He took a deep breath, started the car, and drove toward her work. If he did happen to make her upset, at least she couldn’t jump out of the car now.
“There are a few things about me that you probably don’t know. First, I absolutelyhatehaving my picture in the tabloids. Those journalists don’t know how to print the truth, and they make the pictures seem so real. My father has given the Remington name a bad reputation, anyway, and I don’t want people to believe I’m like him.” He slanted a quick look her way before focusing back on the road. “I wanted those pictures because I don’t want them leaked to the paparazzi. I don’t want to end up in a magazine or newspaper. I’m a private person, and I want to stay private.”
She touched his arm. “I understand, Mick. I’ll make sure Mary gives me those pictures and deletes them from her camera.”
He looked at her again and smiled. “Thanks.” He focused on the road again. “And, there’s one more reason I don’t want those pictures of us out for the world to see.”
“Why?”
“Because...” He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as he gained courage. “My girlfriend doesn’t need to see those pictures. At least not before I tell her—”
“Yourgirlfriend?” Nicole’s voice lifted in anger. “You have a girlfriend?”
He peeked at her again. Sadness touched her features and had taken the light out of her eyes. His chest clenched in agony. He’d never wanted to hurt Nicole. “Well, yes but—”
“And yet,” she interrupted him, “you kissed me on the elevator, and then made passes at me while in your hotel room.” She flipped her hand. “Oh, and let’s not forget when you were in my office earlier today, and the kiss you gave me then.” She growled and punched his arm. “And you even had the nerve to tell me that we weren’t finished and proceeded to plan a time for us to make-out.” She folded her arms over her chest. “You’re such a jerk, Mick Remington. You don’t have to worry about your father dragging your name through the mud because you’re doing a good job of it by yourself.”
He blew out a frustrated breath. “Nicole—”
“Just take me back to my office. I’ll figure out a way to stop your father by myself. I don’t need you.”
“Will you let me explain?” He practically yelled.
“No, because at this point, I’m not sure I’ll ever believe you again.”
She turned toward the window. From the reflection in the window, he could see her face, and especially the tears building in her eyes.
This was the very reason he had a hard time being honest with women. He hated to hurt them. His mother had been hurt by so many men in her life, starting with Mick’s father. But now he understood why men lied to women, and he hated feeling like the villain. Once again, his hero status had just been flushed down the toilet.
TEN
Nicole’s footstepsechoed through the main hallway of her grandfather’s house. He owned one of the largest homes in Maple Springs, and yet, he and his servants were the only ones occupying the space. He also had a live-in nurse, which was why he didn’t have to stay in the hospital during his last days on earth.
When she reached his bedroom, she slowed her steps. It hurt her to see him so sickly, and she cursed the specialists who hadn’t found a cure for lung cancer yet.
Nicole stopped in front of his door and raised her hand to knock, but hesitated. She had rehearsed everything she wanted to say to him, but she was still afraid. He didn’t need any more stress in his life, and telling him about the takeover – and that there wasn’t anything she could do – would certainly bring on the stress.
