“He’s in New York right now. Remember? I told you.”
“Oh, that’s right. Modeling with the sizzling hot Anne V. He’s one lucky guy. I saw the latest image on the internet. The paparazzi found them dining together,” he says.
He rubs it in. “Yes, she’s beautiful,” I bite out.
“Doesn’t it bother you that he’s surrounded by beautiful women every single day?” he asks.
Asshole.
“Of course it does,” I reply, turning and walking into the kitchen. I think we’re done here. “Jonathan, thank you for babysitting the installers,” I say, trying to give him the hint that it’s time for him and his hurtful comments to find the door.
“Hey, I’m just making an observation. You don’t have to get mad about it.”
“You should know it’s a touchy subject for me. I’m a woman, aren’t I?” I turn, facing him.
“Yes, you most definitely are a woman. I know firsthand, remember? I honestly can’t believe you two are still dating.” He continues with the assault of words.
What a first-class ass Jonathan is being.
“You know what? I don’t need to hear every reason you’re so surprised Chandler and I are together. You don’t think I wonder myself, that I don’t have doubts of my own? So please just drop it, all right? Look, I really appreciated your coming to my rescue. You’ve been a great friend.”
“There was a time when we were more than friends, and I miss those days,” he says.
Oh brother, please don’t bring this up.
“Jonathan, I’m sorry we didn’t work out as a couple. You’re a great guy, and any girl would be lucky to have you. I mean it.”
“Yeah, well . . .”
“Are you dating anyone new?” I ask, trying to change the subject away from me.
“No one special at the moment.”
I know him. He’s too picky and finds fault with every woman he takes out. “You’ll meet someone. Aren’t there loads of cute women in real estate?”
“There are, but they’re all so cutthroat in this business.”
I laugh. “Well then, maybe not someone in the business.”
“I’m going to get going. Will you be all right?”
“Yes, I can arm it when I’m home, right?”
“Yes, the motion sensors are off when you arm it this way. Let me show you.”
He shows me and then gives me a tight embrace before he leaves.
I’m relieved to have the added assurance of an alarm system along with Kahlua to protect me from intruders. I’ll feel better once Chandler returns home tomorrow afternoon. God, how I’ve missed him.
*****
I pick up Chandler from the airport, and is it possible that he got even more irresistible while he was away? He has a five o’clock shadow thing going on, and I think I like it.
“Hi, handsome.” I get out of my car and greet him, stroking his short beard. “I think I like this,” I say, pressing a kiss to his lips.
“Oh yeah? They wanted me to grow it for the shoot in New York. I’m not sure about it.” He shrugs, tossing his bags in the trunk of my car.
Once we get his bags in the trunk, I turn the driving over to him.
“I have something to tell you,” I preface my news.
“Oh-oh, what is it? It sounds serious,” he says, briefly taking his eyes off the road to look at my face.
“It’s probably nothing, but someone tried to break in the other night. When I came home from work, it looked like someone tried to jimmy open the sliding glass door in the back.”
“What! Why didn’t you tell me right when it happened?” he exclaims.
“You were 5,000 miles away in New York. I didn’t want you to worry. Jonathan and I had it taken care of. I now have a state of the art alarm system to protect us from intruders.”
“How was Jonathan involved?” Chandler asks through clenched teeth.
“I called him right after it happened, and he insisted I get a security system. So he came the next day and had one installed for me while I was at work. It’s great. I feel so much better now with the added sense of security.”
Chandler doesn’t say a word for the longest time.
Finally, he asks, “Who do you think it could be?”
“I have no idea.”
“You don’t think it’s someone you know?”
“No. Well, I never thought of that. Why do you ask? Now you’re freaking me out even more,” I reply. I pause and wonder, could it be my ex, Blake? He wouldn’t know my new address, would he? I’ve never shared it with him. We haven’t spoken in months, and I want to keep it that way.
“What are you thinking, Nikki? Who do you think it might be? Your ex?”
“It just crossed my mind now.”
We pull up to my house, and I show Chandler the new alarm system as I disarm it now that we’re home together.
“This is good. Now we can feel safe again,” he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
Chandler heads into the bedroom to unpack and then starts some laundry. I’m glad he’s busy and distracted. I don’t want to talk about it right now. All those feelings with ending it with my ex come rushing back. It was a bad time in my life, a time I choose to forget. But with Chandler asking if it could be him trying to break into my house, it leaves me unsettled, to say the least.
***
I get to work bright and early this morning. Kelsey follows me into my office and I tell her what’s been weighing heavily on my mind since Chandler mentioned it last night.
“Chandler came home yesterday and asked me if I think it could be my ex who tried to break in. The thought freaks me out a bit. What do you think?” I ask.
“Gosh, I never thought about that. I just assumed it was some random person looking to steal stuff, you know?” Kelsey says.
“Yeah, that’s what I assumed as well. I need to push that thought out of my head. It creeps me out, to say the least.”
“You haven’t had any contact with Blake lately?”
“No. Why would I? He was just using me. He never loved me.”
“Has he ever reached out to you in the last few months? Emails, texts, phone calls?”
“He did text me a few months ago, and I did share that I was moving, but I never said where to. You don’t think it’s him, do you?”
“I don’t know, Nikki. He got a little funny in the end, didn’t he?”
“It was his ego. He couldn’t believe that I was breaking off the engagement. It hurt Blake Langham’s massive ego. He said some pretty hurtful things in the end.” My stomach clenches as I recall the pain he caused me.
“I’m sorry, Nikki. He wasn’t a good guy in the end. He ended up being such a social climber. I’ve seen girls behave that way, but not usually a man,” Kelsey says, and she’s right. Either way, man or woman, it’s an extremely unattractive character trait. But the world is full of social climbers. They make me sick. LA has its fair share.
“Thank goodness I have an alarm system now, thanks to Jonathan.”
“He came through for you. He’s become a good friend to you,” Kelsey points out, flipping her laptop open so we can actually get some work done this morning.
“Yeah, I know, but it comes with strings attached. Guilt strings.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s jealous of Chandler and me being together, and he brought up how he missed us as a couple.”
As if I want to relive that lackluster time in my life. I should have known better than to fall into bed with him. Jonathan was a nice guy. We were spending quite a bit of time together as friends, but he was persistent in getting in my panties. Maybe he wanted more, I don’t know. But I realize now that I was on the rebound. I wanted to feel desired again, and I fell into bed with him. I regret that now.
“Oh really! What did you say?” Kelsey exclaims.
“Ugh—it was the last place I wanted to go with Jonathan. I told him he was a good friend. That’s when he mentioned
how he missed us together as more than friends. I cringed like he does every time I mention Chandler’s name. Then he tried to place seeds of doubt in my mind about Chandler and me being together. As if I don’t question our relationship every single day, but the ass had to point things out. But I took the high road with Jonathan, and I told him he was a great guy and that any girl would be lucky to have him and his lack of finesse in the bedroom.” We laugh together at Jonathan’s expense, and I only feel slightly guilty about it.
“Don’t listen to Jonathan. He’s just jealous, obviously,” Kelsey points out, and I know she’s right. I should let his snide comments roll off me, but the insecure part of me thinks he may be right.
Chapter Fifteen
Nikki
I’m taking Chandler home with me tonight to meet my family. My nerves have me on edge while we drive over to my parents’ house.
Hope my mom is nice to him. She could be so hard on the guys I’ve brought home in the past, so now, I don’t like to bring anyone home with me anymore. But I know it’s getting to the point where Chandler feels hurt that I haven’t had him meet my parents. I need to warn him about my mom.
“Chandler, I’m sorry I haven’t brought you home sooner. My mom can be so reserved and judgmental. I just want to warn you.”
“Not to worry, sweetheart. You should know me by now. I can charm the young and the old,” he quips. All he has to do is turn on his dazzling smile.
“You’re right. I should have nothing to worry about.”
We pull into the driveway, and there’s no sign of my dad’s surprise birthday gift. It’s not due to arrive until after dinner.
We get out of the car, and I take a deep breath.
“Here goes nothing,” I say out loud as Chandler takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.
We walk in the front door and I call out to them.
First, my mom comes out from the kitchen. She takes one look at Chandler and smiles.
“Hi, Mom, this is Chandler.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Chandler. I’ve heard so much about you,” she says pleasantly.
“Hello, Mrs. Russo. I hope it was all good,” he teases and turns on his charm.
“Of course. Nikki gushes about you,” she exclaims. I can’t help rolling my eyes. She’s laying it on thick tonight, which is so out of character for her.
“Sweet Pea,” my dad bellows, coming to greet us. He wraps me in a bear hug.
“Happy Birthday, Dad!” I greet him, returning the embrace with a smile. I love my dad.
“Who have we here?” my dad asks warmly.
“Dad, this is Chandler Winslow. Chandler, this is my dear old dad.”
“Who are you calling old, Sweet Pea?”
“Nice to meet you, sir,” Chandler says, shaking my dad’s hand.
“What’s this sir business? Please call me Tony,” my dad says amiably.
“Come on in and have a seat in the living room. I’ll bring out the appetizers and drinks,” my mom says.
“What’ll it be, my boy?” my dad asks, walking over to the bar.
“A cold beer would be nice, if you have one.”
I follow my mom into the kitchen to see if she needs any help.
“Honey, Chandler is so handsome! You said he models? He must be in high demand with his good looks,” she gushes like a schoolgirl. I’ve never seen her quite like this before.
“Yes, Mom, he’s booked solid. He just got back from a shoot in New York.”
“How glamorous! Would you help me take this into the living room?” she asks.
Mom and I head out to the living room with food in hand.
My brother, Rocco, who lives at home, comes wandering into the living room. I see him eye Chandler and me.
“Hey, Rocco, this is my boyfriend, Chandler. Chandler, this is my older brother, Rocco.”
Chandler stands and shakes Rocco’s hand.
My brother then sits down and just stares at Chandler. What’s his problem?
After we visit in the living room, Mom gets dinner ready and on the table. She’s prepared an Italian feast in honor of my dad’s birthday. All of his favorite dishes are laid out on the table.
“Everything smells delicious and looks great, Mrs. Russo,” Chandler compliments.
“Thank you. Please help yourself,” she replies.
The Osso Buco is passed along with the Eggplant Parmesan. I love coming home to my mom’s home cooking. It warms me from the inside out.
“So, Nikki tells me you just returned from New York,” my mom says.
“Yes, I had a photo shoot for a menswear ad,” Chandler replies.
“Do you have to travel very often?”
“Sometimes, but I’d rather not if I can help it.”
“But why? It sounds so glamorous,” she asks.
“I don’t like being away from Nikki,” Chandler says, and my heart melts.
I look over at my gorgeous boyfriend. He’s a beautiful man on the inside and out.
My mom and dad exchange looks across the table. I haven’t brought a guy home since my ex-fiancée, and that was over two years ago. I think my mom was secretly afraid I’d be a workaholic, married to my job, AKA an old maid. You know how mothers can be.
Rocco doesn’t say much over dinner. If you ask me, I think he’s thrown off by how handsome my boyfriend is. I’m sure he’s wondering how I landed such a catch.
“Where are you from, Chandler?”
“Big Sky, Montana,” Chandler replies with a broad smile. I know he misses home sometimes.
“You’re a long way from home. What brought you out to the big city of Los Angeles?”
“I wanted a change of scenery, came out here, and fell in love with the beaches, so I stayed.”
“Were you also a model in Montana?”
“God, no. Once I came out here, I just kind of fell into it,” Chandler replies.
“I see,” my mom says. I hope she’s done giving him the third degree.
“Chandler is really in high demand. He has jobs lined up for the next six months,” I reply, bragging about my man.
“Good for you,” my dad says to Chandler.
Toward the end of dinner, the doorbell rings. I jump up in haste.
“I’ll go see who it is.” I know my dad’s birthday present has arrived.
“Who was it?” my dad asks.
“Your birthday present.”
“Well, where is it?” my dad asks in a jovial mood.
“Come out front and see,” I reply.
Everyone gets up from their dining chair, and I grab my phone. I want to capture the look on my dad’s face.
“Close your eyes, Dad,” I say, taking his hand.
“What on earth are you up to, Sweet Pea?”
“Just play along with me, come on.”
“All right,” he says, closing his eyes.
I open the front door and lead him by the hand to his large present sitting in the driveway.
“You can open your eyes now,” I say.
“A brand new Cadillac? Nikki, you’ve got to be kidding me. Is this really for me?” he asks in disbelief and wonder.
“Happy Birthday, Dad!” I exclaim, throwing my arms around him.
“Oh my goodness!” he says excitedly, grinning from ear to ear. “Nikki, this is too much, really,” he says, walking around the car in awe.
“Get in. I know how long you’ve wanted one, and fifty is a big birthday. So I wanted to get you a big present.”
My dad comes and wraps me in a tight bear hug, “Thank you, Nikki. But you shouldn’t have.”
My dad sits in the car, checking out all of the gadgets. My brother, Rocco, slides into the passenger seat.
“Honey, look how happy you’ve made your dad,” my mom says.
Chandler comes and puts his arm around me.
“You sure made your dad happy. Did you see how his face lit up?”
“Yes, it was priceless. And worth every penny,” I smile.
We all go back inside and enjoy the tiramisu my mom made.
Rocco is sulking, jealous again that he can’t afford to give such a grand gift. Well, maybe if he worked half as hard as I do, he could.
Once we get home and are tucked in for the night, Chandler tells me, “That was some birthday gift. It was very generous of you, sweetheart.”
“My dad deserves it. He has always there for me growing up and gave me a wonderful childhood. I’m happy I can afford to give him his dream car.”
“You are one sweet and amazing daughter. I can see how much your dad loves you.”
“I’ve always been his Sweet Pea, his Little Princess,” I remark.
“Yes, you are both of those things.”
Chapter Sixteen
Chandler
We’re going to an awards banquet for Women Who Mean Business. The organization has nominated Nikki to showcase her accomplishments. I’m proud of her.
Nikki looks stunning in a white lace blouse and a long black floor-length skirt. She’s wearing her signature red lipstick.
“You look stunning, sweetheart,” I say, pulling her to me.
“Thank you,” she replies, her beautiful eyes capturing mine.
“We’d better get going,” she says.
“I’d rather stay here and ravish you,” I say, nibbling on her ear. Her scent is intoxicating. I’ve fallen hook, line and sinker for this girl.
“We have to make an appearance. Save your passion for later. I’ll be looking forward to having you later tonight,” she says.
My hand roams to her tush and gives it a squeeze.
“Hey,” she says, brushing her lips against mine.
“Let’s go then. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can come back here and I can make love to you.”
We arrive at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where the awards banquet is being held.
At first, we mingle amongst the crowd in reception area and enjoy some champagne and caviar amongst other appetizers being served by the wait staff.
Nikki chats with some of the other businesswomen nominated tonight and of course, most of them are considerably older than my amazing girl.
But she holds her own, carrying herself with poise and grace. I guess you could say I’m her arm candy.
Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance Page 7