Nic's Devotion: An Endless Series: Book One (34 page)

     He set his glass on the table with a clunk. “I’m
assuming she’s just another one of your fan girls. I’ve seen a picture of her
and yes she’s exceptionally beautiful, but so are dozens of other women. I
doubt if you are particularly attached to her as I know you are quite the
player, so just go out and find another.”

     “What, like you do?” I sneered angrily. “I might have
been a player, but I’m not anymore and Carrie isn’t interchangeable to me.” I
didn’t bother to tell him ‘I loved her’ because he wouldn’t comprehend it…the
man was clueless about love and affection.

     He sighed deeply and his lips thinned into a straight
line. “If this girl becomes a problem then I will have to take drastic
measures.”

     I stood up and loomed over him with my fist clenched.
“You go anywhere fucking near her and I’ll kick your ass old man.” I shouted
furiously. The thought of my father intimidating Carrie with threats put me in
a killing mood. I wasn’t just threatening him, I would literally kick his ass
if he went anywhere near her.

     My father’s eyes widened recognizing that I was
serious, but then they narrowed in calculation. “When I spoke of drastic
measures I was referring to what I would have to do to you.”

     I laughed harshly. “What could you possibly do to me?”

     “Rescind your trust fund, college tuition, and credit
cards, and basically disown you from this family. I will not have this family
connected to someone with her distasteful past. She’s not even part our social
circle which in some ways could have offset some of the negative publicity.
She’s basically destitute.”

     His snobbery and self-centeredness wasn’t a shock to me.
“Our social circle…that’s rich.” I sneered. “If I had my way
I
wouldn’t
be connected to our social circle. It’s full of self-indulged, hypocritical
jackasses. Do you really think I care about your money? Sure, it’s there and
I’ll use it, but it doesn’t rule me. I can get a school loan for college if I
need to. Or I could accept one of the many offers I’ve had to go pro in
lacrosse. Either way I will do fine without your money. In regards to the trust
fund, you only added to that; grandfather set it up and you can’t rescind it.
So don’t think you can try to threaten me,
father
.” I said the last word
with all the scorn I was feeling. 

     He stared up at me and I was gratified to see surprise
in his eyes. Most of our arguments had been conducted in cool detachment, and
my outburst and revelations had knocked him off kilter. He also hadn’t expected
me to counteract his threats.

     “So do what you have to do, but Carrie stays in my
life. And I meant what I said, don’t go anywhere near her unless I’m with her
and it’s to say ‘nice to meet you’.”

     I departed the room with those last words. Maggie was
just outside the door with tears in her eyes. We didn’t say anything I just
gave her a hug goodbye and left the house. She would be the only thing I missed
if I never came back.

Chapter Twenty-nine

CARRIE

     I skipped out of the Sports store toward Nic’s truck
eagerly. I had a surprise for him today and I could barely contain my
excitement. He’d been doing so many nice things for me that I wanted to do
something nice for him; something spectacular.

     He was waiting at the passenger door holding it open
for me, but I didn’t jump in right away because I noticed that even though he
was smiling there was noticeable tension around his mouth and eyes.

     Reaching up I smoothed my hands over each tension mark.
“What happened?” I asked worriedly.

     He took hold of my hand and kissed my palm. “Nothing to
worry about, now take me to my surprise.” He commanded with a smile.  

      Remembering how he’d gotten me to talk last week I
reached up and pulled his head down. Moving my mouth over his I licked at his
bottom lip and then slipped my tongue into his mouth. Needing no other
encouragement he pulled me into his body and hungrily consumed my mouth,
attacking my lips and sucking on my tongue.

     I could feel the conflict in him as he kissed me, and I
just wanted to make him feel better. Curling my fingers in his hair I jumped up
wrapping my legs around his waist losing myself in him.

     “Shit!” Nic muttered explosively against my mouth.
Stepping closer to the truck so that we were more hidden he pressed me against
the leather seat. It pushed me harder against his arousal which in turn set off
my own and I couldn’t stop myself from wiggling as the ache hit me down there.

      I whimpered at the same time that Nic groaned and tore
his mouth from mine. He switched it to my neck and started sucking. 

     “Damn, we can’t do this here. It’s daylight and we are
very noticeably close to fucking.” He said hoarsely continuing to rock and
suck. 

     Heat exploded inside me at his graphic words, and
because we
were
very visible in an intimate embrace.

     Breathing hard and aching internally I pulled his head
back and looked into his eye. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

     I saw recognition flash in his eyes. “You did that on
purpose, didn’t you?” He demanded.

     “Just like you did it purposely last week; now talk.”

     His head fell back and a self-mocking grin spread
across his face. “I’m never going to be able to get away with anything with
you, am I?”

     “I hope not.” I replied with a grin. “Now talk.”

     He sighed and set me away from him on the seat. “I went
to see my father today and we had an argument. It was the same old argument; he
doesn’t want me taking lacrosse seriously, he wants me taking over the family
business. Hell, I’m not sure what I want to do, but I definitely don’t want to
work for him, or around him. I want to continue with lacrosse after I graduate,
and maybe start my own business possibly something having to do with sports. He
made some threats about cutting off my tuition, credit cards, and my trust
fund, and I told him to go ahead but that he was blowing smoke about my trust
fund because it was from grandfather and he didn’t have any say over that. I
think I surprised him with my comeback. I left quickly after that.”

     I watched him in concern as he revealed what happened.
“You never really talk about your parents. Do you and your father not get along
well, or was this just an argument that got out of hand.”

     Nic stabbed his finger through his hair pulling at it.
“My father and I have a very cold and distant relationship. Neither of my
parents are affectionate; I was raised by nannies and maids. Since starting
college my father has been trying to mold me into the next executive but I
wasn’t having it and he hasn’t been happy with my dissention. I basically told
him today that he has no control over what I do and he could shove his money.”

     I raised my brows. “Did you say where or did you leave
it to his discretion?”

     He gave me a real smile. “His discretion, there were
just too many places I wanted to tell him to shove it.”

     I grabbed a hold of him and hugged him hard. “I’m sorry
that you had to deal with that today.”

     Stuffing his face in my neck again he whispered. “You
know I love you, right?” After a second I nodded. I loved hearing him say it,
but it also still caused my insides to clench in anxiety. He pulled back and
stared deeply into my eyes. “I don’t want you to forget that no matter how
difficult things might seem or get for us. No one has any control over our
relationship except us. I’ve put my trust in you and I want you to put your
trust in me.” His gaze lightened. “It’s you and me against the world, baby.” I
smiled at his corny line, even though the previous words had sounded kind of
omen’ish. Was he expecting trouble to come our way?

     “Do you want to continue with our plans or do something
else?” I asked. He was putting forth a careless attitude and I wasn’t certain
how much of façade it was.

     He frowned. “Of course. I’ve been looking forward to it
as soon as you mentioned it. Now take me to my surprise, I’m dying of curiosity
here, woman.” He settled me in the seat and closed the door. I watched as he
jogged around to the driver’s side. Buckling up he turned my way eagerly.
“Where to?”

     “First Street and Washington Avenue.” I answered with a
smile at his eagerness. 

     His face turned contemplative as he started the engine.
“Waiting to the last minute, huh? Okay, I can wait.” He drove out of the
parking lot.

     It was a twenty minute drive and Nic stopped so we
could get something to eat. At least with his mouth full he was unable to
pester me with questions.

     Twenty minutes later I pointed to the right. “Take a
right into this parking lot.”

     He turned and smiled. “The Aquarium; you giving me that
behind the scenes tour.”

     I grinned slyly. “Oh yeah.”

     His brows rose at my tone. “Carrie, what do have going
on in that sneaky little mind of yours?”

     Ignoring his question I jumped out of the truck hauling
my backpack with me. “Come on.”

     He snatched my hand in his as we walked up to the
building. Lizzy was working the entrance and I gave her a smile. She was a
couple years older than me with curly brown, shoulder length hair. She had a
very outgoing personality and was very pretty. I knew everyone that worked here
and got along with everybody, but I spent more time with the behind the scenes
staff, thus I was more comfortable with them.  

     “Hey Carrie.” She greeted with a smile. Her gaze was on
Nic though, and the smile wasn’t one she normally threw in my direction. It was
wider, and looked really avaricious.

     I didn’t like it.

     “Hi Lizzy.” I returned and realized that my tone had
been slightly terse. She didn’t seem to notice because her focus stayed glued
on Nic. I pushed his admission money through the windows gap. I had an annual
pass so mine was already taken care of. “See you, Lizzy.” I pulled Nic after me
away from her. 

     Nic chuckled and I looked up at him with a frown of
confusion. “What?”

     His eyes twinkled down at me. “Nothing.”

     I narrowed my eyes at his brief reply that seemed to
have loads more meaning behind it. He leaned down suddenly and gave me a kiss
that made my thoughts scatter. When he pulled away, and after my wits returned,
I looked around self-consciously and tugged at him to follow me.

     For thirty minutes I took him on the normal tour. We
got to see all the many fish, jelly fish, stingrays, and sharks, and even
though it was the everyday tour I knew he enjoyed it. During that time I
returned waves with other employees and could feel their curious eyes on me and
Nic. I tried to not let their concentrated stares agitate me, but I was never
comfortable with so much attention focused on me. Whenever I did wave to
someone I noticed that Nic moved closer wrapping his arm around me. It was like
he was making it known to every person that we were together.

     The time was passing quickly so I led Nic to a door
that read ‘
Employees only
’ and pulled him through.

     “Should we be back here?” He asked, not looking all
that concerned.

     “I know people.” I said importantly.

     “Cool, I’ve always wanted to know someone that knew
people.” He replied in exaggerated awe.

     Grinning, I led him further down the hall to where the
big tanks were and saw who I was looking for. “Carl!” I called.

     Carl looked up from the small tank he had his hands in
and smiled at seeing me. Carl was six-foot, burly, African American, in his
early sixties, with a head full of white hair, but he didn’t look sixty, or act
like it.

     “Care bear, it’s so good to see you.” He pulled his
hands out of the tank and walked over to me with his arms out wide, and
dripping wet. I walked into them not caring. Carl was my best friend, and he’d
helped me through a lot.

     He swung me side to side in a big bear hug. Releasing
me he held me away from him examining me.

     “I don’t see any missing limbs or broken bones. How
come you don’t come see me sooner?” Carl was also from Georgia and had a bit of
an accent.

     “A lot has happened in the last several weeks. I moved
out of my mom’s house and am now living in the dorms, and I started a new job.”

     He looked over my head with a sharp glare that held a
sparkle. “You meetin new friends, too. Who’s this?”

     I turned and grabbed Nic’s hand. He wore a bemused
expression. “This is Nic, and yes he’s a new friend.” I leaned forward and
whispered. “So be nice, I really like him.”

     Carl was looking Nic up and down. Nic held out his
hand. “Nic Stanford, it’s great to meet you.”

     Carl’s expression eased into a wide smile, he was just
too affable for anything else. “And is good to be meetin any friend of
Carrie’s. She a special girl.” He placed his big mitt of a hand on my head and
rubbed, totally messing up my plait. I slapped it away good-naturedly laughing.

     “You don’t have to tell me that.” Nic replied looking
at the two of us in wonder.

     Carl nodded. “I meet this girl when she fifteen; as
soon as I see her I knew she was special.” He wagged his finger at Nic. “You
lucky to be her friend, make sure you treat her well.”

     Nic placed his hands on my shoulders. “I know I am, and
I will.” He answered in a serious tone.”

     Carl looked at Nic and then at me before nodding again.
“Good. Follow me and I’ll get you set up.”

     “Set up for what?” Nic growled in my ear.

     Carl heard of course, and without losing stride he
answered. “We going swimming with the sharks.”

     I felt Nic stumble behind me and giggled.

     “What?!” He exclaimed.

     Carl turned his head and gave me a totally fake
disappointed look. I’d already informed him that Nic knew nothing of this and
that it was a surprise.

     “Care Bear, you just going to throw him in the shark
tank and see if he can swim. That ain’t like you. When you get all blood
thirsty?” He faced forward chuckling.

      “Yeah, when did you get all blood thirsty?” Nic asked
gripping my shoulders firmly.

     “When I noticed how manipulative you could be.
Manipulation comes with a price.” I warned.

     He lowered one hand to poke me in the side. I squealed
and shuffled sideways but he didn’t let me go. Carl just chuckled again.

     When we reached the back room Carl pointed to the two
restrooms. “Go get into your bathing suits and meet me by the equipment. I got
everything ready.” He walked away whistling.

     “I didn’t bring a bathing suit.” Nic said in
disappointment.

     I rummaged in my backpack and pulled out a pair of
trunks. “Here you go.”

     “You little sneak. When did you swipe those?” He asked,
taking them from my hands.

     “Wednesday, when you went down for popcorn.” I smirked
heading for the girl’s room.

     “Thinking about you rummaging through my drawers makes
me hot.” He called after me.

     I giggled as I closed the door. I pulled out my plain,
old black swimsuit with a grimace. I was starting to become conscious of how
old, loose, and drab my clothes were. I wanted to appear more attractive around
Nic, but I didn’t really have the money for a complete makeover. However, I
could start looking for some cheap clothes that fit me better.

     Stripping down I pulled the suit on and folded my
clothes back into my pack. Stepping out of the bathroom I saw Nic waiting for
me wearing his suit and holding his clothes. My eyes trailed over his naked
chest keenly and I took note that his gaze went hot as he looked me over
appreciatively in turn. My skin burned from his stare. He didn’t seem to care
that my bathing suit was old and worn. 

     “This surprise has already reached way above what I’d
imagined.” He said stepping closer and running his palm over my hip. My breath
caught at the touch.

     I sidestepped him. “Not in front of Carl.” I said
breathlessly wagging my finger. “That would just be too weird. Here, put your
cloths in my pack.” I held the pack out away from my body.

     He chuckled and did as I said, but his gaze was still
checking out my body. I could feel myself getting red and very warm,
everywhere. Setting the pack down on a chair I led Nic over to where Carl was
waiting for us.

     “Oh, damn. This isn’t good.” He choked out behind me.

     I twisted around in concern at his pained tone. “What?”

     Nic had his hand cupped in front of his groin. “The
sight of your ass just made my semi go all the way hard.” He groaned.

     My mouth dropped open in astonishment and I didn’t
think I could have gotten any hotter, but I did.