Page 34 of Impossible Thrills

Chapter

Eleven

Darcy enjoyed dinner with the three men. Nick was sending her mixed signals, and she supposed she was doing the same. She found herself letting down her guard with him time and again. How was she supposed to resist a man as kind, accomplished, and intriguing as him being interested in her? If only she knew what was holding him back, what she feared he was hiding from her. She suspected now that her husband had cheated on her their entire marriage and was involved in shady business deals as well. She’d often wondered throughout their four year marriage what Johnny was hiding from her. She never got any answers until all her trust was broken. She couldn’t go through that again.

The four of them took their time eating and chatting. Focusing out the windows, Darcy was surprised the sun was almost touching the ocean to the west.

“Aren’t we watching the sunset from the hot tub?” Jagger asked, winking at Nick.

“What was that wink about?” she asked.

“Nothing.” Jagger jumped to his feet. “You’d better hurry and change out of that pretty dress and into a swimsuit if you want to watch the sunset from the top deck with us.”

Pretty dress. You are miles past pretty; you’re breathtaking, truly.

Nick’s gaze met hers and held it. Then he stood and pulled out her chair. Smiling up at him, she quivered when he took her hand. They all walked together down to the lower level.

“Meet you upstairs?” Darcy asked.

“Yep.” Jagger disappeared into his room.

“See ya soon.” Hays hurried into his room.

“I’ll come walk up with you,” Nick offered.

“Thank you.”

He held the door, and she walked into her suite. Glancing over her shoulder, she was caught up in his deep-brown gaze, smoldering with heat for her. Her stomach quivered with anticipation. If only they could sit in the hot tub alone.

He stepped back and closed the door. She hurried to slide out of the white dress, hang it up, and put on a fun one-piece floral suit that had enough padding in the chest area it looked like she did have some curves.

A long, gauzy white cover-up hung behind the formal dresses. It tied at the waist and flowed to the floor. Pretty.

She grabbed a beach towel from under the sink and hurried to wait by the door. It was odd to wait without a phone to distract her. With scant free time, she would usually respond to emails or texts, or scroll through social media. What she wouldn’t do to Google Nick Jacobs and do a thorough social media investigation.

A rap came on the door. She flung it open.

Nick had a towel flung over his shoulder that did nothing to hide his incredible build. The bronze medallion hung down between his lovely chest muscles. She found herself reaching up and touching just the medallion. She didn’t dare touch his smooth skin.

“Is this your family?” she asked.

He wrapped his hand around hers and held it against his chest. Warmth filled her. Looking into her eyes, he had her panting for air from a simple look and touch.

“My birth family,” he said quietly.

Darcy’s eyes widened. Was he going to open up to her? “You were adopted.”

He nodded. “My Papa Pete and Mama Marie are the best. I have seven older brothers and sisters and …” He paused. “I’m going to get in trouble, but I’m ninety percent certain the current count is fifteen nieces and nephews and two on the way.” He pulled a face. “I’d better get home to visit.”

“Yes, you should.” She smiled at him. She’d love to see Nick interact with his nieces and nephews. She’d love to see him interact with her kiddos. Four-year-old Samuel would flip out over a tough man tossing him in the air or playing catch with him.

Nick released her hand and gently touched her locket. She’d forgotten to take it off for the hot tub.

“Is this your family?” he asked.

Unexpected tears sprang to her eyes. “Yes,” she admitted. She slid the necklace over her head, undid the clasp, and opened the locket. It was a huge leap of faith to share with him. “That’s my mom on the left. She died giving birth to me. And me and my … daughter on the right.”

She flickered her gaze to him, expecting a look of shock. He didn’t seem surprised, more sympathetic and concerned for her.

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