by CJ Andrews
Nico shrugged. “He worshiped me. I took pity on him. And we eventually became best friends.”
I couldn’t help but join in with Logan’s infectious laughter.
His eyes locked on Kendra. “And that’s still working in my favor.” He reached across the table and brushed his fingers over her wrist.
I squinted at Kendra’s face, certain I must have imagined the rosy glow on her cheeks. Probably just the lighting. I picked at my lunch and glanced around the room—anything to avoid looking at Nico.
The door opened. A dark and formidable-looking man entered the deli—black hair, black sunglasses, black jeans, black boots, and black leather jacket. He approached our table, staring at me with an unreadable expression.
“What can I say? Women love me.” Nico’s voice recaptured my attention. His smile was smug.
Logan leaned on his forearms with a knowing grin. “All women, Nico? What about New Year’s Eve?”
Nico’s eyes flashed to me.
“Uh-oh, care to dish about what happened with your charming date that night?” I shoved another bite of salad in my mouth and watched him squirm.
Nico’s mouth pressed in a hard, straight line. “Nothing to tell—”
The man in black walked up behind Nico and slapped his hands on Nico’s shoulders, leaning past him to talk to me. “Ahh, now that’s a touchy subject. See, Nico here’s not used to getting shot down.”
The man squeezed Nico’s shoulders and gave them a shake. He dragged a chair from a nearby table and plopped down next to Nico, grabbed his veggie wrap, and took a huge bite.
“Oh, that’s disgusting!” He washed it down with a giant gulp of Nico’s water, making exaggerated faces the whole time. “Why do you insist on eating that healthy shit? An occasional burger isn’t going to kill you.”
Nico hooked his arm around the man’s neck, pulling him close. “Glad you could finally make it. Danni, this barbarian is my little brother, Ben.”
Ben struggled in Nico’s hold while scanning our trays.
“What happened to your plan for the gym this morning?” Nico asked, tightening his hold.
“Plans change. I had an incredibly hot date last night . . .” Ben grabbed an unused plastic fork from the center of the table and poked Nico’s forearm. A satisfied grin spread across his face when Nico let go. Ben pulled off his sunglasses and winked at me with exotic jade eyes. “And it didn’t end until noon today.”
Logan reached across Nico to deliver a high five.
What was it with guys needing to announce their conquests? My eyes rolled, an involuntary reflex. I looked at Kendra, needing someone to commiserate with. She’d been quiet since joining us, presumably enjoying the interaction between these three men as much as I was, but the lecherous look on her face told a different story. Logan had better watch out.
“Hey, there are ladies present,” Nico said in a dignified tone, but I wasn’t buying the act.
“So I guess that means we can’t talk about the way Trina was hanging all over you last night either?” Logan landed a slap on Nico’s stiff back as he teased his friend. “I was worried you two weren’t even going to make it the four blocks to her apart—” The table shook, and Logan let out a yell. “What the hell was that for?”
Nico propped his elbow on the table and stroked his chin while hitting his friend with an icy stare. “Nothing. Happened. With Trina. We’ve been over this before.”
“Oh, shit!” Kendra grabbed Nico’s wrist and twisted his arm to get a better look at his watch. She turned to me then glanced at my half-eaten salad. “We’ve gotta run. I need to pick up Callie from cheer practice in fifteen minutes. I’m so sorry.”
“Not a problem.” I hoped my voice didn’t show how relieved I was to get out of there. Better play it down a bit. “Um, let me see if I can get a to-go container, and I’ll finish eating at home.” I stood, eager to rush to the counter, but Nico grabbed my hand and stopped me.
“Stay. Finish your lunch.”
Fire raced through my veins, radiating from the point where his thumb caressed the back of my hand.
“I’ll take you home.”
Ben and Logan both froze, staring at Nico with brows raised and concerned expressions.
“I-I’m, um . . . I—” The text alert rang on my phone, giving me an excuse to break free from his hold. I retrieved it from my bag. Guilt sliced through me as Will’s words flashed across the screen.
Hey, babe. My schedule’s clear, so hurry home—thought we could go out tonight. Get some dinner. Maybe a movie?
As if waiting for something else to appear, I continued staring blankly at the screen. My voice was weak when I finally found it. “I need to go.” I struggled to shut down my emotions before raising my face to look at Nico. “But thank you for the offer.”
“Huh, maybe Willdo’s smarter than I give him credit for.” Kendra looked from me to Nico. “Well, doesn’t that just suck.”
We gathered our things and said our quick good-byes. I tried to ignore the disheartened look in Nico’s eyes when I got to him.
He rested his hand on my shoulder and leaned toward my ear, speaking in a low voice that only I would be able to hear. “I hope I’ll get to see you again soon.” He paused before releasing me.
I closed my eyes and took a long breath, filling my lungs with his fresh scent. My head bobbed in an imperceptible nod. “I think you broke your promise.”
He took a step back and let his hand slide down my arm, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing me. A strange feeling washed over me the second he let go. Cold. Empty. Like something was missing. I double-checked my bag and pockets as Kendra and I crossed the room. Everything I’d come with was present and accounted for.
Logan’s strangled voice caught my attention. “What the fuck was that? She’s married, Nico. Or did you forget that little detail?”
“Logan’s right. You don’t want to go down that road.” Ben’s voice echoed the sentiment.
Against my better judgment, I risked a glance back before exiting the deli.
Nico’s hands were clasped behind his head, his face raised toward the ceiling. His body language screamed agony.
He looked the way I felt.
Chapter Nine
Delusions of Love
Spending time with Nico had turned out to be a worse decision than I’d imagined it would be. If I closed my eyes, which I did half the ride home, I could still feel his rough cheek brush against mine and smell the crisp clean scent of his body wash. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t erase the memory of his touch or the longing in his words.
I waved to Kendra and Callie as their car pulled away from the curb, then I walked to the living room to search for Will. Some random football game played on the big-screen TV, and my sweet husband lounged on the couch. Sound asleep.
As I stood watching him, a conversation I’d had with Jen a few weeks ago came to mind. Advice she’d given for adding some spice to my marriage grew into a perfect plan. Not only would it heat things up with Will, it was also guaranteed to cast aside any residual thoughts of Nico.
I placed my bags and jacket on the side chair, being careful not to disturb Will. Yet.
After removing the barrette from my hair, I bent forward and ran my fingers through the strands, hoping to create a sexy, tousled look. I toed off my shoes and slipped out of my jeans and panties then approached my sleeping husband. Along the way, I undid a few extra buttons on my blouse, just enough to show off my new black lace bra. Flashing a little extra cleavage never hurts.
A preview of his reaction played through my mind—Will sweeping me up in his arms and making passionate love to me while telling me how much he adored me.
I dropped to my knees in front of him and slid open the button on his jeans. My heart beat faster. I licked my lips, eager to please him, and carefully tugged down his zipper.
He stirred, mumbling something, but he didn’t wake.
I freed him from his jeans and
gently stroked his warm flesh, loving the way his body instinctively reacted to my touch. A small bead of moisture formed at the tip, and I lowered my head to kiss it away. My lips parted, gliding down over the smooth crown. A quiet moan echoed in my throat. I hollowed my cheeks and pulled up, lifting my eyes to watch his face.
Will’s body jerked. His eyes flew open wide. A bewildered expression shifted to one of ecstasy as he realized this wasn’t a dream. Twisting his fingers in my hair, he held me in place and pushed deeper into my mouth, hips pumping in a leisurely rhythm.
There were no words, only the sounds of his pleasure filling the room and encouraging me to continue.
His movements became more urgent, but it was too soon to let this end.
I broke free from his hold to regain control and pressed his hips to the couch. With one slow draw, I pulled away then rose to straddle him. He grabbed my waist, guiding me as I lowered myself onto his erection.
Aaah, this is what I needed. I closed my eyes, reveling in the sweet sensation as he filled the emptiness inside me.
I began riding with slow, easy strokes, adjusting my position to get right amount of pressure where I wanted it. Aching with a desperate need to release the tension I’d been feeling all afternoon, I forced my eyes open and focused on my husband’s face. My pace quickened.
Will’s fingers dug into my hips. He pulled me down and thrust upward one final time, letting out a guttural groan. His muscles shook with the spasms of his release.
He dropped his hands to his sides and let his head fall back against the couch, staring at the ceiling while we caught our breath.
The moment was gone. My tension remained. I pressed my face into the crook of his neck, kissing him gently while waiting for that peaceful feeling of fulfillment that should have washed over me by now. It never came. But then again, neither did I.
“Well, that was unexpected,” he finally said without looking at me.
“That was the plan.” I skimmed my lips across his jaw then kissed his mouth. “I just wanted to show you how much I missed you today.”
Will didn’t respond right away. He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly before lifting his head to look at me. “I shouldn’t have given you such a hassle about spending time with Kendra.”
My insides tightened. “Well, you don’t have to worry. I won’t be going back to the gym with her.” I combed my fingers through his hair and tried to ignore his puzzled expression. “You were right. It wasn’t a good idea.” I couldn’t tell him the real reason I needed to stay away. I forced a laugh. “Yeah, I have a feeling every muscle I have will be aching tomorrow.”
Will nodded slowly. Maybe waiting for me to elaborate. Maybe sensing I was hiding something.
“So, dinner.” He slid his hands down my thighs, hooking them behind my knees. “We could go to Giardano’s, or Marcello’s, or that new Thai place that opened in town.”
I tapped my chin, considering the options while I reined in my guilty conscience. “Tough choice. I love Giardano’s, but . . . mmm, pizza sounds delicious. Let’s do Marcello’s.”
My pre-holiday starvation diet hadn’t allowed for any of my favorite foods, but I’d burned more than enough calories today to treat myself to a few extra carbs. “Give me ten minutes to get ready.” I clasped my hands behind his head and held him to me for a deep kiss.
Will pulled away too soon. “Let’s get going. You know I’m always starving after sex.” He pushed the hem of my blouse between us before easing me from his lap.
“And sleepy. I wouldn’t want to risk having you do a face-plant in your pizza.” I scrunched my nose and let my face fall into my palm.
“Smart-ass.” He gave me a playful swat on my bottom to send me on my way.
I collected my clothes and raced upstairs to wash and dress for our date.
Tonight will be fun. Dinner. Maybe some drinks and a little dancing. And by the time we get back home, I’ll make sure he can’t keep his hands off me. I hugged myself in anticipation, a huge smile stretching my cheeks.
That faded when I stepped into the bathroom. Will’s towel lay in a heap on the floor again. Had he really just dropped it there when I tossed it at him this morning?
I shook my head, grumbling as I picked up the still-wet ball. “I swear he’d never have a dry towel if it weren’t for me.”
Will cleared his throat. He stood in the doorway, jeans still hanging open. His grip tightened on the shirt slung over his shoulder. He probably expected an argument or at least another lesson on how to pick up after himself, and it took every bit of my self-control not to give him one. Or the other.
I wrestled with the offensive piece of fabric, aggressively untangling it and folding it in half.
Will’s posture as he watched reminded me of Nico—the way he’d leaned against the gym equipment this morning. I wanted to trace the lines of his tattoo like Kendra had, feel the grooves in his muscular arms. Brush my fingers along his stubbled jaw to the sweet dimple in his—
Will tugged the towel from my clenched hands. “I said I’m sorry, babe.” He hung it over the bar and moved to the vanity, examining his smoothly shaved face. “Just get ready.”
“I, um . . .” What the hell? “Yeah, I’m gonna take a quick shower.” And maybe while I’m in there, I can figure out what is going on with me.
Chapter Ten
Stick With the Plan
We were able to get a table right away at Marcello’s. I had barely eaten anything all day and thought I would pass out by the time our food arrived. Each mouthful of pizza earned my satisfied-hum seal of approval.
I took my last bite, watching Will as I chewed. He’d been quiet all through dinner. Come to think of it, I wasn’t sure he had spoken at all. “Hey, you okay?”
His eyes shifted toward me, a slow, lazy movement. “Hm? Yeah, I’m just really tired.” He gave a weak smile. “I think you wore me out.”
“Hopefully not too much.” I leaned toward him and lowered my voice so the couple at the next table wouldn’t hear me. “We could head straight home and have . . . dessert.”
“Danni, Will, how nice to see you both.”
The exuberant greeting from my boss interrupted my proposition. I looked up and reflexively mirrored his infectious smile.
Mr. Jamison was a caring man with a warm heart who reminded me of a teddy bear . . . without all the fluff. Shortly after taking the position as his assistant at Jamison and Walters, I’d learned he and my dad had been close friends, which explained why he always seemed to watch out for me.
“Hi, Peter. How were your holidays? Did you get to spend them with Alexia?”
“I did. First time since she was a little girl. It was very nice.” He looked at Will. “My ex-wife moved to Kansas when we split—wasn’t pretty. She took Lexi and didn’t let me see her very often.”
“Yeah, I think Danielle had told me about that.”
“Anyway, she’s grown now. Twenty-eight. She came running home last summer after hitting a rough patch with her mom.” He chuckled and leaned in, cupping a hand to his mouth. “I’ve been there—wouldn’t even want to put my worst enemy through it.”
“Well, I’m sure you’re both enjoying the opportunity to spend time together,” Will said. His response sounded stiff.
“It’s nice having her here. But she’s been moping around the house the past few weeks, complaining that she’s tired and doesn’t feel well. I think she’s bored and just needs something constructive to do.” He rubbed his palms together, a look of anticipation lighting his face. “So I found a place for her at Jamison and Walters in Event Planning.” He tipped his head from side to side, hesitating. “She can be a little shy though, so . . . well, I’m hoping maybe you can help her fit in a little?”
Maybe that explained why she never stopped in the office to see him or have lunch. “I’d love to. Can’t wait—”
Will coughed and sputtered, his mug of beer still in his hand.
“Careful there, son.”
Peter moved closer to slap Will’s back.
I grabbed my napkin and wiped up what had spilled. “You alright, babe?”
“Yeah, sorry. Guess I swallowed wrong or something.” Will shrugged.
“That happens sometimes. Well, I better get back to my friend before she leaves without me. See you on Monday, Danni. Good seeing you again, Will.” He squeezed Will’s shoulder. “Oh, I almost forgot to ask, did you two have a good time at Elevations on New Year’s Eve?”
I tilted my head at him. “We had a very nice night, but how did you know?”
Peter pulled a hand to his chest and flashed Will an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry. You said it was a surprise, but I just assumed you told—”
“No worries. I meant to, but I guess we were too busy celebrating. It slipped my mind.”
“Logan does throw one hell of a party. I’m glad Will remembered the stories I told him back in August. At the company picnic, was it?”
Will nodded. “That’s right.”
Peter leaned toward me, lowering his voice. “I don’t actually remember that conversation, but I may have had a few too many that day.” He winked and stood up to include Will again. “Anyway, Will asked if I could get you two on the guest list, and I was more than happy to help out. When I talked to Logan, I believe his response was, ‘The more, the merrier,’ but that’s Logan for you.”
“Yeah, he seems like a pretty fun guy,” I said.
A crease formed between Will’s brows. “I didn’t realize you’d talked to him.”
“I met him at the gym today. And lunch.” I cringed on the inside. Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut?
Peter placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. You folks enjoy your evening.”
“Good night.” I waited until he was a few tables away then turned back to Will. “How come you never told me you talked to Peter?”
“It wasn’t a very exciting story, so I went with keeping it a mystery.” Will finished the last of his beer.