Page 43 of Impossible Thrills

“What a loser. I’m sorry.”

“Thanks. I felt like the loser when I realized how naïve I’d been.”

His neck tingled. So she did know Trattori had been hiding more from her?

“I’m sure Johnny cheated on me our entire marriage,” she said. “He was always at ‘work’ or on a ‘business trip.’ I could tell he was hiding something, but he’d never give me a straight answer. Why did I put up with that?”

Nick had no answer, and he realized she’d meant naïve about the affairs, not the illegal activities her husband had flourished at. “You were longing for a family and Johnny offered you that when you were engaged. It was probably hard to let go of what you’d always wanted.”

“You’re right.” She paused and then said, “So long story short, Johnny’s lawyer told him to offer me a settlement and not go through a lengthy divorce. The affair couldn’t be disputed, I had no income, and if it went to court, he’d have to show all his income and that would’ve been a lot of work with his successful business.”

Nick’s brows rose. Trattori wouldn’t have wanted anybody looking into his income sources for his ‘successful business.’

“It was a generous settlement. Unfortunately, I listened to a financial consultant, liquidated the mansion and put most of my money in long-term investments. I get dividends, but not enough to do all I want for my kiddos.”

“That’s why you packed up and drove across the border.” He referred to her story from a couple nights ago. He’d heard a lot of speculation that she’d been running drugs or weapons with her innocent beauty for Trattori, but of course his Darcy would never do that. She’d legitimately set out to find her purpose in life. “You wanted to make a new life and help little ones.”

“Yes.” She glanced back at him and nodded, her face shining with light. “It’s been healing and exactly what I should be doing. I love my kiddos and they love me.”

How could she and Nick be together? Even if there was no Johnny, they had very different lifestyles.

At least he could lay his doubt to rest about her being involved in Johnny’s business. Unless she was the most accomplished liar of the century. Naïve, trusting, controlled, or manipulated. Either way, Darcy was as pure as he’d hoped.

“Does Tra … Johnny bother you?” he asked. She’d called him ‘Johnny,’ not Trattori’ like Nick always referred to the slime ball.

She didn’t seem to notice his slip, and he hoped his question couldn’t be construed as him trying to get info about Trattori. For him, it was all about her being safe from the loser.

“He’s been texting me a lot more lately.”

“Oh.”

His voice must’ve sounded bad because she pivoted in his arms, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gazed up at him with those deep-blue eyes that he’d never get enough of.

“But don’t worry. I would never go back to him,” she said fiercely. Then she kissed him as fiercely as she’d said the words.

Nick lifted her closer and returned the kisses. Darcy was an innocent victim in Johnny Trattori’s twisted world. Somehow, he’d take that jerk down and then he’d figure out a way to date and someday marry her. He had no way to accomplish such happiness right now, but he wouldn’t give up hope.

Darcy out of his arms wasn’t a world he wanted to be in any longer.

Chapter

Thirteen

Darcy woke feeling sleepy and content. She startled when she realized she was still in her silky dress. She’d fallen asleep in Nick’s arms on the loveseat. He must’ve carried her to the bed and tucked her in. The image of that was intimate and impressive. Nick was in control of himself and seemed to care deeply for her.

It was already light outside. She stretched and went to take a quick shower, then dress for the day. What did one wear to the sparring match that could win her charity a million dollars and was being fought by the man she was falling in love with?

She bit her lip to hide a squeal. Was Nick for real? He seemed far too perfect, and she was gone over him.

Nick was genuine. He’d never turn cold and cheat on her and devastate her like Johnny had. She trusted him.

Wow. She trusted him. Had she ever truly trusted anyone since her grandfather died? She loved her children and the missionaries who worked with her, especially Gary and May, but to fully trust a man with her heart like she did Nick … it hadn’t happened. Even originally with Johnny. She’d been more infatuated with him and fascinated with his family and the security he offered.

A soft rap came on the door. She slid into a pretty white sundress and secured her locket in place, then rushed to open the door.

Nick.

He beamed at her, his deep-brown eyes capturing her completely. “Good morning, beautiful.”

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