Page 49 of Nico
Chapter 12
She could not go back to sleep. Not after he stirred her up, damn him! Sighing softly, she slid out of bed and decided to take a quick shower. It was Christmas and she had originally told herself that being alone on the holiday was fine with her. But that was before she met him. Now there was a hole inside her heart, a hollow space that only he could fill.
Shaking off the depression, she marched into the bathroom and set the temperature. She was an independent woman and had long since told herself she could very well do without a man. Her mother had used men as crutches her entire life and she was determined not to follow suit. She could do without him.
But dammit, she missed him. Scrubbing the loofah over her skin, she closed her eyes and let the water soak into her flesh.
She would get dressed, go downstairs and sit by the fire in the living room. She had some things to do, but that would take a back seat.
She picked out black leggings and a poppy red chunky sweater that reached halfway down her thighs. Then she tackled her hair, brushing the tangles out until the strands were gleaming. As soon as the holiday rush was over, she was going to pop into the salon for a complete treatment.
She stared at the makeup kit and shook her head. There was no need. She wasn't planning on going anywhere.
She pulled on warm socks and slippers, savoring the quiet moments of Christmas morning. The house was silent except for the faint crackle of the fireplace downstairs. For a few minutes, she stood by the window, gazing out at the frosted landscape. The world looked peaceful, blanketed in winter's hush, and she let herself wonder if he was thinking of her too.
With a deep breath, she gathered her courage and headed downstairs. The scent of pine and cinnamon lingered in the air, reminders of the holiday she'd tried to prepare for alone. She curled up in her favorite armchair, letting the fire chase away the chill. This Christmas would be different after all. Maybe, just maybe, she could let herself hope and dream.
Waiting a few more minutes, she stirred herself and went to hunker down in front of the tree. He really had piled the gifts under it. Reaching for the smallest gift wrapped in black, she tore into the paper to reveal a flat jewelry case. With her heart beating heavily, she opened the tiny clasp and just stared inside.
Nestled on a bed of black velvet was the most stunning and intricately carved sapphire and ruby bracelet she had ever seen. In the hushed silence with the fire crackling, the scent heavy with pine, she carefully took the bracelet out.
"Oh Lord," she whispered. She really should return it, she thought vaguely. But that didn't say she could not try it on. When she did, she did not want to take it off. The stones sparkled and shimmered in the lights from the fire and the tree. "Damn him."
She left it on and dove into the rest of the gift-wrapped bags. By the time she was finished, she was surrounded by heaps of colorful papers, three incredibly soft cashmere sweaters in jewel tones. The man really pays attention! He might not know where to find anything half the time, but he knew her. She had to give him credit for that.
There was also a jacket in cranberry red that was as soft as butter, boots to match, several chunky antique jewelry pieces and a brand-new Apple smart watch she had her eye on some time ago. Because she had been pining for the damn thing, she knew exactly how much it cost. And it dawned on her like a jolt of electric shock that she was involved with an extremely wealthy man, something she had put from her mind for a while.
Putting on the watch, she sat back and gazed at the treasures all around her. Okay, so he knew how to take care of a woman, no doubt about that. He might forget essential things like the time he had forgotten they had tickets to the opera, but he had made up for it by preparing a picnic on his patio and making love to her that night until she was sobbing in his arms.
He was good, no make that damn excellent in bed. Seeing him, the way he stares around vaguely as if there was something pressing on his mind, had not prepared her for the first time he made love to her and the times after that. She kept expecting the spark to just fizzle out, but it was still there.
He was kind and thoughtful and caring. He was also annoying and could be arrogant. No doubt growing up in a home where he was catered to constantly had something to do with it. He was not a snob. If he was, she could never be with him. And she was head over heels in love with him.
Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes and sighed. She had been so determined to treat their relationship as casually as possible and ended up getting so involved that she feared she would not be able to function without him in her life.
Yes, she could go on, if need be, but her life would never be the same again.
Sighing softly, she rose and went into the kitchen to encounter yet another thoughtful gesture. The picnic basket was big, and he had thought of everything. Roasted chicken in foil paper to keep it warm, garlic bread, pates, canapes. Good Lord! Even caviar! Shaking her head, she unearthed fresh fruit compotes, delicate finger sandwiches, large pink shrimp, cheeses, four different kinds and a bottle of Dom. The only thing missing was the man to share it with.
Putting the coffee to brew, she sat on the stool and shot off a text to him. Within minutes one was returned.
"I know my woman. I love you. Missing you already. Miss me back."
Blinking away the tears, she put away the phone and prepared to dive into the meal. She would clean up the mess in the living room right after she enjoyed her lovely breakfast.
*****
They had all gone overboard for her first Christmas. Gracie looking seriously adorable, like a little angel in her pink and white Barbie PJs, her tumble of blonde curls tumbling down her shoulders, sat in front of the giant tree, opening countless presents.
Her mother had called with holiday wishes. At first they had been apprehensive that she would start pining for her, but the little girl was living proof that children can be resilient. She spoke to her mother and went right back to opening her gifts and exclaiming over each and every one of them.
The family were gathered in the living room. A fire was blazing in the large hearth, and the room was redolent of pine and cranberry. Nico glanced at his parents, who were still in their robes, their faces wreathed with smiles as the little girl tore through the gift papers. Nadine was curled up on a padded sofa, sipping eggnog, her feet tucked beneath her.
For the first time in a very long time, no one was rushing to go somewhere. And that had to do with the little girl seated in front of the tree. Gracie had changed their lives completely.
The staff had all gone for the holidays, except Harry who was practically family and always spent every day at the manor.
Breakfast was casual this morning and the scent of bacon, sausages, home baked bread, eggs and fruits were piled on a trestle table in the living room. He had arrived on time to change and was wearing faded denims and a thick Angora sweater.
