The coffee machine beeped, and Ginny took her cup. She drank the espresso with one slurp, just as she’d learned to do back home.
Her thoughts traveled to her parents. Even if her childhood was far from perfect, as a child of two Italian immigrants, she did have her fair share of teasing in her school but all in all, nothing traumatic had ever happened to her. She couldn’t begin to imagine how such a disappointment as Nick had experienced would change her character.
She went to the sink and washed her cup. Yes, she’d been fortunate. She hadn’t been cheated on or betrayed in her trust. Fine, she’d never really put herself out there like her cousin Bianca or her sister Giada.
She turned off the tap and scratched her chin with her wet fingers. Could it be that in some way she was similar to Nick, after all? Her chest quivered at the idea.
She saw Nick as a man who needed healing in order to have the courage to open up for love. But at least he had a reason for being the way he was.
What was Ginny’s excuse for not having anyone special in her life besides her family and friends?
Ginny shook her head, and walked toward the backdoor leading to the garden.
Where were all these strange thoughts coming from? Ever since she’d arrived in this house, she was questioning things she used to take for granted. Why?
There was Nick’s promise. He said he’d ensure she got a good position in Riversmith.
Why wasn’t her heart leaping with joy at this possibility?
Ginny stopped with her hand on the doorknob. Clearly, the goal that had motivated her ever since she’d graduated suddenly seemed just like any other job. What had changed?
She pushed the door open and stepped outside. The summer breeze swept her hair into her eyes. As she grabbed at her strands to smooth them back, she caught sight of Nick.
Her heart launched into berserk pirouettes as if she’d just finished an Iron Man competition and a marathon run, one after the other. She gulped, letting his vision permeate each part of her brain.
He was working shirtless at the side of the lake, weeding a rose garden. A large pile of green plants with their earthy roots still dangling lay at his left leg.
He paused to wipe his forehead with his palm. As he looked up, his eyes met Ginny’s, and he smiled.
Keep your jaw from dropping.
She smiled back and sauntered to him while fighting back the urge to dip her gaze.
Don’t look at his sculpted chest and carved abs. Just don’t.
By the time she’d arrived to him, she had managed to tame her racing pulse into a milder rhythm. Thank goodness. Otherwise, the words would probably come out as senseless jabber.
“I missed my alarm. Sorry. I wanted to be there before you left with Jacob to greet him. Why didn’t you wake me?”
Nick’s smile widened. “I tried…”
Ginny jerked back. “You did?”
Nick nodded, a mysterious twinkle entering his glance. “Yes, but you looked like you could really use a couple more hours of sleep. I hope I didn’t give you nightmares yesterday?”
Ginny’s throat dried out. Was he referring to their kiss? Or his proposal?
Then she realized. Oh, heavens. If Nick had come to her room while she was sleeping, then he must have seen her hugging his book as if it were a safety blanket.
Why didn’t she put it back on her nightstand before switching off the light?
She knew why. The idea of keeping his words pressed to her body made her re-live that dubious connection they’d shared.
“No, no nightmares. I’m already at chapter eighteen. You write very well.”
Nick’s eyes widened, and he looked like he didn’t expect her compliment. “Oh, wow. I’m glad to hear this. I know it isn’t your genre, so it means a lot that you didn’t hate it.”
Ginny shook her head. “No, I didn’t. I actually enjoyed your book. Only…”
Nick arched an eyebrow. “Only what?”
Ginny licked her lip. “I was just wondering how much of it is autobiographical.”
Nick chuckled. “Do you want to know if I ever investigated serial killers or had problems with alcohol abuse?”
Should she ask him about it? Or would he not tell her?
She cleared her throat. “I was actually asking about your investigator’s issues with women. You know, him being called a Diamond Heart and all.”
“Oh.” Nick’s face steeled. “That. I see.”
She tugged at the collar of her blouse. Why was it tickling her skin, making it so uncomfortable? It had never done so in the past. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. It’s because, you know”—she pointed at her chest and then at him—“that we’re a couple…at least to the others, but from your writing, I gathered that nothing could be further away from your wishes than having a relationship again so…”
She pressed her lips together. She needed to stop with this explanation. It was obviously making Nick uneasy. His face, warm and smiling a second ago, was now a mask of ice. Just like yesterday, hurt and frail one second, then seductive and teasing the next. How could he change moods this fast?
Ginny chewed her lower lip. And why did her soul seem so impatient to get on this mad emotional rollercoaster ride, when it was clear that it would crash against a wall?
Chapter 14
Nick watched Ginny’s cheeks turn pink, then deepen into the shade of crimson.
She was clearly confused about how to behave with him now that she’d accepted his proposal. Based on her question, Nick’s rash act of kissing her must’ve destabilized her even further.
He cursed himself for letting his instincts get the better of him. Why couldn’t he resist the temptation that her soft caresses awoke in him?
His eyes wandered to her face.
For Pete’s sake, couldn’t she stop doing this to her lips when she was flustered? Seeing her teeth working her mouth awoke such manly feelings in him that he had to drop his gaze to the floor.
What was happening to him? This whole charade had been his idea. Didn’t he know that if he were to fake a relationship with Ginny, then he would eventually touch her?
Yes, he knew that. Only he didn’t expect her to unearth such sensations in him. Somehow holding her in his arms melted the fence he’d spent years building around his emotions in just a matter of a second.
If he didn’t pay attention, his attraction for her might grow out of proportion. He couldn’t let that happen. He didn’t need a complication in his life. He and Jacob were only safe if Nick managed to guard his heart. Only then could he assure that Jacob wasn’t going to be hurt.
He squared his back. “You’ve drawn pretty smart conclusions about me from my fictive work.”
She snapped her eyes to him. “So it’s true? Do you think you are like your character, uninterested in deep human connection and immersed in your work?”
No, that wasn’t how Nick saw himself, and even if it could have been beneficial if Ginny believed it to be accurate, he couldn’t bring himself to lie to her.
He shook his head. “No. I crave deep human connection, like all of us. Only not the kind that comes from the love of a woman. I’ve been there and done that. It doesn’t work. I’m a father now. I can’t allow myself the same mistakes as I did when I wasn’t.”
Was it a hint of disappointment flashing in Ginny’s eyes? As if her breathing had hitched too. Or was it only his imagination?
“I see, well, then it’s great that we only have to feign that we’re in love.” She inhaled, and her eyes met his. “There is no danger in that.”
As her blue irises locked with Nick’s gaze, his ribcage was robbed of air. Yeah, no danger whatsoever.
Ginny’s lips parted slightly, and the urge to retake possession of her raspberry flesh besieged Nick. He bent forward, but then just in time, he managed to gather his wits and pretend he’d only meant to adjust a tendril of Ginny’s hair that the wind had swirled into her face.
She fli
nched at his touch but then smiled. “Sorry, you caught me off guard. I shouldn’t react surprised when my boyfriend touches me. It would be a severe mistake to make in front of the judge.”
Boyfriend?
Why did the way this word rolled on her tongue send him into the mayhem of conflicting thoughts? He didn’t want to be anyone’s boyfriend ever again. It was all for show, and as Ginny had pointed out, they needed to prepare to be convincing in the hearing.
He dropped his hand to his side and rolled it into a fist. His fingertips still vibrated after brushing her earlobe’s elegant arc. “So, in preparation for our role play…do you mind telling me the names of your siblings and your two cousins? I don’t have any brothers or sisters, but your family is quite numerous. I should know who they are.”
Ginny bit her lip but then nodded. “Yes, good idea. Wanna put on your shirt first, maybe?” She pointed at his white T-shirt folded on the nearby bench.
He wiggled his brows at her. “Is my bare chest distracting?”
She rolled her eyes. “Nope, but you might catch a cold.”
A cold? It’s warm, like in the Sahara.
He eyed her with arched brows. A color spread from her neck toward her face, hinting that she might have been affected by the sight of his muscles.
He grinned inwardly at the thought. She’d seemed affected by their kiss last night, though probably not as much as he’d been. Still, it was comforting to know that he wasn’t the only one who fell victim to their chemistry.
He fetched his T-shirt and put it on, then grinned. “Better?”
Ginny nodded. “Yeah. So you want to know more about my family? My cousins are Matteo and Bianca. Their dad, my uncle, has a private investigation firm. My folks have a small Italian restaurant and a bar. My brother, Giordano actually works for my uncle.” Her eyes moved to the heap of weeds on the floor. “Giordano…um, helped me to find your address, you know, when I came to the non-existant job interview.”
Nick chuckled. Getting her brother to pull strings to find Nick’s house? Wow, Ginny was truly resourceful and determined about her goals. He hadn’t realized how vital Riversmith was to her. He was glad he’d offered her his endorsement.
Ginny peeked up at him. “I hope you’re not mad.”
“Mad? Why would I be? The job was vacant, only I hadn’t started looking for anyone. And as I said, I’m not sure everybody would have been so kind as to take it on.”
He flashed a warm smile at Ginny, hoping it showed the gratitude he felt for her agreeing to do this, but that it hid the questionable feelings he harbored for her.
Ginny’s forehead smoothed. “Great. I just hope I can live up to your expectations.”
Nick swallowed, and before he could lock away the thought, it was out. “You already do, even too much.”
Ginny’s eyes widened, but luckily she didn’t inquire about the meaning of his words. She coughed shortly and then continued narrating her family tree. “So Giordano has a twin, Giada actually. She is just graduating from art school. She does sculptures.”
Nick put a finger to his chin. “Wait for a second—so Giada, Giordano, and…Ginevra?”
Ginny blushed. “Yes, my mom has a thing for names with G. Also, she loves to give meaningful names that she hopes will carry a blessing for her children.”
“So does your name mean something?”
“White wave, or the fair one. Something along those lines.”
Nick tilted his head, and his gaze dropped to Ginny’s neck where her porcelain complexion was lined with a few delicate veins. Her skin began pulsing under his stare, so he moved his eyes up. He didn’t want to rattle her even more, even if the delicate flush on Ginny’s cheeks made her eyes pop even more.
To distract himself from losing his focus again, he said, “I think the white wave is quite beautiful. Almost worthy of a character from Jacob’s beloved cartoon.”
Ginny clapped her hand to her mouth, her eyes growing in proportion as if she just had an alarming thought.
He shot him a concerned look. “What happened? Is something wrong?”
She didn’t answer, just nodded.
He stepped closer and put one hand on her shoulder. Her blouse’s thin fabric didn’t shield her body heat, and it pervaded his palm almost instantly, sending a thrill up to his neck muscles.
She turned her head to him, her eyes bulged in fright. “What will Jacob say?”
Nick’s shoulders tensed. He knew immediately what had gotten into her. He was also concerned about lying to his son about Ginny. But it was the only way. Jacob might be questioned by some social workers, and it was imperative that he would be convinced that his father and Ginny were a real couple.
He tried to plaster on a smile. “He’ll be happy. He likes you a lot.”
Ginny didn’t look convinced. Her brows were drawn into a frown. “Yes, but what about after? When we break up? I don’t want him to think I’m like those women who can’t stay anchored.”
Hearing these words was a slap on Nick’s face. He’d told Jacob that once, when he’d asked why Heather had left them. Not wanting to burden his son with the truth, he came up with this general wisdom. Did Jacob still remember it?
He lowered the hand that was still resting on Ginny’s shoulder. “Did Jacob tell you this?”
Ginny nodded. “Yes. He thinks women seek novelty and get bored with routines. But not all of them do. I don’t.”
Not yet. Sooner or later you might.
Nick shook his head. “Don’t worry about this yet. I know it’s not an ideal scenario for Jacob, but it’s still much better than living with his mother, believe me.”
Ginny sucked in a breath. “So when are you telling him?”
As soon as possible. The hearing was coming closer.
“When he gets home from school. His summer vacation starts tomorrow. So I was thinking after he learns that you and I”—he cleared his throat. Why was it feeling suddenly parched?—“are together, we could go on a trip. To do some family bonding.”
Ginny cocked her head to the side, her brows raised. “A trip?”
Nick nodded. He’d been thinking about it ever since Ginny complemented him on his Chardonnay yesterday. “To my house at the ocean. We could also visit my winery, if you like.”
Ginny’s mouth formed a small circle. “Oh. Well, it sounds wonderful, but don’t you have to write?”
Nick shrugged. “I’ll take my laptop. But I think our focus till we meet the judge should be getting to know each other as much as possible. In every sense.”
Ginny gasped.
Ouch, this last part came out all ambiguous. He’d meant it as in what they liked and disliked. Not…well…all fronts of…
The memory of how her nape felt under his pressing hand as he held her head during their kiss overcame him, and heat crept up his neck.
Maybe it was better to let this one go and not explain.
“Sir! Sir? Come, Chuck is back with Jacob.”
Ah, great, Marcia’s voice saved him from any further embarrassment.
He looked at Ginny. “Ready to speak to him?”
She held out her hand to him.
He stared at it, not knowing what to do. Yes, they should go in holding hands. It would set the right tone for the revelation. He grabbed her palm and the zaps of electricity cascaded through his arm.
As they walked to the house, the thrill of her touch faded, replaced with a warm glow that made Nick’s heart hammer. He couldn’t suppress the impression that his fingers entwined with Ginny’s were precisely at the right place. Having her close felt safe and natural like when he was with Jacob.
He gritted his teeth as he let Ginny enter the kitchen first. He mustn’t revel in this sensation. It was all a play for Jacob and the others. Ginny would surely not hold him this tenderly if it wasn’t.
He’d better keep this engrained in his brain; otherwise, his plan was going to come crashing on him and leave him hurt. Possibly more than he’d ever be
en.
Chapter 15
“When are we going to the beach? Can I go already?” Jacob bounced around in the spacious living room of Nick’s holiday home like a tiny cocker spaniel, his beach cap fluttering with every jump he took. He squeezed his bag of sand toys in one hand and his Jeeg Robot in the other.
Nick patted his head. “I’m almost done. What about you, honey?”
He stepped over to Ginny and flung a hand around her waist, pulling her to him.
Ginny shuddered at his unexpected proximity, but as her eyes flicked to Jacob’s enthusiastic glance, she plastered on a smile. “Oh, I’m still packing. Why don’t you and Jacob go? I’ll catch up.” She waved toward the window. “It’s not like I can get lost on the way.”
The sapphire waves of the ocean and the bright sand sparkled from the window. Wasn’t it handy that Nick had his own private beach?
Nick chuckled and planted a peck on her cheek. “Take your time.”
His gesture was so effortless and tender that Ginny almost believed it was real. But she reminded herself that it wasn’t.
Jacob bolted to the door. “Daddy, come now.” Before exiting, he turned and called out, “Ginny, don’t take long. I need to show you where the hermit crabs live. They come out in the afternoon.”
Ginny raised her hand, crossing her index and middle finger. “I’ll be there in a minute, I promise.”
Before following Jacob, Nick leaned to her ear and whispered, “You’re amazing. Thanks again for doing this.”
His warm breath tickled her earlobe, waking unsettling sensations along her spine. She was grateful when he moved back and sprinted after his son.
As they pulled the door closed, she sighed and collapsed on a chair.
Oh, girl, these two males are turning you into a hot mess.
Jacob, with his adorable smiles and sheer joy at the fact that Ginny was going to be part of his family. He acted with Ginny as if she’d always been in his life, and that was almost how she felt about him.
And Nick? Well, just everything about Nick put Ginny into a confused state, to say the least. His smell, his smile, his words, but above all, his heart. She could see that, behind his artfully constructed façade, he was a man with so much affection to give. Too bad he wasn’t willing to let anyone in.
Fake-Dating The Single Dad (Gems 0f Love Book 3) Page 8