Page 36 of Impossible Thrills

She swallowed, not sure what to say. “I trust you to take care of me like I always imagined a brother would, but my feelings for you are nothing like I’d feel for a brother.”

His lips curved up in a smile and he eased a bit closer. “That’s good, because the feelings I have for you are nothing like a brother should have for his sister.”

Her heart raced. He leaned down. She wanted him to kiss her, but she found she had to know something first. “Why didn’t you kiss me under the waterfall?”

Nick straightened, his brown eyes full of regret. “I’ve never been so drawn to or impressed with anyone in my life.”

That was a great thing, but there was a huge ‘but’ coming, she could feel it. “But …”

His hand fell away from her face, and he shook his head. “There are things I can’t tell you, Darcy.”

Her heart sank. He was hiding things from her. “All the women?”

“Pardon me?” He leaned closer as if he’d heard her wrong.

“You have lots of flings with different women and you can’t tell me about that and hurt me?” She folded her arms across her chest for protection.

Nick smirked at her. Smirked. The nerve. Her muscles tightened, and she wished she’d protected her heart better.

“No.” Nick chuckled and brushed his hand through the air. “No, Darcy. I’ve dated, but it’s always been casual. I’ve never fallen in love, never really had the time to become deeply invested in any one woman. There are no other women, Darcy. You are the only woman that’s ever touched my heart like this.”

“Oh.” She blinked at him, seeing him in a new light. Happy bubbles tickled at her stomach and her skin hummed with anticipation for his touch. But then she had to know, had to make certain. She’d been played before. She grabbed his hands tight. “Nick Jacobs, you swear to me that you aren’t a player? You won’t lie to me about other women and break my heart?”

“Oh, Darcy.” He half-laughed and then he groaned. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I am not a player; I can promise you that. I would never want to break your heart.”

“But …” Her heart was racing out of control. She was in his arms and it was beautiful, but he was hiding something. Something big. He didn’t want to break her heart, but he still might. “The things you can’t tell me?”

He nodded. “I don’t want to keep anything from you.”

“What is it regarding? You promised you won’t cheat on me and I’m the only woman in your heart.” She flushed with embarrassment. They weren’t even together, so he couldn’t possibly be cheating on her. “I mean, besides Mama Marie and your sisters and nieces. If we did decide to be together, you know?”

His hands traced across her back, the thin material of her coverup not nearly enough to keep her from feeling how incredible those hands were. Those fingertips and hands could light up her world.

“Has anyone ever told you that you are the most enchanting, desirable, and adorable woman in the entire world?” Nick asked in a deep, appealing tone.

“No.” She half-laughed and shook her head.

His brow squiggled, but thankfully he didn’t rephrase the question. He had to be wondering if her husband had complimented her. Nick didn’t seem to want to know much of anything about her husband.

“Well, it is my honor to tell you, Darcy Saint, that there has never been a woman created to equal you. You are mesmerizing. I’m amazed by the great attitude you have and your generous heart. I’m captivated by your beautiful face and shape. I’m enthralled by every word that comes out of your mouth.”

Darcy was stunned. She’d never heard the likes of these compliments. She put both hands on his handsome face, almost squeezing his cheeks. “Nick, swear to me, by all the saints above, you aren’t just schmoozing me and charming your way into my life.”

He studied her. His dark eyes were sincere. “I hope you think I’m charming, Darcy, but everything I said was honest and heartfelt.”

“Oh,” she gasped. “Nick, I don’t know what to do with you.”

He grinned and her stomach hopped happily. “You could start with kissing me.”

“I would like that,” she admitted. “Very much.”

He eased closer.

Darcy slid her hands along his jawline, his neck, and then threaded them into his thick hair. He groaned softly, and it undid her.

She arched up and pressed her lips to his.

Nick smiled against her lips. Then he returned the kiss.

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