Page 67 of Wine & Whiskey
10
Chapter Ten
The faint clickof the lock vibrates under Nick’s fingers as he turns the knob. Damn.She still doesn’t feel safe. Not in his home, maybe not with him. Nothing to keep her from running away if she gets spooked. He blows out a deep breath and runs his hands over his face before knocking. “Shae?”
After a minute, the bedroom door opens, and she gives him a shy smile, her eyes dropping from his gaze to her hand clutching the towel wrapped around her body. Fucking shit.He’s a fucking lucky bastard to come home and find his beautiful sweetness almost naked and covered in bubbles. “If I’d known this was waiting for me, I would’ve left work a hell of a lot earlier.” His fingers curl around the ribbed edge and yank her against him.
She shakes her head and presses against his chest, her laugh encircling his groin like a vise. “You’ll get soaked.”
“I don’t care. It’s worth it.”
Before he finishes the last syllable, her arms slide under his jacket and around his waist. Breathing in her raspberry-scented bath oil, he smiles at the collection of soaps, lotions, and perfumes covering the counter, infusing the air with a bouquet of fruits and flowers, bringing a feminine touch to the house he welcomes.
“I missed you.”
The intensity of her hug resurrects his fury at her so-called friend. That selfish bastard hurt her, and she’s suffered all day, never letting him know. “Me too. Are you okay?”
Her hair swishes against his shirt as she squeezes him tighter. “Let’s talk about it later.”
Forcing himself not to pressure her, he lets it drop. For now. “Okay.” He caresses her head before pressing his lips against the silky strands entwined in his fingers. “You know you’re safe here. You don’t have to lock the door.”
She nods and steps back from him, wrapping the towel tighter around herself, not believing his assertion. His gut tightens at the frown darkening her angelic face, her fingers tracing the coiled texture of the fabric in uncertainty. Shaking her head as if pushing away her doubts, she smiles and tugs his tie. “How was your day?”
Already longing for her touch again, he massages the tight muscles in his neck. “Long. Even out of the country, Juan keeps fucking with me.”
Her fingers fall away at the mention of that bastard’s name. “I was hoping all the trouble would be gone with him. But I'm glad you’re home now. It’s so late, and you missed dinner.”
“I’m sorry. I should have called. I’m not used to having someone waiting for me.” He rubs her cheek with his thumb, her head leaning into his hand seeking comfort too. “I have to make one more call, and then I’m all yours.”
“I’d like that.”
His eyes never leave her as he shrugs out of his jacket, his phone pressed to his ear. Janice picks up on the first ring.
“Good evening, Mr. DeMarco.”
“Did legal get back to you with their changes?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve made the final edits. They’re ready for your signature.”
Unaware he watches her, Shae pats herself dry and rubs lotion down her arms and across her stomach. She slips on her pink silk robe, ruining his view, and sits on the side of the tub spreading purple cream on her legs. Fucking shit. Heat blazes through his veins like lava from her delicate touch trailing along her bare skin.
His stomach clenches at her deep concentration, the worry furrowing across her forehead. He needs to know what Jason said to her. “Anything major?”
“No, just a few tweaks. Is there anything else you need tonight?”
After Shae finishes, she walks into the bedroom carrying a round yellow container. Her pink tipped fingers slide off his loosened tie and unbutton his shirt. The epitome of temptation stands between his legs, undressing him, yet her eyes never meet his. Before he can assist her with her efforts, she moves behind him and massages his neck and shoulders with the rich lotion. He stifles a moan as she strokes his arms and lower back.
“Mr. DeMarco?”
“No, that’s it, Janice. Thank you. See you in the morning.”
Unable to concentrate any longer, he tosses the phone onto the side table. His groin and conscience lock in battle to determine if he should let her keep going or return the favor in more ways than one. “You’re an angel. What did I do to earn all of this?”
“You love me.” Her essence is reflected in those three words. Oblivious to the undeniable power she wields over him, she offers him comfort amidst her own pain.
“Yes, I do.”
“Nothing else matters.”
