by JoAnn Durgin
Alex laughed while Colin graced her with the megawatt smile that seduced women on a daily basis. “Score one for that lively imagination of yours. It’s all about romance, my dear skeptic. It’s the reason we live, the reason we breathe. At its basic core, love is the reason we exist.”
A familiar gleam surfaced in Colin’s brown eyes before he moved his gaze to Alex. “Wouldn’t you agree?” Colin was throwing down the metaphorical gauntlet at their guest’s leather-clad feet. Why he felt the need to do such a thing, Nicole couldn’t imagine. She’d all but given up trying to figure out the male psyche a long time ago. This wasn’t a silly competition or duel of sorts. Besides, they knew next to nothing about Alex. Only that he was from New York and somehow important to the station or their show. Intelligent. Articulate. Attractive. Make that extremely attractive. Charismatic. She’d best stop the mental checklist. What she found unbelievable was that she sat between two handsome, manly men engaged in a discussion of…love and romance?
Calm and cool, Alex didn’t bat an eyelash. “Love is the reason we exist, yes. In fact, without the redeeming love God first demonstrated for us, our very existence would be a moot point.” His gaze settled on Colin. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Wow. That was the last thing she’d expected to hear. Meeting Colin’s challenge head-on was one thing, but Nicole doubted Alex would make such a statement without a personal understanding of the Christian faith. Not since her ex-boyfriend, Jake Marston, had she met a man who’d demonstrated a depth of faith beyond spouting a thanks for the grub prayer or calling upon the Almighty whenever he needed a financial windfall.
If Colin was surprised by Alex’s words, he covered with his usual aplomb. “Touché. Tell me. Are you some sort of chaplain come to prompt us to confess our mortal sins? In that case, you might need a longer visit here in Des Moines.”
“Hardly.” Alex shook his head with a soft chuckle.
Colin slanted her a grin. “Only speaking for myself, of course. I don’t think I caught why you’re here or who sent you, mate.”
Trying not to appear overly eager for his answer, Nicole trained her features into an expression of neutrality, an on-air technique she’d learned in Basic Interviewing Skills 101.
“I’m actually here on behalf of, and at the request of, the corporate office.”
Shocked by Alex’s statement, Nicole’s pulse sputtered. “You’re from the network?”
2
Nicole hadn’t meant to blurt out the question, but her surprise trumped any sense of professionalism. Colin appeared equally stunned. They’d gone from discussing Wake Up, Des Moines! and love to religion, of all things, with a network executive?
“Yes. I assure you, I don’t bite.” Alex’s smile, and his words, alleviated her momentary apprehensions. “I’m sure you need to get ready for the party now, so I won’t take up any more of your time.” Slapping his hands on his thighs, Alex rose from the chair. “As Mike said, I’ll be here for a week. We’ll have plenty of time to talk later.” His gaze encompassed them both. “I’ll look forward to it.”
“So, what do you make of him?” Colin said as Alex strolled off the set. “He certainly seems rather sure of himself.” Colin walked to the anchor desk and retrieved the bulky cord of Christmas bulbs and draped them around his neck. “Is it me?”
“Confidence is a good thing. You should know a thing or two about that.” After lifting from the chair, Nicole tested putting her full weight on the sore ankle. “Colin, I can’t help but wonder why the network would send someone here in the first place, especially during the holidays.” She took a few tentative steps forward. “I’m not sure whether to be intimidated or encouraged. You’ve been here at the station longer than I have. Ever been graced by a visit from a network exec before?”
“Can’t say I have. However, if the man’s primary purpose was to sack us, I should think he would have cut us loose just now, hopped a jet back to Manhattan, and not given us another thought.” A frown creased Colin’s brow. “It’s unfortunate I wasn’t aware he’s from the network before I spouted that diatribe about what our viewers want. I’m sure that’s more or less Alex’s primary purpose for coming—keeping our viewers happy and telling us what we’re doing wrong or the alternative. As they say, all will be revealed in due time. Now, the moment has arrived for us to go entertain the troops. Earn our keep by lighting the Christmas tree and making merry.”
Nicole grabbed her shoes and looped the straps over one hand. “Not sure how much merrymaking I’ll be doing tonight. Give this girl some soothing music, a few candles, and a bath bomb, and I’ll be all set.”
Colin raised a skeptical brow, arched like everything else about the man—trimmed, snipped, tailored, and manicured. “You’d be quite the hit at the party with that fetching scenario. What, pray tell, is a bath bomb? Is that some newfangled American vernacular for bath salts? Does this thing literally explode?”
She laughed with him. “No, but it’s my new favorite indulgence. Pure decadence and worth every penny. I’ll tell you one thing. If I’m going to make it through the rest of the evening, I need to wear my flats. Walk with me to my office to get them?”
“Whatever you need, love. Let’s go.”
Padding beside her tall, broad-shouldered friend, she felt like a Lilliputian.
Against her better judgment, Nicole darted a quick glance over one shoulder as she and Colin headed off the set. Alex stood in quiet conversation with Mike and Artie in the narrow hallway leading to the main offices.
As if sensing her scrutiny, Alex turned his head. His gaze locked with hers, and a small smile tipped the corners of his lips. Smooth.
As she and Colin passed by, Nicole inclined her head in silent acknowledgment, hoping she appeared halfway sophisticated.
Colin chuckled as they continued down the hallway. “Based on the way you devoured Alex Kingsfield just now, I’d say he’s your next decadent indulgence.”
At least he’d lowered his voice. Her humiliation would be complete if Alex had heard that one.
Nicole playfully swatted Colin with her shoes. “You know I’m not that kind of girl.”
“Yes, I do. Pity that. Not for my lack of trying.” He ducked when she tried to swat him a second time. “I’m afraid firefighter Jake in Starlight set such a lofty standard as the epitome of the perfect man that mere mortals such as myself can never hope to achieve that status.”
“Stop that,” she said. “You know that’s not true. Besides, Jake’s a happily married man now. He and Julia are parents to darling twin baby boys, and I…” She closed her mouth. How to finish that sentence?
“Why, you’re the celebrated co-host of Wake Up, Des Moines! A rising star. Beautiful, charming, and adored. You devote your boundless energies to that downtown mission and are a veritable paradigm of faith in action. Shall I go on?” Colin stopped outside her office. Surprising her, he lifted her chin with a gentle hand. “Don’t ever change or lower your standards, Nikki. The man who captures your heart one day will be a lucky man indeed.” He released his hold. “Ah, right then. Blessed. I momentarily forgot you don’t believe in luck, as such.”
Nicole gave him a grateful smile as she unlocked the office, which doubled as her dressing room. “You need to adjust your rose-colored glasses, but I appreciate the vote of confidence. Ditto the reminder to count my blessings. In case I haven’t told you lately, I treasure you.”
“Without a doubt. And I you.” Colin followed her inside the room and made himself comfortable on the loveseat, draping one arm along the back and crossing one leg over the other. “How’s the ankle?”
“Still aching, but I’ll survive.”
Nicole dropped the offensive designer shoes on the floor by her desk. “You don’t think the show’s in some kind of trouble, do you?” Frowning, she yanked open the bottom drawer of the desk with more force than she intended and pulled out her trusted formal flats. Elegant black silk with multicolored gemstones, the shoes matched nearly ever
ything she owned, including the sapphire knit jersey wrap dress she wore tonight. Although not a traditional holiday color, the rich jewel tone of the dress would make a statement amongst the inevitable sea of red, green, silver, and gold holiday attire. Not that she was trying to make a statement, but again, the wardrobe supervisor encouraged her to wear it. All for the image.
“Try to put the worries out of your head. Relax and enjoy tonight’s festivities.” Colin pulled out his cell phone from the inner pocket of his jacket. “Jeannie just messaged. Seems our fans are waiting, cameras at the ready, for this little holiday meet and greet. Chin up, love. It’s only for an hour or two, and then you can go home to the peace and quiet and that fabulous bath bomb.”
Nicole wished she could be as nonchalant and unflappable as Colin.
“Then I say let’s get this party started.” After slipping on the left shoe, she winced as she tugged on the right one and then slowly rose to her feet. Starting for the door, she tried not to limp. “If nothing else tonight, I’m going to discover Alex Kingsfield’s angle and what he’s really after. There’s a reason he’s here, and I’m going to find out what it is.” She gave Colin a pointed glance as she locked her office door. “You, of all people, know how much I love a challenge.” When he held out his hand, Nicole dropped her keys in his palm. “Thanks.”
When Colin lagged behind a few moments later, she stopped and glanced back at him. “Are you coming?”
“You’d better believe it.” He stepped beside her, offering one arm accompanied by one of his trademark cheeky grins. “I wouldn’t miss this show for anything.”
3
A large crowd of festively dressed guests milled about the room while servers in black and white uniforms balanced trays of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres and circulated among the partygoers. Engaged in conversation with a woman whose sequined gold top nearly blinded him, Alex kept one eye on Nicole.
From the moment she’d entered the lavishly decorated press room-turned-holiday-winter-wonderland on Colin’s arm, she’d lit up the entire place. At their entrance, most of the attendees paused their conversations, turned toward the duo, clapped, and called out their names while cameras flashed.
They’d delighted everyone while playfully wrapping the string of lights around the tree and keeping up a steady stream of banter. From all appearances it was natural, not at all forced. When Nicole turned on the tree lights, a rousing cheer arose.
Schmoozed out for the moment, Alex excused himself from his conversation. Whistling a holiday tune under his breath, he strolled across the room. By not standing in any one place longer than a minute, he could continue his observations without interruption.
“Would you like some eggnog, sir?” A young, auburn-haired server batted her big blue eyes and offered him a half-filled plastic cup. “By the way, I love that song you were whistling.”
Alex thanked her and accepted the cup. “I’m afraid I don’t even know which one it was.” Probably a holiday tune the small jazz quartet in the corner played earlier. Whistling was a habit he’d adopted from his father and, oddly enough, the predilection kicked in when he needed to concentrate.
“The one about taking a sleigh ride.” She hummed a few bars and giggled. “It’s romantic, you know? All about having fun, snuggling, and being cozy.” Her smile grew broader. “Together.”
“Right,” he said. “It’s an old family favorite.”
The server dug in a pocket and pulled out a card, which she pressed into his hand with a cocktail napkin. “Mine, too. Here you go. In case you’d like to use it.” Turning to depart, she gave him a flirtatious glance over one shoulder. A small part of him was flattered such a young woman—not much older than a girl, really—considered him attractive, but the more rational part of him cringed. Without a doubt, her phone number was on that card. Crunching it in his palm along with the napkin, Alex tossed them both in a nearby trash can. A number of years ago, he might have paid attention, but those days were long behind him.
Apparently, he wasn’t much better since he’d stolen repeated glances at Nicole for the better part of the past hour. A sailor on leave would probably exhibit more tact, and he only hoped he hadn’t been obvious. Although he didn’t welcome it, he couldn’t turn off his internal meter of attraction for the Wake Up, Des Moines! co-host. No wonder viewers loved this woman. She was even prettier in person than on camera, but it was more than her physical appearance that appealed to him.
Nicole radiated a positive energy and glowing health. The woman had incredible presence, a key factor for successful television journalists. Her shiny, straight, dark hair fell slightly below her slender shoulders. Wispy bangs swept low over her forehead and fringed piercingly blue eyes. At five-foot-seven, she was on the shorter side. While taller women generally fared better in a national market, her smaller stature didn’t have to be a negative factor. Small-boned but well-proportioned, Nicole’s features were delicate, her hands and feet dainty. The blue dress she wore, while modest, accentuated her femininity in a way that could easily drive a man to distraction.
Maybe it was a good thing she’d changed out of the high heels she’d worn earlier since they’d been equally memorable. He’d noted her grimace while wearing them, no doubt a result of twisting her foot on the ice.
From what he’d seen in the tapes of the show, her on-air presence was a strong force. Nicole “Nikki” Reardon could hold her own against anyone, male or female, with humor, wit, and professionalism. Viewers identified with her, and her personality was the perfect foil for Colin’s witticisms and British charm.
He needed to remind himself that, for all intents and purposes, Nicole was his client, even if she didn’t know it. Yet.
As he watched, Colin whispered something to her, making her laugh. The co-hosts were definitely in sync, but if Alex’s interpretation of their body language was accurate, these two were close friends but nothing more. The fact that Nicole didn’t lean into Colin and kept a respectable distance between them spoke volumes and pleased him more than it should. Colin Young had a reputation as a confirmed, perennial bachelor—different woman every month—with seemingly no intention of changing his lifestyle.
Nicole’s love life was another story entirely. If she dated anyone, she kept that part of her life intensely private. From what Alex knew, she was a woman of faith.
His assistants had been thorough in their reports. He’d studied them during the past week and in more detail during the flight to Des Moines. Nicole was a church-going member who showed up for services most Sunday mornings. While she couldn’t openly discuss or promote her faith on the show, her off-camera activities tipped him off to her commitment in serving others. Giving back to a community who’d welcomed her with open arms. That, too, pleased him on a personal level.
She’d graduated from a state university with high, if not stellar, grades. Starting out as an apprentice four years ago, she’d moved to weekend anchor within months, and then she’d been named the permanent co-host of Wake Up, Des Moines! a little more than a year ago. While her predecessor—who’d gone on to another market—had been popular, the show now won its time slot by a landslide every day without exception. Call it chemistry between Colin and Nicole, call it good writing, great interviewing skills, or whatever. But Alex knew better. If ever he’d seen star power, that innate “it” factor, this woman had it in every nuance of her being.
Yes, she had glittering stars in her eyes and—from what he could tell—the strong drive to achieve anything she wanted. And it was his job to help her get there.
From their brief conversation earlier, he could tell she was curious as to his purpose for being at the station. His most difficult task might be proving to the dynamo that he wasn’t a corporate shark out to devour her. In actuality, he could help make her dreams come true. He didn’t want to think of the alternative—that he might raise her hopes only to bring them crashing down around those petite feet.
Merry Christmas, Nicole. Alex ra
ised his cup to her in a silent toast and slugged down the thick, sickeningly sweet eggnog. Lowering it, he frowned. Spiked. Tossing the cup in the trash can, he assumed what he hoped was a nonthreatening smile and walked toward where Nicole sat across the room.
He darted a glance at Colin. Surrounded by a bevy of females, the man had his arm wrapped around the waist of a young woman who wore too much makeup and too little dress. Alex welcomed the opportunity for a private discussion while Nicole’s British protector was otherwise occupied.
As he moved closer, a young man, who looked barely old enough to shave, beat a hasty retreat from Nicole’s side, cheeks flushed. No doubt he’d suffered a quick rebuff, although Alex had to admire the guy for trying. A woman like Nicole must have any number of adoring men at her beck and call, more than ready and eager to trip all over themselves to make and keep her happy.
Lord willing, Alex Kingsfield wouldn’t be one of them.
4
Nicole tensed when she saw Alex headed her way. After one of the male guests said something to him, momentarily delaying him, she noted how at ease Alex seemed with strangers, a quality she’d always admired.
Based on his words earlier, he was a man of faith. Strong faith. That boosted him high on the list of eligible men she’d met since moving to Des Moines. To the top, actually. Not having a date in forever didn’t make it easier. During the course of any given week, she met a number of single men, none of whom interested her. A nice guy to date would be a welcome change of pace, especially during the holidays. Nice being the key word.