“I... I want to believe you, Mick,” she whispered in a choked voice. “But, you’ve hurt me. You’ve lied—”
“Shhh...” He touched his finger to her mouth. “I didn’t lie, not really. I just didn’t tell you I had a girlfriend. Do you know why I didn’t tell you?”
Slowly, she shook her head, loving the soft caress of his finger on her lips.
“Because when we were together, she was completely out of my mind. I thought of you, and only you. I wanted to be with you, not her. Nicole, she means nothing to me. We’ve been together for five months, but I knew our relationship wasn’t going anywhere. The reason I told you about her was that I didn’t want her hurt if she saw pictures of us in the tabloids. I’ve always been a considerate boyfriend, and I always end a relationship before I begin another one.”
“Y-you wanted a relationship with me?” Nicole’s voice squeaked, but she didn’t care. She was wrapped up in his web of seduction, and right now, he could probably keep her right here forever and she wouldn’t care.
He smiled. Both of his hands cupped her face. “I had considered it, but I didn’t think you would want to go out with a guy like me.”
She nodded. “Because I thought you were like your father.”
“Right. But, I hope you know that I’m nothing like him.”
“So far, I’ve seen a resemblance of the man my grandfather trusts completely.”
“What can I do to help you trust me again? I want you to believe in me.”
Her heart hammered so fast, it was difficult to breathe. She didn’t want to think of these questions, only about kissing him. If he meant what he said about his girlfriend – and Nicole prayed he did – then perhaps Mick was a decent guy after all.
Her yearnings told her to kiss him, but her injured heart warned her to take baby steps. Unfortunately, she didn’t know which one to listen to at the moment.
THIRTEEN
Mick waited patientlyfor her acceptance. Well, maybepatientlywasn’t a good description, since he was as anxious as a school boy who was about to receive his first kiss. But if Nicole didn’t want to kiss him, he’d accept her decision... for now. Of course, he planned to talk her into it eventually.
“Mick, I... I don’t know. I’m so confused.”
He closed his eyes and rubbed his cheek against hers. “What confuses you, sweetheart?” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. Immediately, her hands rested on his chest. For a moment, he wondered if she was going to try and push him away, but so far, she hadn’t.
That was a very good sign.
“You... me... and especiallythis.” She sighed.
He inhaled her perfect scent of lilacs. Holding her in his arms was just so very thrilling. She fit so well against his body. He lowered his face to her neck.Big mistake.Her skin was so near, it would be impossible not to...
