Chapter 17
Allen
I dressed in some black slacks and a nice button-down white shirt for the date. I wanted to be comfortable but impress her, and I ran my hand through my messy hair as I glanced in the mirror. I was going to get a big bouquet of mixed flowers on the way over since I was still learning about her likes and dislikes. I wanted to make her feel special and win her over, so tonight was all about that. I went further with this date than I had before. I hoped that it worked as I walked through the house to find my keys.
I missed Nicole.
I went to the car and backed out to go and pick her up, driving across Vegas as I glanced out the window. It was a nice night and there was plenty of sunlight still, which would be perfect for the date. I drove the few minutes, playing back every detail before I parked in her lot and got out of the car, grabbing the fresh flowers.
I tapped on the door, hearing the sound of heels on the floor. Nicole opened the door wearing a black dress that flowed down to her knees with thin straps over the shoulders, and I felt my body react instantly.
“You’re gorgeous,” I told her as Nicole blushed and stared at the floor for a minute. I handed her the flowers, and she smiled at me as she smelled them.
“Thank you, for the flowers and the compliment,” Nicole told me as she glanced behind her. “Want to come in while I get them into some water?”
I nodded and followed her as I let my eyes rove over her body unabashedly for the short walk. She pulled a cheap vase from one of the cupboards and filled it before she unwrapped the flowers and arranged them loosely.
“What is your favorite flower?” I asked her as Nicole looked up at me.
“I like lilies and tulips the best. They remind me of Spring, which is one of my favorite seasons. Everything is so fresh and colorful.” She smiled, her darkened plum lips making me want to kiss her as she placed the flowers on the counter behind the sink. “I also love Fall. I love the way all the holidays seem to start with that season and the smells, everything about it.” Nicole looked at me, and I took in her clear eyes, highlighted with some light makeup and dark mascara. “It’s silly because it was usually just Noelle and me. We never did too much for any of the holidays but they were always special.”
“You did a great job with her,” I told Nicole as she pressed her lips together and nodded. “You should be proud of yourself.”
“I am for the most part, but I guess all parent figures have some insecurities.” Nicole blinked and smiled, looking at me as if she was saying too much. “Where are we going tonight?”
“That is a surprise,” I assured her as she pouted at me, looking adorable.
We left, and I opened her car door for her before walking around to my side. She watched closely as we drove past the strip to the small airport where my buddy took off for his tours.
“What are we doing?” Nicole asked with delight as I reached back and grabbed some flip flops that I’d picked up at the store.
“I wanted to show you one of the best parts of California,” I told her as she slipped the heels off and slipped her feet into the shoes I gave her. I walked around and helped her out of the car, leading her over to the helicopter as Jason watched us approach. He shook my hand and told Nicole that it was great to meet her as he shook hers.
“Are you scared of heights?” Jason asked and continued after Nicole shook her head. “That’s good. You get an amazing view from one of these and Allen made some special plans for tonight.”
Nicole shot me a curious look as Jason led us to the doors, settling is behind him as he got us ready for the tour that I’d requested. She buckled herself in and fitted the headphones for her ears so we could all talk before smiling over at me.
Jason took off and headed for The Grand Canyon as he pointed out other things along the way. Nicole listened attentively and took some pictures with her phone as we moved along, not scared at all. She looked happy and pointed out the window at a few things, laughing at things that Jason or I said to her. She looked like a girl that I needed to be with. Nicole grew quiet as we started to fly over the canyon.
It was massive and beautiful, and Jason dipped down to show us some part of it just a little closer as Nicole clutched my arm. I leaned in close to kiss her cheek as I assured her that she was fine, smelling her sweet scent in my nose as she looked at me. The sun gave me a perfect soft glow to look at her in as I brushed my lips gently against hers. Nicole shyly pulled away, and we resumed looking over the scenery as the sun began to set.
It was stunning even for me, and I’d been on these flights before. Nicole seemed quiet as we headed back to the airport, and I asked her if she’d like to walk around and find a place for dinner. Nicole agreed. After we landed, we both thanked Jason for his efforts as she tried to tell him how much she loved it.
“I’ll take you up anytime. Just get a hold of me through Allen,” he gave me a smile as she hugged him goodbye. He’d never met a girl before with Brandon or me, and he seemed to know that she was special.
I drove us to the main strip and parked in between the big casinos before helping her out of the car. Nicole slipped her heels back on during the drive, and I asked her if there was anywhere special she wanted to go before pressing my lips to hers gently. I wanted her badly, but I wasn’t going to pressure her into anything. Nicole wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me back for a moment before whispering that she loved seafood, asking if I knew of any good places.
“I know a great place.”
It had a romantic vibe to it as well, which was what I wanted. I slid my hand down to hold hers as we walked the few blocks, looking at the lights and people. Nicole held tightly to me as I felt the connection between us flowing, talking about her sister.
“I know I told you some stuff about when we were growing up, but our parents were into drugs. They were barely around, and when they weren’t, our grandparents tried to step in. They were just as bad, and we ended up depending on each other at a young age. I learned how to cook easy things for her by watching other people and keep her as healthy as I could with what we had. I tried to help her with her homework and school while doing all the same things myself. I was so tired, Allen.”
I squeezed her hand to let her know that I understood.
She sighed and continued. “Now I brought her where she wanted to come the most, and she’s making something of her life. She’s an amazing adult.” Her voice cracked as she spoke and I looked over at her to see her regaining her composure. “Now I need to find out what that’s like. I always just did whatever job I could to keep us going.”
“You’ll get there. It’s time for you to live for yourself, Nicole. I’d like to help you with that.” I stared at her as she turned sideways to look at me for a moment, smiling at me. “There’s the restaurant.” I pulled her forward and across the street at the green light, feeling my stomach growl as we walked through the glass doors.
The hostess eyed me approvingly before leading us to a table by the window, but I held Nicole’s hand the entire way. I didn’t want her insecure about any of this. We settled in and ordered wine before looking at the menus.
Nicole decided to order a variety plate while I chose the steak and lobster combination. She looked around the candlelit room as she sipped her wine, taking in the atmosphere.
“I want to talk about the last time you were at my house,” I said as gently as I could.
Her eyes flashed over my face for a moment as I stared at her, finally meeting my gaze.
I continued. “I couldn’t tell you anything. In fact, the only people that could know were my partner and other officers involved in the process. We can’t risk news getting out of anything related to an undercover job or bust and are only free to talk about it once it is headed to court. Even then, I don’t say too much.”
“I felt like you hid things from me. Things that mattered.”
“I have to, it’s part of the job, but you know that now. I won’t surprise you anymore with it. That was the only reason I was at the club that night, and I am grateful for that every day because I found you. I saved you.” I leaned across the table and brushed her hand with mine. “I took a lot of risks to do that, Nicole. I don’t take that lightly.”
Our plates came and we started eating. Watching Nicole enjoy fine food was like watching a kid trying something for the first time, making me long to take her everywhere that I could to see that smile. I thought about adding Noelle to some evenings as time moved on and we were all comfortable with each other, maybe even with Brandon. They both deserved the best.
We left after sharing dessert and walked along the strip before ducking into a casino so I could teach her how to play poker. In my opinion, everyone should know how, and I considered inviting the girls to a game in the future. We played and she laughed as she tried to understand it, finally allowing me to take over as she watched me win a few hands.
“Is that what you played to get me?” Nicole asked me as I looked at her. We were leaving and nobody else heard her as I nodded.
“Not like this, but yes. It was worth every moment to be here with you right now." I watched her swallow as I took her hand again. "I want to start over. I want a new beginning with you, Nicole.”
“I’d like that. But I’ll have my insecurities along the way. I want to take things slow and adjust in a way that’s comfortable for me. I don’t want any more lies between us.” She stopped and looked into my eyes as a purple light traced her face.
“You now know the only lie that I would tell you, that I did tell you. It’s not an issue any longer.” I assured her as Nicole licked her lips and stared at mine. “Just know that I’ll keep the details of any cases private for safety reasons. There won’t be anything else that I need to hide from you.”
We walked the strip a little longer, continuing to discuss what we both wanted. I sensed that Nicole had trouble trusting people, which was normal for someone with her past. She’d never known stability with anyone, least of all those that owed it to her the most. I’d ease her into trusting me slowly and had many ideas for dates beyond tonight.
I drove her home once it started to get late, kissing her at her door. It was just turning hungry when she pulled away slowly, whispering that she needed to get inside of the apartment. I waited for her to lock the door before driving home.
I undressed and dropped into bed wearing a pair of boxers as I played back the night. I remembered the kisses and went back even further to remember what it felt like to make love to her. My cock hardened, and I wished she’d come home with me as I reached my hand down to grip myself.
I’d started and ended every day like this since Nicole left. I was aroused by the very thought of her and after tonight, I was ready to go. The kisses and the promises that we made spurred me as I jerked myself off with my eyes closed. I took every detail of her that I’d memorized along the way and used it to pleasure myself, easing towards a hard orgasm.
I moaned her name as I soaked my boxers, breathing in deeply.