Ashley followed Patty’s gaze down to the dark brown leather boots she’d splurged on a few weeks ago. Their knee-length height brought them to just under the hem of the denim skirt. Although it didn’t expose much of her skin, the combination of the form-fitting top and hip hugging skirt made Ashley feel exposed. She preferred her twin set cardigans.
“I’m not sure…I feel too sexy.”
“You dress like an antiquated librarian. Trust me, you’re sexy without being slutty.”
Ashley fussed with her hair, which Patty had ironed into wide curls and insisted she wear down. She liked the end result, but it added to the whole feeling-too-sexy look. Perhaps she could pull part of it into a clip.
Patty yanked Ashley’s hand away from her hair. “If you tie back your hair, I’m going to pinch you.”
Ashley exhaled. “Fine.”
A horn beeped outside, followed by the ringing of the doorbell.
“They’re here. Let’s go,” Patty said, and propelled Ashley out the front door.
“Very slick,” Patty said about the white stretch limo in the driveway.
“Kate’s husband insisted so no one had to worry about driving,” Ashley said.
“Nice of him.”
Inside, introductions were made. In addition to Vicky, Lucy, and the very pregnant Kate, there were a couple other women who were in the bridal parties.
Glasses of champagne were thrust into Ashley and Patty’s hands.
“Let the party begin,” Vicky yelled, causing everyone to hoot in laughter.
The limo headed down to Center City, Philadelphia, to a fancy restaurant where both the food and alcohol flowed freely. On the ride to the club where they were going dancing, Ashley found herself sitting next to Kate.
“I ate too much.” Kate rubbed at her belly. “The problem with eating for three is you think you need more food than you really do. Then you feel like a baby whale.”
“I used to get huge cravings around eleven each night. It used to drive my dad crazy when I’d send him out to get me Chunky Monkey Ben & Jerry’s,” Ashley said. “He finally wised up and made sure it was stocked.”
Kate snorted. “My cravings last from when I wake up until I go to bed. Sometimes it’s chocolate, which I figure one of these two get from me. Lately, I’ve been craving eggs Benedict, which has to come from Edward’s gene pool. I’ve never eaten, let alone craved, eggs Benedict in my life.”
“When’s your due date?” Ashley asked.
“December eighteenth,” Kate said. “My very own Christmas babies.”
“You must be excited,” Patty said.
“And anxious. Delivering one kid was hard. Pushing out two seems impossible,” Kate said.
“Oh, come on, Sis. You have the perfect hips for pushing babies out,” Vicky called over the music.
“You’re lucky you’re one of the brides, or I’d hip check you into New Jersey.” Kate laughed and shook her head. “It’s no fun being the only sober one here.”
“You’re not alone. I’m not trashed,” Ashley said.
“That’s what you say now, but wait until we get in the club,” Kate said.
“Damn straight, girlfriend. My mission tonight is to get her loose enough so she gets on the dance floor,” Patty said.
Ashley didn’t care what Kate and Patty said. Only one drink for her. The last time she’d gotten drunk, she’d ended up in bed with Nick.
The last thing Ashley needed was more complication in her life.
Chapter Eighteen
Nick sipped his cola. He and Damon had worked after Habitat, and they met up with Jamie and the rest of the guys at a bar along the waterfront. And as Damon reminded him, last time they’d gone out, he’d been designated driver so it was Nick’s turn. Jamie and Tristan had beaten their sorry asses—their words—at darts, and now they moved onto pool. What his future brother-in-law didn’t know was Damon and he ruled the pool table. They were five balls ahead on their second game when Nick’s cell buzzed.
He retrieved it from his back pocket and saw it was Kate. “The party’s not over yet, is it?”
It was hard to hear over the loud pulsing music, so Nick stepped to a quieter corner of the bar.
“You need…get here. Ashley’s had…much…drink,” Kate yelled. It was enough for Nick to get the gist of what she was saying before the connection was dropped.
He tapped Damon on the shoulder. “I need to roll.”
“What’s up?”
“Kate called and said Ashley had too much to drink. Not sure if there’s a problem or if Kate wants me to take her home.”
“I’ll ride with you. Patty is there, too.”
Nick raised a brow. “Oh? Something you haven’t told me?”
Damon smiled. “Not yet, but the night is young.”
It seemed he wasn’t the only one with sex on his mind.
Nick found Jamie and told him where they were headed.
It was close to midnight—prime time for those going out clubbing—leaving Nick no choice but to valet park, unless he wanted to call attention to being a cop—which he didn’t.
The club, located on the Philly waterfront, had a fantastic view of the Walt Whitman Bridge. If it had been summer, the outdoor patio would have been open with live bands playing all weekend. Nick had spent more than his share of time down there with Franny in his early twenties.
On his way inside, they nodded to a couple guys in uniform who were assigned to patrol the area—also something Nick had done as a rookie cop.
The music vibrated through him. Strobe lights pulsed to the beat, a sea of people crammed onto the dance floor. Nick scanned the floor, looking for signs of his sisters and Ashley. It was in the back bar where he found them. Nick shook his head at the sight of Vicky and Lucy, both sporting tiaras raising their hands and clinking shot glasses with their posse. His baby sister was going to have a hell of a hangover tomorrow.
Someone pulled on his shirt sleeve. Turning, he saw Kate perched on a high stool and looking miserable. Kate’s BFF and Edward’s sister-in-law, Meghan, was next to her.
“Thank God you’re here,” Kate yelled. “I’m going out of my freaking mind and possibly have rendered my unborn children deaf from the loud noise.”
He furrowed his brow. “Are you feeling okay?”
She nodded. “I’m way too pregnant for this.”
Nick reached for his phone. “I’ll text Edward to come and get you.”
“I’m right behind you, mate.” Edward clapped a hand on his shoulder.
“I called him right after you,” Kate said, reaching out to grasp her husband’s hand.
Edward’s twin, Charles, was right behind him, and stepped beside Meghan. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, which had her smiling before she pressed her lips to his.
Looked like there was love everywhere in the city of brotherly love.
“The others are right behind us. Once they’d heard where their women were, they were ready to leave.” Edward placed a protective arm around Kate and reached out to caress her belly. “You and our wee ones okay?”
She nodded.
What the hell was his crazy sister thinking going there? Was she looking to go into premature labor?
“Where’s Ashley?” Nick asked.
“She and Patty were just here. They came off the dance floor to do shots.” Kate stretched her neck to search the crowd before pointing. “There they are.”
Sure enough, Ashley, Patty, and two other girls—his cousin Gino’s daughters—were on an elevated stage on the dance floor. Guys were dancing with them—if you could call the gyrating they were doing dancing—and none of them were complaining.
“How much have they had to drink?” Damon asked.
“I haven’t a clue. There was champagne in the limo and wine at dinner. I’ve lost track of how many rounds of shots they’ve done. I asked for a pitcher of water, but as you can see”—Kate pointed to the high top table next to her—“it’s more t
han half filled.”
“Ashley isn’t a big drinker,” Nick said. It had only taken three glasses of wine at the wedding for her to lose her inhibitions. “I’ll take it from here.”
There was a squeal followed by Vicky launching herself through the crowd and leaping into Jamie’s arms. With her legs around his waist, they made out like they hadn’t seen each other in a year. A second squeal resulted in Lucy doing the same thing to Tristan.
“Were we this stupid at our bachelor and bachelorette parties?” Kate asked.
Since Nick’s wedding was quick and Franny was pregnant, she proclaimed he couldn’t have a bachelor party since she didn’t have one as she couldn’t drink. Typical of Franny to be selfish, as though the universe needed to revolve around her.
“As much as this brings back fond memories of old times, let’s get you to bed, luv,” Edward said and helped Kate down off the stool.
Once they’d left, he and Damon moved closer to the dance floor.
“You ready to do this?” Damon asked.
Ready or not, it was time to break up Ashley’s dirty dancing.
****
The floor was thick with the heat and sweat of people. Bright lights cast an eerie glow amidst the fog machine. Nick gave up weaving through the crowd and plowed straight to his destination.
Ashley.
She was a vision on the platform in a denim skirt, high boots, and a tight sweater that barely contained her breasts. Nick wasn’t feeling appreciative of the view given she was flanked by two guys who seemed intent in getting up close and personal with her assets.
Nick paused at the bottom of the platform and stared. She wore her hair down and loosely curled. As she danced, it swung side to side in a curtain of sexy coils. It was magnificent.
She was magnificent.
Patty saw them first and winked at Damon—at least Nick hoped that’s who she was winking at. Damon nudged his arm, and Nick followed him up the steps to the upper level.
Nick tapped the shoulder of a guy who practically had his face in Ashley’s cleavage and flashed his badge. The guy raised his hands and scooted away. Oblivious to losing her dance partner, Ashley continued to sway her hips and feet to the beat of the music. To get her attention, Nick placed his right hand on one hip and with his left hand, took her hand in his. It was easy to pick up her rhythm, and her eyes widened when she realized he was there.
He couldn’t hear her but saw her mouth his name before her lips curled into a smile.
She hesitated only a moment before following his lead and getting into the seductive dance he’d started. He hadn’t intended for things to heat up, but Ashley pressed up close to him reminding him of another time they’d danced as close and with not a care in the world.
The song changed to something slow.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Ashley said.
He spun her away and then pulled her in close. “I heard you needed a better dance partner.”
She melted into him and laid her head on his shoulder. “Mmm hmm.”
Now, holding her again, all the years of deception blurred and Nick saw the girl he’d started to care for—one he may have fallen for if fate hadn’t intervened. What did it mean? Were they not meant to be together? Or was their time not until now?
As much as he loved the way she felt against him, they’d made too many rash decisions while intoxicated, and Nick wasn’t about to allow another one to happen.
Not when Sean could be hurt.
Not when Nick was still cautious about relationships.
If he and Ashley were going to start something, she needed to consent with clear eyes and mind. She had to want it as much as he did.
That meant he had to resist his desire and be the voice of reason until she was clear-minded again.
No easy feat with her rubbing against him.
He took a step back. “Let’s go,” he mouthed.
She smiled and nodded.
He signaled to Damon to let him know they were leaving.
Once in his SUV, he debated whether he should take Ashley to her place or his, and opted for his. He parked and helped her out, picking her up so she wouldn’t fall on those icepick heels while walking up the stairs.
Inside his apartment, he set her down and locked the door.
“Thanks for taking care of me.” She looked around the apartment. “Why did you bring me here?”
“With both Sean and your dad away, I didn’t want you to be alone when you’re hungover in the morning.”
Her pout was replaced by a smile. “You’re such a good guy, Nick. I always thought so.” She weaved across the room until she stood in front of him. “It’s the main reason I’ve felt guilty all these years for keeping Sean from you.” Her eyes filled up. “Can you ever forgive me?”
It would take a while for Nick to forget—if that was even possible—but he understood and figured it was pretty darn close to forgiveness.
He caressed her face, so pale and beautiful. “I forgive you, Ashley.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, when what he wanted to do was taste her mouth.
Nothing prepared him for what happened next, which is how he found himself pressed against the wall.
“Over the years, I’ve thought about you and of our night together and wondered if it would feel the same now. If we’d want each other as much as we had that night,” Ashley said.
Her words undid him, and his cock strained against his zipper. His voice was hoarse when he’d found it. “Ashley. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
She removed her jacket and tossed it on the floor. Then grabbing the lapel of his, pushed it off his shoulders. “Don’t I?”
With her heels, she was almost eye level.
“I know you want me.” She ground against his erection, and he swore. “It’s been only you, Nick. No one has ever come close to making me feel like you made me feel.” She palmed his length through his jeans, and he thudded the back of his head against the wall. He was on thin ice, and she was nearing his breaking point.
He needed to stop her.
But hell if he didn’t want her to.
Ashley reached down and grabbed the hem of her shirt and swept it over her head. Her cream satin bra pushed her breasts high and nearly spilled them out the top. “I want to feel desirable and out of control like that again, Nick.”
She contorted her arms behind her and unfastened the clasp, allowing the wispy fabric to float to the ground. The peach tips of her nipples beckoned to him, and his hands were drawn to brush against the firm points. Cupping underneath, he pushed them up and together, flicking his thumbs over her nipples. She cried out and bucked against him.
“Please,” she whispered.
One simple word and he lost the last thread of control.
With a groan, he reversed their position and thrust her arms over her head. Eye to eye, he met her green eyes, pooled with desire. He captured her mouth, savoring the feel and vibration of her lips trembling against his.
She’d awakened something in him long dormant, and he thrust his tongue in her mouth, thrilled to find her lips parted and ready to accept what he had to offer. While his mouth feasted on hers, his hands traveled down to cup her breasts and then lower. When he encountered more satin, he realized at some point she removed her skirt, but not the boots, thank you dear God. He took a moment to admire her before sliding his fingers underneath the elastic of her panties to stroke her. One and then two fingers slipped past her folds and into her sleek channel. On a groan, she bucked beneath him, and with a few more strokes, fell apart in his arms.
So beautifully responsive. How was it no one else could make her feel the way she claimed only he could?
Was it the alcohol?
Or did he dare hope it could be more?
“More.” She pulled his head down to her breast.
He rubbed his lower lip over the bud before circling it with his tongue and sucking. She moaned, and he thought she was going to come again.
>
“More,” she repeated and pushed his head lower.
He kissed her belly button before feeling her press on his shoulders, directing him down further. Not needing another hint, he nuzzled her mound through her panties before sliding the damp fabric aside. She trembled from her orgasm and strained to get closer to him. Giving in to his own need, he ran his tongue around her center before thrusting inside. She moaned and bucked against him, encouraging him to continue.
He blew on her clit before sucking the full bud into his mouth. That was all it took for her to shatter, the orgasm longer than the last and almost taking him along with her.
With his breath uneven, he kissed her thigh and set her panties in place. What had he done? How had he let her convince him this would be a good idea?
Rising to his feet, his eyes met her glassy pair. From the look of her now, she had no regrets. But how would she feel in the morning?
“Wow, so good,” she rasped.
“I’m sor—”
She stopped him with a kiss and turned, so he was once again backed to the wall. Her hands trailed under his shirt, along his muscled abs. “Your body is amazing.” She pushed the tee over his head. He breathed hard, fighting to regain the control she tested as she brought fire to every part of him she touched.
She pressed her mouth to his chest, circled his nipples, while her hand journeyed down. “So hard, so sexy.”
He closed his eyes to savor the feel and jolted to attention when he realized she’d unbuttoned his jeans.
With a groan of regret, he covered her hands. “Hey. Go easy on me. It’s been a while.”
Her hand was still on the zipper, but she paused long enough to stare at him. “Really?”
Tugging her hands away from his cock, he draped them around his neck. “Let’s take this to the bedroom.” He lifted her into his arms.
She burrowed into his neck, trailing hot kisses along his jaw.
He set her beside the bed and pulled down the covers. She held onto his shoulders while one by one he removed her boots—and what a hot vision she made—her green eyes followed his every movement, her hair tousled, her lips wet from kissing him. This was undeniably both the best and worst type of torture he’d ever experienced, as was evidenced by the mounting pressure of his cock straining to get free. “Get comfortable. I want to grab a couple bottles of water.”
Awaken My Heart Page 22