Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) (7 page)

“I like tempting you.” A shudder ripples through her at his
whisper in her ear before he pulls back, his sexy smile in full force. “Let’s
go inside.”

She laughs as they walk into the kitchen. A light dusting of
flour covers almost every surface. Cheese, black and smoking around the edges,
melts on the cooktop. Drops of marinara sauce dot the countertop, with a long
smear next to the cast iron sink. “You’re a messy cook.”

“I try not to be, but somehow it always gets out of control.
Would you like some wine?”

“Yes, please.” After accepting the glass, she takes a small sip.
The smooth, mellow merlot glides down her throat, the perfect complement to the
bubbling tomato scent permeating the kitchen. “So, what happened to you this
morning? Why didn’t you show up to run?”

“I worked late last night and accidentally overslept. I called
Jason, but he refused to give me your number until I told him I had something
of yours and needed to get it back to you.”

She crosses her arms and tilts her head, only half joking. “You
lied?”

“No, it’s the truth. Marta made this for you.”

Inside the white box, tissue paper covers a popcorn ball,
caramel apple, pink frosted cupcake, and an oversize chocolate brownie. “It’s
to thank you for helping her with the menu for the church bazaar.”

A lump rises in her throat. Marta’s generosity reminds her of
the hobbies she misses with her mom. Maybe they can bake together sometime.
“She’s so sweet. I don’t know what to say.”

“Just enjoy them. That’s what she wants.” He brushes her cheek
with the back of his hand. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

Jolts of pleasure shoot through her body. “Me too.”

“Shit!”

Covering her mouth with the wine glass, she tries to hide her
laughter as he grabs a pot and lifts it off the stove. Waves of white foam roll
over the top, sizzling as they drip off the bottom and hit the hot surface
below. He dumps the noodles into a colander in the sink and wipes the sweat off
his forehead with the back of his hand. “Marta makes it look so easy.”

Stirring the marinara, he tells her about his mom’s recipe for
chicken parmesan. “It’s one of the few things I know how to make, so I hope you
like it.”

After a grating a small bit of cheese, he makes two plates and
places them on a black wooden tray. She grabs the wine bottle and their glasses
and follows him outside. The wood and glass table sits just a few yards from
the lapping waves, offering a better view than any restaurant. Orange and pink
streak the sky as the sun sits low on the horizon. A lone seagull circles above
the water before flying inland.

She takes a bite, the tangy, sweet sauce different than she’s
used to. “This is really good. Your mom would be proud.”

He smiles at her. “I wish she was here to meet you. I know she
would love you too.”

Heat prickles her cheeks at his bittersweet comment. Her heart
aches for him, but it doesn’t erase her anxiety from yesterday. She can no
longer pretend this is just a simple date. Unable to smile back, she plunges
in. “I was really worried about you this morning when you didn’t show up.”

Winking at her, he reaches out to take her hand. “I‘m glad you
like me enough to worry about me.”

“I’m serious. After what happened with Juan, I’m not sure what to
think about your job.” She pushes the food on her plate around in circles with
her fork. Her hands tremble, and she drops the utensil, startling at the harsh
clatter. “Are you in the—?” She can’t bring herself to say the actual word.

His body stiffens. Several moments pass as they sit in silence,
except for his fingertip tapping on the edge of the table. Her hearts pounds,
fearful she’s ruined everything with her need to know, scared of what she’ll do
when she learns the truth.

He takes a deep breath and leans forward. “I’m involved in a
variety of business ventures designed to build wealth for my partners and the
companies I invest in. But I want you to know that I keep my business and my
personal life separate. My relationship with you doesn’t have anything to do
with my work.”

No indignant denial. No offense at her implied accusation. An
answer without the answer. But now she knows the truth. She clenches her skirt
before pressing it down, unsure of what to say next, uncertain as to why she
doesn’t force herself to stand up and walk away. Make herself leave this
beautiful home and amazing man who immerses himself in a dangerous world where
she doesn’t belong.

He gently squeezes his fingers around hers. “What else do you
want to know? I can tell something is bothering you.”

“Did your father kill your mother? Is that why he isn’t here?”

Nick sighs. “Yes.” After blinking a few times, he stares at his
plate. “I can’t remember a time when she didn’t have bruises or some kind of
injury. He made her life fucking hell, and I was too young to do anything about
it. Then, one day she was gone. He said she left us, but I know that’s not
true.”

A throbbing ache fills her chest listening to his words and
remembering his concern about her bruises when they first met. No wonder he was
so upset.

“He was shot. He’s in a coma, and machines are keeping him
alive. But, to me, he’s already dead. Whatever happens to him happens to him. I
don’t give a damn.”

They sit quietly for a minute. He swirls the wine in his glass
before taking a long drink. Lost at how to console him from bitterness wrapped
in grief, she grips his fingers tighter. “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what
you’ve gone through, but I know how hard it is to lose your mother. I know how
much you must miss her.”

“I’m sorry too. It’s a shame that one of the things we have in
common is we both lost our mothers.” He entwines her other hand in his. “Is
there anything else you want to ask me?”

Her face flushes with embarrassment, and she sits back, pulling
away from his touch. “I shouldn’t have asked you those questions. It isn’t my
business. I didn’t mean to be so rude.”

He climbs out of his chair and kneels down next to her. “Don’t
apologize. It is your business, because I want you to be part of my life. You
can ask me anything.” He caresses her cheek, lines of worry creasing his
forehead. “Please don’t give up on me because of my job and my family.”

She meets his gaze, her stomach dropping at his earnest request.
“I don’t want to, but I’m scared.”

His eyes never leave hers as he leans closer, their faces only a
whisper apart. “I meant what I said yesterday. I swear to God I’ll never hurt
you.”

Without any proof or reason to accept it, she believes him.
Illogical. Naïve. Foolish. But somehow, she knows it’s true.

After standing up, he walks over to push a button on the wall
panel by the door. Soft music fills the cool evening air as he comes back and
holds out his hand. “Dance with me.”

The large full moon reflects across the black water, wiggling on
the surface as the waves break and roll toward the sand. A few stars faintly
glisten in the usually light-polluted sky. She leans her head on his chest and
closes her eyes, pushing everything out of her mind and enjoying the peace of
being in his arms.

He tips his head down and whispers in her ear, “Thank you for
staying.”

When she looks up, he kisses her on the forehead. “I’m glad I
did.”

As the temperature starts to drop, they clear the table and
carry everything inside. He sits the tray of dirty dishes on the kitchen table,
the only clean spot in the room, and smiles at her. “How about I wash and you
dry?”

She hops up on the counter next to the sink and picks up the
dish towel. As they work, he asks her about Carrie.

“We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. She’s always been artistic
and creative, and now she’s my stylist.”

She laughs at his frown of confusion. Her lifestyle is foreign
to him too. “She does my hair and makeup for my concerts, photo shoots, and stuff
like that. She helps me pick out my clothes. She knows about the good designers
and who I should wear. Somehow, that kind of stuff is important in our world.”

He raises his eyebrows and smiles. “Good to know.”

“Her parents are disappointed she didn’t ‘do more’ with her
life, but I don’t think they appreciate how talented she is. I’m very lucky to
have her. According to her mom, the only saving grace is she’s engaged to
Nathan. He’s an emergency room physician. I guess in her mind, a doctor for a
son-in-law is a real coup.”

“How did you end up living together?”

“I bought a house for my mom, but I was lonely living there by
myself after she died. So, Carrie moved in with me until she gets married. She
and Nathan have sworn off sex until their wedding night to make it more
special, but it hasn’t worked even with them living apart. They keep giving
in.”

He laughs deep from his belly at her comment. “I don’t know
these people, but I can tell I like them.”

She smiles, relieved he’s returned to his old self after the
tension during dinner. “I know they’ll like you too.”

Putting the last pan in the drying rack, he walks over to her,
creating ripples of anticipation in her chest. “So, does that mean you’re going
to let me in your life a little?”

She nods and slowly parts her knees so he can move closer.
Sliding his hands around her lower back, he pulls her to him, eliminating all
the space between them. Her pulse races as she straddles him, her dress bunched
around her hips. Swirling sensations overwhelm her—the coolness of the
countertop penetrating through her thin, cotton panties, the rough denim of his
jeans on her thighs, his strong hands radiating warmth on her back.

Lifting her hand, she traces the outline of his face with her
fingertip. His eyes burn into hers as she glides from his temple, down his
strong jaw, and across his dimpled chin, resting on his lips. Whispering her
name against her finger, he stiffens when she rubs back and forth. He leans
forward and kisses her hungrily, moaning as she parts her lips, welcoming his
tongue, fueling the fire he flames in her. Her body trembles with the need for
his hands to touch her bare skin, to know she wants everything he craves from
her.

He fists her hair, his lips gliding to her ear. “Stay with me
tonight.”

A shiver shudders through her body at his whisper. She wants to
say yes so badly. “I can’t.”

He holds her tight, placing a soft kiss on her shoulder. “I’m
sorry. I know I promised I would take it slow.”

Relief washes through her he accepts her rejection, another
reminder of his gentleness and understanding. She loops her fingers through the
curls on his neck, almost sorry she said no.

“When can I see you again? And don’t say at the gym. I want to
take you out on a real date.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “What’s this ‘real date’ you’re
always talking about?”

“You know. I come to your house and bring you flowers. I meet
your family, meaning Carrie, and get the third degree, and take you out for a
romantic dinner.” He leans back and winks at her. “Then, I bring you back here
and make love to you all night long.”

“Nick!”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. But please, let me take you out.”

Chapter Four

On Saturday evening promptly at six
o’clock, the doorbell rings. Shae squeezes her favorite silver clutch, trying
to hide her shaking hands. A swirly combination of excitement and fear flutters
in her stomach. She‘s been looking forward to this night all week, succumbing
to Nick’s contagious anticipation of their first real date.

Now that he’s here, she pushes down the
panic rising in her chest. He said he was kidding. It’s just dinner, nothing
else. Yet, she can’t stop thinking about the something else. She may not have
the willpower to tell him no.

Carrie smiles at her before she opens the
front door.

Shae’s
breath
catches in her throat. Nick stands in the doorway, wearing a sleek black suit
and holding a single pink rose. He’s sexy and thoughtful and utterly
terrifying. All the emotions stirred up from their kiss in his kitchen bubble
back to the surface.

Her best friend looks back with a
mischievous smile and winks before calling out, “Shae, your deadbeat boyfriend
is here!”

Nick laughs while Shae shakes her head.
“Carrie!”

“I’m kidding. Just trying to lighten the
mood. Hi Nick, I’m Carrie.” She holds out her hand to him.

“Nice to meet you.”

With legs wobbling like rubber, she walks
toward him and accepts the flower he offers. He lowers his head and brushes her
cheek with his lips, warmth spreading across her skin from his soft touch. “You
look beautiful.”

Up close, a slight scratch trails his jaw
where he must have cut himself shaving. Faint red circles flush each cheek. His
smile is almost hesitant. She can’t believe it. He’s nervous too
.

Crossing her arms, Carrie leans against
the doorframe. “So, where are you two kids off to tonight?”

He takes Shae’s hand, seeming to ignore
the slight tremble of her fingers as they squeeze his. “We’re going to
Bernard’s on the Water.”

Carrie lets out a low whistle. “Wow,
that’s a fancy place. Are you sure you can afford it, Nick? It’s pretty pricey,
you know.” Another mischievous smile plays on her lips. “Speaking of which,
Shae’s precious cargo. Do you have a safe vehicle to transport her in? And,
what are your intentions after dinner? She’s a respectable young lady, so she’s
not going to tolerate any unwanted advances.”

Shae leans toward her, giving her
sternest look to dial down the crazy. “What are you doing?”

Carrie shrugs her off while Nick rolls
with laughter, playing along with her inquisition. “I assure you, ma’am, my
intentions are honorable. I believe I have adequate funds to purchase dinner,
and my car is in proper working condition.”

“Very good. But let’s talk about your
sexual expectations? Shae has a reputation to uphold, you know.”

Oh, my God. She did not just say “sexual
expectations” to Nick. Shae loops her arm through his. “Come on, it’s time to
go.” As they walk past, Nick tells Carrie good night, and Shae laughs and
shakes her head. “You are so embarrassing.”

Carrie swats Shae on the bottom and
whispers in her ear, “I love you too. Now, enjoy yourself. You deserve it.” She
shouts after them. “Have fun, kids! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Outside, Jacks opens the car door for
them. Shae smiles at him before climbing inside. “Thank you.” As they ride in
the limo, she turns to Nick. “I’m sorry about Carrie. I don’t know what got into
her. I told her what you said about the third degree, and I guess she wanted to
give you a hard time.”

“I can see why you’re best friends. It
did help to take the edge off. I hate to admit it, but I was a little nervous.”

His confession confirms her suspicions,
yet still catches her off-guard. This rich, powerful, maybe even dangerous, man
feels nervous about spending the evening with her. All the while having no idea
of his impact on her, unaware the effect his attention has to her heart. She
smiles before tucking her hair behind her ear. “Me too. But I feel better now.”

He squeezes her hand before bringing it
to his mouth and kissing it. “I’m starving, so I hope this place is good.”

“I hope they have Bananas Foster.”

His laughter echoes through the car as
they pull into the restaurant parking lot. Arm-in-arm, they enjoy a short walk
on the pier leading to the entrance. Once inside, expansive windows provide a
breathtaking view of the ocean from every direction. The lights twinkle on the
rolling waves like stars.

Once they’re seated, he orders champagne.
A string quartet plays quietly in the corner as tuxedoed waiters move
unobtrusively throughout the room. The epitome of elegance, they sweep away
crumbs with tiny brushes and hang finger towels over their arms when they serve
food. Even traveling across the world on her tour, she’s never experienced a
sophisticated setting quite like this.

“It’s a beautiful place. Thank you for
bringing me here.”

“Thank you for saying yes.” The
earnestness of his expression conveys a message of more than coming to the
restaurant. As if she gives him something beyond sharing a meal together.

After their drinks are poured, Nick
raises his glass. “To real dates.”

Toasting his persistence, she laughs
before clinking her flute against his. Her eyes close at the exquisite fruity,
bubbly taste. When she opens them again, he gazes at her, his lips twitching
with a playful smile, as if he enjoys her pleasure.

“Tell me how you got discovered.”

“On YouTube, of course. My friend’s mom
posted a video of us in our school musical. A talent scout saw it and tracked
me down.”

“You must have impressed him.”

The usual twinge of suspicion sneaks up
her spine from talking about her career. Shrugging it off, she reminds herself
he’s not like everyone else, doesn’t want anything from her. She can be
different too. She can be herself with him. “My mom was skeptical at first, but
it was legitimate. I sang in this record executive’s office. I was so scared,
but I guess I did okay. They signed me on the spot.”

Bittersweet memories of her mother’s
desperation float across her mind. How she pinned all her hopes on this
unexpected opportunity, praying the chance at stardom would end their ramen
noodle existence. How she scooped Shae up and twirled her around at the smiles
and head nods after the audition. Whispering “We’re rich!” in Shae’s ear
through her shrieks.

He tilts his head, studying her. “Are you
happy? Is this what you want to do with your life?”

She gives him her brightest smile. “Of
course! I love performing, having people sing along and dance and have fun.”

He raises his eyebrows, as if he knows
she’s holding something back, seeing through her guilty facade. “But?”

Shame forces her head down, unable to
face him. “I know it sounds ungrateful, but I actually like acting better. I
love the challenge of it. Making people believe you’re someone or something
else. When it works, it’s magic.”

Straightening the napkin in her lap, she
shocks herself admitting her true feelings, unable to believe she said the
words out loud. Only a horrible person would have a wonderful, blessed life
like hers and still wish for something more. “I’ve never told anyone that
before. Not even my mom or Carrie.” Looking up, she meets his gaze, fearful of
what she’ll see reflected back at her.

“I know what it’s like to have something
given to you that isn’t what you expect or want. Sometimes, it’s not as good as
it seems.” Her heart flutters again as he smiles at her. “I’m glad you trust me
enough to tell me. I want to know what you think and feel, what makes you
happy.”

“I’m happy now.”

He entwines her hand with his. “Me too.”

After dinner, she snuggles against him in
the limo, her head resting on his shoulder. Goosebumps freckle her arms and
legs as he plays with her hair, twirling the long strands around his finger.
Wonderfully relaxing, except for the fact she keeps imagining the feel of his
hands other places.

“What would you like to do now?”

“I’m embarrassed to say it.”

He slides his finger under her chin, tipping
up her head up to look at him. “Don’t be. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”

“Well, they didn’t have any Bananas
Foster…”

He bursts out laughing before pushing the
button to lower the divider between them and the driver. “Jacks, can you please
take us to that gelato place on Sunset?”

The chauffer raises his eyebrows as he
looks at them in the rearview mirror. “Of course.”

Once the partition is back in place, he
turns to her and winks. “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever surprised
him.”

The limo slows in front of the shop, the
patio unexpectedly empty for a Saturday night. “Is this okay? I don’t want you
to be inundated with fans.”

Giddiness tickles her stomach at his
thoughtfulness. The real date is a perfect one too. “Yes, it’s good. Thank
you.”

Inside the café, her finger trails over
the glass display case, trying to decide. Choosing between salted caramel or
mocha espresso is a good problem to have. He leans over and whispers in her ear,
“You can pick two if you want.”

“You know me too well.” After she signs
an autograph for their server, they sit at one of the open tables. “I have to
admit your real date is a success, Mr. DeMarco. Between here and the restaurant,
this is the best food I think I’ve ever eaten.”

“Well, Miss Armstrong, tonight’s the best
night I know I’ve ever had.”

She winks before licking the last of the
chocolate from her spoon. “I already said yes. You don’t have to keep trying to
impress me with your slick lines.”

His brow furrows before he shakes his
head. “Sweetness, you don’t know how much I mean it.”

Their usual light-hearted banter stalls
at his unexpected vehemence to her teasing. She sets down her cup and grasps
his hand with both of hers. His weak smile pierces her heart, hinting of hurt
maybe he’s endured too. Another thing they have in common. “I think you’ve just
moved from great to excellent.”

“I’m working toward outstanding.” He
tosses his cone in the trash and wraps his jacket around her shoulders, gently
tugging on the lapels, pressing her against him. “Where to now? There’s a
cupcake place down the street if you need another fix.”

The playfulness of his voice gives her
the courage to reveal her real desire. His eyes darken when she tells him,
“Your house.”

Nick helps her out of the limo, and they
walk hand in hand into the quiet foyer. Not sure if she’s happy or relieved no
one else is home.

“Would you like a drink?”

“Yes, please.”

After rummaging through the wet bar, he
pours wine for her and a whiskey for himself. Her
hand
shakes
as she brings the glass to her mouth. He takes it from her and
sits it on the table. Concern etched in his face, he rubs his palms up and down
her arms. “Are you cold?”

“No.” Shivers of desire surge through her
body. All night he’s been the perfect gentleman, never implying he wants
anything other than a romantic dinner. Which makes her want him even more.
Without giving herself time to change her mind, she leans forward and presses
her mouth to his.

After the slightest pause, he kisses her
back, parting her lips with his tongue. He delves inside, deepening the
intensity as he cups her face. She moans and curls his shirt under her fingers,
breathless with the need to pull him closer. Running his hands up her back and
into her hair, he gently tips back her head, scorching her skin with urgent
kisses under her ear and down her throat. Her fingers fumble with his shirt
buttons, aching to feel his bare skin against her.

He stills. “Are you sure?”

She smiles at his whisper, and nods her
head. In one quick movement, he stands up and pulls her against him, searching
her face before they walk upstairs.

In the darkened bedroom, lit by a single
lamp, he stops next to the bed. Stripping off his shirt, he throws it on the
chair. His eyes never leave hers as he reaches behind her and slowly unzips her
dress. She trembles as it drops to the floor, and she steps out of the pooled
fabric. He reaches for her again, caressing the back of her head while he holds
her. “Thank you for coming into my life.”

Overwhelmed by the reality of being in
his bedroom, wearing only her bra and panties, she lets out a shaky breath,
unable to find the right words to respond. He kisses the top of her head before
stepping back. “Don’t move. I need to get something for you.”

Her heart pounds as he walks over to the
dresser and picks up a T-shirt before coming back. “It’s kind of big, but why
don’t you put this on?”

After pulling it over her head, she wraps
her arms around herself. Humiliation heats her cheeks. He no longer wants her.
“I don’t understand.”

Caressing her cheek, he smiles at her. “I
think we should wait. I don’t want you to be scared. I want you to be excited.
It’ll happen when the time is right.” He tugs the fabric between his fingers.
“But will you still stay with me tonight?”