Nick wheeled her to a wall festooned with brightly-colored vibrators of all shapes and sizes. “How about a pair of rabbit ears with rotating beads?”
“I could never …” She swallowed the rest of the words.
He took one of the samples and wrapped her hand around it. “You never know unless you try.”
“You’re pushy, aren’t you?” She stroked it and a wan smile graced her face.
“Can’t hurt.”
Suddenly, she jolted her head back and laughed. “Of course it can’t hurt. I can’t feel a thing. It would be a waste of batteries.”
At least she was laughing. A few days ago, she would have been highly insulted. He was softening her up.
“Then get the rechargeable USB one.” He picked up a translucent purple monstrosity with vibrating, rotating thrusters and ticklers.
“I think I’d rather have the real thing, if you know what I mean.” Licking her lips, she spun the wheelchair around and parked in front of an instructional DVD for giving blow jobs.
Immediately, Nick’s dick shot up. Why the vixen was flirting with him. He removed his Santa’s hat and held it in front of his crotch as he watched her peruse the DVD section.
“I’m going to ask Santa for this one.” She glanced up and laughed. “Why’s your hat off and you look like you swallowed prunes?”
The saleslady chose that moment to sidle up to them. “Do you folks have any questions? Are you finding everything okay?”
“Oh, yes, we are.” Carol turned toward her. “I’d like to get rabbit ears for all my friends and an anal plug for this butthole standing next to me.”
“Wonderful, how many friends do you have?” The saleslady’s lips smirked and her gaze zeroed into Nick’s Santa’s hat covering his crotch.
“Six. I mustn’t forget my sister,” Carol said. “What kind of anal plugs do you have?”
“Actually we have one that’s combined with a ring to keep him hard longer,” the saleslady said with a loud voice.
Nick cringed and peeked around the store. A few other customers snickered. Worst of all, none were wearing Santa outfits.
“How about this one?” the saleslady continued. “It’s a prostate vibrator. Rechargeable and waterproof. Made of the highest grade medical silicon.”
“Oh, Nick! That’s so you.” Carol chortled. “I’ll take that one. You’ve been such a nice boy, you deserve something naughty.”
“Actually, let’s get that jumbo Titan thruster for her.” Nick reached for the large eleven-inch vibrator long enough for a horse.
“I think he’ll be needing nipple clamps to go with his butt vibrator,” Carol said, keeping the saleslady busy.
“Arousal gel, the slip and slide her way to orgasm brand, jumbo tube.” Nick raised his finger to point at a banner hanging over the lotions and creams section.
Not to be outdone, Carol spun toward the mangasm section and shouted, “Pocket pussy. For when you can’t get the real thing.”
“Flesh-colored realistic dildo with balls for her. Let’s get the eight-and-a-half inch one.”
“Lube, and lots of it. Make it the stimulating herbal one he can use with his anal vibrator.”
“We’ve got to get her a finger vibrator. How about this one with the pleasure nubs?”
“Hold it,” Carol shouted to the saleslady. “Nick needs this vacuum penis pump. One-handed, wireless, and rechargeable.”
That was going way too far. Penis pumps were used by guys with small penises in the hopes of drawing more blood to enlarge it.
Nick grabbed the penis pump from the saleslady and put it back on its display. “Enough. Santa’s workshop is closed.”
“So, how much of this do you want to buy?” The saleslady waved her hand over the pile of toys.
“I’ll take it all,” Carol said. “I’ve got plenty of horny friends, and this year, I’ll be the surprise Santa for the Gala party.”
Surprise Santa? Carol? Nick’s eyebrows must have popped from his forehead as he watched Carol pull out her credit card and hand it to the saleslady.
What kind of monster had he created here?
“I had loads of fun today,” Carol said to Nick when he brought her back to her apartment, laden with bags and bags of “toys.”
“So did I.” He had to admit the shopping was much spicier than usual. Despite the embarrassment in the sex toy store, he didn’t want the day to end. “Want to get something to eat and then hang out?”
“I have to take some time to clean up and do a few things,” Carol said. “I’ll see you in about an hour?”
Nick smiled, and let out the breath he’d been holding. “Sure, what would you like for dinner? Shall we go out or order takeout?”
“Takeout. I’m feeling like Chinese food.” She tugged at his beard. “Make sure you come back without this food trap.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nick saluted her. He couldn’t wait to shower and get into more comfortable clothes.
With his hopes high and flying, Nick rushed back to his brother’s apartment. He stripped, showered and shaved, then splashed on his sexiest cologne. Carol Cassidy had asked him to her apartment and if all went well, he’d be licking and sucking more than noodles and kung-pao chicken.
He whistled to himself while combing and recombing his hair, when Heather staggered into his room. She held onto her belly and her face was pinched with pain.
“What’s wrong?” Nick was at her side in an instant, holding onto her. “Is it the baby?”
“It’s too early. I’m not due until after Valentine’s Day. I texted Sam, but he’s in the middle of a call.”
“I’ll take you to the hospital.” He put his arm under Heather and lifted her.
“Owww,” she exclaimed. “That hurts even more. Let me walk.”
“We need a wheelchair.” He guided her to the living room. “Sit. Let me get Carol.”
“I can walk. It’s only a short distance to the car.”
“No.” Nick was firm. If Heather was in labor, any stress could trigger it to get worse. He learned at least that much being a personal trainer and having a client go into labor. “Have you called your doctor?”
Heather bit her lip and nodded. “She’s meeting me there.”
“Good. I’ll be right back.” He ripped on a t-shirt and tore out the door. Carol lived in the same complex, but at the opposite side.
Minutes later, he pounded on Carol’s door. “Carol. Carol. I need help.”
There was no answer. Wasn’t she home? Her van was still in the parking area below. What if she were hurt also?
Trying the door, he found it unlocked.
“Carol. Where are you?” He barged in. “You shouldn’t leave your door unlocked.”
“Where’s the fire?” Carol’s annoyed voice came from the bathroom. “I’m doing something private right now.”
“I need to borrow your wheelchair. My sister-in-law’s in premature labor. Please.”
“Oh, crap. I’m sitting on it and about to take a shower. I can transfer to my shower seat, but you have to promise me you’ll keep your eyes closed.”
“I promise. Tell me when you’re ready.”
Ordinarily, the thought of seeing Carol naked would be a fantasy come to life, but worry filled Nick’s heart and his pulse pounded with fear. That time when his client didn’t make it, he’d delivered the baby in the parking lot. It died, of course. He couldn’t let this tragedy happen to Heather and Sam.
“Come on in,” Carol said. “I hope she’ll be okay. You take your time.”
He avoided looking her direction, but was aware from his peripheral vision that she was huddled on the seat with her arms crossed.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” He grabbed her chair and ran out of her apartment, making sure to lock her door.
There would be no dinner and date with Carol tonight, but he’d bring her chair back as soon as he could.
Hopefully, he wasn’t too late for Heather.
Twenty-Two
Nick wasn’t back by the time Carol finished showering. It wasn’t easy, but she dried herself and then dragged her naked body from the bathroom to her bedroom. Her legs dangled uselessly, getting in the way, and she kept having to move them to get around the corners.
Without her chair, she had a hard time reaching into her underwear drawer. Even the bed was too difficult to get into. But she had to get clothes on before Nick returned.
Despite all the joking and bantering about the sex toys, Carol wasn’t ready for him to see her as a sexual creature—especially since she was a big zero in that department.
In the shower, she’d rubbed her clit, picturing Nick and his muscular shoulders, his tattoo and his abs. Nothing had happened. She’d tickled herself and inserted her fingers. Everything was dead.
It was nothing like the vivid dreams that recurred every night since she’d met him. Nick hovering over her, kissing and touching, and her body always on the edge of orgasm. In her dreams, she’d wrap her legs around his waist or ride him furiously. The feelings would flow over her, rising and rising. It was all in her brain, of course, because every time she’d get close to climaxing, the dream would change and she’d be back in her wheelchair—numb and frustrated.
The doorbell rang and someone knocked.
Nick was back, and she wasn’t dressed. He’d probably locked the door. Carol’s heart thudded, wondering if he got his sister-in-law to the hospital in time. Thank God she had a wheelchair for him to use.
Carol opened the bottom drawer of her dresser and grabbed a nightgown. It would have to do. She’d take the chair back from him, ask after his sister-in-law, and call it a night.
Besides, she had to check up on Jason and see how he was doing. While she was out having fun, the poor guy was stuck in his apartment. She’d promised to call him, and she didn’t want him to think that he’d ruined their time together because of his medical issues.
“I’ll be right there,” Carol called out after slipping the nightgown over her head. How humiliating it was that she’d have to drag herself to the front door.
Nick was never meant for her, no matter how much he tempted her. Putting one hand in front of the other, she made her way on the floor to the front door and unlocked it.
“Come on in,” she said, as Nick opened the door a crack. “How is she?”
“They’re putting her on bed rest to stabilize the labor,” Nick said. “Thanks to your chair, she seems to be okay.”
He pushed her chair in and positioned it for her, holding it steady.
“That’s good. I’m glad she’s okay.” Carol grabbed onto her chair and propped herself into the seat. “Thanks for bringing my legs back.”
“I brought Chinese food, too.” He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. “We’re still hanging out, aren’t we?”
Carol glowed from the kiss. Who would have thought a brash, rowdy guy like Nick could be so sweet? But still, she shouldn’t encourage him. She was tired from the shopping trip, and if she pushed herself too far, she could be the one having a medical problem.
“Sure, but I’m kind of tired.” This was her go-to excuse ever since she was paralyzed. No one could argue with her on that.
“I’m not trying to push you into anything.” Nick knelt beside her in a position so he looked up at her. “I thought we had a good day.”
“We did, but I’m not sure I should spend so much time with you. Look at me. No makeup on. Hair’s still wet. I’m wearing a nightgown and you’re all spiffed up.”
He put his arm around her. “Stop comparing yourself with me or anyone else. It’s not helpful.”
“Why do you care?” She couldn’t meet his gaze. “Am I someone you feel sorry for? Or is it something males do, rescue people?”
Nick didn’t answer. Instead, he put a large plastic bag of takeout on her kitchen counter, then went to her cupboards and took out plates and silverware. He set the table, arranging the forks and napkins.
Despite herself, Carol’s mouth watered from the scent of the food. It had been a long day, starting with the workout in the morning. She should be happy that Nick was here, instead of complaining.
“I’ll be right back.” She turned her chair and retired to her room. There was no excuse to turn bitter. What happened to putting on a strong and happy front? It wasn’t Nick’s fault she was paralyzed. He was trying to have a good time with her, so she ought to make an effort to please him, too.
She took her time, putting on her clothes and applying makeup. She really was tired, but she couldn’t admit defeat. If Nick wanted to hang around with her, then she might as well enjoy it. Why question his motives?
One day, he’d be gone, and then what? She had nothing to lose. It wasn’t as if she’d ever been in love before.
When she reemerged from her room, Nick gave her a low whistle of approval. “Ready to eat? I bet you’re starving. I sure am.”
He opened the cartons of food and arranged them on the table. Mu-shu pork, lamb chow mein, potstickers, kung-pao chicken, and spicy tofu. Everything was delicious, and she found herself laughing at Nick’s jokes and wondering why she’d been so upset. After they devoured their last bite, Nick rinsed the plates while Carol loaded the dishwasher.
“Thanks for bringing the food,” she said. “Sorry for being so unstable.”
“For your information, I don’t feel sorry for you.” He wiped up the sink and handed her a towel to dry her hands. “You have everything going for you. What’s there to feel sorry about?”
“Besides the obvious?” She tried to twist her lips into a smile, but probably failed miserably.
“By your logic, you should feel sorry for me because I wear contact lenses." Nick pointed to his dark brown eyes. “I can’t see well without them. Is that any different than your wheelchair?”
“Lots of people wear glasses or contacts,” Carol said, even though she could see Nick’s point.
“Right. But they are still dependent on them, aren’t they? If you pop them out of my eyes, then what? You’d have to lead me around so I don’t bump into things. Guess you should feel sorry for me.”
“Okay, okay, got it. I won’t feel sorry for you because you’re practically blind.” She laughed, shaking her head. “Here I thought you were perfect.”
“I am perfect. Just like you are perfect.” He took her hand and rubbed it. “The point is all of us have challenges. We just learn to live with them.”
“So, you’ll live with my challenges if I live with yours?”
“Absolutely.”
Her heart radiated with happiness, and now, she didn’t want the day to be over. “Do you want to watch a movie with me?”
“If it means snuggling on the couch, I think I can handle it.” He walked with her to the living room. “What do you want to see?”
“Something Christmassy,” she answered easily, turning on her TV with a remote.
“Great. I love the classics. There’s White Christmas, Holiday Inn, and It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Classics? I would never have guessed.” Carol flipped through the menu of her movie streaming site.
“History major.” He slouched onto her comfy couch. “What about you?”
“Movie preference or college major?” Carol easily transferred herself onto the sofa.
“Both.” He put his arm around her.
“Okay, I’m a computer science major. You probably knew that, and for movies I like A Boyfriend for Christmas, Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus, and A Christmas Kiss.”
“Ewwww …” Nick shuddered. “You may be smart, but I’m not turning in my man card and watching that stuff.”
“You’re Santa. You should humor me.” Carol poked his chest.
“Ummm, no. I’ll lose all my testosterone.”
“Why would you need any? Especially around me?” Okay, now she was in teasing territory.
“Because you might think you’re safe, wheelchair lady, but you’re definitely giving me boners.”
>
“Why you!” She pushed him playfully. “I finally forgot about my chair.”
“My bad. How can I make you forget again?” He wrapped her in his arms and rested his forehead on hers, looking deep into her eyes.
“This.” Carol turned her face and pressed a kiss over his lips.
“Ah, yes. This.” He kissed her softly.
Once. Twice, then on the third peck, she opened her mouth and let her tongue run hungrily across his lips. He responded with passion, taking her face in his large hands. He was all man, the way he took control, tangling his tongue with hers, and boy did she take advantage. She sucked on his lips, clutching his shirt, melting with desire. His touch, the way he held her felt strangely intimate, as if all the pieces of a puzzle were fitting together. He kissed her wet and deep, moaning and possessive, as if he’d never tasted a woman before.
It went on forever and ever, and she didn’t want it to stop. She greedily took all of him in until she was lost in his sexy scent, the feel of his lips and tongue, the strong hands on her skin, and the heated man whose body warmed her oh, so dangerously.
Nope, she definitely wasn’t safe, and neither was he.
Twenty-Three
Nick lost himself in Carol’s kisses. He’d never felt so close to anyone before, as if he were wrapped up in a cocoon with her, inseparable. Everything that happened before paled into nothingness—the parade of times, places, nameless faces, going through the motions, pretending to matter, and then quickly forgotten.
This though. This was beyond different.
This strong, feisty, and unpredictable woman had him hooked so deep, he didn’t want to extract himself. Lips, tongue, teeth, her beautiful face, silky hair, fern-green eyes, and that fighting spirit she had to push through each and every day.
Everything from her taste to her touch to the scent of her hair and skin—everything about her moved him so deep, he almost recoiled in fear.
He wasn’t here to fall in love. That wasn’t part of the plan. He only wanted Carol to own up to her sexiness, to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was desirable, adorable, and deserving of love.
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