Authors: Sabrina Ross
At the mall we spent an hour browsing a few shops before
Cassie gave up. Nothing appealed to her tastes, and I just wasn’t
into shopping. Then she suggested having dinner before driving in
to Seattle. Apparently, a shop there carried amazing dresses for
great prices. I knew I wouldn’t be seeing Nick until ten that night,
so I agreed to go with her.
During dinner Cassie did most of the talking, and I think it was
to keep me from asking her any more questions about Nick and his
mother. With every ounce of willpower, I avoided asking any
questions. I didn’t need to involve Cassie in whatever was going
on with Nick and me.
When we arrived at the boutique in Seattle, Cassie immediately
found something she loved. A cute short burgundy dress, one
sleeve was toga style, the other a thick knotted strap in silver
beading that matched the waist belt under the bust. Over the top of
the short silk dress was a flowing sheer matching fabric. I nodded
approvingly. As she changed out of the dress and into her clothes, I
flipped through the rack. The woman who worked there asked
what style, colour and length I was looking for, but I had no idea.
“What is your favourite colour?”
she asked.
“Royal blue,” I replied.
She nodded, and replied, “I have the perfect dress,” she said and
walked away. I continued to look through the thousands of dresses
on the racks throughout the store. Cassie came out of the change
room just as the saleswoman returned. She was holding a royalblue full-length gown with A-line straps in rhinestones that
continued around the ribs and under the bust.
“Try it on!” Cassie gasped. I took the dress and
went in the
dressing room to change. When I came out, Cassie jumped
excitedly. “Perfect!” She clapped. The woman looked please with
her decision.
On the way home Cassie told me that she had decided to go to
college, finally, after four years of travelling.
“I’m happy for you,” I replied not sure what else to say.
“We can still hang out, of course,” she said, looking over at me.
“Of course,” I replied. Little did she know, that once classes
started, breaking arrangements would become, unavoidable. I
know because I struggled with it every time.
When we got back to Portland, it was just after nine. Before
reaching my street, I asked if she could drop me off at Nick’s
mother’s house. She hesitated before answering me, which made
me worry a little more than I already was.
“Sure
,” she replied.
I sent Nick a text as we pulled in to the driveway.
“Thanks.” I gave Cassie a hug before getting out of the car.
By the time I got to the door and rang the bell, Nick still hadn’t
“Evening
, Miss Miller,” he greeted, shutting the door after I
entered. “How can I help you this evening?”
“Will you let Nick know that I have arrived?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” he said. He seemed put off by my presence but
smiled, then led me to the parlour. “Just have a seat.” When Nick
finally met me in the parlour he was acting a bit strange. He took
my hand and practically dragged me out the front door.
“Is everything okay?” I asked. Nick locked the front door, and
took my hand in his.
“Yes,” he said, walking to his car.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“I thought we’d go for dinner after all,” he replied.
I nodded nervously.
Half an hour later, we pulled into the front of the Tilton
Portland Hotel. We got out, and the valet walked around with a
nod, handing Nick a ticket.
“What are we doing here?” I asked.
“I made us a reservation for dinner, and I booked us a room.”
He smiled, placing his hand on the small of my back, guiding me
towards the front doors.
“It’s almost ten o’clock, Nick. I ate.” I scowled.
“Dessert, then,” he said, kissing my cheek.
I followed Nick to the elegant dining area of the hotel. He
smiled and nodded at the host giving him his name. The host
looked down at the list, nodded, and then took us to a table.
“Someone will be with you shortly,” he said, handing us a paper
menu before walking away.
“This place is beautiful,” I replied, forgetting the fact that Nick
was acting strange.
“I thought it would please you.” He smiled.
“I would have been pleased with snuggling in the back seat of
your car, Nick.” I sighed.
“What’s wrong?” His head spun around.
“I—I don’t—know,” I stuttered, clasping my hands together
tightly in my lap. “I’m just worried, I think.”
“About what,” he asked and moved his chair closer. Then he
took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. “What are you
worried about?”
“Your mom, I guess. I know that she doesn’t feel I’m quite your
people—”
“Stop right there,” he interjected. “I told you my thoughts on
what my mother controls.”
“I know—”
“Let’s just enjoy this night. Don’t let her ruin what we have.”
He kissed my cheek, moving his chair back. “So what did you do
today?” He asked placing the napkin on his lap.
“I went shopping for my winter formal dress.” I replied
wringing my hands in my lap under the table.
“I bet you both had a great time doing that.” He replied.
Something was off, Nick seemed awfully fake.
“Are you really interested in my day of shopping with Cassie?”
I asked with a sigh. Nick smirked and shook his head.
“Sorry it was just a little too quiet that’s all.” He reached across
the table and took my hand in his. “I’m sorry if I was distant these
past few days, it has been a hectic at the Foster residence.”
“You’re mom doesn’t like me too much, huh.” I asked.
“My mother likes you plenty Lauren. Trust me it isn’t you that
has her in a tizzy.” He replied sitting back in the chair.
“What aren’t you telling me then?” I asked.
“Stop worrying already.” He chuckled. “Everything is fine.”
Not worrying was much easier said than done. He was hiding
something and Cassie was too. “I feel as though I have been left
out of the loop.”
“About what?”
“About whatever you and Cassie are hiding.” I said. Nick
stared at me for a long time.
“If there was something to tell you I would tell you.” He said
and ended the conversation there. The waitress came around and
he ordered us both a glass a wine and he also ordered a glass of
whiskey for himself. Two glasses of wine in, and I wasn’t thinking
about what he was hiding, other than what he was hiding under his
clothes. He caught me smirking and gazing at him.
“What,” he blushed, wiping his mouth with the napkin from his
lap.
“Nothing, just admiring how sexy you are,” I leaned in sloppily.
“Two drinks and you are already done.” He chuckled then
leaned in to kiss me. “Let’s go to our room.”
“Okay,” I replied, excitedly.
Once in the elevator, he pressed the PH3 button and the doors
closed. I swallowed hard bit my lip nervously as my palpitating
heart picked up speed. Then he turned to face me. Slowly he
moved close, his hand gently stroking the backs of my arms,
sending shivers to all the right places. My lips parted, releasing a
shallow gasp. The atmosphere was charged, turning my mood
quickly. Any reservations I had previous to now were gone. His
crystal-blue eyes roamed my face, my mouth, my lips, like he was
ready to devour me. The intensity of his stare was overwhelming,
but I said nothing, only held his gaze, not wanting to pull away.
Then his lips met mine firmly, forcing my full lips open. His kiss
consumed me. His mouth moved against mine, sliding his tongue
between my lips. My hands slid to his solid chest. The throb in my
chest pounded furiously against my ribs. His hands slid down my
shoulders, arms surrounding me, pressing me closer to him. His
eager hand glided over my backside, running down my leg and
back up my thigh, lifting my dress. I let out a whimper as the
shivers pulsated deep inside my core. Another hand slid into my
hair deepening our kiss again, I couldn’t help but whimper and
moan. Swirls of sensation enveloped my senses. He breathed into
my mouth panting grinding moaning.
The elevator bell rang, snapping us out of our passionate kiss.
Nick grabbed my hand, dragging me out. He swiped the room key,
opened the door, pulled me through and wrapped his arms around
me. My back hit the door gently. His mouth covered mine, both of
us gasping loudly as the passion took hold. I opened my eyes and
peeked at the room. An ice bucket with a bottle of champagne and
two crystal flutes sat on the dresser across from the bed. The bed
bore deep-red petals atop the crisp white linen sheets. The lights
were dim, setting the mood. My eyes lit up, and the smile on my
face widened. Nick pulled away when he noticed I had stopped
kissing him.
“Is this what you were doing earlier?” I asked, walking past him
farther into the room. I spun around to face him again with a big
smile. He nodded slowly. “It’s beautiful,” I said and kissed him
again. He smiled, but something was off about it. “What’s
wrong?”
“Nothing,” he said and averted his eyes. I eyed him as he
walked away. “Would you like a drink?” he asked. Nick poured
two glasses then made a quick toast. We clinked our glasses. Then
as I sipped mine, he gulped down his entire glass.
“Nick, tell me what’s wrong. Why did you really bring me
here?” I asked, putting my glass down.
“I’m just nervous,” he said, clearing his throat.
“About?”
“Tonight,” he answered.
My eyes narrowed, confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Us.” His tongue darted out, licking his lips. “We haven’t been
‘together’ together.” He blushed.
“Oh.” I blushed too. He moved closer and once again my body
shivered. The way he was devouring me with his eyes turned me
on. I felt his hands run up my arms, leaving a trail of goosebumps
in its path.
“I wanted tonight to be special.” He leaned in to kiss me. I
caressed his face, slowly sliding my hands into his hair. His kiss
was magical, I wasn’t sure if I could stay in control. The way his
lips connected with mine ignited me.
Slowly he unzipped my dress. The tips of his fingers tickle my
back gripping the fabric, dragging it over my shoulders, as his lips
connecting with my skin. My lips part as a breath darted out.
His tongue traced along my neck, grazing my ear. I gasped, and
my head went back, our lips brushing against each other. Resisting
him was impossible. His nearness alone drove my insides crazy. I
knew for sure that his attraction was unmistakable. I wiggled out of
my dress, and it landed on the floor at my feet. Nick’s hands ran
up my thighs, his nails gently scraping along my goosebumped
flesh. I moaned, tightening the grip around his neck.
“I missed you,” he said through our pressed lips.
My eyes fluttered with the beat of my heart. “I missed you too,”
I choked, looking at him. “Nick Porter . . . I think I’m falling for
you,” I stuttered. He smiled. Then his kiss was hard and eager. His
hands gripped my backside, lifting me off the ground, and carried
me over to the bed laying me down, then crawled on top, lifting
my arms above my head as his lips caressed my naked flesh. The
connection of our skin sent a mixture of emotions straight through
me: desire, lust and excitement. Everywhere he touched I felt a
sizzling, burning feeling, and my breath kept coming in short with
every touch. From the way his hands moved, it was evident that
our desires were mutual. I reached up and pulled him close,
grabbing the hem of his shirt and pulling it over his head. My
hands ran down his chest. Nick anchored his palms on either side
of my head, hovering over me. His beautiful crystal-blue eyes
focused. His mouth slightly parted as his breath escaped, uneven.
Then his face changed. His eyes watered, and his jaw clenched.
“I love you,” he whispered emotionally. My eyes welled, and
my breath became rapid, along with my heart. The sound of those
three words shocked me that I didn’t respond right away. I only
stared at him, in my head repeating, “I love you too” but the words
would not come out. I reached up took his face in my hands and
pulled him down for a kiss, wrapping my arms around him as the
tears escaped.
“I love you too,” I cried, through our pressed lips. My hands
dragged down his sides and across his waist. His breath hitched as
I undid his belt. He kissed me hard.
In sitting up, he stood off the bed, letting his pants fall to the
ground, as I moved back a little then he crawled back on the bed,
running his hands up my legs, his lips trailing along. He tucked his
fingers under the band of my lace panties, dragging across to my
hips then slowly pulling them down. I bit my lip nervously.
Eagerly, he moved towards me, kissing me as he took my bra
off. Playfully I bit his bottom lip, as his hand brushed across my
chest. Anxiously I gripped his waist, slid my hands in his boxers
and began pulling them down. His nails dragged along my thigh
as he lifted my leg, moving in. It was good, better than good and I
didn’t want it to end. I was a little nervous when I felt his length,
worried that I wouldn’t be able to take him but he fit, beautifully.
The next morning I woke to a kiss on my forehead. When I
looked up, Nick was standing there in his boxers, smiling. He had
ordered breakfast and coffee.
“Breakfast
should be here in twenty minutes,” he said, sitting
down at the table in the corner of the room with a newspaper in his
hand. “I figured you would want to have a shower first.”
“Thanks
,” I said, getting out of the bed dragging the sheet with
me and wrapping it around me, as I slipped into the bathroom. I
started the shower and was half expecting him to join me but he
never did.
I sat across from him at the table. He poured me a mug of
coffee, and then leaned over to kiss me.
“It just arrived, should still be warm,” he said, lifting the lid off
the tray. I couldn’t eat right away. I still wanted to relish in his
presence. His messy hair, which he had run his fingers through a
few times already, made him look adorable. “Eat.” He snatched a
piece of bacon and popped it in his mouth. I grabbed a plate and
picked out a few pieces of bacon and a pancake. I poured a little
maple syrup over it. As I took a bite, Nick cleared his throat and
folded his hands in his lap. I looked up at him, wary of what he
was about to say.
“I have to go out of town for a few days,” he said emphatically.
My smile disappeared, and I sat back, glaring at him.
“The festival is this weekend.” I put the fork down.
“I’ll be back before then,” he assured me, but it was his lack of
eye contact that had me worried again. “I promise,” he added,
looking up, reaching across the table and taking my hand in his.
“When do you leave?” I asked.
“This afternoon.”
I sighed and rolled my eyes annoyed. “Nick—”
“I know, babe, it sucks, but Dad has me doing some things—”
He tossed a chunk of bacon in his mouth. “I’ll be back before you
know it.” I nodded, but inside I was furious.