by Kristen Echo
It was senseless to think about having a lasting and real relationship with a man she barely knew. Guys didn’t date girls they slept with on the first night. Any chance of something meaningful was left in the limo when she agreed to go back to his hotel room. It didn’t matter. She would never regret her decision even if it only lasted one naughty night.
Nico rolled out of bed to dispose of the condom. He bent and picked up the others from the floor and Caroline watched him. She noticed a few large bruises against his tanned skin. They weren’t her marks since she didn’t recall pounding him with her fists. They were days old and angry looking, like he’d been used as a punching bag. “Were you in an accident recently? Your bruises look painful. I hope I didn’t hurt you; I hadn’t noticed them.”
His steps slowed, but he didn’t stop. “You didn’t hurt me, Caroline. Occupational hazard, I guess.” He disappeared around the corner. “I’m grabbing a shower. Feel free to join me.”
This was the first mention of his career and she wondered what he did for a living. She wanted to learn everything about him, but she also didn’t want to pry. They had discussed little of substance yet. She wasn’t sure if he wanted to share personal information, but what they’d done felt personal. A shower would be even more intimate. She’d never showered with her previous boyfriends. That didn’t seem like the thing you did with a one-night stand.
She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling as the water ran in the bathroom. Letting him rub soap all over her wouldn’t help them get to know each other. It would only lead to more sex. Not that that was a bad thing. It was great; spectacular even, but it was all so physical. Caroline wanted a deeper connection with him, and that scared her. At any moment he might tell her to get dressed and leave, then she’d never see him again. That prospect didn’t sit right.
The water stopped, and she yanked the covers over her. He’d seen her naked, he’d touched and kissed every inch of her. But lying there in the light of day, she felt too exposed; too on display. Then Nico walked out naked, looking like a wet man-popsicle she couldn’t wait to lick. His cock was semi-hard and waved as he walked closer.
“You didn’t join me.” There was a hint of disappointment in his smooth tone.
“Figured we’d end up getting more dirty than clean.”
He waggled his brows. “That’s fair, but I could have kept my hands to myself.” She raised her brow in challenge and he slicked his hair back away from his face. “Oh, I get it. You can’t control yourself around me. It happens.”
“You’re cocky. Maybe I’m done with you already. Ever think of that.”
He laughed as if her statement was absurd. “Spread your legs for me, angel. I bet one tickle and you’d be wet for me again. I can tell you want me, because I can see your nipples straining through that sheet, begging for my touch.”
Her cheeks heated, and she pulled the sheet away from her skin. He wasn’t wrong, but he didn’t have to be so smug. “Fine. I’m attracted to your muscles and your giant penis, but I’m not sleeping with you again.”
“And why not?” He placed his hands on his hips and she had to look away.
“Because we know nothing about each other. I’m not touching you again until I learn more about you.” She hadn’t planned to put the brakes on but it made sense.
“I’m an open book baby. Let me take you for breakfast and you can ask all the questions you want. Sound good?”
He asked her out. She half expected him to tell her to take a hike even though that was the last thing she wanted. Nico was willing to open up to her, and her heart swelled. She didn’t want to read too much into his invitation, but her smile missed the message.
“I’d like that, but I can’t go out with you.”
“Why the hell not, are you married… or gay?”
She had to laugh when he threw her previous questions back at her. “No to both. I can’t go to breakfast dressed like this. Everyone will know.”
He laughed at her response. “Know what exactly?” The answer was obvious.
“They’ll guess we hooked up,” she whispered the last part, as if it were a secret, even to him.
“I’m not embarrassed. We’re two consenting adults. We did nothing wrong.”
She straightened her posture. “I regret nothing, if that’s what you’re thinking. But I don’t need to do the walk of shame in front of an entire restaurant.” Plus, there was a good chance several of her father’s players and business associates would be there. “My dress isn’t brunch attire.” Caroline pointed to the sequined mini dress in the corner.
“I love that shiny scrap of fabric. You look fucking hot in it and I’d be happy to show you off.” Nico winked, and her heart skipped a beat. “But if you want to wear something else, I might have a shirt for you.” He stood up, and she watched his perfect ass flex as he moved.
There were scrapes and claw marks all over his back and some on his butt too. Those were all from her. It made her wonder what her body looked like. Glancing down, she spotted the hickeys on her breasts and a few dark purple marks on her shoulder. There was no way she’d be wearing her strapless dress anywhere. It might be days before she’d consider something so low cut, and that didn’t bother her at all. Not even a little.
“Here.” He tossed a t-shirt on the bed.
She breathed a sigh of relief. Anything would be better than prancing around in last night’s dress and heels. “Thank you.” It was a navy-blue Jet’s shirt with the logo prominently displayed on the front. She had a million such shirts in her drawers at home. “Are you a fan?”
He raised a brow as he pulled on his pants. She was sad to see him cover up. But if he waved that beautiful cock at her for much longer, she wasn’t sure she could stop herself from jumping him again. She didn’t want to back down on her resolve. It was crazy. Her body was deliciously sore, but she still wanted more.
“You might say that. Yeah, I am. So, will you have breakfast with me?”
“Yes, I’ll go on a date with you. You don’t have to beg. Gees.” He tackled her into the mattress and she giggled. The weight of his body a welcomed blanket of muscles. She ran her hands over his broad shoulders as their mouths collided. There was nothing gentle or demure about the way he claimed her mouth. He was a leader in every sense and she was happy to follow along.
“I could feast upon you until the sun sets, but if I don’t feed the machine real food soon, I won’t be able to perform at optimal levels.” He rolled over and rubbed his flat stomach.
Caroline laughed at him. “Did you just refer to yourself as a sex machine?”
“Huh, I guess I did. Enough stalling, get up and get dressed.” He rolled off the bed and grabbed his button-down shirt from the floor. The wrinkled garment looked pristine once he put it on, his huge arms and chest stretching the material.
She watched in awe as he finished dressing, knowing she wouldn’t be able to pull off the same effortless perfection. “I’ll need a few minutes.” She gripped the sheets around her and stood up. With the sunlight on her face she felt shy, like if he saw her naked, he’d see right into her soul. It’s not every day, or any day, she found herself in this situation.
Two steps towards the bathroom and the sheet was torn from around her body. She glanced back at him, losing the tug of war. “There’s no need to hide from me, angel. I’ve seen it all already and I like what you’ve got going on.” He licked his lips. “A lot, so don’t take too long.” He plopped down on the bed with the sheets in his hands.
He liked her. Nicolas Ivarsson liked her a lot and wanted to take her out. As she looked in the mirror, her smile shone brighter than the winter morning skyline. She beamed as she got ready for their date. He may not have used that word, but they weren’t done; they were just getting started.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I n the hours they’d known each other, Nico had shared little about himself. There were two personal facts she learned about him: his name and his off the charts skill l
evel in bed. That wasn’t enough to forge a relationship of any kind. His lack of details gave her the distinct impression he might not be interested in pursuing anything more than a sexual encounter. That hurt way more than she wanted to admit.
Caroline knew the score when she followed him to bed. The likelihood of this being a onetime event didn’t change. Nico taking her for food didn’t change things. Her eyes were wide open, and she wasn’t naïve enough to think he’d fallen in love with her. Yet, every time she looked into his powder blue eyes, she couldn’t help but want more. Every time he touched her, the connection grew.
To hide her disappointment, she rambled on about University. She told him about her classes, and how all she ever wanted to do since she became an adult was sing. Her life story unfolded, but he refused to open. It was frustrating, but at least he listened. She told him about the drastic move to drop out of school and pursue music full time. He didn’t look at her like she had two heads like her father had. Nico didn’t call her insane like her most recent ex. Instead, he told her how talented she was and that he could see her becoming a huge star. Those words may have earned him an extra-long drawn out kiss.
By the time she finished getting ready, she’d discovered absolutely nothing about the sexy man holding open the door. He had a story, but he wasn’t sharing. She had to find a creative way to draw it out of him. He took her hand as they walked to the elevator and his heat traveled the length of her.
“We’re going to play twenty questions. I’ll ask the first question. What’s your favorite color?” She started with an easy one.
“Red. Although, I have to say, the green flecks in your hazel eyes have to be a close second.”
Her cheeks blushed to match his statement. “Why red? Any particular shade appeal to you more, and these don’t count towards the twenty; it’s a request for you to elaborate.”
He laughed, and the sound echoed through the halls. “You’re tricky, but I’ll answer. I’ve always liked red. It’s the color of the maple leaf and I’m very patriotic. My favorite shade is the color your skin turns once it’s been spanked; beautiful and vibrant.” Nico moved his hand to her backside and gave a gentle pat. Then he leaned down and kissed her open mouth. “The shade of your lips after I’ve kissed them is also spectacular.”
The temperature in the halls was stifling. Her palms became sweaty, and she found it difficult to catch her breath. They’d spent the morning in bed with his hands all over her, but it wasn’t enough. His touch and his words were a new addiction. She rubbed her thighs together, but the tiny friction only made it worse.
“Good answer. I’ve always been partial to turquoise because it’s so calming yet vibrant. I once added blue streaks to my hair. It took forever to fade. I pretty much keep it natural now.” The rambling couldn’t be stopped. This was supposed to be about getting to know Nico better.
“I like your almost white blond hair. You’re a natural beauty.” He nipped at her earlobe.
“Flattery won’t get you into my panties again until after you’ve fed me.” Not that she wore any underwear. Her thong was tucked inside her purse, but she kept that little secret to herself.
He released her ear. “That’s too bad, cause I’m sure if I checked they’d be soaked. Next question,” he said as the elevator doors opened and an elderly couple greeted them. They stepped inside and exchanged smiles.
“Are you a dog or a cat person?” Caroline loved all animals but her allergies prevented her from having a pet of her own.
“Both, though I don’t have any pets. With my crazy schedule, it wouldn’t be fair to the animal.” He pulled her closer and his breath ghosted over her ear. “For your information, I’m very fond of pussy.”
Caroline choked on her own saliva. A coughing fit ensued as she tried to regain her composure. The couple gave her an evil glare as if she were the one being naughty. Nico twisted everything into something dirty.
“Any siblings? And don’t even think about one-word answers, I want details.” She’d thought it was another easy question, but his entire body stiffened. Had she not been pressed against him, she might not have noticed. His face gave nothing away, but her question had struck a chord.
Silence followed until they reached the top floor where the restaurant was located. There was no witty response or heated look. His demeanor changed from playful to stoic. It reminded her of how he’d looked last night when they’d first met. An almost pained expression marred his handsome features.
The couple exited first, and they followed. Nico kept his hand on the small of her back, but she felt like she’d somehow alienated him with her questions. “You seem upset. Was it something I said?”
He threaded their fingers and brought her knuckles to his lips. “Not in the least, but I’m hungry. Let’s get a table. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all.”
They checked in with the host and discovered there would be a thirty-minute wait. Nico lingered at the desk. Caroline took a seat on the bench next to the same couple from the elevator. She crossed her legs, tugging on the hemline of her short dress. Nico’s t-shirt was way too big, but she’d knotted the extra fabric at her waist so her dress looked like a skirt. It wouldn’t win any fashion awards, but it covered the marks on her chest and she felt comfortable. It also smelled like him, the musky spice wasn’t cologne; it was unique and all Nico.
“They’ve got a table for us.” He held out his hand as the couple seated next to her once again glared. By all rights they arrived first and should have been seated first, but she took his hand and followed.
“Right this way, Mr. Ivarsson.” The young host guided them towards a secluded table near the back. It was far from the buffet, but quieter. She thought it was a perfectly quaint setting for their first date.
“Thank you,” she said as he pushed in her chair before taking his own seat across from her. “So why do you think breakfast is the most important meal? It’s a proven fact that snacking throughout the day is better than eating large hearty meals.”
He shrugged his huge shoulders. “My family made a point of eating breakfast together before we all split apart to do whatever the day entailed. Starting the day off right was a big deal to my folks. My sister and I used to groan and bitch, but I secretly loved it. It’s just me now; everyone else has passed away. Guess that tradition lived on and I always ensure I eat a good breakfast.”
“Oh, that’s kinda sweet and sad. How long ago did they pass away?” She hadn’t expected him to be so forthcoming, but she latched onto his words like a sponge.
He took a sip of his water before answering. “My folks were a lot older when they had kids. They were both in their late-seventies when they passed away within a year of each other. It wasn’t unexpected, is I guess what I’m trying to say. My sister’s death is an entirely different story, but she’s been gone for over a decade.” The pain in his eyes looked fresh.
Caroline reached across the table and stroked his hand. “They say time heals all, but I know what it feels like to lose someone close. I’m not sure someone ever fully recovers.”
“Who have you lost? Was it a sibling too?”
“No, thank goodness. I couldn’t imagine not having my sister. I lost my mom nine years ago. Connie, my sister, was an oops-baby, and she turned nine a few months ago. I love her like she was my own and in many ways, she is.”
“Did your mom die during childbirth?”
Caroline shook her head. This conversation was intense for a first date, but she liked that he seemed engaged and responsive. “She suffered from really bad postpartum depression.” She didn’t want to say more than that. Most people filled in the blanks and she didn’t have to say the word suicide.
“I’m sorry for your loss. That must have been tough having to grow up so fast.”
“Thanks. We all grow up eventually.”
“Yeah, but dealing with a tragic loss has lingering effects. My sister suffered from depression until she didn’t anymor
e. I miss her every day and sometimes events like last night bring it all front and center. I can hear the sorrow in your voice when you sing. It’s part of what drew me in. I’m a fan in case you haven’t noticed.” Nico’s thumb ran across her knuckles sending shivers all over her.
That was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said. Without trying he said the exact right words. “Thank you. I’ve had a while to come to terms with it all. It’s been me, Dad and Connie for many years. Dad works so much that I kind of fill in for both parents when I can. I’m lucky we have hired help.”
“What does your Dad do?”
Telling guys about her father was a surefire way of getting a second date, but not always for the right reasons. They figured dating her would get them free tickets to hockey games, but she never went and her father preferred it that way. Sharing he owned an NHL team, and that one day it would be hers wasn’t a good move. She’d learned that the hard way.
“He’s a businessman with a diversified portfolio.” This was true. Her father owned many buildings around the city and the team. No lies. “How about you, what do you do for a living?”
“I lead a team of highly qualified men. My schedule is insane and I’m out of town a lot. Would that be a deal breaker for you? Relationships are hard enough without dating a guy who’s not around much.”
His words brought an ear to ear smile to her face, but then she couldn’t read his motives. “Are you asking me out or are you trying to set up a booty call? I’m not that girl, regardless of what last night might lead you to believe.” Her heart did a cartwheel followed by a back handspring. She really hoped he was asking what she thought he was. She could so easily picture herself with him.