“That’s not what she said last night.”
Nicholas’ mouth tightened. “I’m sure that was the anger talking. Coley has my temper. She says a lot of things she doesn’t mean. It’s a defensive mechanism—a way to protect herself from being hurt.”
“She ends up hurting others and herself in the process.”
Her father’s head tipped to the side. “Very true, but like I said, if you love her, you won’t give up on her.”
“Why do you call her Coley?”
Nicholas chuckled. “When she was first learning to spell her name, she always pronounced the ‘e’ at the end of Nicole. She’d say her name was Nicoley. I shortened it. The name stuck. Her mother is the only one who doesn’t use it, but my Lydia has always been very proper.”
Reece smiled. “I look forward to meeting her.”
“Don’t be too eager. She still wants to twist your ear and give you what for.”
He cleared his throat, sitting a little straighter. “What should I do to win her over?”
“You’ll have to prove to her you love our daughter by protecting her from the big bad world.”
“I’ll do my best, Mr. DeLancey.”
Nicholas patted him on the back. “That’s all a father can ask for.”
~ ~ ~
Nicole was in California, meeting with the screenwriter three weeks after the incident with Marcus. Davis Sylvester was one of the top writers in the business. He had multiple award nominations under his belt. She was in awe of his abilities, spending the first two hours in his company tongue-tied and shy.
“I won’t bite you, Nicole. If we’re going to be working together, you need to loosen up.” She nodded, but she still said nothing. “I’ve read the manuscript and the adapted screenplay. It was trash.”
Her heart plummeted to her toes. “You didn’t like my story?”
“No, the story was great. The screenplay was trash. The hack writers destroyed the dynamic between the two leads. It went from being a romantic dramedy to being a character slaughter.”
Her lips twisted. “I haven’t gotten a chance to read the adaptation.”
“And you never will. I burned that sucker the moment I was finished reading. I don’t understand why the studio picked it up for production.”
“They wanted Reece Collins under contract, that’s why.”
Davis shivered in delight. “Ooh Reece. Yes, now I understand completely.”
Nicole swallowed, trying not to smile. It was obvious which way the wind blew with Davis. He reminded her of that guy from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. What was his name again? Carson something or other.
“I hear he’s off the market now, something about falling for one of the actresses in his play.”
Nicole’s smile slipped. She didn’t want to think about Reece or their engagement, whatever it was. She didn’t understand it. One moment they were arguing, the next she’s wearing a ring on her finger. What the hell happened? And why couldn’t she remember?
She hadn’t seen Reece in two weeks, when she flew home with her father and sister to recuperate. Her mother fussed over her and at her for hurting herself, but was happy it was only a broken hand, not something much worse.
Lydia ooohed and ahhhed over the ring, wanting to announce the engagement to the world. Thank God her father realized she didn’t want that, convincing her mother to wait.
Nicole was frowning as she studied the ring on her finger. She didn’t hate it, per se, but she wasn’t a big fan of it either. It kept getting caught on things and thumping against others when she was working. She took to wearing it around her neck, concealing it from the prying eyes of the press.
The media began following her regularly when they learned she spent time in Reece Collin’s suite at the Savoy. No matter where she went, they were there, shoving their cameras in her face and shooting off questions too quick for her to answer. She tried to pretend they didn’t exist, but their persistence was wearing her down.
Davis glanced over, following her gaze. “Oh my God, the sheer size of that diamond. No wonder you can’t write. Come closer. Let me get a good look at it.”
Nicole grimaced, holding out her left hand. “It weighs my entire arm down.”
“Girl, that’s the least of your worries. Please tell me you have a bodyguard for that thing.”
She laughed despite herself. “I’m doing interviews later this afternoon.”
“Good.” He examined her with a speculative eye. “Who is the lucky man? Anyone I know?”
What was she supposed to say? The engagement hadn’t been officially announced. Only their families and close friends knew of it. “His name is Colin Woodhouse. He’s an actor.”
“I’ve never heard of him. Was he in any decent movies?”
Not yet. “Nothing of note.”
“When did you meet him?”
“When I was in London last year.”
Davis’ eyes narrowed on her. “Aren’t you the girl from the tabloids? The one caught doing the nasty with Reece Collins?”
Nicole blushed. “Guilty as charged.”
His mouth dropped open. “What happened there?”
“It was a momentary lapse of reason.” His eyebrows rose. “Reece and I are friends, but nothing more than that. He’s the one who introduced me to Colin.”
Davis clucked his tongue. “That man is a bonified sex god, and you dumped him for some unknown actor? You disappoint me, girl.”
“I disappoint a lot of people.”
“I doubt that’s true.”
Nicole didn’t want to talk about Reece or Colin any longer. “I think we should get back to work. Reece’s play opens in London next week for a six-week run. Filming is going to start shortly after that.”
“You seem to know quite a bit about his schedule.”
Nicole shrugged it off. “Like I said, we’re friends. I’ll do whatever I can to help him advance his career.”
Davis stared off into space. “Ooh, that Reece,” he sighed, shivering with lust. “I hope I can count on you to introduce us when the time comes.”
“That’s not going to happen if you continue getting sidetracked. At this rate, we won’t finish on time.”
“You’re right, dear, no rest for the wicked.” He went back to his computer, burying himself in rewrites.
They worked non-stop for nearly five hours, tearing down scenes and building them back up again. Turned out, writing a screenplay was just as frustrating as writing a book. At the end of the day, they were both wrung out.
“I’m meeting a few friends for dinner this evening. Would you care to join me?”
Nicole shook her head. “Thank you, no. I’m expecting a call from London. I don’t want to miss it.”
“Oh yes, long-distance love affair. Have fun. I’ll see you in the morning.” Davis left the office while Nicole finished packing up her notes, following behind him.
She wanted to get back to her hotel room, shower, and order room service while she waited for Reece’s call. She was willing to admit she missed him like crazy. Being in Hollywood without him was a bummer, but the play was important to him, so she sucked it up, dealing with the loneliness.
The one good thing to come out of their engagement was they seemed to be back on an even keel. It was like they’d been at the beach in North Carolina, right before Marcus had shown up, ruining things between them. They were being open with each other again, telling their secrets and sharing their dreams. They’d even come close to making love, just before she left London. They’d been interrupted before anything hot and heavy had occurred. Damn it! She’d been pent-up with sexual frustration ever since.
Lindsey was on the balcony when she entered the room. Her sister had begged to come. Since she didn’t want
to be here alone, she agreed. They were having a great time sightseeing and visiting all the regular tourist attractions. They even drove to Vegas, staying in a room at Caesar’s Palace. They kept their gambling to a minimum, playing only on the penny slots, but they had a blast winning most of their money back.
Still, she missed Reece and was wishing she was in London with him.
“Hey Linds, I’m back.”
“Hey Coley, how was your first day? Is the screenwriter nice? Was he cute?”
“My first day was exhausting. Yes, he’s very nice. He’s exceptionally cute, and he’s gay—in that order.”
Lindsey’s face fell. “Oh, bummer. What’s on the menu for tonight?”
“I want to take a shower, but I’m waiting for Reece to call.”
“There’s no need to postpone it; he called already. He said to tell you he misses you and that rehearsals are going well. He also hopes you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Did he say anything else?”
“Nope. That about sums it up.”
Nicole felt like crying. “I’ll get cleaned up, and we’ll go out to eat.”
“Cool beans. I’ll be on the balcony when you’re done.”
“Okay.” She wandered into the bedroom, kicking off her shoes. She pulled her T-shirt over her head, stripping down to her bra and panties as she started the shower. She stood under the spray. Before she knew it, she was crying—sobbing out her misery. They talked every day. She shouldn’t let one missed call mess her up, but it was frustrating not getting to hear his voice. Just one word in his incredibly sexy accent could’ve set her world back on its axis.
Shutting off the water, she exited the stall, drying herself off and shimmying into a clean set of underclothes. She wandered to the closet, picking out a cute little skirt with a top to match, and sliding her feet into a nearby pair of flats.
As she sat down to dry her hair, her cell phone beeped. She wanted to cry. She missed Reece’s call again. She dialed her voicemail, listening to the message.
“I miss you, luv. I just wanted to hear your voice, hoping you wanted to hear mine. Call me back and make my night a little brighter.”
Nicole bit her lip as she dialed his number. He didn’t pick up, as she knew he wouldn’t. She left him a message. “Tag, you’re it. I miss you too. Wish you were here or I was there, making love instead of playing phone tag.”
“Why don’t you hang up the phone and do that,” he said. She swiveled on the stool. Reece was standing in the bedroom doorway.
“Colin!” she squealed as she leapt into his arms. “Oh God, what are you doing here?” She was crying again.
Reece eased her out of his embrace, tugging her chin up. “You’re all discombobulated again, aren’t you?”
“Well, duh,” she said, hugging him tight. “I don’t want to do this anymore. I don’t want to do any of it.”
Did she mean the engagement? Was she backing out? His eyes were tender as he gazed at her, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. “You need to do this, Nicole. In a few weeks, filming will begin. We’ll be together. Everything will be fine.” She remained silent. “I thought I overheard you say you wished we were making love.”
“I can’t. I promised Lindsey we’d go out to dinner.”
He grinned. “Lindsey left a few minutes ago with orders to stay gone for the next ten hours.”
Nicole shook her head. “Tell me you did not kick my sister out of her own hotel room.”
“I want to strip you down and cover you with my body. I don’t want an audience for that.”
She shivered. “I see your point.”
“I gave her an added incentive. I introduced her to Damon Westmore.”
Her eyes widened. “Wow! She’s been slavering over him for years. I think you just became number one brother-in-law.”
He laughed. “I hope so.” He pulled her up on her toes for a kiss. “How do you want it, Miss DeLancey? Up, down, or sideways?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck “I get to choose?” she asked, trying to crawl up his leg.
His hands slithered down her sides then around to cup her buttocks. “Not at all. We’ve got plenty of time. I’m thinking I want you at least a half of a dozen ways.”
She ran her tongue along the underside of his jaw, up to his ear, nipping the lobe. “You’ll wear me out.”
He grinned, tossing her on the bed. “That’s the plan,” he said as he covered her body, making her his again and again.
Chapter 12
Reece slid out of the bed, trying not to wake Nicole. She was finally asleep, staying awake for hours and talking with him. It was nearly time for his flight. He didn’t want to miss it, but he didn’t want to leave her either. Something was wrong, but he didn’t know what. She was nervous and twitchy, very unlike herself. And she wasn’t wearing her ring.
He dressed in the dark before moving to the living room. Lindsey was asleep on the sofa, the TV turned low. He nudged her shoulder. She rolled over, blinking at him with sleepy eyes.
“What time is it, Reece?”
“It’s nearly five. What time did you get in?”
“About an hour ago. It was all quiet on the bedroom front, but I didn’t want to take any chances.”
He nodded gravely. “I appreciate that. How was your date?”
She smiled. “It was amazing. Damon seems like a down to earth guy. I enjoyed getting to know him.”
“Most of us are pretty normal.”
“I know, but when you come from a small town in North Carolina, where hurricanes are the only excitement, getting to meet a movie star is a big deal.” She noticed he was frowning and not paying attention to her. “What’s wrong, Reece?”
“Nicole’s not wearing her ring.”
“She hates the ring.” At the surprise in his eyes, she explained. “I mean she loves it because it came from you, but it’s not really her cup of tea. I get that you want to put your mark on her. You have, in a big way, but you should’ve gone with something a little less extravagant, such as a sapphire or a blue topaz. Something small and tasteful.”
“I chose a chocolate diamond, hoping she’d look at it, think of Reese’s Cups, and then think of me.”
“That’s a nice sentiment, I guess. It doesn’t help that she’s afraid she’s going to lose it or break it. That rock is huge, Reece. She catches it on her clothes and bumps it against the walls and counters. It scares her.”
His brow furrowed in thought. “And you’re sure there’s nothing wrong? No underlying concerns? She just seems awfully unsure of herself.”
“Well, she is unsure of herself, dummy. She’s taking a lot of responsibility on her shoulders with this movie script. She wants to do it right, making it good for you.”
His lips pursed. “She shouldn’t be doing it just for me, but for herself as well.”
“Look, my dad told you she always second-guesses herself. Just trust that she’ll be okay once filming gets underway, and her job is completed.”
He nodded, still unconvinced. “Why don’t you go to bed? I’m leaving soon. There’s no point in you not getting a decent night’s sleep.”
“Reece, it’s going to be okay. I’m here to keep her company. We’re both coming over for the play’s grand opening. Coley is going to be fine.” She rose from the sofa, giving him a hug. “I’m going to bed. Damon said he’d take me out for lunch while Coley is at the studio with Davis.”
He smiled. “Sounds like you’re good to go then.”
“Yeah, we are. Have a safe flight. Call us when you get in. Even if we don’t answer, leave a message.”
“I will.” He looked toward the bedroom. “Tell her I love her, okay?”
“Will do.” She moved to the bedroom, closing the door.
Reece breathed deep, letting himself out of the suite. There was a car waiting for him when he exited the hotel. He rode to LAX, his mind troubled as he took the ring from his pocket and studied it.
Maybe he had gone a little overboard when he chose it, but he wanted her to have the best there was. He should’ve expected her taste to be conservative and gone with something more sedate. He’d shop for something less extravagant when he arrived in London.
Perhaps he should wait until she came over for the play to take her shopping, letting her choose her own ring. No, he wanted this to be his choice.
His cell phone beeped with a text. He opened it to see a picture of Nicole, sleep tousled and pouty. I’m missing you already. Thank you for making the night worthwhile and holding me while I’m discombobulated.
He smiled at the picture, texting back. What are friends for?
I hope we’re more than friends, Reece.
Was that what she was worried about? He frowned. You know we are. Don’t call me Reece.
Sorry, still half asleep. You are my best friend with benefits.
He laughed. That’s better. I feel the same about you. Go back to sleep. Dream of me. I love you, Coley.
When she didn’t reply, he shut the screen off, leaning his head against the back of the seat and closing his eyes.
The next thing he knew, the driver was opening the door of the car. “We’re here, sir. Have a safe flight.”
“Thank you,” he said, striding through the doors of the airport. As he strolled down the terminal toward his departure gate, he spied a flower shop. He ambled over, perusing the arrangements until he found the one he wanted, paying the salesclerk. She filled out a delivery slip, while he wrote out a card. Hoping to make your dreams come true. Counting the days until we meet again . . . Colin
The clerk read the note, blushing. “That’s very sweet, Mr. . . .” She looked down at the card and up again. “Woodhouse.” She studied him closely. “Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Reece Collins?”
An Accidental Love Affair Page 21