I’ll get you something for the pain.” As I turned to get my medical bag, he caught my wrist
“Don’t worry about it. It’s been a day. By tomorrow it’ll look better.”
“Nico—”
“Vero,” he said firmly. His hands came up my forearm as he pulled me in close. “I appreciate it, Nurse Tirado.”
With a hand behind my neck, he guided me to his lips.
I couldn’t be here again. I had told myself all day that I wouldn’t let him kiss me. That I’d keep my distance and guard my heart.
But he kept doing this.
Kept being nice and offering me shelter and protection.
Kept kissing me like I was the only woman on his mind.
And I couldn’t help but kiss him back. My toes curled. My womb clenched. I wanted this.
And more.
I leaned into him and he tipped backward, taking us to the bed. He slid further onto the bed and held me close to keep the connection. Slowly he rolled on top of me. Trapped. No getting out of this. I wrapped my legs around his waist, not wanting to get out of this.
“I want to stay here,” he whispered in my ear. “Where it’s comfortable.”
I snickered. “Oh, so you’re just using me to get into bed.”
“It’s my bed,” he whined and then kissed me thoroughly. “I’ll sleep on the floor if you say so.”
I held his face away from me. His dark eyes latched to mine. He smiled. “You’re so pretty. Diego was a fool.”
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.”
His grin widened. “I’d say it anyway because it’s true.”
I sighed and pulled his head back down. He deepened the kiss, and in seconds our tongues were vigorously dancing.
I moaned so loudly, I startled myself. “Your mother will hear us!”
“She’s in the guest room at the furthest end of the hall. No way.” He came down on me again. “Vero…” He found my neck and sucked hard.
“Stop! Stop! I can’t go to work with a hickey. I’m a professional.”
He laughed against my skin, tickling me. I squirmed. “Wouldn’t that get people talking?”
“Starting with your mother.”
“She’ll love it.” He moved to my earlobe. I shivered as his teeth grazed the tender spot beneath my ear. He chuckled, and I felt the low rumble in his chest against mine.
“She’ll ask when the grandkids are due.”
He groaned and rolled over. He let out a giant sigh. Part of me kicked myself for ruining it. A few more minutes wouldn’t have hurt.
“You’re right,” he breathed.
“And that’s not what you want.”
He looked at me. “Is it what you want? Kids?”
I nodded. “I hadn’t really thought about it until I thought Diego was going to propose. But…yes. I do want children. I wouldn’t mind having a couple of mini-me’s running around.”
He laughed. “Yeah, I can see that. Boys everywhere would have to be warned. Your daughters will break their hearts.”
My cheeks burned. “They wouldn’t do it on purpose. I wouldn’t teach them that.”
He traced a finger down my cheek. “I know you wouldn’t. But it’s inevitable when you’re this beautiful.”
I smirked. “You seem to have no trouble. Your heart is safe and sound.”
He frowned, his lids lowering. “I wouldn’t say that.”
“What would you say?”
He pulled his hand away and stuffed it beneath his head.
After a few minutes of silence, I got underneath the covers. No sense in pressing him. He’d just graduated from college. The only thing he should be worried about was doing well for the Rhinos. A wife and kids were far away on the horizon.
And I wouldn’t be that wife. Nor would I be having our children.
I shoved him and he rolled further away. With a few pillows, I created a divide as he watched with interest.
He snorted. “Really? You think that’ll stop you?”
I laughed. “It’s not for me. I have self-control.”
“I’m not even going to challenge that statement, Nurse Tirado, since we both know what happens to you when I kiss you.”
I kept my eyes on the pillow. “I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.”
“Your tongue does,” he said smoothly.
With courage I didn’t possess, I met his eyes. “Never again.”
He bellowed. “I think you like teasing me.”
He scooted close to the divide. “Or at least, challenging me.” His eyes sparked with hunger.
My blood responded, pounding in my ears. My heart felt like it wanted to burst from my body. “Stay on your side.”
“Is that an order?”
“It’s a request.”
“One I don’t have to follow.”
I sighed. “Nico—”
“I give you my word I won’t touch you. Unless you beg me to.” His toothy grin didn’t fool me. He plucked a pillow up and tossed it across the room.
I scrambled, but he had an arm around me. “Nico!”
“Shh! My mother could be listening.”
“You said she was down the hall,” I argued.
“Maybe she has an ear to the door. She does want grandbabies, remember?”
He drew me in firmly to his waist, and I stiffened.
“Don’t move so much.”
“I’m not moving.” I wasn’t breathing either. I held my body so still, willing it not to respond to the intense heat I felt from my neck to the soles of my feet. It felt like nearly every inch of my backside was touching him. I could feel myself sweating.
“Good. Now relax. Get comfortable.”
He was absolutely crazy. My mind raced with thoughts of our bodies dancing together in this bed and I knew there was one subject that would cool me down instantly. “Nico, would you do something for me?”
His warm breath caressed my neck. “Anything.”
My stomach started doing flips. I squeezed my legs together, and they fought me every inch of the way. I took a deep breath. “Could you drop the charges against Diego?”
His arm stiffened around me. “Anything but that.”
“Please, Nico. I don’t want any more trouble with him. I was thinking if you dropped the charges, he might be willing to give me my money back. Then it’ll be all over and I can move on. Please?”
“And what about the charges against me? You think Diego is going to let that go? That I should let it go? You’re sounding a lot like management. They’d rather see me get beat down than stand up for myself—or you, for that matter.”
If she were in the right emotional place, she’d show him how grateful she was for him standing up and offering his body for that beat down. He had proven over and over that he was a better man than Diego, even though he was a good ten years younger than Diego. Diego was the immature one. Not Nico.
Vero bit her lip, considering Nico’s questions. “Maybe your lawyer can convince him to drop everything. Can’t he? I want to start with a clean slate. And management will get what they want, being your name out of the papers for assault charges.”
He was a quiet for a few moments and I held my breath. I knew what I was asking was a lot, and it meant setting aside his pride. Would he be able to do that?
“Okay,” he whispered. “Veronica, this isn’t the easiest thing for me to do, I hope you know that.”
I turned over, my gaze catching his.
“Vero…” he breathed.
I touched the side of his face where he’d been punched by my ex. How could I repay him for everything he’d done and the beating he’d taken? Pale moonlight from his floor-to-ceiling windows streaked across his face. It softened beneath my touch.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I misjudged you. You’re a good man, Nicolas Langetti. And you look great in linen. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.”
He chuckled, the deep sound sending waves of desire over me. I clenched my legs together again. I had to be strong—for my heart.
His lips softly touched mine and lingered. He broke first. “We both need sleep.”
I turned back over. My heart warmed at his level of self-control. I felt even more protected.
Cherished.
Or maybe he didn’t want me as much as I wanted him. My stomach dropped, my emotions in a whirl. Nothing made much sense.
His arm anchored me to him. We settled into the pillows. His warmth enveloped me, and I closed my eyes, feeling like I was in a heated whirlpool. This…this made sense. I let out a long, slow breath, feeling my body relax against him.
His arm slackened and I briefly thought about escaping.
Briefly.
I felt his breath on my neck slow. Mine soon matched his and my eyes drifted shut.
15
VERONICA
With a start, I bolted up.
Alone.
My ears strained to hear the water running in the bathroom, but I heard nothing. I flipped on the lights. Nico had put away the pillows and blankets left on the floor from last night.
After showering, I entered the kitchen to see Mrs. Langetti busy at the stove. She smiled at me and wiped her forehead with the back of her potholder-covered hand.
“Good morning!”
“Good morning,” I answered with a yawn. “Where’s Nico?”
“Oh, he left very early. Said he wanted to get in a workout and massage before the day started. I was barely awake myself when I caught him walking out the door.”
I slipped onto the stool and put a chin in my hand. Last night had been fun. Interesting. Unrequited, even. I refused to believe he’d left early to get away from me. Why hold me all night?
I snatched a ready sweet roll off a pile in the center of the island, moaning as the still-warm sweet bread touched my tongue.
Mrs. Langetti laughed. “I will leave you the recipe since you love them so much. You’re going to be family. No reason to keep it from you now.” She winked.
I smiled and chewed. And chewed. Nico had said she’d be gone in a day or two. Then we’d be broken up, and it wouldn’t matter how I had lied through sweet bread and teeth. I’d figure out a payment plan with Nico for the dress, and make sure to give the recipe back.
She set a cup of coffee and a plate of cheeses and meats down in front of me. “Nico told me you’re having some trouble with an ex-boyfriend.”
I stiffened. “Um…yes.”
“Do you think he’s still in love with you? That he doesn’t want you to marry Nico?”
I snorted and then coughed around the roll. “Absolutely not. He could care less about Nico.” Or me. Had he ever really loved me? Before now, I had never believed that you could hurt someone you loved this badly.
“Then why hasn’t he moved on?”
I didn’t know. He could’ve avoided us at the restaurant, but Teresa had come over and then Diego had picked a fight with Nico. He and Teresa took pleasure in tormenting me.
“How did you two meet?”
I swallowed. “He… he was in a relationship with someone else and…” I placed the remaining sweet roll onto a small bread plate, unable to finish.
Mrs. Langetti’s lips thinned into a disapproving line. “Character is what I respect most in a person. I had to learn the hard way that how you get him is how you lose him.”
I stared at Mrs. Langettis. Had I heard her right? “You? And Nico’s father?”
She nodded. “I knew it was wrong, but I was in love—or at least, I had fooled myself into believing that. I was in lust. Two very different things.”
I understood the difference. “I wasn’t in love with Diego when I first met him. It was absolutely lust.” I chuckled in embarrassment.
“It eventually turned into love, but…I wasn’t enough for him, and he left. At least he had the decency to wait until the kids were off at college,” she grumbled.
Her voice sounded, sad and the pain pricked my heart. Why wasn’t I enough for Diego? I had worked hard to be a good girlfriend—one he would’ve wanted to propose to. We had rarely argued—except over his persistent inability to hold a job and always wanting to party with Dr. Kavoska and his friends—and I had worked hard to keep our place and give him things so he wouldn’t feel bad about himself when he was out of work.
The perfect girlfriend.
“What drew you to this man?”
I shrugged. “I barely remember now. I suppose I thought he was more exciting than the gu
y I was with. We’d only been together for a few months. I…I guess I didn’t think it was really serious, but for Ryan…”
The look on Ryan’s face when he’d found out I’d cheated on him with Diego. Like I’d killed his dog.
“I’d never felt so bad, but…the longer I had stayed with Diego, the more I’d forgotten I’d broken Ryan’s heart for no reason. And Diego knew people who could get me into the coolest places.” I shook my head. Angry tears threatened to spill. It hadn’t been worth it. What was getting into clubs compared to…
Feeling safe at night and lying in the arms of a man who’d do whatever he could to protect you.
“And what have you learned since?”
A pointed question. “You want to know if I could break Nico’s heart, don’t you?”
“You were cavalier with another man’s heart. What has changed?”
Being hurt worse that I could ever imagine. “Realizing the man I loved didn’t really feel the same way.”
“Having him do the same thing you did to Ryan?”
I nodded. Tears wet my cheeks.
“Are you still in love with Diego?” Her eyes searched mine. “You seem…emotionally invested, still.”
Because this all happened a few days ago. I wiped the tears from my eyes. I couldn’t ruin this for Nico. We were supposed to be madly in love after being together for almost six months.
“I’m emotional because he’s causing problems with Nico.” A half-truth. I didn’t want to drag Nico into my business, but he seemed hell-bent on being a part of it no matter what. He owed me nothing, and my debt to him continued to rack up.
I held Mrs. Langetti’s gaze. “I’m in love with your son.” My gut clenched tightly. Puke rose up my throat. All the lies. “I only want his happiness.” Which was true. “I didn’t think I could find a man as genuine and kind and sweet as Nicolas. But he’s proven to be that and more. He loves you, and I value that in a man.” All true.
For a few seconds, her gaze didn’t falter. She let out a resigned sigh and nodded. “I believe you.”