“What made you decide to help me?” Carlie couldn’t stop looking at her reflection. “You’ve made me so pretty. I thought you wanted Nick for yourself.”
Shelley laughed. “I’m always searching for the right guy, but I’m not going to waste time with one who doesn’t want me.”
Carlie looked past the mirror, meeting Shelley’s eyes. “Are you okay with me dating him? I’m not willing to lose a friend over a man.”
“There’s no chance of that happening.” Shelley patted her leg. “I’m truly thrilled for you. Nick is super fine, and I bet he knows how to treat a woman. You deserve a nice night after putting up with Stephen last weekend.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Of course I’m sure. All I want is for you to enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks.” Carlie handed the mirror back and stood up, smoothing her t-shirt against her black slacks. “Now that you’ve worked so hard on my hair and makeup, I wish I had something nicer to wear.”
Smiling, Shelley delved into her backpack, pulling out a beautiful green sweater with a scooped neckline. “Voilà.”
“Do you always carry this much stuff around?”
Pulling out a gold chain and a pair of large hoop earrings, she pressed them into Carlie’s hands. “You never know when you’ll need to look your best. Can’t land a husband looking like a waitress who worked all day.”
Carlie couldn’t help but feel a bit chastised. She always went around looking like a waitress who worked all day. In her defense, coming into Carlie’s Creations to start baking bread at six in the morning and working until six or seven at night, plus spending an hour and a half in a dojo three times a week, didn’t leave much time for hair care and applying makeup. If Nick had been asking Shelley about her for a few weeks, he must not mind the waitress look as much as Shelley thought he should.
She walked into the small bathroom across from the kitchen and pulled her t-shirt over her head, reveling in the softness of the sweater when she slipped it on. Although Shelley filled it up more than she did in front, the cut was flattering enough that she didn’t mind her slighter proportions.
After putting on the earrings and fastening the chain around her neck, she opened the bathroom door. Only to be blasted with a squirt of too-sweet perfume.
“He’s here.” Shelley practically jumped up and down with excitement. “I’m going to get out of here, but don’t forget what I said.”
Carlie’s head was whirling and sweat coated her palms again. She couldn’t remember being this nervous in a long while. “What did you say?”
“Oh...you’re hopeless, Carlie.” Shelley shook her head and slung the backpack across her shoulder. “Don’t let the night end without getting a kiss. Good luck. Flirt a lot.”
As Shelley walked away, Carlie dried her hands on her pants again and breathed deeply in an attempt to slow her heart rate. This wasn’t a date, not really. She had to calm down. Nick wanted to get to know his future sparring partner. Shelley had to be mistaken about what she thought was going on. Somehow, it all got confused. This was simply a dinner between two people who planned to help each other out.
She walked through the dark hallway, making her way to the front of the store. Shelley had turned out all the lights except the security lamp that always stayed on near the front door, so shadows cloaked the place.
Nick stood in the one pool of light. He’d put on a jacket and tie, which made Carlie even more grateful for the pretty sweater. He turned as she approached, and his eyes traveled up and down her body. “Wow!” Nick took a step toward her and cocked his arm at an angle. “You always look great, but...wow.”
Pleased in spite of herself, Carlie slipped her arm through his. “Thanks. Shelley’s handiwork.”
When he turned his head toward hers, his hot breath caressed her cheek. Nick placed his free hand beneath her chin, gently lifting her face until their eyes met. “You can’t give her credit for this. You’re beautiful.”
Carlie licked her lips and hoped he couldn’t feel her trembling. Stephen certainly hadn’t made her heart pound so hard or her body shiver with anticipation at the nearness of him. A small part of her protested, warned that Nick could be dangerous. He was a stranger, and she avoided strangers at all costs.
The bigger part of her told the other to shut up. Kissing someone dangerous held a certain appeal, and Carlie loved the warm glow his complement provoked in her heart. “You look fantastic too.”
A peculiar grin crossed his face, but vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. “Then we’re well suited, Carlie.” Her name flowed like music from his lips, and Carlie feared she was close to swooning. But she didn’t swoon over men, that was crazy.
“I haven’t eaten all day,” she said, suddenly anxious to break the intimate mood. “Are you hungry?”
“For more than food,” he muttered, but led her to the door.
***
Carlie focused on the large statue of Buddha in the center of the restaurant. Bamboo trees surrounded the base of it. Chinese lanterns hung at intervals across the ceiling, and a crystal chandelier dominated the center space above the statue. It was certainly higher class than her small shop, but Carlie found the excessive amount of red too stifling and hot. Or maybe it was her dinner companion that made the room seem to lack oxygen.
She took another bite of mandarin chicken, though she was unable to enjoy it, nervous about the stall in conversation. They’d discussed karate as much as they could while waiting for their entrees. Nick seemed content to watch her eat, but the silence unnerved her.
“What do you do for a living?” she asked.
He picked at the chicken almond ding with chopsticks, though only a little food remained on his plate. “I invest in startups.”
“Businesses?”
“Restaurants. This place is my newest venture. That’s why I moved here, to make sure it gets off to a good start.” Nick glanced around the room. “What do you think?”
That I wish I met you five months ago when I needed money for a new oven. She studied the room with fresher eyes before answering him. “The bamboo’s a nice touch.”
“My idea. You don’t see live plants much in restaurants anymore.”
Silence rushed to fill the space between them. Desperate to keep the conversation moving, Carlie jerked her chin in the direction of the chandelier. “I love how big that is.”
“Really?” Nick lifted one eyebrow and his lips quirked at the corners. “I’ve heard size is important.”
Embarrassment burned all the way up her neck and face. “I meant the chandelier. I wasn’t saying...” Holy crap. She was supposed to flirt. Another woman would have come up with a witty comeback, but Carlie had nothing.
He laughed and reached across the table, patting her hand. “Relax. I figured that’s what you meant. Just trying to lighten the mood.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be so nervous.”
“It’s okay, but you really don’t need to be. I don’t bite. Well,” he glanced at the tablecloth briefly before looking at her again, heat in his gaze, “not on the first date.”
“I...you...” Carlie gasped for a few seconds and then sighed. Shelley would be so disappointed in her. “I’m not good at this.”
“You’re not trying to tell me you don’t date much, are you?”
“Well, actually, I don’t.” She took a sip of water. The truth was the wrong path to take here. Guys wanted worldly, experienced girls who knew how to have a good time.
Flirt!
She winked at him, hoping it didn’t look like she had something in her eye. “At least, not men as sexy as you.”
He winked back. “And big, don’t forget big.”
He must delight in flustering her. She fanned herself with her hand. “You’re certainly forward.”
“Life’s too short to be timid.” He leaned across the table and held her hand in his. “I’ve learned to go after what I want.”
“And you want me?”
Her voice came out as barely a whisper.
Nick squeezed her hand. “Do you like to dance, Carlie? A beautiful woman should dance.”
She couldn’t help but be charmed by him. Nick had no problem dishing out compliments. That was unexpected, but nice. “I haven’t done much dancing.” The last time had been at her wedding. Ryan didn’t like going out much—at least, not as a couple.
Nick stood in a fluid motion and pulled her to her feet. “We need to change that.”
He stepped into her and cradled her against his body. Carlie felt the hard muscles beneath his shirt and jacket and tried not to think of how good he’d look without clothes. The last thing she needed was to blush again.
“We can’t dance here,” she protested. “This is a family restaurant.”
“We can do whatever we’d like.”
Nick placed one arm around her waist and held onto her hand with his other, turning her in a slow circle. For a woman who tried not to draw attention to herself, it crossed Carlie’s mind how ridiculous they must look to the other diners. The ambient music playing across the restaurant’s sound system included some sort of flute and certainly wasn’t what Carlie considered dance music.
When Nick raised his arm and spun her before pulling her back into his tight embrace, looking silly ceased to matter. He pressed his cheek against hers, his breath gently blowing into her ear. Tremors of anticipation shuddered through her. The masculine scent of him made her ache with a need she didn’t know she had. Kissing on the first date didn’t seem so farfetched when he held her that way.
“I don’t want to scare you off,” he whispered into her ear, “but I’ve been going crazy since the first day I set eyes on you.”
“You have?”
“All I wanted was to talk to you, and you were always with Stephen.” His hand rubbed the small of her back and his chest heaved beneath her with a sigh. “Shelley hinted you were with him and serious, so I just watched you without saying anything.” He paused for a second. “I’m not normally a patient man.”
“But you think I’m worth waiting for?” she asked, uncertainty causing her voice to hitch.
“Yes.” His voice was full of conviction, and Carlie couldn’t doubt him.
She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, nuzzling into his neck with a contentment she hadn’t expected to feel. “I’m glad you watched me, especially since I needed you to come to the rescue yesterday.”
“I wanted to kick that bastard’s ass.” Anger bit at his words.
“Mmmmm... Let’s not talk about him anymore. I don’t want to spoil this.”
She danced with abandon, concentrating on nothing except the music and the rapid beat of Nick’s heart against her chest. The flute reached a high note as the song ended and he stopped shifting his feet. Applause broke out around them. Carlie opened her eyes and jerked away, knowing she must be blushing yet again.
“Honey,” complained a woman to the man next to her, “why don’t you ever do romantic stuff like that?”
Carlie threw a sympathetic glance at the man. Maybe the four children clamoring for attention around them had something to do with lowering his romantic sensibilities.
“It’s time for us to leave,” she told Nick, not wanting to face the other diners longer than she had to. Most of them gawked as though they expected another performance to accompany their meal as the next song started, but Carlie had provided them enough entertainment for one evening.
Nick chuckled and pulled out his wallet, throwing some money on the table. “Sure you don’t want to wait for a box to put our leftovers in?”
Embarrassment ate away at her. “Don’t tease me. I’m not good with being the center of attention, and everyone’s staring.”
To her relief, he twined his fingers in hers and headed for the exit.
Chapter Four
Nick paused at the door to the restaurant, and Carlie hoped he hadn’t forgotten something. She wasn’t going back into the dining room.
He looked at her and shook his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice earlier. Where’s your coat?”
Carlie thought of the brown monstrosity hanging on the hook of her office door. No way had she wanted to wear that on a first date with Nick. It was made to withstand the brisk winds and cold temperatures of November in Washington—extra bulky to protect her after having luxuriated in the warm temperatures of Florida.
“I didn’t bring it. Don’t worry, I’m fine without it.” She grinned. “I’m a tough chick.”
“I’m sure you are, but hypothermia isn’t an indication of a good date.” He slipped his suit jacket off and slung it around her shoulders before she could protest. “Wait here. I’ll get the car and be right back.”
“But, Nick, you’ll freeze—” Carlie broke off as he walked out the door. She slipped her arms into the sleeves of the jacket, admitting to herself it wasn’t as nice as being in his arms, but special all the same with his scent surrounding her. The tips of her fingers barely poked out from the fabric.
Nick strode back through the door, rubbing his hands briskly. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”
Carlie reclaimed his hand and leaned into his shoulder. “A girl could get used to such chivalry, you know.” She paused a moment before rushing on. “You might want to save something for a second date.”
“Oh, don’t you worry. I’ve got it covered.”
Did I just get a second date? She wasn’t sure, but didn’t want to flat out ask. Instead, she followed as Nick led the way to the car and opened her door. He helped her inside and stepped back, staring down with a slight grin.
“What?” she asked.
“It’s just nice. You fit.”
“What do you mean, I fit?”
Nick reached down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. “My jacket, my car. Something’s been missing in this picture for a long time. You fit.” He closed the door without waiting for a response.
She placed her hand against her heart, putting pressure on it in an attempt to stop the palpitations. He was too good to be true, and Carlie hoped he really was what he seemed. She’d certainly kissed her fair share of frogs the past few years—she shuddered thinking about the sleazy way Stephen acted—but Nick seemed like a prince.
No. She shook her head to erase that thought. She didn’t want a prince. The difficulties she had with Ryan were enough for a lifetime. A regular guy would do. It didn’t hurt that he was handsome and kind and made her body tingly in all the right places.
Nick hopped in the driver’s seat and fastened his belt, turning on the radio before pulling out of the lot. Carlie was happy enough to listen to country music; in fact, it was her favorite. It also saved her from having to comment on whether or not she fit. Replaying his words in her head without really analyzing them or saying anything in return was a nice change. She’d never dated a man who didn’t constantly want to be told how wonderful he was.
In too short of a time, Nick pulled the Porsche into the spot next to her Toyota Camry at Carlie’s Creations. The song, We Danced by Brad Paisley began playing, and Carlie’s breath caught in her throat. She loved this song, and she and Nick had certainly danced tonight.
When the song ended, Nick turned the radio off. “Can we go dancing for real? We could drive down to Seattle, make a whole day of it.” He smiled and took her hand in his. “You wouldn’t get embarrassed by people staring.”
“That sounds wonderful, but the only days I have off are Sundays.”
“We’re in luck. Tomorrow’s Sunday.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I promised Muhammad I’d help him tomorrow. He’s getting the supplies, but I said I’d do the baking in the morning.”
“Muhammad.” Nick gently placed her hand back in her lap and stared out the windshield.
“Is something wrong? I’m sorry I already made plans. I promised him earlier in the week. I didn’t know I’d...” Meet someone as wonderful
as you, but I can’t say that. “I’ll be free in the afternoon, if you want to do something then.”
The muscles in his jaw worked for a few seconds. “This isn’t my business, and you don’t have to answer,” he finally said. “Are you dating Muhammad?”
That was so unexpected, Carlie burst out laughing. “No. Of course not. We’re friends, sort of.”
“Sort of? He seemed more than friendly. A little too familiar, constantly touching you.”
“You’re jealous?” She couldn’t remember a man ever displaying jealousy about who she paid attention to. “You don’t need to be. I talk to Muhammad about charity work, help him where I can. He spreads the word about my business to people who can actually pay for food. It’s a business arrangement more than a friendship.”
Nick finally faced her. “And does he know that? I don’t like the way he touches you.”
Okay. Jealous was cute to an extent, but not if Nick didn’t get that macho, ‘she’s mine’ look off his face. “I like you, Nick, but we’ve only been on one date. Isn’t it a little early to judge my friends?”
“Well, shit.” He closed his eyes and rubbed his temple. “From chivalrous to major ass in two seconds flat. I definitely know how to impress the ladies.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about it.” It wasn’t as though she could argue with him. She didn’t want a man to dictate her actions. “Look, Nick, I have an early morning. Thanks for dinner, but I really should get home.”
He opened his door and rounded to her side of the car, helping her out and walking her to the driver’s side of the Camry. “I didn’t mean to get into your business about Muhammad.”
Carlie nodded. “Okay.”
“You’re pissed, aren’t you?” He took a step nearer and caressed her hair softly. “I am sorry, really. I’ve been on my own a long time, Carlie, and thought I liked it that way.” His dark eyes shone brightly in the moonlight. “You make me feel so different. When Muhammad put his arms around you...” He let out a loud sigh. “I hated how it made me feel, but I’d hate not seeing you again more. Can we still go out tomorrow?”
Killer Romances Page 167