by Sara Orwig
They paused in the conversation as the attendant returned with a bottle of wine, uncorked it and let Nick give his approval before pouring the pale wine and serving it. As soon as they were alone, Nick leaned closer and lifted his glass.
“Here’s to a fabulous escape for you.”
“I’ll toast that one,” she replied, touching his glass lightly with her own. Her gaze was captured again by Nick’s as they both raised their glasses for a sip. In midnight depths she detected a look that conveyed unmistakably that before this evening ended, he would kiss her. Her pulse jumped. The prospect heated her and she wanted him to. If he reached for her this moment, she would go into his embrace eagerly.
As if he discerned her thoughts, his gaze became heavy lidded, erotic.
Realizing where they were heading, she made an effort to end the spell, sipping her wine and looking away. Mentally, she searched for the broken threads of their conversation to pick up where they stopped. “You were telling me your goal, which I cannot fathom.”
“It seems simple to me,” he replied, leaning back again.
“You’re already a multimillionaire. It boggles my mind to have so much wealth and strive to obtain more.”
“Actually the money is not the exciting part. The battle to acquire riches, as well as manage a fortune so what you have makes more, feeds my ambition.”
“You need a challenge,” she said, realizing what motivated him. Fear emerged from the discovery, because Eli’s goal concerning Michael and her rejection pitted Nick against her in an unmistakable contest.
“Life’s more interesting when fighting for something and infinitely more satisfying when I win.”
“Perhaps that’s the main part. You plan to win.”
“Absolutely. Who plans to fail?” he asked, stretching out long legs that were only inches from touching her.
“Now you worry me. That drive definitely applies to your mission for your father,” she stated solemnly.
Instantly Nick straightened and placed his hands on the arms of her chair, hemming her in and commanding her total attention. His face was only inches away and she could barely breathe.
“Not necessarily. Tonight, absolutely not. I talked about my life goal. I didn’t have a thought in my head about my father. While we’re together, my entire aim is to get to know an enticing woman,” he added, lowering his voice, his expression as warm as a caress, making her insides jelly.
“All right, Nick,” she whispered. “I believe you.” She could not avoid shifting her gaze to his mouth. She wanted to kiss him. Mindful that was an unequivocal path to disaster, she longed to press her lips to his.
Their pilot announced an approach to Hobby in Houston, breaking the spell.
Nick flicked a knowing glance at her as he leaned away.
She gulped air into her empty lungs. He was a spellbinder. Effortlessly, he had crumbled her resistance and she reminded herself to get a better grip on her responses.
The minute they emerged from the plane, she shed her coat and realized why Nick hadn’t worn a topcoat. Warm coastal air enveloped her and she smiled in delight. “Ah, this is grand,” she said.
“Excellent. I want the entire evening to be grand,” Nick said, and she smiled at him.
They boarded the chopper that whisked them to his luxurious white yacht floating on dark water. The magical atmosphere increased, Nick weaving a spell that could mesmerize her completely.
After meeting the captain and part of the crew, Nick held her arm. “Let’s go to the top deck for a drink and we’ll dine. Afterward I’ll give you a tour.”
“Sounds perfect,” she said.
They rode in a glass elevator that revealed a view of a sweeping staircase, floors beautifully outfitted and enormous pots of exotic plants. When the doors opened, she stepped onto a deck that increased her sense of unreality. A small band played and she saw a table set, centered with a crystal vase holding bird of paradise blooms tucked between white orchids and plumerias.
“Nick, it’s paradise here. Warm weather, a yacht, the lights reflecting on the water. The docks and coastline are decorated for the holidays—various colored lights as if this is part of a colossal party,” she said, turning to smile at him.
“I’m slipping,” he said. “Water, flowers, yacht, lights—I was in hopes I’d be in that list somewhere.”
Feeling giddy, she laughed. “You, sir, are the pièce de résistance,” she admitted, tossing caution overboard.
“That’s infinitely better,” Nick stated, turning her and taking her into his arms to dance to the ballad the band played.
Startled, she followed his lead. In spite of the slight space between them, she detected his inviting aftershave. Through the fine wool of his suit jacket and his shirt, she felt the warmth of his arm. His hand holding hers heightened her sensory reaction.
“I’m in a dream tonight. You’ve succeeded beyond my wildest hopes. I never guessed I’d spend an evening like this.”
“I’m more than pleased and if you think you’re the only person having a great time, you’re wrong.”
She smiled. “For a few hours, there is no tomorrow and no routine life,” she said. “Only paradise and a handsome charmer,” she admitted, conscious she played with fire. Raging fire. Even so, she refused to allow caution to reemerge.
The music ended and Nick led her to their table. “I have champagne.”
“It has to be followed by coffee when we eat. I’m not into wine and champagne and magic.”
He smiled as he opened the champagne with a pop and poured it into slender flutes. He offered the bubbling drink.
“Nick, this yacht is moving,” she said, startled by the realization that they were sailing.
“Don’t be alarmed. We’re traveling only a short distance along the shoreline and then circling back. I thought you’d enjoy seeing the lights and it would be more pleasurable than remaining anchored.”
The fleeting question arose: could she trust him and accept what he promised?
As if he discerned her thoughts, he spoke. “I promised we’d go back whenever you want. If you’re uneasy, we can return now and eat at one of the restaurants,” he said, and she felt foolish.
“I just don’t know you very well.”
“Say the word and we’ll return right now.”
She shook her head. “Thanks, but no. I’m just unaccustomed to getaways like this.”
“Text your aunt, tell her where you are,” he said. “I think you’ll feel better. I’ll talk to the band.” He walked away and, losing her qualms, she followed his suggestion, grateful that he had made it.
When she finished the message, she took her drink to the rail. After a few minutes Nick joined her.
“Feel better now?” Without waiting for her answer, he continued, “Is everything all right at home?”
“Yes. Michael is sleeping and my aunt is getting ready to watch her favorite show.”
They stood, chatting about nothing in particular and watching lights along the shore slip past until she realized they were moving slightly away from land, angling toward the turn he’d indicated.
During dinner, while each course was lavish, culminating in succulent lobster, her appetite was diminished by the charisma generated by Nick. “I haven’t relaxed and enjoyed myself like this in months,” she remarked, looking at him and smiling. “Actually, in this manner, never. I know you know how to relax. You have a reputation in the media.”
“In the tabloids. I hope you aren’t relying on those for your info about me.”
“Definitely not! I’m relying on my own observations. My friend Alicia never mentioned you. I don’t think she ever met you.”
“No. In hindsight, I might have been better off if I had met her.”
“You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you she hadn’t had many relationships with men. She was in love with a guy right after high school. That lasted a year. Then there were a couple more. She ran around with friends who were
male, but nothing serious, nor did she sleep with them.”
“You sound as certain as if you were talking about yourself.”
“I am. We grew up together in bad circumstances. Both our families were poor. Worse, her father died when she was seven. Mine died when I was eleven. Alicia and I were as close as sisters, in fact, closer than I am to my own sisters. And she only had one brother who was killed three years ago. Alicia and I shared our hopes and disappointments. When she met your brother, he swept her off her feet. His money impressed her. She also liked him.”
“Money impresses a lot of women. Women liked my older brother and vice versa. No problem there.”
“I’m sure you receive the same reactions.”
“I didn’t from you,” he reminded her. “That’s where you threw me a curve. Principle before money? I never expected that response when I talked to you Monday morning.”
“Michael is more important than money to me. I’ve spent nearly my whole life without money.”
“That’s why you should have been so awed and willing,” Nick remarked.
“No. Michael is my son now,” Grace replied, hoping to reinforce her position. “I took Michael home from the hospital after he was released from neonatal intensive care. His premature birth was terrifying. Now it would scare me more because I love him so much and feel as if he’s my baby.”
“He’s actually my brother’s baby—at least according to what I’ve been told.”
“He is definitely your brother’s child,” she stated, realizing Nick’s food was as forgotten as her own. “I knew my friend almost as well as I know myself. I’ve told you there were no other men in her life when she met your brother. Actually, Michael looks as if he’s your son. When you see Michael, you’ll know your brother was his father.”
Nick’s eyes narrowed. “We bear a resemblance? I’d never thought of that. I look like my father, so that means Michael might. That isn’t something you can fabricate.”
“Or exaggerate. I’m sure you’ll eventually see for yourself. He looks like your son. No one could possibly disagree.”
Nick gazed into space and she wondered why the discovery had silenced him. Had he figured this was another man’s baby and dismissed his father’s wishes? She didn’t know what ran through Nick’s mind, but the news that he and Michael bore a strong family resemblance troubled Nick.
He frowned slightly as he turned back to her. “Michael doesn’t look like Bart? Did you ever meet Bart?”
“No, I didn’t, but I saw a snapshot of him. I don’t think Michael resembles Bart. Bart had hazel eyes, brown hair.”
“Bart and I are actually half brothers. We had different mothers.”
“That’s something I didn’t know.”
“Bart and I had our own lives and were busy. Time slips away.” Nick lapsed into silence again. A short while later he looked at her plate.
“Neither of us is eating. There’s a great dessert.”
“I’ll pass, although everything is delicious.”
“We can have the dessert later. C’mon, and I’ll give you that tour,” Nick said, standing and coming to take her arm.
As he showed her the upper decks, Nick kept the conversation on ordinary events, shared interests in movies and books. When he led her into his master suite, her senses spiked and her nerves became raw. She looked at the luxurious burnished-wood built-in furniture, rich brown leather upholstery, and a wide king-size bed covered in satin.
“Here’s where I sleep when I stay on board,” Nick said. His voice lowered, developing a husky note. Again his words were harmless, but his tone, his gaze when she looked up at him, his hand lightly on her arm—all combined to have her picture herself lying on his bed in his embrace.
When he turned her to face him, her heart thudded. His hand on her arm was one more casual contact that should have been meaningless but instead was sizzling. She didn’t want this fiery attraction that kept her breathless with him, yet there was no denying it. She wanted his kiss, could actually feel herself lean slightly toward him. His dark eyes warmed, his lids partially closing as he gazed at her mouth. She gathered her wits and her will.
“Nick, we should go back. Maybe dance now,” she whispered, making an effort to turn away. Her heartbeat galloped in anticipation. Before the evening was over they would kiss and that knowledge played havoc with her nerves. Desire heightened, plaguing her.
“If that’s what you want,” he said.
They returned to the upper deck, where he drew her into his arms to dance, holding her lightly, gazing at her as they moved together in complete unison.
Hours later, as they stood talking quietly at the rail, she turned to him. “This is a bewitching night, Nick. You shouldn’t make it so unforgettable and enticing.”
“Why not? We can have a life separate from the problems caused by my father.”
“Actually, I don’t think we can,” she said. “And it’s time to start back home.”
“Whatever you want,” he said, smiling at her as they left the rail.
Within the hour they were airborne and Nick was entertaining her with more tales from his past.
It was almost three in the morning when his limo stopped at her apartment complex and Nick walked her to the door. “Give me your key and let me open the door.”
Wordlessly, she handed over the key. He pushed open the door and held it for her to enter, following her inside and closing the door while she cut off the alarm. She turned to face him.
“Thank you, Nick. The evening was a dream come true—a night I’ll remember for a very long time.”
“It’s not over yet,” he said in a husky voice, slipping an arm around her waist and drawing her closer. At his hungry look, she glanced at his sensuous mouth, wanting to step into his embrace and kiss him, to be kissed. Yet once she did, her life might not ever be the same.
“Nick, this is dangerous, foolish,” she whispered.
“Shh, it’s only a kiss. It’s meaningless—a goodbye, a touch. A kiss won’t change our lives or the future.”
“You are so sure of yourself,” she said quietly, the tension growing between them. The warning inside grew dimmer. She couldn’t look away from Nick’s dark eyes, couldn’t move away from him. Could he hear her heart pounding? Or feel her pulse racing?
Lightly, his fingers drifted along her throat, then up to her ear and in her hair while his arm tightened around her waist, drawing her closer.
“Nick, we shouldn’t,” she said, but her protest was weak, more of an invitation. She was losing ground, succumbing to desire. She inhaled and stepped back, out of his embrace. “You’re not going to charm me into giving you what you want. You wanted this night to be about getting to know each other.”
“I’ve kept my promise. I haven’t pushed you about Michael.”
“You did what you promised,” she acknowledged. “I had a wonderful time, but now you need to go.”
He gazed at her in silence and she could see the craving burning in the depths of his eyes. He nodded. “I’ll take you to lunch Tuesday and we can talk.”
He turned and was gone, the door closing quietly behind him.
She stared at the door. Every inch of her yearned to call him back, to step into his embrace and kiss. Kisses that she suspected would be as spellbinding as the entire evening had been. Desire scalded her. She wanted him with a hunger she wouldn’t have believed possible.
She had done the right thing by keeping a distance between them. Then why was it so unsatisfactory and why did she long to be in his arms?
Sleep was lost for most of the remainder of the night. The time with Nick replayed in her mind while longing heightened instead of diminishing. She had to forget Nick, go on with her life, keep Michael safe from the Raffords, but it was difficult to think of never seeing Nick again. Lunch Tuesday. He wanted to talk about Michael. She could refuse, stop this before it went any further. Nick’s dark brown eyes and the way he had held her when they danced tormented
her until she finally drifted to sleep and dreamed about kissing Nick.
Four
At home Nick swam laps in his pool, trying to cool his raging libido. He ached to kiss Grace, too aware she had wanted to kiss. Her green eyes had conveyed lust and she had come close to succumbing. He was determined to win her over. Too much rested on the outcome of his dealings with her. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted and he intended to with Grace.
Meanwhile, he wanted her with an urgency that surprised him. He thought about her constantly and he couldn’t recall doing that with any other woman.
Grace was different. Why? Was it solely the money that he would win or lose? She was a beautiful woman, but his life was filled with other entrancing women. Was it just because she was a challenge when he so seldom found a ravishing woman who resisted him?
Whatever the reason, getting his inheritance was essential. Tuesday, he intended to walk away from that appointment with a promise from her to let his dad meet Michael. With his father’s health so frail, time was of the essence.
She had to move lunch Tuesday to two o’clock. She had spent the early hours getting dressed, finally selecting a simple navy suit and silk blouse. Then she had spent the rest of the morning reminding herself to resist whatever Nick asked.
Nick insisted on picking her up at her office, so she waited at the door. When Grace saw his black sports car approach, she stepped outside, hoping she hid her own feelings, because her racing pulse and butterflies in her stomach were unwanted. Adding to her flutters, Jada had been bubbly the entire morning over the lunch appointment. With a deep breath, Grace approached the curb.
When he stepped out to open the door for her, she had another jump in her pulse at the sight of him. Lunch in the middle of the day on a Tuesday shouldn’t be filled with magic in a romantic surrounding. She hoped to be practical and firm, and resist whatever he suggested, because this meeting was clearly an effort to get what he wanted from her.