Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
He’d adjust in time, she thought, kissing his head before putting him back down to walk. Before winter came, she’d have to get him sweaters because he was also used to the warmth of the island. She smiled at how cute he’d looked dressed up. Her boy would be a little stud.
At Asher’s building, she smiled at the doorman as she passed him and led Lucky into the empty apartment, where she had to face the truth.
Despite being back in the city where she lived, Nikki felt very much alone.
* * *
The first week back kept Nikki busy. Asher, too. Her sense of sadness over leaving the island faded as the week progressed. She didn’t hear from Meg but at least Nikki’s name had faded from social media.
Asher had been so tied up with business, he’d had to cancel their scheduled dinner with Derek, putting it off until next week. So she stopped by her brother’s place for sushi, alone instead, bringing her dog with her. She’d ducked Derek’s insistent questions about her time on the island with Asher and it hadn’t been easy. Somehow, she’d managed not to reveal her feelings for her brother’s best friend.
The meeting with Amelia had gone better than Nikki expected. Although she’d never gotten a maternal vibe from her agent, who was a ballbuster in business, Amelia showed up and hugged Nikki tight. She wasn’t angry, as Nikki had thought she’d be, she’d been worried. And when Nikki told her she no longer wanted to model, Amelia understood. In personality, she’d reminded Nikki of Serenity and Nikki had once again seen the type of person her own mother should have been.
As for Asher, she’d settled into a routine, living with him, sleeping together at night, cooking him breakfast before he left for work. A routine she told herself not to get used to or count on. All she needed was a job, and Harrison said he’d introduce her to everyone at the baby shower and they could take things from there.
Despite telling herself much of her life now was temporary, and if she didn’t think about the photos and who’d sent them, she was more fulfilled than she’d ever been.
* * *
Although Nikki and Winter attempted to make plans for lunch, they couldn’t mesh their schedules until the morning of Aurora’s baby shower. Since it was convenient, Nikki suggested they meet for an early breakfast at the hotel where the shower would take place, and Asher would meet her there in time for the event. The Meridian NYC was owned by Asher’s family. Nick, Aurora’s husband, managed the hotels around the country, and Nikki was looking forward to getting to know him and his wife.
Nikki chose a magenta dress with ruffled tiers from mid-thigh to the hem above the knee. The sleeves were a sheer balloon style with elastic around her forearm, and it had a sweetheart neckline. She adored the color, and when with her mother, she’d never been allowed to choose bright hues. Heaven forbid Nikki outshine Collette, who opted for pale pink, yellow, light blue, or ivory. Anything understated and, in her words, classy.
After finishing her makeup, Nikki walked out of the bathroom to find Asher lying on the bed, bare-chested and an arm propped over his head. One look at him and her heart beat faster.
He let out a low whistle of approval, telling her he liked how she looked, and she grinned. He crooked a finger, beckoning her to walk over. With her heels already on, she took delicate steps toward him.
“I got used to wearing flip-flops on the island,” she said, making her way over.
His gaze turned hot, his eyes darkening. He grasped her hand and tugged, pulling her toward him. As soon as she was in kissing distance, she sealed her lips over his. He didn’t wait, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and devouring her like he had last night. But at least then she hadn’t been dressed and ready to go somewhere.
As he kissed her senseless, her nipples tightened, and she rubbed her thighs together in an attempt to alleviate the pressure suddenly building. But she needed to get going or she would be late.
“I have to go,” she whispered against his mouth. She lifted her head and glanced at him. “Lipstick,” she said, wiping the red color off the area around his mouth.
“Worth it,” he said in a gruff voice.
“I’m guessing I need a touch-up, too.” Her own voice was husky as well.
He nodded, his eyes dark with desire.
She retreated to the bathroom to fix her makeup, her body primed and she wished she could strip and climb back into bed with him.
Finally, she gathered her purse and left the apartment. She took a taxi to the hotel and arrived at the restaurant right on time, a miracle given the sexy distraction she’d had earlier.