Nick smiled, messed Tony's hair, and winked at his sister. As he sat watching them, he realized the move had done a lot of things for the family. Mama was less tense, and actually enjoying her life. Tony was getting interested in doing better in school. And Tina was already very popular and asked out by some of the boys in her class. She was dating boys her age now, even though it had taken a while to shake her away from Hell's Kitchen and Joe Giovanni.
So why couldn't he feel good about everything? Kelsey got what she wanted, but so did he. Until he met Kelsey his only thought had been to get his family into a reasonable neighborhood. Now, he had moved his family into a real home. In fact, they were self-sufficient. Everything should be hunky-dory. It just wasn't. He was going to have to work on it hard.
After a big supper, and a lot of catching up on family gossip, Nick went to bed early, feeling for the first time that things might work out in his favor. But sleep evaded him.
He had clipped a picture of Kelsey from a morning paper, and stashed it under his pillow. He pulled it out. It showed her and Ralph signing a big merger. Ralph was a nice looking, well-dressed man, but he wore a smug expression on his face. Just from the picture Nick could tell this man was a cold fish and had no business with Kelsey.
Nick sat up in bed, staring at the picture. Kelsey looked a little gaunt. Perhaps the morning sickness played havoc with her makeup that day, but she was still his beautiful Kelsey. He only hoped his idea worked. But what fascinated him about this particular picture was that her secretary stood between her and Ralph. So this was Jackson. Nick smiled, looked a little like Nat King Cole, obviously the celebrity she was talking about. And yet, this Jackson looked more in control of the entire situation than either Kelsey or Ralph. He was the brain and Nick knew it. This was a character Nick would like to meet, and thank.
He wanted to thank him for being there for Kelsey, standing by her in her times of need. A good man, this Jackson.
So he and Kelsey had something new in common, a friend, Jackson!
CHAPTER NINE
Saturday at two, Nick knocked on Kelsey's door. Casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, Kelsey greeted him with a shy, questioning smile. She couldn't hide her surprise.
"Nick, I don't really think–"
"That it's necessary, I know. But it is, to me" He smiled and went straight for the living room, as though it were old habit.
Kelsey followed him hesitantly, trying to figure an angle to get rid of him. Although it was the last thing she wanted to do, she knew she had to. She didn't want more contact with Nick at this point, knowing it was to no avail. Just seeing him made her heart pound harder, her palms sweat, her pulse raced. "What exactly did you have in mind?"
Nick glanced around the room and then at her. His sexy grin warming her. "I thought we'd start with the room."
"The room?" Kelsey repeated his words, not having a clue as to what he was talking about. She glanced about and then at him. "Nick, what are you talking about, what room?"
"Yeah, which room have you set aside for the baby?" He asked starting down the hallway.
"Well," she jumped ahead of him, trying to dissuade him would be futile from the determined look on his face. She'd have to pick a different angle with him. "I hadn't gotten that far yet. But…I suppose the middle room, the one closest to mine."
He nodded and went directly to it, as though he'd lived there all his life. "The middle room. Yes, that's a good choice; it's close to your bedroom, and smaller. Good choice. See," he said pausing to tip her chin up to him, Kelsey held her breath for a second, sure he was going to kiss her, but he didn't. Disappointment speared through her. Instead he scrutinized her with a slow burning smile and said, "I never believed that old saying that pregnant women had a glow, 'till now." He cleared his throat and moved away. "We're making progress."
A glow? She had a glow? Somehow she had to stop Nick from going any further. He was purposely distracting her from getting rid of him. "I think it's wonderful that you're taking an active interest, really, but don't you think it's a little presumptuous? I mean we agreed not to have contact, and here you are-"
He shrugged indifferently, not giving her the advantage by looking straight at her. "I know, I've thought about that. And I've decided if you're going to pay me an outrageous sum of money for what I did, then I think I should do something to earn it. And it is my kid, too, Kelsey, bare with me a little. Besides, I want to set the kid up right," he began, his eyes scanning the room thoroughly before he looked at her puzzled face again.
"Set the kid up right?" She questioned barely able to control her mounting frustration.
"There's more to having a kid than sex, Kelsey. Much more. Now we're going to have to make a trip to the paint store. Naturally, I'll do all the painting, since you're in no condition. It isn't a good idea for you to be exposed to paint fumes. It's your apartment, so you can pay for it. Besides, we can't expect Dorothy, or Jackson to do this kind of thing, now can we? And I think doing it together is a good idea. Stop fretting, everything is going to be fine. That's why I'm here; I'm going to help you get things set up right. I knew you hadn't even thought about this."
"Nick I don't—"
"Okay, now, what color do you like?" He ignored her puny attempts to stay him.
"I could hire a contractor." Kelsey frowned at him.
"Now why would you want to, in the first place? No use wasting money, they charge a lot for something that's easily taken care of. I'm a good painter, you'll see. Besides, I want to contribute something to little Flora."
"Excuse me—little—Flora?" Kelsey's nose wrinkled in the cutest fashion.
"Nice, huh." He didn't wait to see her reaction, but moved about quickly, ignoring her facial expressions. "She was the Roman goddess of flowers, pretty isn't it? Perfect for our little girl. I did a lot of looking, in those books at the library for just the right name. Her name should stand for something, don't you think?"
"Nick, you're going way too fast, here. I think we should talk." He had to listen to reason. The man was insufferable. Didn't he know he couldn't become involved? Hadn't she explained that often enough? Hadn't he read the contract he signed?
"Oh, I know, this is all too much for you." He guided her to a comfortable chair. "Why don't you sit down? Stop fretting. You're a lot like Mama, always fretting. I've got to measure the room anyway, and figure how much paint we'll need. Would you like a border at the top of the walls? Or maybe some stick up's on the wall. I think that would be nice. Gives it a dressed up look. I discussed it with Mama and she said borders give it a custom look. What do you think?"
"Nick, I…" she couldn't believe this was happening. Couldn't believe he had spoken with his mother about the baby. Who else had he told? And why? "You've told your mother?" He was taking over, and she couldn't stop him. Why had he told his mother? She never contemplated others knowing about it.
"Naturally, she has a right to know she's going to have a grandchild, don't you think. She's so excited. Now, you haven't said which color you like best?"
She started to contemplate his question, and then realized he was winning this game too easily. How dare he barge in like this? But the innocent look on his face kept her temper at bay. "I thought about a pale mauve and blue. But Nick, we had an agreement. You signed a contract."
Nick deliberately ignored the last jab and moved away again. "Too sophisticated. Too basic. Our kid needs better than that. Something bright, something cute. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, pink and blue, but I think yellow. Yellow is bright and sunny, gives the baby a much brighter point of view, they say. I read that in the library too. What's the matter you don't think I can read?"
Kelsey stammered for an explanation for her confused thoughts but she never dreamed Nick would react this way. Never dreamed Nick would go to the trouble of researching anything about babies.
"Granted, the library isn't my favorite hangout, but when I need to know something, that's where I usually go. Don't you?"
"I haven't read so much in my life. This baby is definitely a good influence on me. Mama is so excited."
"Who says yellow is bright and sunny?"
"They, the experts. Yes, yellow would be great. That way if we're wrong, and it's a boy, it won't matter."
"All right, yellow." She agreed with a frown. How had she lost this argument? And how had she let him gain control over this?
"Great, now why don't you go slip into some comfortable shoes and we'll go get the paint and border at the paint store. Go on, so I can get started." He insisted, pushing her from the room.
"But—."
"Go on, I'll only be a minute."
Kelsey went to her bedroom and obediently slipped into a pair of loafers. Then she kicked them off and pulled on a soft pair of faded jeans and T-shirt. She needed to find a way to brush Nick off, but it wouldn't be easy. He was so insistent. How could she tell him this would never work?
Before she could contemplate what she was going to say to him, he was pushing her gently into his car and they were on their way to the paint store.
"Nick, pull over, I'm going to be sick." she grabbed at his arm about a mile down the road.
Nick didn't hesitate. He came to a full stop, got out of the car and came over to pull her out of her seat. On one side of the road was a long row of apartment buildings, on the other a park. Not the kind of park a woman should get sick in, too manicured, too perfect.
Gently Nick held her by the shoulders while she fought her nausea. Afterwards Nick offered his handkerchief and held her close till she felt better. He kissed the top of her head and she inhaled the soft scent of his after shave. His muscles were tensed against her arms, but warm and inviting too. He smiled tenderly at her when she looked up at him.
Kelsey felt protected for the first time in a long time and there was a great need in her for comfort. Would it hurt to give in just this once, she reasoned. Had Ralph ever been this gentle, they might have made a go of their marriage. But there was no soft side to Ralph. And the last thing she wanted to think about when in Nick's arms was Ralph.
Nick's lips mingled against her forehead as he held her in his arms, and she felt the heat rise between them. He couldn't hide the fact that she affected him. Somehow he seemed stronger than ever, although he didn't exert that strength on her. His need of her was obvious from the slight brush of his hips. He seemed to ignore it but Kelsey couldn't stop reacting to his nearness. She knew he wanted her, and she hadn't been the least prepared for his withdrawal. She was shaking.
"Better?" he asked in a lowered voice.
Kelsey nodded mutely. No! Worse, she wanted to scream aloud. She wanted a real kiss from him, needed it. And she wanted him to need it just as badly.
In an hour they had picked out the palest yellow paint, and a pale yellow and brown Mr. and Mrs. Teddy bear border in the store and returned to Kelsey's apartment.
Nick insisted she take it easy, he propped her up in an easy chair and laid her feet on an ottoman. His gaze searched hers, his mobile mouth twitching with amusement. Satisfied that she was resting comfortably, he returned to the task in the middle room.
Kelsey relaxed despite the growing tensions within her.
The kiss had taken her by surprise, as had his whole visit. She had no idea why he had decided to do this for her and the baby, but today she couldn't fight it. Today, she would indulge him, just a little, she decided as she drifted off to sleep. After all, what real harm was there?
Two hours later, she woke to find Nick pouring her a cup of tea and staring down at her intently. "Feeling better?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am." She yawned and stretched like a fat cat.
"Good. Listen, I'm nearly finished with the painting. Jackson called; he's coming over with Pizza and Cokes. You don't mind do you?"
"Jackson?" She sat straight in her chair. Had Jackson joined Nick's side now? That's all she needed, her best friend deserting her.
"Yeah, he called. I told him what we were doing and he asked if he could help. I told him the painting was nearly finished but that we could use some grub if he cared to pick something up. He said he'd be over about sixish. That's okay with you, isn't it?"
Kelsey sat very still, eyeing Nick with new perception. What was he really up to? "Look Nick, I appreciate what you're doing, really. It's very sweet of you, but I don't think…"
"I know, you think I should butt out, and I will, when everything is set up, and I know you can handle things on your own. I just can't leave you in the lurches and live with myself. You can understand that, can't you?"
"I suppose. But I could have had a contractor come in," She insisted trying to find a way to stop him and not hurt his feelings.
"Yeah, you could, but what is the use of that? Why waste all that money just to get someone to paint the room, and set the furniture up. It's a waste when I can do the work for you for nothing. Look Kelsey, it's as simple as this, I am the father of this child, and I want an active part." When she threw up a hand he nodded. "At least until the baby is born."
"Furniture?" He was sidetracking her again. If she didn't stop him soon he'd be moving in with the baby.
"Sure, we've got to pick out some furniture for the kid. We'll need a bed, a changing table, and a dresser, and some toys, lots of bedding and infant clothes. Mama made a list for me earlier."
"I can't believe you talked this over with your mother. You didn't even consult me before you told her. What will she think of me? I can't believe any of this. I can't believe I've let you go so far. Look, I didn't want to hurt your feelings. Obviously you've let things get out of hand because you're emotionally involved with the thought of having a baby, but Nick it has to stop. I can take care of all that later." She felt control slipping away again and was determined she wouldn't let him push her too far. Even if his pushing was gentle, his voice soft, his eyes caressing.
"Sure, you could order it all from a catalog, too. But I got to thinking about all that, and Kelsey, this baby is going to be born differently. We are going to go together and pick out the furniture, and set the kid up right, with love. I mean just because you and I can't make it together, doesn't mean we can't both love the kid, does it?" Nick's face twisted into a strange kind of frown, filled with emotions.
Couldn't make it? It was probably the first thing Nick had said that made real sense, but why was Kelsey rejecting that statement in her mind. Couldn't make it? Is that what he thought? "No, of course not, but Nick, I don't want to see you get hurt. You can't be a part of the baby's life. You've got to understand this, now." Kelsey demanded taking the tea he offered her.
"We'll talk about that later," Nick said quietly. "You should learn to accept help when you can get it."
"I'm only thinking of you," she began. "I don't want you to be hurt by this, Nick. You've done your part, its over."
"Thanks, but don't worry about me so much, babe. I'm a big boy."
Nick returned to his painting a few minutes later, whistling all the while he worked, and Kelsey tried to look at some paperwork from her office, but her eyes kept straying to the middle bedroom, her thoughts to Nick—and their baby. Dear sweet Nick, the father of her baby. How could she be cruel and not let him do this? And how could she let him?
He acted as though he were enjoying every minute of it. The problem was he was enjoying it. But he had been right, he was a big boy. At least she warned him. If he got hurt in the end, it was his doing. So why didn't that thought make her feel better?
An hour passed and Kelsey couldn't stop herself from checking out the room. She was very pleased with the job Nick had done, she decided as she tiptoed through the hallway and peeked inside. Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she blinked them away quickly.
Pregnant women often cried, she told herself defensively.
At six, Jackson knocked on the door and she opened it
in time to see him juggling the pizza and cokes in his arms. "Nick said you'd be famished. I hope so, because I think I bought the store out of pizza."
"Jackson," Kelsey laughed, not used to seeing him in such a predicament. She took the Cokes from him. "How sweet of you. Come on in, Nick's almost through with the room, and it's beautiful. I can't believe it looks so professional."
"I'm rather anxious to meet this man, I must admit. He sounded so—friendly on the phone, I couldn't refuse his invitation, and I got the strangest feeling he wanted a chaperon."
"Really," Kelsey blushed, remembering the kiss they had shared earlier and wondering if it had upset Nick. She knew he had been aroused, but he managed to squelch it quickly enough. "He's in the spare room, painting."
"Painting? Oh yes, painting."
"The baby's room," Kelsey glanced at Jackson and a slow smile spread over Jackson's face. "Jackson, this is Nick Leonetti." Kelsey introduced them as Jackson stuck his head inside the room and glanced about.
"Great color," Jackson said.
"Why thanks Jackson, glad you like it. I had a time selling Kelsey on it though. I'll be through here in a jiffy." Nick smiled and nodded.
Kelsey and Jackson went into the living room, and Dorothy brought out paper plates and TV trays. Even Dorothy seemed in a great mood.
As Nick finally joined them, he glanced at Dorothy's retreating figure. "Won't you join us Dorothy, I'm sure there is more than enough?"
Dorothy hesitated, glanced at Kelsey and shrugged, "All right, if you like. It smells delicious. I'm a pushover for pizza."
Nick smiled, "Have you seen the room Dorothy?"
The big woman gave a slight nod, "I peeked in a time or two. It looks very sunny and bright. I like yellow myself. It links with their disposition you know. They've done a number of studies on color and atmosphere for children."
There it went again the word they. Who were they? Kelsey hadn't told Dorothy about the baby yet, but Nick had no problem with telling anyone. In fact, Kelsey was wondering if Nick ever met a stranger the way he invited everyone to join them.
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