Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) (26 page)

Christian leans forward on the counter with his hands out. “C’mere.”

I walk over to him and take his hands, and he says, “This two-house thing isn’t working out for me.”

“No?”

“No. I want us to live together like we were.”

A smile covers my face. “Me too. But I was afraid to say anything because you worked so hard at building this the way you wanted and—wait, you want to live at my house, right?”

He reaches for the neck of my shirt and pulls me closer. “Yes. I could offer my place as a rental.”

I lick my lips as I lose my ability to think straight.

“Were you just offering me a morning quickie before work?”

He knows my idea of foreplay is the word yes, and I snicker as I pull back to whip the shirt off over my head. “Damn, today would have been a good day for you to be wearing a tie, because I want to drag you over the counter by it.”

I lean over, pressing my breasts on the cold stone. But I’m not cold for long because he gives me a scorching kiss that makes me scramble up and onto my knees. Quivering with desire, I position myself with a foot on either side of his chair, opening myself to him. He lowers his head between my legs, and his hair is silky between my fingers as I ride the wave of pleasure he gives me.

I want to return the favor, but by the time I’ve recovered he’s lowered his pants, rolled on a condom, and is thrusting into me. My second orgasm doesn’t take long, and I pull him under with me as we shatter for each other.

He says, “Christ, I can’t get enough of you.”

“The feeling is mutual.” I pick up my T-shirt from the floor and grab my cup of coffee. “I’ll be in by nine.”

He pinches my bare bottom. “I’ll be at my desk. You know, the one you lean over so well.”

I wink over my shoulder as I strut away, model-style, waving the shirt in my hand. “I think I’ll wear a skirt.”

***

Town is crowded and I have to step aside or around numerous people on my short walk from my car to Rhinestone Cowgirl. I let myself in by the side door and find Christian poring over invoices in the office. I drop a kiss on his head and rattle his travel cup to see if he needs more coffee. “I think it’s time to get a coffeemaker back here. Want me to run and get you some before I open?”

He glances at the time on his laptop. “No, I’ve had enough this morning.” He reaches for me, and I let him pull me onto his lap. “I was just thinking about how I had a wonderful Christmas with you. Let’s do it again next year.”

Next year?
First we’re moving in together, and now we’re talking about the future?
I rub my finger over his one-day stubble. “How about as many years as you can stand me?”

He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “In that case, how about forever?”

Whoa.
“Forever sounds good.” I lean down and kiss him.
Wait.
I sit back up. “Okay, I’m going to live up to my princess name. We aren’t going to do the Gretchen and Derrick thing where we kind of talk about forever and then morph into being engaged. So I’m going to pretend that maybe was to be sweet.”

Christian grins. “This is black and white for you, right?”

I cross my arms, which is a little hard to do in the position I’m holding in his lap. “Yes.”

“You expect the one-knee, ring-in-a-box thing?”

“Yup.”

He nuzzles my neck. “I can do that for you. We won’t be engaged until I put a ring on it.”

I relax into him. “And this is why you’re my prince. I love you, Christian.”

He hugs me tight. “I love you too.”

I sigh. “The girls should be here any minute. No more office PDA.” I stand up and straighten out my skirt. The metal buckle of my belt is smooth in my hands, and I think about how I want to rearrange a few displays as I walk out onto the shop floor.

The day is as busy as it’s been all week, and Christian comes back to help after a quick trip home to take care of the dogs. There is a lull around dinnertime, and I plop down on the couch next to Christian. “Every day this week has been this busy. We’re not going to see much of Gretchen and Derrick when they get here tomorrow.”

Christian tucks a loose strand from my ponytail behind my ear, and I lean into the heat of his hand. “I’m sure they’ll be fine. They won’t get to ski much this winter and will probably be happy to get as much in as they can when they’re here.”

I nod as people walk in the door and we both stand. Christian retreats behind the counter where he helps ring up customers, fold clothes, and put things in bags. He’s also incredibly charming when he offers wine to the women waiting on the couch for their friend.

My favorite kind of customer, the woman I help wants me to dress her. Running around the shop, finding outfits I know will flatter her figure, keeps me busy doing something I love. When it’s time to check her out, I notice Christian has an odd look on his face. He’s frowning but it’s not anger.

He does his job, but my worry increases, and I have to force myself to make small talk instead of shoving the women out the door. The moment they’re gone, he nods toward the office. Lori is here and Megan will be in soon, so I know we won’t be interrupted when he shuts the door with a thud.

His voice cracks as he begins to speak. “My dad had another stroke. Worse than the one he had last year.” My heart sinks as I remember last winter when Gretchen got the phone call. I was at the coffee shop with her. Immediately I go into nurture mode and sit at the laptop. When I hit the first key with a click Christian flips the lid down. “I’ve already booked my flight.”

I look up at him. “Oh. What can I do?”

His face falls, and I’m reminded of a little boy who doesn’t want to cry. I stand and hug him tight. “I’m here. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

His body shakes with his silent cries, and his tears are hot when they seep through my cotton shirt. When he recovers, he pulls away with a sniff. “I need to leave.”

“Of course. Do you want me to come home with you?” Suede is cool and heavy when I take his coat from the hanger and hand it to him.

“No, I’d like to be alone for a bit. But please stay with me tonight.”

The urge to hold him in my lap is strong, and I say, “I will. Do you want me to go to Vermont with you?”

He shakes his head. “No, you need to stay and run things here. I’ll be okay. My mom needs me.”

Yes, but you need me.
I watch him slip out the side door so he can avoid talking to Lori or Megan, and my heart aches. I’m glad Gretchen has Derrick, and the desire to be there for Christian is great. I look around the shop. I’m proud of what we have, but I would give it all up in an instant for the man I love.

I walk back into the office to make some phone calls.

Chapter 42

Chr
istian doesn’t sleep much, and neither do I. When he gets up at three thirty for a four a.m. car, I get up with him. I talked to Derrick last night, and he told me he thinks Tom is going to die, but that information is for my ears only. He agreed I should get things in place in case I have to leave for the funeral.

Hot coffee splashes into the travel mug I prepare for Christian as he finishes getting ready. His suitcase is by the door, and bright light flashes as the town car turns to back into the driveway. I hug myself to ward of the chill of standing in just a T-shirt on the cold wood floor and remember the loss of my parents years ago. The all-encompassing pain took forever to fade to a dull ache, and I wish I could make it better for Christian.

I turn to his soft footsteps, and Cleo follows him down the stairs. She’s sensed his somber mood, and wants to be close to offer comfort. When he gets to the bottom, he pulls me against his chest. “I love you, Christian. Whatever you need from me, just ask.”

He speaks into my hair. “I know. I love you too. I’ll call when I get there.”

When the door clicks shut, I let my tears fall for Christian. He’s about to lose one of the most important people in his life, and nothing I can do will ease that grief.

I curl up on the couch with the dogs. Static crackles when I pull the fleece throw blanket over myself, and I doze off for a few more hours of sleep.

***

Ruby and Lori came in to work this morning to learn how to open and close Rhinestone Cowgirl. I want to be ready so I can get on a flight to be with Christian for a few days if his father dies. Also it’s important that Christian and I aren’t the only ones that know how to run things at the shop.

My nails click away at the keyboard as I enter numbers from yesterday in the spreadsheet. While I won’t be able to do everything Christian does, I want to keep up with the more mundane tasks to ease his burden when he returns. I reach for my coffee and grimace when my mouth fills with only the cold dregs.

While the coffee down at Neal’s cafe is good, today I’ll settle for the restaurant version to avoid the line. The bartender next door will fill my travel mug for me. Change rattles in my wallet when I take it out of my purse.

Cold wind bites through my blouse as I step out the side door to cross the courtyard. Christian should be landing on the East Coast soon. I know his mother will be anxious to see him, and I imagine the tearful reunion. Shivering, I pull open the heavy glass door to the odor of garlic.

“The bartender, Andy, is slicing fruit, and his knife thuds softly on the cutting board. “Hey, Nika.”

I hand him my mug. “Hi. Can I get some coffee, please?”

“Sure.” A pot rattles as he pulls it out of the machine, and steam swirls up when he pours it. Without asking, he goes into the kitchen to microwave it to almost boiling for me. He knows I like it super hot so it will stay warm longer.

When he returns he says, “Does Christian want to order his lunch early? He’s been getting it when we first open because it’s been so busy.”

“Oh, no, thank you. He’s gone out of town for a family emergency. But I probably should. Would you put in an order for the spinach salad for me? I’ll be back to pay and pick it up at eleven.”

“You got it.”

I put five dollars on the bar, which is more than double the cost of my coffee. “Thanks, Andy.”

“Tell Christian he and his family are in my thoughts. He’s a good guy.”

Tears are forming in my eyes, and I swallow back a lump in my throat. Christian has already earned a place in this town, and people care about him. “I will.”

“Is there anything I can do to help you while he’s gone?”

What a sweet gesture. I paste on my model smile. “No, I’m fine, but thanks for the offer.”

“Okay. Happy New Year’s Eve.”

It’s New Year’s Eve tonight?
I forgot all about the holiday. “You too.”

Wind blows hair into my face when I clomp across the brick courtyard back to work. I have six lobsters being express delivered to me at the shop today for dinner with Gretchen and Derrick. Dinner that isn’t happening. My stomach sinks. I’m all alone for New Year’s Eve.

Lori comes over to me when I walk in. “How’s Christian?”

“I don’t know. He should be landing soon, and I’m sure I’ll talk to him when he does.”

“How are you holding up?” Her small hand is warm on my arm.

“Me? I’m fine. Worried for Christian and Gretchen, but fine.” I know today was Lori’s first day off in two weeks, and I’m grateful she came in. “Thank you again for being so willing to help.”

“It’s the least I can do. Really, don’t give it a second thought.”

I give her a hug. “Thanks, you’re a great friend.” I retreat to my office and shut the door. I need to call Derrick and see how Tom is today.

He picks up the phone on the second ring. “Hi.”

“Hi, how’s Tom?” I roll a pen back and forth between my fingers, and the plastic is slippery.

“Not good. He’s in ICU and on a ventilator. I don’t think he’s aware of what’s happening around him, and I’m afraid that Sandra’s going to have to make a tough decision.”

“Oh, D, my heart’s breaking for them.” The pen drops on the floor and I leave it there.

He sighs. “I know. I feel so helpless.”

“I’m sure Gretchen doesn’t find you helpless. Having you there to hold her when she cries is important. I’ll bet she’s trying to be strong in front of her mother.”

“She is, but Sandra is pretty strong too. They’re an amazing family.”

I smile, thinking about the capable people Christian and Gretchen are. “That they are.”

Derrick’s tone changes. “Are you going to be okay alone? Do you have any plans for New Year’s Eve?”

I think about the lobsters and know I have to cook them tonight. “No plans. I might just curl up with the laptop and study Christian’s franchise plan.”

“Want me to call you later?”

My heart warms at the thoughtfulness of my brother. “No. You have your hands full, and Gretchen needs you more than I do. I’ll be fine.” I’ve been saying that a lot today.

“Yeah, love you.”

“I love you too. Bye.”

My phone clicks off and I pick up the pen. It rattles the others when I shove it in the cup that holds them. The thing is I really am fine. Sure, I’m not happy about being alone tonight, but I’m not upset either. I’ll open a split of champagne, cook lobster, and whatever I can’t eat I’ll save for an omelet tomorrow and maybe make a lobster stew. And I think I will read over Christian’s plans for our business.