“Let’s go for a walk,” Colin murmured in her ear, and she could feel his lips graze her ear lobe. The sensation made her shudder and she sat up with a nod of her head. He kept her hand in his, and as they descended the porch stairs and walked along the side of the house, Nicole forced herself not to look in Aaron’s direction. Nearing the backyard, they encountered Trish, Jules, and Lauren commiserating on her back stoop. Lauren finished off her beer and smashed the can.
“Where ya going?” Lauren slurred. She looked dangerously close to passing out.
“Nowhere in particular,” Colin uttered, sliding his arm around Nicole.
“Really.” Lauren made a disgusted face. Nicole thought for a moment Lauren might vomit.
“Maybe it’s time for you to stop drinking tonight,” Nicole suggested. Her concern for Lauren’s wellbeing was growing by the second.
“Oh, shut up, Nicole. I am so tired of hearing your mouth tonight.”
Nicole eyes bugged with surprise. “What did I do?”
“Sad little Nicole. The damsel in distress demanding everyone’s attention. Do you have catnip for boys in your panties, or what?”
“Lauren!” Trish gasped, but Lauren ignored her.
“Even your friggin’ costume. Who’s the big bad wolf tonight?”
Nicole gaped at her. Trish looked horrified and put a hand on Lauren’s shoulder as if it might help silence her.
“What’s your problem?” Nicole demanded.
“Do you really have your head so far up your ass that you don’t see Aaron’s in love with you?” she slurred.
“Lauren! Shut the hell up.” Jules was on her feet giving Lauren a deadly look. Lauren looked shocked and her mouth snapped shut.
“Do yourself a favor and go pass out somewhere. Come on. Let’s go get some coffee.” Colin’s voice was serious beside her and he turned Nicole away from the situation and led her off into the night. Livid, her face felt hot and she imagined her cheeks were as red as a clown’s nose. Is that really how the world sees me? As Colin tried to change the subject, Nicole felt lost, reviewing the ridiculous events of the evening and seriously second-guessing her decision to move home. Her friends thought she was vying for attention, and it seemed the only entertainment in Jefferson Point was getting stupidly drunk and fighting. At that moment, she wished she could go get Ike and kick everyone out of her house, but she knew she had no business driving and it was very late.
Colin’s houseboat was not far from her place, and when they arrived, Nicole glanced at her phone and noticed it was 1:00. She imagined the boat was gorgeous in the light of day and a great spot in the summer, but it was extremely cold as the wind whipped over the river. He led her inside and busied himself setting up a pot of coffee. She watched him maneuvering around in his kitchen with the same skill he had behind the bar. His longish hair was perfectly disheveled and he had a sexy five o’clock shadow. Meeting Colin had been the only decent part of her night.
“Hey,” she said, causing him to stop before he flipped the switch. She shook her head. “Neither one of us really needs coffee this time of night.”
His dark eyes curious, he shrugged and took off his coat. She sat on the sofa and took in the charming room. Decorated in gold and red, the houseboat, like Colin, was a pleasant surprise.
“I can’t believe you live here. It’s fantastic.”
“Only part of the time. I’m about to dry dock it for the season. I have a place above the bar during the winter months.” He turned on the electric fireplace and rubbed his hands together. “You must be freezing. It will warm up soon, I promise.”
Grabbing a throw from the back of a chair, he crossed over and sat next to her on the couch. He covered her and moved close enough to share the throw. They exchanged several glances, and Nicole felt suddenly shy now that they were alone. Colin reached out slowly and took her hand.
“I’m sorry about your party. It went to hell pretty quickly.”
“It was never my party to begin with.” She frowned and stared at her boots. Lauren’s words echoed in her ears and Nicole felt defiant; she felt like being selfish. She met his gaze head-on and studied his handsome face with determination. Something in her expression must have looked like an invitation, and he slid a little closer and pulled her into him.
“Can I kiss you, Nicole?” It was almost a whisper.
“All right.” Her voice was husky. She’d been searching her soul for the answer to this question since they arrived at his place. She found that after being rebuked by Aaron, she desperately needed to feel wanted, to feel like a woman. Colin was hot and he was into her. The timing couldn’t be a coincidence.
In a flash, he was on his knees in front of her and as he pulled her into his arms, nervousness had her heart throbbing as if she’d just run a mile. He stopped and caressed her cheek. His thumb stroked her lip as if priming her for the real thing. His took his time, his tongue playfully teasing her.
Suddenly her mind transported her back to Aaron’s song. His soulful voice tugged at her, and the reality of her feelings for him flooded her mind. She felt herself pulling away from Colin. He frowned at her sudden change in demeanor and held her face in his hands for what seemed like a long time. Then he sat back with a decisive sigh. Confused by her own actions, Nicole blinked and frowned.
“This night has been crazy. Why don’t you take my room and I’ll sleep out here.”
Nicole nodded, still dazed. Her lips tingled from his kisses. He showed her to his room, and then pulled her in for a kiss again, his hands in her hair. He pulled her against his rock-hard body. His talented mouth was on her neck and she felt like caving to him and his wandering hands. The vivid recollection of Aaron’s kisses in her kitchen stopped her in her tracks. Colin stopped at her lack of responsiveness immediately. This time he pulled himself away forcefully.
“I’ve gotta go. Lock the door.” He chuckled and was gone with the slam of the door. Nicole stared at the closed door in disbelief. Had she lost her mind? She’d let Aaron—who had insisted they would never be a thing—stop her from sleeping with Colin?
Idiot!
Breathless and frustrated, she flopped down on his bed and shook her head in wonderment and confusion. As she drifted off, the thought of Aaron, all dimples and emerald eyes, lulled her to sleep.
The sound of Shilah’s ring tone woke him. He opened his eyes and stretched. Remembering where he was, he looked to his left and saw Avery still asleep. He blindly reached for his phone.
“Yeah.” He yawned.
“Have you seen Lauren?” Jack’s voice sounded troubled.
“Isn’t she home?” Avery stirred next to him and as she did, the sheet moved, revealing a breast. Shilah reached out and touched it. He could feel himself growing hard, ready for more.
“Would I be calling you if she were?”
“The last time I saw her was when I gave her a cigarette.”
“Are you home?”
“No, I’m still at Nicole’s.”
“I’ll be there in ten!” The call ended abruptly. Shilah turned his attention to Avery. He touched her face and she opened her eyes. She blinked a couple times and seeing him staring, her face reddened.
“Who was that?” Her voice was quiet.
“Jack. Apparently, Lauren didn’t come home last night,” Shilah replied. Avery sat up.
“We have to help him find her.” She got out of the bed and began searching for her clothes. Shilah watched her.
“She probably stayed at Jules’ place. You know we should probably wash Nicole’s bedding before she sleeps here tonight,” Shilah suggested. Avery had a smile on her face. They shared a moment, and Shilah hoped she would crawl back into bed, but the doorbell rang. Reluctantly, he got out of the bed and pulled on his pants. He trudged downstairs and unlocked the door. Jack whizzed in past him.
“Is she here?” Jack searched the rooms. Avery entered the dining room.
“Did she call you?” Jack asked her. Avery picked up her
cell phone.
“Nope. Just a missed call from Jason. Shocking.” Shilah smiled. Avery walked to the bathroom door and opened it.
“Uh… Jack, you might want to see this.” Jack hurried to her and Shilah followed.
“Oh shit,” Jack murmured. Lauren was lying on the floor, a towel covering her like a blanket. One hand was in the toilet and the other clutched her cell phone. Jack knelt down. “Lauren! Lauren!”
Avery scurried to wet a washcloth.
“Is she breathing?” Shilah, alarmed by her pallor and stillness, leaned closer. Jack nodded and he exhaled, sounding relieved. Avery handed him the washcloth and he dabbed Lauren’s face, repeating her name. She opened her eyes and Jack hugged her.
“I feel like shit,” Lauren groaned. “Can we go home?”
“Of course, baby,” Jack replied and helped her stand.
“Take it slow, Jack. I feel like I’m walking on water here.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Shilah opened the bathroom door wider.
“Just get the door,” Jack replied. He picked Lauren up and carried her toward the door. Shilah hustled in front of him and did as he asked. He watched as Jack carried Lauren down the stairs and put her in his truck. Jack gave him a quick wave then sped off. Shilah glanced around the yard. There was a small hint of fire in the fire pit and a few cans and bottles lay about. He went back inside. Avery was in the kitchen making coffee.
“That was weird,” Avery acknowledged. Shilah slid up on the counter and watched Avery as she busied herself throwing away empty beer cans. She looked stunning, wearing only his flowing white Lone Ranger shirt.
“Lauren is going to be hurting for days,” Shilah remarked. She nodded, but didn’t look up from what she was doing. He watched her, amazed by the beauty in her simple tasks.
“Come here.” His tone was firm and she obeyed his command.
He pulled her close so that she was standing between his legs, her hands on his thighs. He put a finger under her chin and raised her eyes to meet his.
“Regrets?” He watched her carefully, searching for any non-verbal clue to her thoughts. Avery leaned in and kissed him with the same hunger she had the night before. Shilah wrapped his arms around her, feeling her hands go to his button and zipper. She slipped her hand inside, eliciting a moan.
“Let’s go upstairs and make those sheets messier,” Avery purred. Shilah enthusiastically slid off the counter.
“Do you have any more condoms?” Avery whispered in his ear. Shilah’s stomach sank.
Shit.
“I don’t think so.”
Avery took a step back and walked out of the room. His ache for her was painful and seeing her from behind wasn’t helping.
As he followed her into the dining room, he noticed her searching her purse. She turned, presenting a condom and smiling fiendishly. She tucked it in her shirt pocket and darted toward the stairs.
She’s going be the death of me, he thought as he tore up the stairs after her.
Nicole stretched and opened her eyes. Remembering where she was, she sat straight up in the bed. The night before played out in her mind and dread overwhelmed her. She fell back into the pillows and groaned aloud. Searching the room for a clock she gasped when she saw it was 9:00 A.M. She threw back the comforter and started for the door.
Please be asleep. She silently chanted the phrase like a mantra as she cracked opened the door and peeked out. The houseboat was silent. She held her breath as she crept toward the living room area.
“Nicole’s here.” She heard Colin say in a mischievous manner.
“Bullshit.” It sounded like his brother with him.
“No, for real, dude.”
“You’re in way over your head, boy’o,” Sean sounded alarmed.
She crept toward the side exit, but Colin’s voice rang out.
“Nicole!” She nearly jumped out of her skin. Turning toward the fireplace, she saw Colin and Sean standing by the fire, sipping coffee. Sean’s eyes flew comically wide and he gaped at her.
“I’m just heading out.” She turned and continued in the direction of the exit.
“Hey, wait.” Colin hurried to her. He placed a hand on the small of her back and accompanied her to the door.
“I had a really good time hanging out with you last night.” He kept the volume down, his tone serious. To her horror, he was just as handsome in the light of day.
And I didn’t sleep with him. What the hell is wrong with me?
“Me too.” Nicole’s mouth was dry and she wished they didn’t have an audience. Colin pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and presented it to her.
“Can I get your number?’
“For?”
He looked at her as if she were being silly.
“I thought I would call you for lunch … or dinner … or drinks…”
She considered for a moment and her sober mind shouted at her that she was a moron. Her reservations regarding Aaron seemed a distant memory. She remembered the sight of Joy draped across him the night before. She took the phone and looked up at him from under her lashes, trying to discern his level of interest. He tilted his head to the side, his eyes insistent. She plugged in the number.
“Let me give you a ride home.” Colin smiled victoriously and handed her coat to her. He reached for his coat and started to put it on.
“I’m going that way. I’ll take her,” Sean interrupted in his booming voice. “Dad needs you at the pub, remember?” Colin looked at his brother like he wanted to clobber him, but shrugged.
“I’ll call you,” Colin called after her as they made their way across the dock to Sean’s car. As soon as they climbed in, Sean looked at her, his expression simultaneously curious and judging.
“Nothing happened.” She knew she sounded defensive.
“Okay.” Sean raised an eyebrow at her venomous tone.
She sighed and her shoulders slumped. “Sorry. I’m just tired.”
“It’s none of my business.” Sean shrugged.
“I can tell what you think by the dirty looks.”
“I was thinking about my brother.” He turned to look at her, his exasperation written all over his face.
“Huh?”
“Picturing Colin getting his ass kicked and ending up in intensive care.”
“What are you talking about?’
“Aaron.”
“Oh my God, this again? There is nothing going on between me and Aaron. He’s got a girlfriend!” Nicole ran her hands through her hair. Sick and tired of seeing and hearing about Aaron, she closed her eyes. The perception that he had somehow marked her as his territory made her livid. Suddenly Lauren’s ravings from the night before didn’t seem so ludicrous. She felt embarrassed and backed into a corner.
“Pull over,” Nicole demanded.
“Nicole,” Sean began.
“Don’t make me use my rape whistle, Sean!”
She nearly laughed at his expression, as he slowed the car down and pulled to the side of the road, but she was too infuriated.
“Please don’t say anything to anyone. You know how fast stuff spreads. Thanks for the ride.” Nicole clambered out of the car and slammed the door shut. She continued up the hill, lost in her thoughts.
There was no need for Aaron to look out for her anymore. He was so busy watching over her for Ryan that he hadn’t noticed that it had been Ryan she’d needed protecting from. Ryan was dead and buried and she no longer had the need for his faithful sidekick. She was a grown woman. A mother, for God’s sake. Somehow this ‘damsel in distress’ had managed to raise a fatherless baby alone in the city and Ike was doing just fine. Slowly, she felt herself shifting from anger to numbness. She’d fluctuated between these two states for as long as she could remember. She knew what her shrink would say, so she tried to examine her feelings and behaviors.
Things were rough when Ryan left for college, and Nicole remembered feeling like she’d lost her purpose. Then he dumped her over t
he phone in November of her junior year in high school. The hour drive and two-year age difference were his excuses, but Nicole knew he just wanted to play the field.
She spent the next few months crying, growing out a shitty breakup haircut, and sketching in her room. Aaron stopped by with bad beer as contraband. He told her she was better off, brushed off her clumsy passes, and made her laugh—but then he was off again. He was a college man and going places. Life moved on for everyone but Nicole.
Her mother had been saving up for a home remodel and enlisted Nic’s help. The project was an unexpected inspiration for Nicole to use her creativity and sparked her interest in design schools. Since then she’d never wavered; design was what she’d been born to do.
The more her mood improved, the more she let Avery pull her back out into the high school social scene. The result was her romp with Jason. This disaster kept her from casually dating anyone else, and she’d spent many more weeks listening to punk rock and ska while reupholstering furniture that year.
As summer wore on, Avery declared she’d had it with her “simpering fuckery” and twisted her arm to come out on the Fourth of July. Jefferson Point had a huge fireworks display over the water, a lighted boat parade, and an infamous tug of war against the town on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. Main Street was saturated with food vendors, activities, and rides. Kids with painted faces ran wild and Nicole’s focus had been on the toothless carnie making obscene gestures at her as they rode the Tilt-a-whirl, when she spotted Ryan and Aaron. She hadn’t seen Ryan since the breakup, and his bright smile and confident gait may as well have been a spotlight in the crowd. Trapped on the ride with Avery and a couple other friends, she struggled to make herself invisible. Like a magnet, Ryan’s attention turned to her. He watched her twirl on the ride, and his expression shifted in awe. His intensity hadn’t faded. The ride ended and the guys approached and greeted their group. Avery pulled her away from them and icily instructed Ryan to stay the hell away from her friend, but later that night his lips were on hers as they ignored the fireworks.
Kiss Kiss Page 213