“Don’t be scared, baby. You’re in shock. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I’m going to take care of you.”
Before I knew it, Nicholas leaned over and kissed me hard, hugging me with all his strength. I practically leapt in his lap, putting my arms around his neck, kissing him back hard like I never wanted to let him go. I was in a full-on adrenaline rush, succumbing to the insatiable heat of our attraction. Nicholas started kissing me profusely, his hands moving up to hold my face, allowing me passage to kiss him back. He kissed my forehead, my cheeks, my lips, burying his face in my neck, holding me as if his life depended on it.
Becker Towers was the home of Nicholas’s eight-thousand-square-foot Presidential Penthouse Suite, nestled on the eighty-sixth floor of 15 Central Park West. The Becker family owned several key properties all over the world. Becker Towers graced the New York skyline in a most majestic way, second to none.
When the double doors of the penthouse opened, I was reminded of how much I had missed his breathtaking views of Central Park and the glittering New York skyline. Nicholas truly owned New York’s most wanted trophy property, second only to his One Hyde Park home in London.
The last time I was in Nicholas’s home was a year ago. I was Reese’s “plus one” for dinner at Nicholas’s home last New Year’s Eve. Reese’s sister Riley was dating Nicholas’s friend Mico. Riley was seeking an angel investor for her company Black Sequinned Bows and Champagne Nights and was presenting a pitch to Milk Money for funding that evening.
Nicholas’s home was just as I remembered. I loved the oversized great room, the design and decor of which were impeccable. The full-wall floor-to-ceiling windows revealed three–hundred-sixty-degree breathtaking views of the New York skyline. Nicholas’s home was equipped with a media room, an exercise room with a boxing ring, and a glass-enclosed swimming pool on a see-through roof. Nicky had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a circular water slide into the pool. He never hesitated to spend his wealth in ways that always nurtured his inner child.
One only had to look up at the ceiling to see the swimming pool, which at night was lit with colored lights that created a warm dimmed aura in the room below.
As we entered the great room, Nicky moved to sit me down gently on the grey-and-white sofa, tucking a soft white baby alpaca throw over my body. A black baby grand piano positioned in the corner began to play soft classical music at his touch of a button. I immediately recognized the tune. It was one of Nicky’s favorites, “L’Origine Nascosta” by Ludovico Einaudi.
“I need to get us into a calmer state of mind. I’ll fix us both a cognac to warm us up,” he said, hitting another switch that lit the fireplace.
The double doors to the penthouse flew open. Lucia, Stephen, and Mackenzie arrived, looking as frazzled as I was feeling. Mackenzie was trembling and cold. Stephen rubbed his hands up and down on her arms to warm her. Lucia headed to the wet bar pouring warm brown amber liquid half-filled to the top into a Baccarat brandy snifter that she immediately chugged down and began pouring herself a second. Mackenzie broke from Stephen’s arms and ran over to hug me.
“What a fucking nightmare Nicky,” Stephen said, exasperated. “How are you doing?”
Stephen wrapped Nicky into a man-to-man bear hug.
Nicholas hugged Stephen back.
“Thank you for all your hard efforts and maintaining control under difficult circumstances. Good job.”
“That why you pay me the big bucks,” Stephen smiled, patting him hard on the back. “My job is to keep you and all that’s precious to you alive and well,” Stephen said, looking at me with a heartfelt smile.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, knowing that Stephen knew all of the grief Nicholas and I had caused each other over the years. I wondered how he was able to still look at me with warmth and gentleness.
Stephen eyeballed Mackenzie, who had curled up under the blanket with me. Mackenzie was stressing over her overwhelming need to connect with her son, Gill Jr. Gill Jr. was asleep at this hour and she wasn’t going to wake him. I could tell that her nerves were shot and that she was as shook up as I was.
Stephen reached over and handed Mackenzie a snifter of brandy. “Here take this. It will calm your nerves. I will get you delivered to your boy safely, babe,” he said.
“Thank you,” Mackenzie whispered softly.
It was weird watching Mackenzie interact with a man. She hadn’t dated a man since her husband was killed in Iraq. Typically Mackenzie was fire and brimstone. This was a new look for her. Tonight’s events had knocked all the spitfire right out of her. She was even treating Nicholas with kid gloves. How long would this last? Were we all in shock or was this change the calm before the storm? Either way, I felt the shift.
Lucia’s cell phone rang and everyone turned their attention her direction.
“Yes. Yes. Okay. Thank you,” Lucia said. “Stephen, that was your security guy Ross. Big Daddy and Three have arrived unharmed and are now back at the Becker mansion. Ross said his call dropped earlier and he lost connectivity with you. He wanted you to know Three and Big Daddy were safe. Mallory and Jessica were able to guide Three out of Lincoln Center to safety.”
“Lucia, remind me to send Mallory and Jessica cupcakes from Magnolia’s tomorrow. I want to thank them. Three was pretty wasted. He was having fun, but definitely wasted,” Nicholas said calmly. “Thank God Mallory and Jessica were like Three’s appendages tonight. I’m not sure he would have made it out on his own,” Nicholas said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Nicholas turned on his theatre-sized television in the corner. The news of the chaos at the Lincoln Center was playing on every channel. Nicholas quickly muted the sound while the television visual images continue to play in silence.
My iPhone buzzed with a text message. It was Reese asking me if I was okay. Reese had seen the news, but that was to be expected. Who hadn’t heard the news by now? I turned to Mackenzie.
“Reese. Checking up.”
Nicholas glared at me but said nothing.
I quickly tapped out a reply message to Reese to let him know that I was safe and would call with him tomorrow. I told him I was with Nicholas. Reese texted back a smiley face. I expressed a half grin that I’m sure didn’t reach my eyes. Nicholas cocked his head to the side with a look of curiosity, never taking his eyes off me.
Mackenzie nodded in silence. I fought back the tears, so glad to know that I could see and talk to Reese again. I was overwhelmed with all sorts of mixed emotions. I gave Mackenzie another quick hug and looked back at Nicholas. His expression was completely impassive, giving nothing away in that poker face. Nicholas moved to put his arm around Lucia, who was still at the wet bar, chugging back her drink quickly and still re-pouring.
“What can I do for you Lucia?” Nicholas asked.
“I’m fine Nicky. Have Silas give me a lift home please. You and I can catch up tomorrow. It’s time for me to head home and exhale.”
Before Nicholas could respond, Stephen had already opened his phone, calling Silas, instructing him to bring the car around for Lucia.
“I’ll walk you out Lucia,” Stephen said, tossing his own drink back in one big gulp.
“Mackenzie, I’ll take you home myself,” Stephen ordered.
No wonder he and Nicky got along so well. They had a lot in common. Alpha males were bred to spit out commands.
“Are you ready? Or do you and Harper still need a moment, babe?” Stephen asked.
Jesus, this babe stuff was really killing me. Stephen and Mackenzie, really? How weird was this? I wasn’t used to Mackenzie having a man. I needed to adjust to this idea. And Stephen of all people. Was he her type?
“Yes, I’m ready,” Mackenzie said. “This day is over for me. I’ve had about all I can take for one night. But gawd, I think I got some great pictures, Harper. I managed to upload some shots to my iCloud account before that jerk made off with my camera. I ought to be able to make a killing tomorrow with the news ou
tlets. Some of the shots I think I got were pretty good,” she said, starting to perk up a bit.
I heard Nicholas groan over at the wet bar, but I pretended not to hear him. I was exhausted and didn’t want any conflict.
Stephen walked out the door to escort Lucia. My iPhone buzzed again on the cocktail table in front of me, the caller ID revealing Brooks Fitzgerald McKenna’s name across the screen.
Maybe I won’t be able to avoid more conflict tonight. I squirmed a bit in my seat, tugging at the hem of my skirt. My nerves were frazzled. It really wasn’t the time to be pretty. My stiletto was broken, my hair was a mess, and my lips swollen from Nicky’s kisses in the limousine.
“It’s Brooks. I probably should take this,” I said, watching Nicholas’s face turn red. The mere mention of Brooks Fitzgerald McKenna’s name was sending him into a slow burn. “He’s probably checking on me to see if I’m okay. That’s the proper thing to do between friends,” I said, looking at Nicholas with pleading eyes, simultaneously taking the call and saying “Hello.”
Mackenzie rolled her eyes up in her head and moved to gather her things to leave with Stephen.
Nicky loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt halfway, revealing a black roped chain necklace with a black cross hanging on the end. It was resting on top of the tight curls on his chest that were peeking out of his white shirt. His tie hung loose around his neck. He had rolled up his shirtsleeves. He looked sexy as hell.
“Yes Brooks, I’m fine. Thank you for calling. I appreciate your concern,” I said, watching as Nicky set a plate of exotic cheeses and bread down, refilling his cognac and throwing himself into an overstuffed chair and plopping his feet on the ottoman.
Mackenzie waved a good-bye to me, kissing me silently on the cheek. Stephen had returned to pick her up.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Mackenzie said, quirking her eyebrows up, knowing her back was turned to Nicholas and that he couldn’t see her expression.
I nodded and momentarily closed my eyes in exhaustion as Brooks continued babbling through the phone about how I needed to let him take care of me. Brooks was insisting that he come to my house and comfort me. Thank God I wasn’t home. Brooks was foolish enough to show up at my home unannounced. I tried to put that thought out of my mind.
Nicholas clipped the end of a cigar and lit it. He was running his hands back through his hair again and glaring at me with a mix of seductive heat. His gaze was penetrating. I didn’t doubt for one minute that he was holding his tongue at the mere thought that Brooks Fitzgerald McKenna was on my phone.
I was glad we were finally alone.
“No I don’t need you to come comfort me, Brooks,” I snapped. “And no, I don’t need you come take care of me.”
I could see the muscle in Nicholas’s jaw twitching. He could hear the irritation in my voice.
I needed to get off this call knowing it was going to be the undoing of Nicholas.
Continuing to talk to Brooks was like playing with fire. It was the equivalent of taunting Nicholas straight out of his mind. Unless I wanted to watch him have an out-of-body experience up here on the eighty-sixth floor, I needed to end this call with Brooks right now.
“Goodbye Brooks,” I said, hanging up.
I sighed out loud and exhaled. Nicholas and I stared at each other, neither of us saying a word. The piano music continued to play softly, although the verbal silence stretching out between us was deafening. Neither of us unlocked our eyes off the other. We both sipped our cognac. Neither of us gave away anything. I watched as his jaw tightened knowing that he was grinding on the back of his molars like he always did when he was under stress. Finally after a long pregnant pause, Nicholas spoke.
“I don’t want to discuss business tonight,” he muttered.
“I don’t want to talk about babies tonight,” I said softly.
“I don’t want to discuss that fucknut McKenna,”
“I don’t either.”
“I don’t want to discuss artwork, Harper.”
“Then don’t.”
“I would move heaven and earth to keep you safe,” he said.
“I know.”
We both gazed at each other in silence. I took in his heat. He took in my need. We both wanted the same thing.
“Are you ready?” Nicholas said.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?” Nicholas asked, his voice husky.
“Yes, I’m sure,” I said softly.
Nicholas stood up and wrapped me carefully in the alpaca throw. He carried me up the floating staircase to his bedroom. I nudged my head against the curve of his neck and took in his essence.
“Mine,” Nicholas said.
No, mine.
Chapter Nine
Nicholas and Harper
I tucked the white duvet cover over her body to keep her warm, pulling my own body close against her back, spooning, while wrapping my arms around her in a protective mode. I loved watching her sleep. Her long black hair tumbling down in waves against the top of her breasts. The wavy strands draped loosely down her back, over her side, accenting the curve of her body. Harper’s slightly parted curved thighs begged for my entrance again.
“Mmmmm.” She moaned in her sleep, but didn’t wake up.
I pulled several strands of her hair back over her shoulder. I kissed the nape of her neck, closing my eyes, and languishing in the memory of our night of heated passion and desire.
“Shhhh, rest,” I whispered softly in her ear, wanting her to get as much sleep as she needed.
I glanced over her shoulder at my alarm clock, noticing it still wasn’t daybreak as the minutes on the digital screen ticked down to four thirty a.m.
Last night’s events were a revelation; a life-changing event. I was discovering that all this fighting between us was overrated. Unnecessary. Enough was enough. I had dated women that made a sane man drop to their knees, but none of them made me feel the way Harper did. I could never find it in my heart to love them. My ability to love other women was always overshadowed by my feelings for her. Harper held the key to my heart and my mind. There were no substitutes. She was the gold standard for everything I ever wanted in a woman. She was gorgeous. She was brilliant. She was independent. She was her own woman.
Nothing else mattered to me now but the two of us finding a way to be together. Last night, holding her in my arms, I realized I would give up everything I owned, throwing it all out the window if need be, in order to have a life with Harper. The possibility of coming so close to losing her last night only reinforced and deepened my feelings for her. There was no way I was giving her up. Not now. Not ever.
Joduku Plastics or no Joduku Plastics, I was keeping her. She was mine. Nothing and no one was going to stop me. She was worth more to me than everything I owned combined.
I snuggled closer to her, resting my naked body against hers. My woman. My baby maker. My love. I would dedicate myself to convincing her to take a chance on me. To forgive me our pasts.
Now, in this moment, our future held the promise of more nights of spending time moaning in each other’s arms. Giggling in bed. Feeding each other delectables. Yes, we drove each other crazy in ways unimaginable, but I would never have it any other way. I wanted it to stay this way for the rest of my days. I’d be damned if I’d ever give up my happiness again. Okay . . . so there will be times that I might have to sleep with one eye open, but that’s fine. That’s who we are. One thing for sure, making love to her tonight made things click inside of me that I never fully understood that summer ten years ago. But I understood it better now. I was in love with her then, but too scared to admit it. When she got pregnant with our baby, I took flight like a scared jackrabbit, leaving her to deal with the repercussions of dealing with parenthood alone. I wasted too much time—a couple of months—drinking, partying, and carousing with other women acting out in a total state of denial of how I felt about her. By the time I came to my senses, she had aborted my baby. In my anger at myself, I bla
med her for deliberately aborting our child and not talking with me first. Not giving me a choice. I wanted the baby. I wanted her. I acted like a certified fool. She walked away from me and never looked back, except only to cause me pain and to make my life miserable. The same pain I must have made her feel.
She has made me pay through my pockets, she has made me pay in my mind, and she has made me pay in my heart. Her trust in amorous love for me was gone. I knew how badly I had crushed her heart, because she showed me as much in her deeds and in her actions toward me these last ten years.
But tonight, faced with the possibility of the true loss of each other, I was clear that it must be true that forgiveness does indeed fly on the wings of angels. I knew in my heart that she has truly forgiven me. Now, I needed for her to love me again.
I want to marry her.
It was five thirty a.m. I slipped my hand outside of Nicholas’s luscious white duvet and the warmth of his arms, turning over on my side to watch him sleep. I ran my fingertip down the front of his chest, tangling my leg with his. I could feel the twitch in his muscle answering to the call of my touch. Resting my eyes on his strong features robbed me of any desire that I had to get more sleep. I wanted to look at him. I wanted to take in his physique, his male scent, the soft stubble of his strong jaw. One thing that I knew for sure. I felt safe. I felt wanted. I felt desired. Protected.
The comparison of the Nicholas Becker from ten years ago who had made my life a living hell and the Nicholas Becker of today was striking. Perhaps it was from the blaze of a new path we were charting for ourselves to end our War of the Roses. We were trying to find a new middle ground that we could settle into anew.
Nicholas had always been so different from the many men I’d dated since our breakup. He was the most formidable man that I had ever known. Just as he did ten years ago and here now in our present moment, he was offering me his gifts of affection, selflessness, protection, and love.
Last night, I almost lost the only man that I’ve ever really wanted, needed, or loved. But could I trust him with my heart again? That was the untold story. A part of me within recognized that I had forgiven him tonight. I knew he too had forgiven me as well. But could we trust each other? Could we compromise? Could I? Could he?
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