by Marie Tuhart
“How many more?” she whispered to Helen.
“They’re still lined up around the corner.”
“My next panel is in an hour.”
“It will be fine,” Helen said.
“Why don’t you take a break,” Adam said, taking her fingers between his and massaging them.
“Oh, that feels good.”
Adam had surprised her. He’d sat by her side for the last two hours. He hadn’t said a word when fans came up for an autograph and to talk to her. He hadn’t scowled at any of the anxious young men. He had stayed relaxed and never lost his smile. This was the man she had married, the man she wanted back in her life and bed.
Their gazes met. Hot flames scorched her skin from the fire in his eyes. This was the man she married, the man who could turn her on with a single glance. Her core tightened, and her breathing increased. To hell with her rules. This was her husband, and she missed him in more ways than one.
“Why don’t you take a quick break,” Helen said.
“Sounds good to me,” she said and stood. She needed to get Adam somewhere private away from prying eyes.
“Ms. Masters is going to take a quick break, and then she’ll be back to finish up,” Helen said to everyone standing in line.
Nicki tugged on Adam’s hand, leading him to a room. The door was marked private. She pushed it open, pulled him in, and slammed the door.
Their lips met, tongues tangled, and groans filled the room. She wound her arms around his neck while he snagged her by the waist.
His mouth left hers and trailed down her neck. “I needed that,” he whispered against her skin.
“So did I.”
She shifted her hips, causing his cock to rub against her spread legs. Heat exploded throughout her body, and her pussy moistened. Adam sat and tugged her forward until she straddled his lap. His cock strained against his slacks, and she ground her jean-covered crotch against him.
“Behave.” He swatted her on the ass.
“Why?”
Shivers of excitement from his single swat ran through her veins. With shaking fingers, she began to unbutton his shirt. Oh good, he hadn’t worn a T-shirt. Her hands spread the clothing, delighting in his hair-roughened chest as she lowered her mouth to his nipple.
“Fuck,” Adam whispered.
Nicki trailed her tongue over one brown peak then across his chest to the other one, bathing it before gently biting it.
“Witch.” Adam cupped her chin, raising her head. His lips found hers in a hard kiss as his free hand went to work on her shirt.
Seconds later, he took her bare, pert nipple and squeezed it. She moaned into his mouth. Oh God, yes. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding his mouth to hers while their tongues danced and dueled with each other. Her hips began shifting, pressing her pussy against his cock. If they didn’t stop, they were going to make love on the floor. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea.
“Excuse me.” Helen’s amused voice had them pulling apart.
Nicki buried her face in Adam’s chest, and he took a deep breath.
“Yes, Helen,” he answered.
“Sorry to break this up, but there are people waiting.”
“Let them wait,” he said, his tone hard.
“No.” Nicki raised her head. “As much as I’d like to continue this to its logical conclusion, we can’t. Not here. Not now.” She watched his face closely. There was a slight tick in his jaw, but his eyes were molten green with desire.
“Two minutes,” he said.
“You got it.” Helen left the room.
“Do you have any idea of what you’re doing to me?” he asked.
“Yes.” She wiggled against his groin, and his cock jumped. “But it goes both ways.”
“Enough.” He grasped her by the waist and lifted her off his lap.
Nicki instantly missed his warmth. His fingers trailed between her breasts until they touched her rings.
“You still wear them,” he said, his finger dangling the chain holding her engagement and wedding rings.
“They’re a part of me.” It was true. She’d never let go of her hope of a reconciliation between her and Adam.
Adam closed his eyes, but not before she saw the slight sheen of tears there. Were they happy tears or sad ones?
Pain and hope shot through Adam’s body. She was still wearing her rings; that had to mean something…right? You’re a wuss. He squeezed his eyes closed as his father’s words echoed in his head. Men don’t cry.
But the sight of the rings around Nicki’s neck made him tear up. Even though he’d seen them before, they meant so much more now. Even when she was upset with him, she still wore them. Hope filled his heart.
He willed back the tears with a deep breath and placed a kiss on the curve of her breast before fastening her blouse. When he was done, he stared up at the woman he loved more than life itself.
The thought that he loved her that deeply didn’t shock him as it once would have. She was the love of his life, and he was lost without her. His veins hummed with desire and the need to protect Nicki. His need for her was strong, but his will stronger. He wanted to do this right.
Nicki reached out to button his shirt, and he caught her hands in his. “If you touch me, I’ll explode.” He kissed the knuckles of each hand before releasing them and fixing his clothing.
It was going to be hell to walk out of here with his hard on, but he’d do it. This was for Nicki. “Later, we’re going to finish this,” she whispered.
“You bet we are.” When he rose to his feet, he brushed a kiss over her lips.
Nicki turned her head and let her lips run over his scar before whispering in his ear, “I fully expect you to tie me up tonight.”
She spun and sashayed out of the room before he could kick his brain into gear. All he could see in his mind’s eye was Nicki sprawled out on the bed, tied spread-eagle and him teasing her all night long.
His cock twitched in the constriction of his clothing. Adam leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling, willing God to give him the willpower not to march out of the room, snatch Nicki up, and take her to their room for complete and total ravishment.
****
“When can we get out of here?” Adam whispered into Nicki’s ear later that night as he watched yet another group of people show off their act on the stage.
“Soon,” she whispered back as another group walked across the platform. She’d forgotten about agreeing to judge the costume contest. Now, she couldn’t wait for it to be over.
Adam had been a model of decorum today, sitting in on her panels and answering questions when asked of him. He even smiled at fans when their lunch was interrupted.
She wanted to be upstairs in the room, making love with Adam. She wanted to follow her heart no matter what the consequences were. She lusted after her husband, but this time, there would be a condom. Plus she was on the pill; she wouldn’t risk another pregnancy.
The last group in costumes took their bows and hustled off the stage. Nicki marked her score card. All the costumes had been good, and it was hard to pick a winner. From her own experience in costume design, she knew the hours of work people put into their outfits. She handed her card over to the head judge for tabulation.
“That’s it,” she said.
“Let’s go.” Adam took her hand in his as he stood.
“Good night, everyone, see you tomorrow,” she said as Adam tugged her out of the room and to the elevators.
The doors opened, and Adam pulled her inside. The second they closed, his lips claimed her mouth. His tongue thrust between her lips and tangled with hers. She gulped air when he finally pulled back.
“I couldn’t wait another second to taste you,” he whispered against her skin as his mouth trailed to her ear, taking the lobe between his teeth.
She shivered at the slight sting of his nip. “You think I mind?” Her palms spread over his chest, and she wished they were already in the room so she could str
ip off his shirt. Her nails traced his skin where it was exposed.
“You’re driving me nuts.”
She laughed. They were both going to be nuts before the night was out. The elevator came to a halt. Without missing a beat, Adam escorted her out of the elevator and into the room.
Her hand searched for the light.
But he captured her hand with his. “No lights.”
She started in surprise. Adam enjoyed making love with the lights on. She was the one who preferred them off. But all thoughts flew out of her head when his mouth covered hers. Their tongues dueled as he maneuvered them to the side of the bed.
The noise of her cell phone ringing had him breaking the kiss.
No, not now, she chanted in her head.
“Let it ring.”
“I can’t.” She fought to get the darn phone out of her pocket and looked at the display. Chris. It had to be important. She hit the answer button and put the phone up to her ear. “What’s up, Chris?”
Adam stiffened, and he pulled back from her. In the dim light, she could see him scowling.
Shit. But Nicki focused on the call.
“Sorry to call you,” Chris said. “But I know at these conventions you don’t get to bed until late. And I knew you’d want to hear this news.”
“Yes?”
Adam slipped from her grasp and glided across the room.
“Miralar wants you as their next costume designer.”
“Woohoo.” Nicki pumped her fist in the air. It was about time someone took her costume designs seriously. Working on Miralar’s next blockbuster TV show would introduce her to a new world. “Thanks so much for calling me, Chris. And for all your hard work.”
“I’m emailing you the contract. It was your hard work. I just put them in front of the right people.”
“If you hadn’t pushed me after—” Oops. She’d almost mentioned Adam leaving her, and she didn’t won’t to spoil tonight.
Adam spun around and stared at her.
“Ah, I’ll talk to you later.” She hit the end button and forced a smile in Adam’s direction. He wasn’t going to like this. She was aware he wanted all her concentration on his film, but her excitement at the job couldn’t be contained. And unless they could work out their issues once the film was done, she’d travel back home to the San Francisco Bay Area to her home. “I’ve been offered a job.”
“You have a job.” His comment was flat and cold.
“It’s for after we finish up with the filming.” She placed her phone on the night stand. This cold, unfeeling Adam was the one she was trying to get rid of. How could one little call do this?
“So, you’re already moving on?”
“What does that mean?” She stared at him. His arms were crossed over his chest, his legs apart and planted. What the hell was wrong with him? “Why are you angry?” She didn’t get this at all.
“Angry? I’m furious.” His scar stood out on his face, making him look more menacing. He took her by the shoulders. “Why are you with me?”
“What?” His grip on her wasn’t tight. She could slip away at any time, but she didn’t move. She didn’t understand his question.
“You should be with Chris.” Adam released her to run his fingers through his hair.
“You’re jealous of him.” The truth dawned, and Nicki didn’t understand it. Adam had introduced her to Chris, and they were all friends. Or so she had thought. “Why in God’s name would you be jealous of Chris?”
“Arguing isn’t going to change the facts.” Adam shuffled over to the roll-away bed.
“Talk to me, Adam.” She hated the pleading tone in her voice, but they needed to discuss his jealousy. They needed to get the elephant out of the room.
“I can’t.” He left, the hotel room door clicking shut behind him.
Nicki sank down onto the bed. Why couldn’t Adam communicate with her? Why the hell was he jealous over Chris? And what did his leaving mean?
She rubbed her chest over her heart. She’d thought he was meeting her halfway, opening up to her, supporting her career aspirations, but then the jealousy came up. There were so many issues with him. Disappointment caused her shoulders to slump. She had no answers, only questions. It was going to be a long night.
Chapter Six
Sunday afternoon, Nicki smiled at the young men surrounding her after her last panel, but her gaze kept searching the crowd for Adam.
She’d spent a sleepless night waiting for him to return to the room so they could talk, but he hadn’t. She’d fallen into an uneasy sleep early this morning, only to be plagued with nightmares.
“Hey, doll.”
Nicki jumped when an arm snaked around her waist. She hadn’t been paying attention and cursed herself for not being on her guard.
“You need to let me go.” She gave a small smile at the skinny, ear-pierced young man.
“I’m Max. My friend is going to take our picture.”
A flash blinded her for a moment.
“It’s customary to ask.” She extracted herself from his grip. She disliked it when fans invaded her personal space without asking, but she kept a smile on her face. After all, she was a public figure. Movement to her right caught her eye.
Adam stood several feet away, glaring at the young man. Nicki shivered. She’d seen the hard, icy, emotionless stare before. Her heart began to pound as Adam approached.
“Adam.” She had to stop him before he made a scene.
“Don’t manhandle my wife.”
The young man swallowed hard, his gaze darting from Adam’s clenched fists to Nicki, blocking his path.
“Hey, man, I didn’t mean anything,” the kid stammered.
“Of course he didn’t. Let’s go, Adam.” Nicki gripped Adam’s arm, his muscles tense.
“It didn’t look that way to me.” Adam took a step.
She tightened her grip, hoping Adam would back off.
“Is there a problem?” one of the convention security staff asked.
“Naw,” the kid said. “We’re having a friendly conversation.” He put a hand on her arm.
Adam’s face tightened, and before she could say a word, he had the kid by the shirt and up against the wall. She shook her head and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She needed to defuse the situation.
“Adam.” She grabbed his arm. “Please, let him go.”
He obeyed, surprising her.
The poor kid stood against the wall, probably not sure if he should run or not.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered to the kid. She glanced at the convention security person. “I’m sorry for the disturbance.”
“Will everything be okay?” the security person asked.
“Yes…” Her throat closed as she glanced up at Adam.
His face could have been carved out of granite, and his scar blazed white with anger. She’d lost, she’d taken a chance on Adam being here, and now she had lost. He couldn’t or maybe wouldn’t change. She couldn’t handle his jealousy.
“Excuse me.” She fled the scene, no longer able to hold herself together.
She ducked into ladies’ room where she ran to the sink and splashed water on her face to quell the nausea. Her face was pale, her hair slightly disarranged, and her eyes glassy with tears.
“Calm down, it will be all right,” she told herself out loud, grateful there was no one else in the bathroom to witness her breakdown.
But she couldn’t fight the tight fist of fear around her heart. The image of Adam’s jealous, red face was stuck in her head. Then another memory superimposed itself on that one—Adam standing in her hospital room doorway, his face cold and his eyes accusing.
Her knees went weak, and she sank down onto a small, padded bench. Her arms crossed over her stomach as pain caused her to double over. The pain would never go away as long as her heart still bled for the tiny life taken before its time. More tears welled. Oh, this was so not the time to lose it.
“Nicki?” H
elen’s voice penetrated her misery.
She opened her mouth but only a sob emerged. The tears began to fall, and there was nothing she could do to stop them. Helen knelt in front of her, rubbing her hands, trying to sooth her.
“I can’t do this,” she whispered. She couldn’t continue with Adam, not with this baggage between them.
“Do what?”
“Adam.” Oh God, how could she face Adam? He’d blame her for what happened, saying she had enticed the kid. He’d insist her scream queen persona was the cause. His brief period of support would fade, no more substantial than a dream. He’d go back to telling her she had to keep her distance between her and her fans, telling her she could do better, bigger roles rather than be stuck in second-rate actress jobs instead of designing. All his objections would circle back to the loss of their baby.
“Adam is the least of your problems.”
Nicki lifted her head to stare at Helen. “What do you mean?”
“Remember the special dinner in a few hours. There are five security personnel outside, wanting to find out exactly what happened.”
“And so the drama continues.” She needed to pull herself together.
“Drama makes for an interesting life,” Helen joked.
“Adam has a way of making my life crazy.” Nicki grabbed a handful of tissues and mopped up her tears.
“He does make it exciting.” Helen stood.
It took her a few minutes, but Nicki took some deep breaths, cleaned up her face, and mentally stuffed down her distress. She was an actress; time to give the performance of her life.
She couldn’t let her fans down, despite her life falling apart.
****
“You’re driving her away,” Helen said to Adam two hours later at the dinner.
It was a simple venue—the tables covered with white table cloths, people talking and eating. This was a way for people to relax and enjoy themselves after a long hard day.
Adam didn’t answer. His gaze stayed focused on Nicki as she sat two tables away. He wanted to be at that table, but Helen had guided him to this one and had told him not to make another scene. He would have laughed at her words if he could. The jealous beast inside him had roared to life earlier, and he lost all his good intentions.