Love is Only a Whisper (Whisper Series)

by Wynn, Renee

  “No.”

  “Then what was it?”

  “I don’t normally explain myself or the reason I end a relationship, but I’ll allow you this once. What you and I had was no more than me scratching your itch and you doing the same. You’re a beautiful and intelligent woman. I enjoyed your company…for a while. But never did I, not once, consider making it something permanent.

  I want to make myself clear so there’ll be no misunderstanding when you repeat it, Nicole is what I want.” He stared hard at her. “I won’t let anything or anyone come between us. Do you understand me?”

  “I see.”

  “I hope you do.”

  “Then it’s true.”

  He glared.

  “I heard the rumors but chose to ignore them.” She threw a curt laugh.” Did your brother know you were seeing his girl behind his back?”

  “Be careful what you say or repeat, Natalie. You can say whatever you want when it comes to me, but I won’t tolerate lies about my wife.”

  “What is it about her?” Her voice quivered, “Granted, she’s attractive. I’ll give her pretty. She’s short and too curvy. Some men may like it but it’s nothing special. I’ve never seen you date a woman like her.”

  “You’re treading on uneven ground, Natalie.”

  “What does she have to give you that I don’t have?” Her voice rose and people near them stopped talking to listen.

  “Calm yourself. It’s not a competition. Nicole completes me.”

  “You’re lying,” she screeched. She took a deep cleansing breath. “She’s too young and not one of us. She knows nothing about who you are or what you need. There are generations of blue blood in your veins. Her parents owned a chain of grocery stores for God’s sake.”

  “Stop, Natalie. You’re embarrassing yourself. I don’t want to be cruel but I will.”

  “Ashton?” He wife’s soft voice came from behind him. He turned, wrapped an arm around her, and smiled.

  “Hi, sweetheart.” He kissed her lips. “You finished with my mother.”

  “Yes. I believe she did get around to introducing me to everyone in the room.”

  Natalie cleared her throat. Ashton frowned at her.

  “Darling, this is Natalie Blackstone. Natalie, my wife, Nicole.”

  “Hello, I’ve seen you at functions but never been formally introduced.” Extending her hand, Nicole smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Really?” Natalie’s lips curled tightly with disapproval. “How old are you? Twenty at the most?” Her eyes roamed the length of Nicole’s body. “I can see why Brent was interested. But I can’t for the life of me see how you snared Ashton.”

  Nicole’s eyes widened. “Pardon me?”

  Ashton stepped into Natalie’s space. “I’m warning you, Natalie—”

  “How did you get Ashton to the altar? He always swore he wouldn’t get married.”

  Nicole’s back stiffened. “That’s something you’ll have to ask him.”

  “Dammit Natalie—”

  His wife placed a hand on his arm but kept her eyes on Natalie. “I can understand how you feel, but attacking me won’t get you Ashton. I may be young, but age isn’t a factor in our relationship. I know everyone is wondering why he married me.” She laughed softly. “I didn’t do anything. He came to me.”

  “Touching,” Natalie spat out. “I never thought I would see the day that Ashton Sinclair would be put on a leash.”

  “Evidently you don’t know Ashton. He’s his own man.” Nicole sighed in boredom.

  “No woman can hold his interest for a long period of time. That’s something I know from experience.” She spun on her heels and walked away.

  “You should’ve let me handle her, Nicole.”

  “I don’t need you to fight my battles. She’s probably not the only woman from your past I’ll come across.”

  “It’ll never happen again.”

  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

  “No woman from my past will approach you.”

  She observed him for a moment. “Natalie still wants you.”

  “Not my problem. Anyway, it was over before it began.”

  “Evidently she doesn’t know that.”

  “I’ve never lied to her or any woman. I don’t pretend to be a saint but I’ve never lied to any woman.”

  He watched the emotions cruise across her face. She was thinking. He could tell because she chewed on her lower lip.

  “You can ask me anything, sweetheart and I’ll tell you the truth. Do you believe that?”

  She was silent for a long moment that he didn’t think she heard him, but finally she said, “Yes, I do.”

  He relaxed his shoulders. He leaned over and he whispered against her ear. “How about we skip out, go home and christen the bed?”

  She laughed. “We did that when I came to your house months ago. Remember?”

  “Yeah, I do and what a memory, but this time it’s different. You’re sharing my bed as my wife.”

  “Ashton, we just can’t leave. These people are here for us.”

  “Really? I don’t remember anyone inviting us to a party.”

  “Your mother would have a fit if we left.”

  “She’ll get over it.”

  “Be nice. I won’t be the cause of your mother’s anger.”

  “I want to be alone with you. He brushed the wisp of hair at her temple.

  Giving in, she grabbed his hand and they moved toward the door, responding to congratulatory greetings as they went. They almost made it out but Ashton’s mother stopped them.

  “There you are. Come, lunch is served,” Alexa said.

  “We’re leaving, Mother.”

  His mother’s lips thinned. The heightening of color told Ashton she wasn’t pleased. But before she could say anything, his father appeared and slid an arm around her.

  “You two leaving?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you want to take some food? Our cook can ask the caterers to prepare carry-out containers.”

  “No, don’t bother. I called my housekeeper before we left San Francisco. I’m sure she’ll have a meal waiting for us.”

  “Are you sure? It’s really no bother at all,” Camp insisted.

  “Positive.”

  “Don’t I have any say in this?” Irritation was evidence on Alexa’s face. “I haven’t seen Ashton in over a month. I was hoping to spent time with him and…Nicole.”

  “Alexa, sweetheart. They just flew in today. Let them go home. Besides they are newlyweds and want to be alone.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Ashton shook his father’s hand, followed by a quick hug. He then kissed his mother’s cheek. “Mother, thanks for the party.” With a hand in the small of Nicole’s back, they left the room.

  Once in the car, Nicole turned to him. “You know you’re in big trouble with your mother. If she didn’t like me before, I know for sure now that she doesn’t.”

  He frowned as the driver pulled out of the driveway. “Why would you say that?”

  “Ashton, your mother has always been distant when it came to my relationship with Brent. I never knew if she approved or not. At least, she tolerated me and was cordial. But with you, the heir apparent, I’m not so sure. I don’t think she likes the fact that I’m your wife and not one of those high society ladies with the perfect pedigree.”

  He captured her lips in a slow kiss. “I don’t care what my mother or anyone else thinks. I have exactly what I want.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Hello Mr. Sinclair. Welcome home.” A woman with dark brown hair sprinkled with gray smiled at them as they walked into the foyer of Ashton’s house. She appeared to be Mexican, around fifty, or maybe older. Nicole couldn’t tell because her skin was a smooth bronze and held no wrinkles. The smile on her face was genuine and warm. Nicole liked her immediately.

  “Thank you, Mrs. James. Let me introduce my wife.” He propelled Nicole forward. This is my bride, Nicol
e Sinclair, and Nicole this is Mrs. Carmelita James. She’s been with me for ten years.”

  “Twelve years, sir, but who’s counting?”

  Nicole laughed and stretched out her hand.

  Mrs. James shook it enthusiastically. “Welcome and congratulations on your marriage.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. James. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “The same here. Your food is in the warming oven. I’ve prepared braised boneless ribs, rosemary chicken, scalloped potatoes and salad. I also made a German chocolate cake. I hope you like it.”

  “It sounds delicious. But you didn’t have to go through the trouble of making such a meal.”

  “It was no problem.”

  “Well, I appreciate it.” Nicole looked at Ashton. “I would like a shower before we eat.”

  I’ll go and get everything ready.” The housekeeper moved to leave the room.

  “Mrs. James, you don’t need to stay. We can serve ourselves,” Ashton said.

  She looked at him skeptically. “Are you sure?’

  Nicole countered. “Positive. We’ll be fine.”

  “Well, I’ll leave you two to enjoy your meal,” she said and walked away.

  Ashton touched her cheek. “I wanted you first night in our home to have memories.” He kissed her deeply.

  “Ashton…”

  “I know. A shower and then food. Come, let me lead you to my lair and the shower in that order.”

  She laughed and followed him up the stairs.

  Even though, they had made love a few times, Nicole was still shy undressing around Ashton. She’d been in the bedroom before but this was the first time that she really looked at it. It was very masculine with mahogany furniture. The only brightness in the room was the ivory silk panels that hung at the tall double windows on each side of the bed. There was a beautiful marbled fireplace directly in front of the bed. A lovely settee sofa and matching chair showed the only femininity in the room. Large sliding glass doors open unto the balcony, which were partially open letting in the breeze.

  Their suitcases had been delivered while they were at Ashton’s parents’ house. Nicole opted to take a change of clothes and undress in the bathroom. She could hear his soft laughter when she left the room, finally drowning it out when she turned on the shower.

  ###

  Ashton thought about joining Nicole in the shower but fought against it, wanting to give her privacy.

  A breath caught in his chest, causing tightness. “Nicole is my wife,” he uttered softly. It was surreal but saying it out loud made it reality. Strange, how easy he accepted that she was already an intricate part of his life and home. A missing part of him had been found. He stripped his clothes and headed to the shower in the bedroom across the hall.

  He’d done some unsavory things when it came to getting Nicole. Seducing her was one of them but he didn’t feel one ounce of guilt. If he had to do it all over again, he would. He never thought he would get married nor have children. To be frank, children never crossed his mind. But now that Nicole was pregnant, it was all he thought about. A little girl who looked just like her would be his choice, or maybe a son with a combination of him and her. He didn’t care. He just wanted a healthy baby.

  He was happy now but feared it may be fleeting. His heart lurched at the thought of losing Nicole. Ashton didn’t want to revert back to the man he was before she came into his life. Victoria’s suicide had changed his life. It created a place of regret and pain he never wanted to experience again. Vulnerable. Not in control. No matter what people thought, he felt deeply. It was a weakness that he never showed. He was uncomfortable with it. But with Nicole it didn’t matter. Ashton rubbed his brow. The situation with Brent needed to be settled. He didn’t want his brother around his wife, or at least until he was sure Nicole was cemented in his life without the possibility of disruption. The encounter with Brent had turned into an ugly argument that almost led to a confrontation. Brent wanted Nicole. Well, it was too bad. He had his chance. She was his now. He wouldn’t lose her.

  Ashton rubbed his brow. He didn’t want his brother around his wife, or at least until he was sure Nicole was cemented in his life without the possibility of disruption. The encounter with Brent had turned into an ugly argument that almost led to a confrontation. Brent wanted Nicole. Well, it was too bad. He had his chance. She was his now. He wouldn’t lose her.

  He turned off the water and stepped from the shower, grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his hips. He strolled back into the bedroom. Nicole, clothed in a pastel colored silk robe, was sitting in a high back chair smoothing lotion on her legs. His heart escalated at the sight.

  He knelt at her feet. “Do you want me to finish that for you?”

  “No, I’m almost done.”

  Still kneeling, he noticed her cheeks were flushed. She lowered her eyes and rubbed the excess cream onto her hands. He drank in the fresh smell of lavender. The robe gaped open and he gently ran his hand over the slight hard bump, marveling at the change in her body.

  “I feel her.”

  She laughed smoothly. “Her? I thought you would want a boy.”

  “It doesn’t really matter.” He continued to rub her mound. “It’s amazing.”

  “You won’t think so when I’m fat and my feet are swollen.”

  “I’m not superficial. I lo…like and want to share everything with you, Nicole. Every change, every kick.” Color stained her caramel skin. He stopped, realizing he was revealing his inner-most thoughts.

  “You look tired. You should lie down,” she said.

  He rose to his feet. “You’re the one pregnant. Shouldn’t I be telling you that?” He took the lotion bottle out of her hand, replaced the cap and set it on the dresser. Ashton then pulled her to her feet. “Let’s eat.”

  Her eyes widened. “Aren’t you going to put on clothes?”

  He looked down at himself. Even though, his cock was semi-hard and pushing around the cloth of the towel, he was sufficiently covered. “I’m dressed.”

  She chuckled. “You’re something else, Ashton.”

  “I know.” He winked at her.

  In the kitchen, Ashton grabbed the potholders out of drawer, “I’ll get the hot courses. The rest is in the fridge,” he said opening the oven.

  “I’m surprise you know where anything is.” She retrieved the salads and placed them on the table.

  “I’m not completely helpless. After all, I was a bachelor a long time.”

  “Does that mean you can cook?’

  “Well, I didn’t say that.”

  “It figures.”

  Ashton held out the chair for Nicole and then sat beside her.

  “This smells good.” She took a bite. “It’s also delicious.”

  “I forgot the drinks.” He stood, opened the refrigerator and retrieved the pitcher of lemonade. The housekeeper had already set the table with the glasses. He poured the liquid.

  “Hmm...Good.” She took a large swallow. “You don’t have to drink lemonade because I’m having it.”

  “I’m fine.” Ashton refilled her glass. “Have you thought about what you want to do after the baby is born?”

  She gave him a quizzical look. “Do?’

  “Yes. You were going to start an internship at the Grand Prairie Chronicle. I don’t want you to give up your dreams. I’m sure you can get an internship at one of the newspapers here in Dallas.”

  “You keep surprising me.”

  “How?”

  “I have a job, or rather I should say jobs.” She smiled, reached over and touched his arm.

  He grinned. “Really? Humor me. Tell me about them.”

  “Yeah. Let me see.” She put a finger to cheek as if in thought. “I’m a wife, going to be a mother, and I have the dubious honor of being your publicist. That in itself is full-time.”

  He kissed her. Ashton couldn’t seem to stop touching her. Normally, he wasn’t a touchy-feely man. His previous liaisons were bedroom driven by need to rele
ase sexually. He didn’t cuddle or do impromptu to kissing. But with Nicole he found himself doing just that.

  Nicole’s sweet and provocative fragrance drifted to his nostrils and teased his senses. His chest tightened with emotion and love. She was intoxicating and didn’t even know it.

  “Options will always be available,” he said seriously. “Being married and a mother won’t stop your dreams from coming true.”

  “Thank you, but I think I would want to be home with the baby until he or she is at least school age.”

  “Good. Now that’s settled. We need to make an appointment with the doctor. I’m sure my mother—”

  “No. I already have an ob-gyn. I want to keep who I have.”

  “Only if the person is excellent. I won’t settle for less for you or my child.”

  Nicole rolled her eyes at him, again. She did that a lot, especially when it came to him. She wasn’t happy with him right now.

  “Okay. What did I do now?”

  “You really don’t know, do you?”

  “Know what?”

  “How bossy, territorial, and arrogant you can be.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” His words held puzzlement.

  She laughed. He frowned at her. He didn’t recall saying anything funny.

  “Never mind, Ashton. I can see you’re going to be a big project.”

  He stood and then helped her out of the chair. Ashton raised her hands to his lips and placed a lingering kiss on each one. “Whatever project you have in mind is fine with me.” His groin thickened with each nibble. “How about a nap?”

  “Now? I thought you weren’t tired.”

  “We had a long flight. I think we need it.”

  “I think you do.” Her tone was teasing and light. “I’ll lie down and read a little”

  “How about we forget sleep, the book and do something we both want to do.”

  “What would that be?” She sounded breathless.

  “Let me show you,” he uttered.

  In the bedroom, Ashton pulled her into his arms.

  She said in a strangled tone, “We definitely aren’t going to sleep.”