She nodded, feeling acute disappointment, and lifted her wine glass to her lips. "You want some?" she offered.
He shook his head. "Can't stay long...have a dinner meeting," he sighed.
She frowned, wishing she could keep him around a little longer. "It’s a shame you know...Bradley and Emily will be wanting a better story for all their hard match making work," she teased.
"Yes," he chuckled.
"We could make something up!" Her eye brows waggled at him.
His eyes lifted to hers with a sudden light. "You had dinner yet?"
She blushed. "No." She glanced at her wine guiltily.
He tilted his head. "Would you like to join me?"
Raina’s heart skipped a little. "I...I wouldn't want to impose. It’s a business meeting right? I'd be out of place.”
His grey eyes softened. "You did fine at one with Thanatos."
Raina thought she detected a bit of jealousy, but quickly dismissed it.
"Besides...it’s with a..." he cleared his throat. “Lady client. I don't feel comfortable with a one on one with her."
Raina smiled teasingly. "Scared of the ladies are you?"
He chuckled. "Not exactly, no. But this one...she's a bit more forward," he admitted.
"So I will be there to neutralize the situation?"
He nodded, hope gleaming in his eyes.
She bit her lip, liking the idea of being the distraction. She liked the idea more that he thought she could be one. "Won't she question my appearance?"
He shrugged. "If she does we'll figure something out."
"I could be your cousin," Raina suggested. "Visiting from out of town...you couldn't leave me behind."
"No," he chuckled.
Raina's brows lifted.
"I don't think I could pull cousin off," he said softly. "And you merely being my cousin will not defuse her...attack."
Her blue eyes blinked confusion. Then she saw his eyes look away with embarrassment. "She wants you," Raina answered her own question.
He shrugged.
Raina was not in the least surprised.
"Thanatos was supposed to go...he bowed out. He knows how it is." He glared down at his hands. "I know he did it on purpose especially with this one! She is quite relentless. I would just need you to ward off the blunt of her waywardness so I can get through the business portion."
Raina twirled a strand of her hair in her fingers. "Should I be upset that you would be using me?" She was trying to hide her smile.
The grey eyes widened in shock. "Using? No Raina that was not my intention. I want you to come.” He stumbled a bit for his answer. "Then you mentioned our friends and their intentions...it just came to me. I would never want you to feel used." He looked distraught at the idea.
She shook her head, laughing. "I was teasing you Nolan! Of course I will go to dinner with you. I will protect you from the she-devil.” She smiled, snapped the album shut and cocked her head. "How long do I have to get ready?"
He grinned, his gorgeous grin. "Twenty minutes?"
Raina’s mouth dropped open. “Twenty? Okay, but you'll have a dumpy girl on your arm...not much of a distraction."
His eyes danced over her. "You are lovely as you are now...an hour couldn't improve on what I'm looking at now."
Her heart slammed hard, and she managed a wobbly smile. She knew her face had to be fire red. "I'll do my best, thank you! If you will distract the two men in my life I would appreciate it. I can never get a moment without them."
"It would be my pleasure." He got to his feet, roughing Turks ears. Inside, he sat down, and was immediately greeted by a curious feline. Percy took to him right away...Turk wasn’t about to leave his side.
Raina stood there in a little awe. Hmmm, he didn't just have an effect on the ladies, but all living creatures. She shouldn't have been surprised. She knew she could retreat to the bathroom without notice, glad she had already showered.
She skimmed through her closet and frowned. He was wearing a suit... and expensive looking suit, she’d have to step up her look for sure. Her eyes nestled on the blue sundress with desire, but that was intended for the party. Emily would expect her in it, and she couldn't wear it twice for Nolan. Her heart skittered again, realizing he was the most important factor in that. Yes, she'd be wearing it for him.
She instead went for a brown silk that had always been a go to for her. It fit her figure as if it were tailored, and not off the rack. It was short, but not too short, and its capped sleeves were flattering. "And my giant hips look slightly smaller," she moaned.
She had a pair of chocolate brown heels that would look great with it too! She slipped into her outfit, and then raced for the bathroom, twisting her hair carefully into a pretty up do, thankful God had blessed her with natural thickness and waves. She let a few tendrils fall. She put in a pair of diamond stud earrings, and unhooked her necklace with her ring. It would not be very convincing to show up with a wedding ring around her neck. It was replaced with a small diamond heart necklace.
She grasped her mascara and went for the blonde lashes she loathed, until her blue eyes were rimmed with dark lashes. A pretty pink lipstick that kept her from looking pale against the brown silk completed the makeup. She gave herself a once over and felt good about her choices. She was not a complete dump.
She knew she'd succeeded in improving her appearance, when his eyes traveled her with approval. She saw him swallow once, and clear his throat. Her breath caught, feeling the flattery of his inability to form a word. The effect on her was overwhelming, and she felt her cheeks toasting.
"Will this do?" she asked innocently.
He cleared his throat again. "Quite distracting...perfect."
She smiled, well pleased.
He stood to his feet, and she noticed the container with David’s pictures were on the cushion beside him. He looked guilty. "They were sitting there. I had to look," he admitted.
"That’s okay," she sighed. "I was just doing a bit of clean up," she whispered. "A little healing clean up."
He gave her a gentle smile. "I'm sure it’s hard." He put the cover on the box.
"But necessary," she answered. "Now if I could just get the courage to go through his clothing...now that will be tough."
"You still have everything?" His eyes widened in surprise.
She nodded, tears formed in her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall.
He stepped forward in concern, but stopped just short of touching her. She saw his reservation. "It’s a big step Raina. You'll get there."
She shook her head. "After all this time...shouldn't I be there already? I’ve watched so many go through death...losing loved ones...and they don't take nearly as long as this!"
"Everyone is different Aelan," he murmured softly. He reached up and curled one of her tendrils in his fingers. "You will get there," he repeated
Raina’s pulse thrummed and she blushed. "I'm starting to think you're right," she whispered.
He smiled. "Come on...you'll feel better when you have food in your tummy...not so much wine," he teased.
Raina nodded, with flushed cheeks, grabbed her purse, and followed him out. She admired the broad shoulders in the finely made suit. That in itself was a reminder of the steps she was making. She could now admire another man in a way she'd only done for David. Unbidden, green eyes flashed in her thoughts and she shuttered. Yes, she had been able to admire him as well. The green eyed devil!
They arrived early for the dinner, and were waiting to be seated. Susanne, the female she-devil was late.
Raina felt nerves racing all through her body, and her mouth had gone dry. She grasped his elbow just for a moment to find herself. Flushed and a little panicky, she fussed over the hem of her dress, willing it to lie flatter.
"You're safe," Nolan spoke softly.
Raina blushed, but didn't respond to him. When she looked up, she caught a woman staring their way. Well, staring his way. Her eyes were not in the least apologeti
c, as they skimmed over him with approval, and she bit her bottom lip shaking her head at the sight of him.
The woman was breathtakingly beautiful with her mahogany colored hair, and warm dark eyes. She was tall and slender and elegant.
"Everything I'm not," Raina though defensively
Raina was never the cat fight kind, but this woman raised her hackles. Her brazen assessment of Nolan was far from feminine. She reminded Raina of a female Thanatos. Hungrily her eyes raked over him again.
Holding back her anger, Raina stepped in between Nolan and the woman’s view. Even though her fingers trembled with nerves, she nonchalantly straightened his collar, and smoothed his tie. Her cheeks flushed, but she continued to fuss over his suit.
Nolan lifted his brows with amusement. He didn't fight her off though...he rather enjoyed it. Usually he would have pulled away, but he saw her anxiety.
"You said Susanne is blonde right?"
He nodded.
"Well then she's not the only she-devil I have to protect you from."
He chuckled. "I think I'll manage Raina."
"Don't you even notice it?"
He shrugged. "Sometimes," he lied. He noticed all the time, and hated it. He'd learned to phase it out most of the time. Case in point...he hadn't noticed what or rather who had upset Raina.
She frowned. "I don't like it! You are not a slab of meat!" Her voice was full of vehemence. "She should learn to keep her eyes in her head!"
His eyes warmed on her. He captured a hand that was attempting to de lint him.
Raina was surprised at the action. He didn't seem the touching type, but for some reason he was pleased with what she had just said.
Gently he lifted her hand to his lips. "Thank you for that."
She warmed all the way to her toes. She glanced over her shoulder to see if the gorgeous brunette took note. Happily, Raina saw that she did, and the look on the other woman’s face, was none too friendly.
Nolan made no attempt to look for his admirer. He tucked Raina's arm through his possessively. "I think our table is ready."
They were seated in the elegant dining room. Raina ordered a glass of wine, and to her surprise, Nolan joined her.
His nearness calmed her more than the wine. She wanted to tell him that...but that would be far too intimate. She couldn't quite explain her comfort level, so it was better just to keep it to herself. They sat in easy silence, as they waited. There was no need to try to think up something to say.
Soon an older, not unattractive Susanne showed up.
Nolan rose to his feet like the gentleman he was.
Raina couldn't help but catch the disappointment in the ladies eyes when she reached out a hand in greeting. She felt a little smug. She liked being his, even if it was just for pretend. It was nice to feel the envy of every woman who looked their way.
Susanne ordered a drink, and the business talk commenced.
Raina found herself drifting a bit, completely loss on the business-ease. She let her focus remain on Nolan, watched his lips as he spoke, enjoyed his laugh...his eyes. He really knew how to paint a picture.
Susanne was drawn in immediately. She set her chin in her hand and just gazed at him.
Raina wanted to roll her eyes at her, instead stifled a giggle. She bit her lip and tried to appear interested. When Susanne moved her hand closer to his, she watched him draw away to reach for his wine. He saw her motive. Again, Raina locked her lips together to keep her laugh at bay.
His foot knocking hers gave her a start. He'd noticed her reaction! And he hadn't even been looking her way. She blushed when he gave her a wink...catching her off guard. She loved it! Susanne, not so much, and the gorgeous brunette, not so much.
The latest discovery made Raina frown, realizing she had been seated right across the way. She no longer looked to Nolan, but to Raina herself. "No doubt assessing how frumpy I am next to him," she thought. "Wondering how much I'm paying him to escort me."
The brown eyes narrowed, like she knew she was causing her discomfort. They dawdled over Nolan once more, and she smirked. She shook her head in disbelief, and then dismissed Raina with a lift of her chin.
Raina cringed. She reached for her wine with trembling fingers. She nearly squeaked in surprise, when Nolan spoke her name.
"Should I order for you?" His eyes danced in amusement.
The waiter standing there politely smiled. She had missed his appearance, so taken by the brazen brunette. She glanced once more at the menu and asked for the fish.
Again Nolan started spinning a web of numbers and figures that had Raina lost, but no one ever made boring digits seem so appealing. Susanne obviously thought so, she leaned nearer, and Raina wished to tell her to button the top button of her blouse to prevent from spilling out. If she only knew how ridiculous she looked!
"I could hire you, you know...take care of my books! I'd pay you handsomely," Susanne cooed, interrupting him.
Nolan faltered. "I'm sorry?"
"My own private financier."
"You couldn't afford him," Raina broke in. She softened the words with a sweet smile.
He grinned. "She's as lovely as she is smart."
Susanne smiled at the endearment...but the jealousy was there. "Smart? Then why are you with this sexy devil? You seem a little too sweet for the likes of him." Her eyes caressed him briefly, and then turned to Raina.
"Because he as kind as he is handsome," Raina returned his compliment.
"Hmm, in theory that sounds right. But I like to think he’s too gorgeous not to be a little bad."
Raina frowned. "Looks can be deceiving, especially when people make up theories based on ones face."
"I know a beautiful man when I see one."
"True."
"And I know most beautiful men have a certain arrogance that lends to bad behavior."
"Not him."
"Well, I'd like to find out."
"It’s not there...the bad side."
"I'd sure like to find out myself."
"Not going to happen, trust me."
"Well now, I'm sure he'd be open to some experimenting."
"Then you don't know him."
"And you do?"
Both women stared at each other, unblinking.
Nolan cleared his throat. He didn't like the direction this was going.
"Not nearly well enough," Raina sighed forlornly. She tilted her head and smiled sweetly again.
The older lady burst out laughing.
Nolan ducked his chin, hiding his smile.
"What do you do my dear? With yourself? Can I hire you to do something?" The older woman’s eyes lit a bit. "I think I might like you!"
Raina shrugged. "Not much of anything right now. I do some editing on the side...a bit of ghost writing. Nothing exciting."
Nolan frowned, and then looked to Suzanne. "She's being modest! Raina here, she was a school teacher."
"How lovely," Susanne exclaimed. "I love children! I have three..." she blushed "I'm aging myself...but I have three nearly grown. Looking forward to grandchildren of my own. Maybe one day you will teach them."
"She's wonderful with children." He smiled proudly. "Give me financial reports any day, over wild children," he teased. "No wonder our talk is boring you." His beautiful eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled at her.
Raina couldn't help the soft thrum of her pulse. "I'm not bored in the least," she argued. "Just a bit lost. But this dinner is about you and Susanne...I'm afraid I'm too much of a distraction," she teased back.
His eyes widened a bit in surprise, then amusement.
"Our dinner will be arriving soon. I have to excuse myself...don't say anything important while I'm gone!" Susanne excused herself and stepped away to the ladies room. Nolan stood, ever the gentleman, then slid back into his seat and shook his head.
"What?" Raina protested.
"You have a gift you know? You turned a snarling lioness into a purring kitten."
She laughed. "
I'm a master of words sir!"
"You are sweet, and without guile," he said softly. "Thank you for coming tonight. I needed you here."
"What are friends for?"
His grey eyes softened. "You barely know me. You think I've earned that?"
"Earned?"
"Your friendship?" He tilted his head.
Without hesitation she nodded.
"I could be a crazy man with issues too numerous to list!"
A giggle bubbled up in her. "I don't believe it!"
"Remember that in the future...please." His mouth thinned into a frown. "I hate to think you may want to change your mind."
Her breath caught a bit when he turned all his focus on her. "I promise I won't."
"Promise?"
They were interrupted by the appearance of dinner, and Susanne joined them again.
Drawing in a calming breath, Raina reached for her wine. She finished the last, and the waiter was quickly at her elbow, filling it with the bottle from the chilled bucket.
"Did you drive?" Susanne aimed the question at Nolan.
He gave a nod, too polite to talk with food in his mouth.
"Good! I want her home safely."
Raina smiled. She liked the she-devil too.
After they finished their meal, Nolan started wrapping up his presentation. Another bottle of wine was brought to the table.
Raina knew she shouldn't, but she allowed for another refill.
Nolan glanced over at her and lifted his eyebrows. "We won't be much longer," he promised. He leaned toward her, his lips only a breath from her ear. "You are a lovely distraction Aelan"
She blushed prettily.
Without missing a beat, Nolan returned to business.
Quite flustered, Raina reached for her wine. She drew in a deep breath and sipped demurely. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him, and made the mistake of looking at "her". The dark haired woman was again giving her the eye.
Raina rolled her eyes at her, and looked away. Not before she saw the disdain in the dark eyes. She was unnerved, and she didn't want to spend much longer around such a person. She gave off an awful vibe.
True to his word, the meeting ended with the meal. He paid the bill, and began to say his goodbye.
Susanne interrupted, and invited them to go get a drink. It was obvious she didn't want to lose Nolan’s audience just yet. Her eyes gentled on Raina though and she smiled sheepishly. "She does look tuckered though, the sweetheart."
The Awakening (Wake Up #1) Page 8