by Jamie Beck
“This is awesome, Nik. Thanks. I appreciate your encouragement even more than the gift itself.” He set the box on the table and looked at her. “In fact, I mentioned this idea to Avery this morning. She also thinks it’s a good fit. Now I need to figure out how to get started.”
“Shouldn’t be too hard.”
He shrugged. “Well, my schedule is still in flux. I guess I’ll know more after the new year begins.”
Ah, that. That reminder of why her being here kissing him probably wasn’t the best idea—or at least not the best timing.
“Why’d you kiss me the other night?” Yes, she went there. She might faint from embarrassment, but she couldn’t take the question back. And if there would be more of this kissing between them, she needed to understand the parameters.
He half shrugged while wearing that adorable grin. “Why’d you kiss me tonight?”
“I asked first.”
He laughed. “Why does any guy kiss a girl, Nik? I wanted to. I like you.”
“But why now? What’s changed?” She didn’t want to bring up his past rejection. She only wanted him to somehow prove that this wasn’t a seduction plan designed to secure his job. Not that any man would confess that motive. And not that she even suspected Andy could be that devious. Yet, if she was going to take a risk with her heart and career, she needed to feel sure.
“I guess I’ve changed. I’m not the same guy I used to be before.” He shrugged.
Anytime he remembered the accident, his face fell a bit. She hated that he felt so much shame. He needed to be reminded that, despite that mistake, he was a great guy then and now. “I hope that’s not true. I always liked you just as you were.”
That grin she loved reappeared, rewarding her. “As I did you.”
She suddenly felt extremely shy, sitting there in front of a fire, talking to a longtime crush about her feelings. People always thought of her as brave for her daring on the slopes, but this conversation required more courage than anything she’d done in a long time. “So then, what do we do now?”
He leaned closer. “I have a few ideas.”
Her heart bucked like a young colt dodging a rope. She had no idea how to be seductive or playful. Awkward was her default mode when it came to men, especially this man. “Do you?”
He nodded just before kissing her. Tonight, he tasted of wine and something spicy, but that sensation was replaced by a dozen others as his weight shifted, pushing her back into the cushions.
Nothing had ever felt as good as the weight of his body on top of her or the feel of his hands in her hair. He nipped at her lips before tracing the seam with his tongue. Her heart pounded, fearful that he’d wake from his daze and change his mind. That thought drifted away as he slowly ravished her mouth with long, lazy kisses.
Her body was overwhelmed by sensations—his scent, the heat of his skin and heavy breath, the silkiness of his hair. His fingers skimmed beneath her shirt and stroked her abdomen. He writhed against her, his movements occasionally punctuated by a rumbling moan in his throat. The scruff of his five o’clock shadow abraded her skin, but she wouldn’t complain. Not when Andy Randall was reduced to putty in her hands.
Putty might not be fair, considering the hard length of him pressing against her pelvis. Even fully dressed, their bodies ground out the slow, steady rhythm of desire.
“Nik.” His rough voice sent shivers racing all over her skin. “This couch is too small. Bed or floor?”
Bed or floor? Bed or floor. Bed or floor!
“Nik?” He kissed his way down the column of her neck.
“Bed.”
“You sure? The fire’s nice.” He stopped for a second, propping himself up on his elbows. His hair hung around his face, framing those eternally kind green eyes.
It seemed awfully bright in the living room, and she was more than a little self-conscious. Of course, she wouldn’t mind getting a better view of his amazing body. “Okay, floor.”
He whipped off his shirt and tugged hers over her head. Within a matter of minutes, they’d shucked everything but their underwear. She battled every timid hang-up that came into her mind and focused on the skin-to-skin friction of their hands and bodies. He cupped her breasts before bringing his mouth to one, making her body arch from taut anticipation and need.
His tongue circled her nipple while his other hand worked its way up her thigh, to the warm, wet center of her core. She heard herself whimper with pleasure, felt his answering smile. Hooking one leg around his hip, she savored every touch and traced her nails along his back. For years she’d imagined being in his arms, but nothing prepared her for the reality or the rush of emotion filling her heart.
His hot skin was sweaty when he finally ripped open the condom wrapper and thrust himself into her body. “Nik.”
She was ready to rock and roll, but he stilled—almost rapt—and swept some of her sweat-soaked hair from her forehead. Tenderly, he traced a line from her ear to her jaw, then brushed his thumb over her scar.
She turned her face in shame, but he kissed her temple and tipped her face toward him again. “Don’t hide this from me. It’s a part of you. An important part. It proves how resilient and tough you are. Be proud of it.”
Tears welled behind her eyes, threatening to ruin that near-perfect moment. No one had ever said anything like that to her or viewed that scar as something other than an ugly reminder of a bad accident.
Before she could say anything, he kissed her and started pumping his powerful hips, which sent her already shaky emotions careening out of control. She matched his strokes with the strength of her own, their long limbs entangled. The crackling fire did little to quiet the sounds of their lovemaking and only heightened the feverish sensation that tore through her body and ignited her heart.
She lost track of time, drifting in a sort of carnal paradise, until they shouted out a simultaneous release of all that energy and lust.
After a moment of rest, he rolled off her and flung his arm over his head, panting. I made Andy Randall pant. That thought caused her to giggle.
He turned his head, his face red from exertion. Still, that grin. “Laughter isn’t exactly what a guy likes to hear at this particular juncture.”
She turned on her side and kissed his chest. “Sorry. I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at myself. I can’t believe . . .” She didn’t know how to finish without sounding juvenile, so she waved her hand over the two of them. “This.”
He rolled on his side to face her, resting his head on one hand while stroking her waist with the other. “Any regrets?”
“No. You?”
“Not even a little.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
“So, what next?”
He chuckled. “I need a minute.”
“No,” she laughed. “I mean, what is this? Is it even anything?”
How embarrassing and desperate of her to demand answers he probably didn’t have. She’d initiated this little visit; now she was pressuring him. Oh, boy, would Amy have lots to say.
But he surprised her for the second time tonight. “It is to me.”
“Like, a really nice one-off, or . . .”
“Are you asking for my intentions?” He grinned. “I’d like to see you, Nik, but I don’t want to make things awkward at work, especially while I’m in limbo over there.”
She nodded. That niggling worry that his newfound attraction for her might have a little to do with securing his job resurfaced. “So you’d rather us keep this quiet?”
“I’d rather do whatever makes you comfortable.” He wrapped a bit of her hair around his finger.
“Oh.” If only she knew what would be best. “This isn’t anyone’s business. At least not until we figure out what this is . . . what we really want. I also don’t want to be questioned by Billy, Don, or anyone else about what lesson assignments I hand out.”
“Undercover it is, then.” He rolled back on top of her, a position she welcomed, and gazed right into her eyes.
“But, Nik, I don’t need more time to know what I want.”
She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming, but then he kissed her, and that did the trick even better.
Chapter Eight
Andy trailed behind Millie during their final run, watching her practice the edging they’d been working on all day. Cloudy skies made for flat light, but she read the terrain pretty well and handled the moguls with agility. He had to admit she’d improved since he’d skied with her in the past. For the most part, they’d fallen into their former rapport, and the day had been more fun than he’d predicted.
She’d been cheerful and lively, as always—flirtatious without crossing any real lines. It shouldn’t shock him. She was married now. Maybe, contrary to his gut reaction to that news, she actually loved the older guy.
Together, they returned to the base. Millie handed Andy a hundred bucks. “I’m so excited just thinking about how to update our master bathroom. I’ll be honest, I still like my family’s home better than the little place Mitchell bought us, but he wants his privacy.”
“I look forward to helping you bring it up to par.” He shoved the money in his jacket, happy that he might get his first side job without relying on Emma.
Millie stood with her skis propped against her body, playfully pushing at his shoulder with her free hand. “I know how good you are with those hands—I’m expecting miracles.”
He couldn’t deny they’d had some fun times together, but he wouldn’t encourage her flirtation with banter. “Thanks. I’ll see you later, then.”
“Eight o’clock.” She hiked her skis up onto her shoulder. “You still a fan of New Belgium’s Fat Tire?”
“Of course.”
“See you later.” She gave a little wave before sauntering off without another word.
Behind him, Andy heard a snicker. In a mocking voice, Billy B trilled, “It’s easy, Billy. Just upsell from your group lessons.”
Andy turned, telling himself not to fight. “Hey, Billy.”
Billy shook his head. “I see clearly, now. The key to success is to flirt with Nikki and bang the clients—not that I’m complaining. I’m happy to follow in those footsteps.”
Instructors and other students began crowding the outdoor patio area. In his peripheral vision, Andy saw Nikki come outside, as she often did to check on clients at the end of lessons.
Billy stood nearby, a taunting smirk in place. Andy’s gaze darted back to Nik, then circled the crowd. Damn. Without sparing Billy much of a glance, he shrugged. “Go for it.”
He fixed a nonchalant smile in place while strolling toward the circle of instructors gathering to listen to whatever Nik had come to say.
When she finished, Greg slapped Andy’s shoulder. “Let’s hit the OS.”
Andy hadn’t stepped inside the Outpost Saloon since the night of his accident. Its owners had had to pay Grey for their role in overserving Andy, so he’d been too uncomfortable to return. But maybe his hesitancy—his own lingering guilt—was part of the reason others couldn’t get past his mistake.
Avery had said he should be at least as angry with the OS and its untrained bartender as the bar owners were with him. He hadn’t believed his sister then, but perhaps she had a point. Neither the bartender nor his friends had tried to stop him from getting behind the wheel. And anyway, he supposed he couldn’t hide out forever, because the OS was a favorite watering hole for the instructors.
Andy tried to catch Nikki’s eye, but she kept them carefully locked on whatever paperwork she’d fastened to her clipboard. Okay, then. He looked at Greg and took the plunge. “Sure, why not?”
His anxiety about returning was one hundred times worse than the reality. The owners weren’t on-site, and no one working there made an unfriendly remark. Within ten minutes, his shock wore off, allowing him to relax and enjoy himself with his friends.
A couple of rounds of pool later, he itched to get home, shower, eat, and hightail it over to Millie’s. Making extra cash on the side meant he’d be able to afford rent. To afford privacy for the first time in forever. Privacy that would give him and Nikki a chance to explore these feelings without interference.
Meanwhile, she hadn’t called or texted him all afternoon.
On his way home, he gave her a buzz. “Hey, Nik. I half expected you to show up at the OS today. I could’ve used a good partner at the pool table.”
“You took off without saying much.”
“Sorry.” Had he misread her signals? “Billy was making comments just before Greg threw out the invitation. We agreed to keep it on the DL for now, right?”
She didn’t say anything for a second. “We did.”
After another awkward pause, she asked, “So, what are you up to now?”
“Quick shower and then heading over to Millie’s. She’s planning to remodel her master bathroom and invited me to bid on the project.”
More silence.
“Nik?”
“I’m here.”
“That’s all? I thought you’d be happy about me following through on your idea.”
“With Millie?” Her voiced sounded ten degrees cooler.
All this time he thought Nikki had gone out on a limb for him because she knew and trusted in him. He didn’t expect he’d have to prove himself time after time or defend himself when he hadn’t even done anything wrong.
“Yeah. I mentioned how I was considering picking up some remodeling jobs to supplement my income. She was supportive.”
“How convenient.”
Andy understood jealousy and insecurity . . . to a point. He counted to three before saying, “What’s with the attitude?”
“No doubt she’ll want you to test her Jacuzzi tub.”
“She’s married.”
“She’s still Millie.”
He blew out a breath while staring at the road ahead. “It almost sounds like you’re expecting me not to be friends with women from my past.”
“If I forbid that, your only female friends would be your sister, Kelsey, and Emma.”
Who is this woman, and what did she do with Nikki?
“You know what? Either you trust me or you don’t. I’m going to hang up before this turns into a fight. Call me once you make up your mind.” He punched the phone off.
Maybe he hadn’t handled that like a champ, but if she didn’t trust him, they had no shot at a decent relationship. That thought settled in his chest like a bowling ball.
#
Andy glanced at his watch for the second time since he’d measured the bathroom and written up Millie’s wish list: heated floors, new cabinets with marble counters, updated shower stall with a built-in bench. A big job—and, as a second job, one that would require him to work late into the night on a regular basis in order to get it done in a reasonable time frame.
Millie handed him a beer and lightly shoved him onto the sofa. The snug-fitting cashmere wrap dress she wore drew attention to her ample cleavage. She toyed with the necklace nestled right above the swell of her breasts. He prayed this getup was because she had plans to go out, because he had no plans to resume their old relationship.
“What about your husband?” Andy asked, crossing one foot over his knee. When she shot him a questioning look, he added, “Does he have parameters for the project, like a budget?”
She flitted her hands. “He doesn’t care. Whatever I want.”
“Lucky you.” Andy grinned. Millie had grown up rich and married richer. She’d never been a snob, though. Actually, she’d been fun and generous throughout their acquaintance. He was glad that her life had turned out like she wanted. He started to relax, assuming she wouldn’t jeopardize her situation for a quick fling.
“I suppose.” She sat beside him on the sofa, her lips forming a tiny pout.
“If you think you’ll make me feel sorry for you when you get to live in this place and never have to worry about money, it ain’t gonna work.” He smiled and swigged some beer, and she had the grace
to chuckle.
“It looks nice from the outside, but it gets lonely. Mitchell’s not the most affectionate man, especially since we got married. Even on his best day, he was nothing like you.” She canted toward him and laid one hand on his thigh.
Damn.
He lifted her hand and gently placed it in her lap, then squeezed it. “Millie, we had a lot of fun, and you’re a great lady, but I don’t mess with married women.”
“What if I told you that Mitchell and I have an understanding? He wanted a trophy wife, and I wanted security and, eventually, a kid. We care about each other, but we’re not the great loves of each other’s lives. As long as I’m discreet and don’t stray back at home, he’ll look the other way.” She leaned closer, grazing his arm with her chest and touching his hair.
That explained why the man would leave his wife the day after Christmas on a “business trip.” He caught her hand again and set it aside before scooting forward on the sofa to put space between them. “Look, if you and your husband have an understanding, I’m the last person to judge you. But I’m still not interested in being your monkey in the middle.”
She laughed. “What’s with you? You’re acting like we haven’t had sex before. Do you want me to grovel? Will that ease your conscience or make you hotter?”
“Please don’t.” He stood. “I’m sorry if I misled you into thinking I was interested in more than this job.”
“Well, this is a surprise.” The light in her eyes dimmed. “And not a good one.”
“Sorry. I don’t know what else to say.”
Heaving a sigh, she shrugged. “I suppose it’s time you leave.”
She swiped his half-empty beer from the coffee table.
“Don’t be mad or embarrassed. I won’t tell anyone what you told me tonight.”
Her eyes flashed hot, then her face turned as hard as ice. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
So, that’s the way she wanted to play it. He wouldn’t argue. If anything, he felt sorry for her. “I guess I won’t waste my time working up a bid for the bathroom job.”