Killer Romances

by Dana Delamar, Talullah Grace, Sandy Loyd, Kristine Mason, Dale Mayer, Nina Pierce Chantel Rhondeau, K. T. Roberts, H. D. Thomson, Susan Vaughan

  He looked forward to spending more nights like this, even if they happened in another country. The trick was to convince Carlie she wanted the same thing.

  ***

  Dinner was as perfect as Nick had imagined, but the true magic he counted on was the symphony. Carlie fidgeted in the chair beside him while they waited for the performance to start, but smiled when his hand covered hers.

  “I’ve never been to the symphony before,” she confessed. “Actually, I’ve never been to anything like this.”

  “They’ll play a lot of classical music tonight. I’m guessing that is something you like.”

  She grinned. “Why do you guess that?”

  “Beethoven being on your ring tone for your phone.”

  Twining her fingers through his, she nodded. “Classical is my favorite.”

  The lights blinked several times, warning people attending the concert to get to their seats. When the first swell of music started from the violin section, Carlie’s hand tightened against his.

  It made him happy to know he’d picked something she enjoyed. Glancing down at her, Carlie had her eyes closed and her head gently bobbed to the beat. She was entirely lost in the music.

  He lowered his mouth to her ear and kissed the lobe lightly. “Dance with me.”

  She raised her finger to her lips, “Shhh…”

  Standing, he pulled her up next to him. He’d purposely gotten them seats at the back of the hall so that when they danced they wouldn’t bother the other people. “Dance with me,” he insisted, pulling her hand to led her to the empty aisle behind their chairs.

  Relenting, she face him and he led her in a waltz. It was hard to tell in the low lighting, but he was sure she blushed. Hopefully after a few moments she’d loose her self-consciousness and just enjoy. There was nothing sweeter than holding Carlie in his arms.

  If he could prove how much she meant to him through his actions rather than words, hopefully she’d want to stay in his arms forever. That’s where he needed her.

  He cuddled her close to him and Carlie laid her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh.

  “You know this embarrasses me, right?” she asked softly.

  “How could two people, perfect for each other, dancing together ever be embarrassing?” he countered. “You are the only person in this place that matters. Being close to you is all I need.”

  Her lips pressed into his neck. “You do have some super slick moves. I’ve never waltzed before. However, I like slow dancing like this even better.”

  “I don’t care how we dance, just as long as I get to touch you.”

  She chuckled softly. “You’ve certainly been saying all the right things tonight. Trying hard to be that gallant knight, huh?”

  He stepped away from her slightly so he could look into her eyes. “They aren’t just words, Carlie. I can’t imagine my life without you.” He hesitated, uncertain whether he should tell her he loved her. She really wanted him to show his feelings, not say the words. She’d made that clear.

  He cradled her back to him. “I need you in my life, Carlie.”

  “Well, then,” she said, caressing her hand up his back, “let’s dance the night away. I don’t care who watches.”

  ***

  Carlie snuggled into the silk wrap and adjusted the heater vent to blow more directly on her as Nick drove them home from Seattle. It had been the best date she ever experienced.

  “I loved that restaurant,” she said, not for the first time.

  Nick placed his hand against her thigh, squeezing lightly and sending pleasant tingles throughout her body. “I knew you would. My favorite part was dancing though.”

  “You do like to embarrass me in public places by making me dance, don’t you?”

  Nick chuckled. “I told you I wanted to go dancing. Waltzing in the aisle seemed like the right thing to do.”

  Although for the first few seconds Carlie had been mortified, knowing the people around them were watching, dancing with Nick was wonderful. She had felt a little self-conscious and overdressed at first—who knew people showed up for the symphony nowadays in jeans and t-shirts? Still, once she allowed herself to trust in Nick and do what would make him happy, she’d never had more fun in her life. It felt like they had taken a real turn in their relationship.

  “When you said you wanted to take me dancing,” she clasped his hand in hers, “I assumed we’d go to a nightclub.”

  “Nah. Way too boring.”

  “You made me very happy tonight, especially the way you opened up and told me about your childhood.”

  He’d shared so much more at dinner than she ever expected. Nick obviously didn’t do things by half measures. It broke her heart to hear how bad his relationship had been with his father, who looked at Nick as some sort of robot around to win trophies to put on display. Second place was unthinkable and followed by bitter disappointment and disgust from his father.

  She squeezed his hand tighter.

  Nick returned the pressure. “My mom would have loved you, Carlie. I think you’re the type of woman she always hoped I’d meet.”

  His mom had sounded fabulous. Carlie didn’t know if Nick could have made it through his father’s stern and loveless care if it hadn’t been for his mom’s sweet soft side. From what Carlie could piece together, her murder completely shattered Nick. It sounded like he’d pushed away any meaningful relationship ever since. Maybe things would have been different if her murderer had been brought to justice, but an arrest had never been made.

  “I wish I could have met her,” Carlie finally answered. “She sounded amazing. And, she definitely raised an amazing man, for which I’m very grateful.”

  This relationship with Nick was the most remarkable thing she’d ever felt. Now, he shared his life and opened up to her. That was the best part of the night. Forget the money he spent on dinner, forget the dancing and the presents. He showed her his heart, and Carlie knew she was done for—head over heels for him, and not wanting to stop it.

  “I forgot to ask you about Thanksgiving.” Nick glanced at her briefly as he pulled off I-5 at their exit for Sayle. “I have an old friend coming to see me. He’s bringing his wife and children, who I’ve never met. I told him about you, and they want to meet you. I hoped we could spend the day together.”

  She didn’t know why she’d just assumed Nick was spending the day with her, but she hadn’t considered anything else. “I think I’m already way too comfortable with you.”

  Turning the car onto the main road, Nick narrowed his eyebrows. “I don’t understand. Are you saying you don’t want to spend it with me?”

  “Oh, no, not at all! It’s just that I didn’t even think about asking what you had planned. I assumed you’d be with me.”

  His features smoothed out and a sexy smile crawled slowly across his mouth. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Me too. I haven’t even met your friends yet, but I know this is going to be the best Thanksgiving I’ve had since I was a kid.”

  “That’s funny.” He stopped the car at a red light and leaned across the console to kiss her lightly on the cheek. “I was thinking the same thing earlier about spending the holiday with you. It will be the best I’ve had since Mom died.”

  She ran her hands through Nick’s hair and closed her eyes, drawing him to her for a kiss. Her body clenched with desire when Nick’s hand slid down her side. For the first time, she was grateful Shelley talked her into getting the ridiculous bra and panties. Nick was sure to appreciate them.

  A car behind them honked, and Nick jerked away. “Too dangerous to kiss and drive,” he said, voice husky. “I’ll cause an accident.”

  “Or someone behind us will get road rage and ram into us.” Laughing, she raised his hand to her mouth as he drove through the intersection. Feeling playful and naughty, she nibbled lightly on the tip of his thumb. “Remember when we talked about exploring your fantasies?”

  “Yes.” The word was a guttural growl, m
ore than anything.

  “Tell me about one.” She took his thumb into her mouth, sucking it.

  “God, Carlie. I want you so bad.”

  She gave one more slurp and then released his hand. “Almost home, and then you can have me.”

  “Right.” He floored the accelerator, revving the Porsche’s engine as he streaked down the road. “As far as fantasies, I just formed a new one. I make a beautiful woman in diamonds scream in ecstasy.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “Come on, my lady, wake up. You’ve hit the snooze button three times already.”

  Carlie sighed and snuggled against Nick’s bare side. Why did she have the bright idea of running her own shop? She was too tired to make cupcakes and bread bowls. Plus, she needed to start a pot of French onion soup if it would ever be ready for lunchtime. Still, it was so much more comfortable here. She’d just sleep a few more minutes.

  Nick’s fingers trailed across the small of her back, waking her up a bit, but giving her cravings for something other than food. Not that she hadn’t received plenty of what Nick had to offer before falling asleep.

  She stroked his chest, opening her eyes and struggling to focus. “Call my boss and tell her I’m going to be late.”

  He chuckled. “No can do. I heard your boss is a real hard ass. She’ll be pissed if I don’t get you there on time.”

  Sighing, Carlie sat up and stretched her arms over her head, trying to force herself more alert. “You make me sound horrible.” She shot a fake pout at him over her shoulder. “I’m not that bad. Remember the fun we had in the office the other day?”

  “Good point.” Nick caressed her face with a feathery touch, drawing her mouth toward his. “You’re very beautiful first thing in the morning.” He kissed her softly and Carlie forgot about pretending to be offended. “I would love waking up with you by my side every single morning.”

  Happiness cradled her in a warm glow. Nick talking about being together long term was as important as sharing their life histories. “Sounds perfect to me.”

  “I especially like this.” He laughed and slipped his finger beneath the chain of diamonds, using it to pull her close once again. “Super sexy. That’s one fantasy we’ll repeat soon. You’re wilder in diamonds.” His lips closed on hers, revving her heart rate sky high.

  Though heat spread across her cheeks thinking about just how wild she’d been, Carlie knew she should let go of her inhibitions. There was no need to be embarrassed with Nick. Sex with him went beyond satisfying her need for physical contact and intimacy. Making love to Nick was a true sharing of her soul, and she was sure he felt the same way. She could tell by the sweet way he kissed her. Never before had she experienced that level of tenderness.

  Forcing herself to back away before she really was late to the shop, Carlie sighed and slid off the edge of the bed. She crossed to the closet and grabbed a robe off the hanger, wrapping it around her naked body. “I better cover up, or something tells me you’ll quit caring if I’m late to work.”

  “Who says I haven’t already stopped caring?” Nick raised his eyebrows and his sexy grin melted her willpower. “Want to come back over here?”

  Carlie untangled the earrings from her hair and took them out. “Whether I want to is not even a question, but I only have a half hour before I should be in the shop and cooking.”

  “Fine.” Sighing heavily, he crawled out of the bed and slipped into a pair of boxers. “You owe me later.”

  “Actually, we played out your fantasy last night.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “If we’re keeping score, you owe me.”

  “Either way, I win.”

  “Yeah. Me too.” She laughed and turned around, piling her hair on top of her head and holding it in place. “Could you help me? I need to put this jewelry in the safe before I leave. It’s a little too fancy for Carlie’s Creations.”

  “Safe?”

  Something in the timbre of Nick’s voice was off. Carlie looked at him over her shoulder. He seemed stunned, which was odd. “Not a real safe,” she hurried to explain, wondering what about that bothered him. “That’s the first place a robber would look for something. I’m not that naïve.”

  “Oh good. That really is the first place they look.” He crossed the room, and his fingers brushed lightly against her neck while he worked the clasp. “I guess I was just surprised you would have a safe, since you said you were out of money.”

  He sounded like he was accusing her of some sort of wrongdoing, but Carlie tried to tell herself that was just her interpretation of his words. They only slept for three hours. Maybe he was tired and upset because he thought she hid something from him.

  “I have a little money left, actually, and some jewelry that I didn’t return to Ryan’s mom. I have the perfect hiding spot for it.”

  Nick undid the clasp and handed her the necklace. “I guess it’s good to know this will be safe, then, if anyone wanted to rob you.”

  She transferred the necklace to the same hand as her earrings and twined her fingers through his. “Come on. I’ll show you.”

  Carlie led him from the bedroom, hoping Nick realized how much trust she placed in him by showing him her hiding spot. Her secret stash was all she had in case of a total emergency where she needed to run again. Not that she planned on running, but it would be foolish not to have a safety net.

  When they walked into the kitchen, she let go of his hand and went to the sink, opening the cupboard beneath it. “No one would ever look for valuables here.” She pulled out a box of powdered dishwasher soap and set it on the counter.

  Nick took a step forward, confusion on his face. “You put it in the dish soap? Will that ruin it?”

  Setting the gifts from Nick on the counter, she opened the top of the box, showing him the soap inside. “It’s a trick.” Carefully, she extracted the thin box on top holding a small amount of detergent, revealing that the container was actually free of soap beneath it. Tall cardboard lining the inside held the top portion in place, making the box appear full on casual inspection. “I don’t think someone would actually open it, so the soap probably isn’t needed, but better safe than sorry.” She reached inside and pulled out two plastic bags. One contained money and the other jewelry.

  Nick let out a low whistle. “I thought you were broke.”

  “Five thousand dollars is all the money I have left from what my mother-in-law gave me.” She put that back inside. “The jewelry is worth a lot more than that, but there’s one piece I refuse to sell, no matter how desperate I become.”

  “Why’s that?”

  She opened the bag and pulled out the emerald ring, ruby earrings, and diamond bracelet inside, setting them on the counter. “The ring and earrings really don’t matter,” she explained, “but the bracelet is special.”

  For some reason, Nick’s face totally closed down. Carlie had the impression he was disappointed about the jewelry. Either that, or angry.

  “What’s special about it?” His voice sounded flat, devoid of emotion.

  She put everything into the bag, dropping Nick’s gifts in with it and placing it back in the box. “Nick, are you mad? I wasn’t hiding this from you. It’s just an emergency fund.”

  “Mad?” He laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her forehead. “Of course I’m not mad. I just thought I gave you something special last night, that’s all.”

  Relief flooded through her. He felt insecure, that was his problem. Carlie knew what to do about that—tell him the truth. “Your gifts are worth so much more than money.” She pressed her cheek against his and hugged him tightly. “You picked them because you care about me. Except for the bracelet, I could care less about the stuff Ryan gave me.”

  “Why’s the bracelet different?” He still sounded strange.

  Carlie backed away from him, struggling against the emotions welling inside her when she thought of the bracelet. “It’s not what you think. Please don’t be jealous. I’m not holding onto it becau
se I’m sentimental about Ryan. You’re not competing with his ghost. I promise.”

  “But you don’t intend to sell it for money if you need it?”

  “No. I could never do that.” She turned away, trying to hide the tears as they spilled down her cheeks. “It doesn’t belong to me, not really.”

  Nick walked over to the counter and put the soap back on top of the jewelry. He placed it beneath the sink before facing her. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” With gentle fingers, he brushed away her tears. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  She nodded and took in a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. “It’s actually Gabi’s.”

  “Gabi?”

  “My daughter. Remember? I told you about her.”

  Nick nodded. “I remember.”

  “I planned to hold onto it until Gabi was older and give it to her.” Her heart ached and the burning in her chest was impossible to control as more tears fell. “Ryan gave it to me after we were married as a wedding gift. It’s a family heirloom and was supposed to make me feel welcomed to royalty or something like that, but I never wore it.”

  Nick raised an eyebrow. “I’m kind of surprised his mom didn’t ask for it back after his death. If it was that important to the family, I mean.”

  “She didn’t know I kept it, I’m sure.” Carlie shook her head, still feeling guilty about that. “She probably thought it was safe in Maharla. You see, we sent most of our stuff there ahead of us when we made plans to leave the country. I was supposed to send all the jewelry, but I didn’t want the bracelet out of my sight. I wore the ring, and I honestly forgot the earrings were in the bathroom when we packed.”

  “You didn’t just leave with your stuff?” Nick sounded skeptical about something, though Carlie wasn’t sure why.

  “Ryan had someone take our belongings, but he had one more meeting to take care of and we were supposed to fly out two days later.” She scrubbed at the tears on her face. “I was left with almost nothing, which I guess made it easier to go into hiding after Ryan’s murder.”