chapter Eleven
Our Date
Nelson
“Tell me something I haven’t read about you on the internet or in a magazine,” Talina chimes beside me, while I navigate the Bentley Coupe around the country side.
I hadn’t planned to do more than listen to some music and go through paperwork today. After Talina came to talk to me in my office, I set to planning a romantic day in a little country cottage Detra talked me into buying.
The two-bedroom home is cozy and sits on a beautiful lot of land. I must admit, the lake on the back of the property drew me in. I’ve thought of building a second home on that end of the property.
When Talina’s eyes sparkled with the prospects of a date, I thought of the quaint space. It’s charm and its peace is something I think she will enjoy. I figured the drive would also give us time to get to know each other.
It’s the reason I decided to drive and not have a car take us out. Although, now, I’m regretting the decision just a bit. I look over to see the bright, open, inquisitive look in Talina’s eyes and I want to spill all of my secrets.
I’ve never allowed myself to be that vulnerable with anyone other than Detra, and believe me that’s not by choice. Detra has been there through my worst moments. She’s kept me from harming myself and others.
“What do you want to know,” I ask looking back at the road.
“What makes Nelson Fisher tick? You’re so driven. Being here has shown me so much more of your vision. It’s amazing! What drives you to be…,” I chance a glance at her, when her pause fills the car with silence. The awe I see in her eyes floors me. “determined, I guess.”
She finishes her sentence, when our eyes connect. I think her words over, before I answer. I guess I have become driven over the years. The question is, what has been the force behind that?
The words start to spill, before I can process them. “You,” I surprise myself with the confession. “I used to want to get as far away from my past as I could get. At seventeen, Detra and I took off. We went our separate ways. I got a little apartment over a coffee shop. It was the only thing I could afford, but it was better than nothing.
“I worked at a printing press for two years. Detra would call here and there, but I never thought she would come back. Too much had changed.
“One day, she walked her tiny ass into the printing press, dressed in a fur and dripping in diamonds, yelling my name. When she spotted me, she said, “Let’s get the fuck out of here. You have a dream we need to build.
“We walked out of there and never looked back. I built my company thinking I needed to prove myself. I had to prove them wrong. Prove the voices in my head wrong.
“Then one day, this brown eyed dove walked into my company. Everything changed, I stopped trying to prove myself. My company started to do better than it had ever done.
“I realized I had nothing to prove. Instead, my drive became wanting to see that dove spread her wings. I’d created a place where she could do that and I wanted to maintain that,” I chance a glance over at her.
Talina sits staring at me with damp lashes and misty eyes. She leans over and kisses my cheek. I want to turn into the kiss, but I force myself to focus on the road.
I haven’t driven this car that many times. The few times I have, the ride had been smooth. I don’t know, since about thirty minutes into the ride, the car has seemed like it’s pulling or something.
We’re not to the cottage yet, but not that far out. I’ve been hoping it’s just me, but I do intend to call a car out to pick us up for the return drive home.
“I like Detra. We bonded the night before we left. She wanted to stick around to make sure I was okay. I was embarrassed at first, but we had a good laugh and ended up spending the night talking, while I packed for the trip,” Talina says.
“Yeah, I guess I understand why she told me to give you a—,” my words are cutoff by a loud sound from outside the car.
I tighten my hands on the steering wheel. The ground is wet beneath us, making it muddy and slick. I maneuver the car to keep us from slamming into a tree. I pump the breaks, but they don’t stop the car. I try again, still no success.
“Shit,” I mutter under my breath, trying to pump the breaks again.
I think fast and pull the emergency break. My heart is slamming against my ribs, as we finally come to a stop. My jaw ticks as my mind spins.
I get the gut feeling this wasn’t a coincidence or accident. Not wanting to alarm Talina, I swallow my anger.
I turn to make sure she’s okay. Her knuckles are tight around the seatbelt strap. Her chest heaving, eyes wide. The fear I see on her face almost sends my rage into overdrive, but I fight it back.
“Are you okay?” I reach to brush her hair behind her ear.
She gives a jerky nod of her head. I reach to unfasten her seatbelt, pulling her into my embrace. I kiss the top of her head and wait for her body to relax.
I pull my phone out and curse when I see the lack of signal. I don’t feel safe sitting out here. I’ve survived off of my instincts. In this moment, they’re telling me to take Talina and get out of here.
“We can’t stay here,” I murmur into her hair, when I feel her calm.
It’s freezing out. It’s Christmas. I doubt we’ll be able to get a tow anytime soon. The cottage isn’t that far. It’s a good walk, but we can manage.
“What are we going to do? That was clearly more than a flat tire,” Talina lifts her head to look up at me.
“We can walk it from here. I’ll send someone for the car. We’ll take what we need. Our bags aren’t that heavy,” I reassure her.
She licks her lips and nods. I climb from the car and circle it. My eyes narrow at the front, left blown tire. I squat to look under the car. I can see fluid dripping onto the light snow on the ground, staining it yellow.
I grit my teeth and stand. I hear Detra’s voice in the back of my head. She didn’t think I should’ve made this trip to London without security. I’ve never been into having security or people fussing over me.
I keep security at the office for my workers, but I’ve yet to start to travel with a personal detail on a regular, much to Detra’s disapproval. I fought my way through our old neighborhood. I think I can protect myself.
“That wasn’t just a flat, was it,” I hear Talina’s voice come from over my shoulder.
“I’ll know better once I have someone look at it,” I reply.
“I’m not asking. I’m telling you,” she says, causing me to turn to look at the concern on her face. “Who would want to hurt you?”
I blow out a long breath. The list is long enough. Talina just doesn’t need to worry about that. Now that I have her to think of, I will be changing a lot about my life. She could’ve been hurt today. I would never have forgiven myself for that.
I reach to tug the collar of her coat tighter. “Come, we can talk at the cottage,” I say, avoiding her question.
I open the trunk, retrieving both our overnight bags and the bag with the gift I bought for Talina. I decide to come back for the rest, once I have her safe in the cottage.
~B~
Talina
Nelson is silent during the walk to the cottage. I don’t much mind, as my own thoughts swirl, while we barrel through the cold. Nelson refused to let me carry anything, allowing me to pull my coat tightly around me and hold it.
I’m so grateful for the snow boots I decided to wear for the trip. I truly think I’m going to freeze to death, just as Nelson’s voice vibrates through me with warmth. “We’re here,” he grumbles.
“Thank, God,” I huff, seeing my breath puff out before me.
“I’ll get a fire going when we get inside. You can take the master. Take a hot shower and change into something warm,” Nelson says. I can hear the absences in his words.
A chill runs through me that has nothing to do with the cold outside. Someone tried to harm Nelson. I know cars. I used to hang with my dad in the garage on weekends, tinkering with his pride and joy. That was not just a blown-out tire back there.
Nelson knows it as well. His silence speaks volumes. We were enjoying our time together, before the car nearly crashed. My queasy stomach makes me question if we’ll be able to get back to that.
I’m grateful, as we push our way into the cottage. It’s gorgeous. Quaint and cozy, but decorated with such care and charm. I fall in love instantly.
Nelson drops our bags by the bedroom doors, before moving to start a fire. His shoulders look so tense, I decide to follow his instructions and give him time to settle his mind. I hop in the shower and thank the stars for the hot water that warms my skin.
I’m so disappointed with this last turn of events. Nelson and I stayed up late, talking last night. It wasn’t about anything heavy. I’d been cautious after his question about Malcolm. I’d thought I’d get more time to pry today.
My heart sinks, when I think of how closed off Nelson became on the walk here. I noticed that’s common with him, the ability to shut down. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
I want to call it childish, but Mya is the same way. When she doesn’t want to deal, she avoids, shuts down, and withdraws. Honestly, I can do the same from time to time.
I get out of the shower and look around the spacious master bedroom. It’s larger than I thought it would be, as is the en suite. The exposed beams and charming window seat, pull the space into the cozy feel of the rest of the cottage.
I look at the king-sized bed and think of yesterday morning in my room. I know Nelson and I said we’d take it slow, but I wouldn’t mind finishing what we started. On the drive here, I was sort of hopeful that we’d share a room anyhow.
“Talina,” I nearly jump out of my skin, dropping my towel to the floor.
I turn to find Nelson’s hooded gaze on me. I look at Nelson, really look at him. He may not be traditionally handsome, but he has this sex appeal that’s undeniable. His eyes are what arrest you, not just their hazel color, but those long, thick lashes and their piercing gaze.
When Nelson looks at you, he looks at you. His lips are another feature that seem to call out to me. I can’t help remembering how they felt yesterday. My nipples pebble with the memory of how they felt sucking on my skin.
“I want to feed you and get you warm. Please, put that towel back around you, before we both starve and I become your sole source of heat,” he rasps thickly.
“I have no problem with that. Truly, I don’t,” I breathe.
Nelson chuckles. “If my balls and toes weren’t frozen I would pounce on you with no question. Since they are, I’m going to take that as a sign that we need to stick to taking things slow,” he shakes his head.
I bend and pick up the towel. “Fine, suit yourself,” I pout.
“I just wanted to check on you, before I jump in the shower,” he says with a crooked smile. It’s a nice smile, not perfect, but just about.
“I’m fine. I’ll get dressed and see what we have to eat,” I offer.
“Not a chance. I planned to cook for you. There’s wine in the kitchen. Get a glass and make yourself comfortable in front of the fire,” he says, before turning for the hall bath.
I sigh and get dressed. I put on a beige off the shoulder, sweater dress that stops just above my knees. It compliments my curves in all the right ways. After a bit of a debate with myself, I put on a thong and a pair of fishnet stockings. I know I’m not playing fair, but a sister has needs.
I pull my hair up into a ponytail and sashay my butt into the kitchen for that glass of wine. I’m sitting comfortably in front of the fire, when Nelson returns dressed in slacks and a sweater that hugs his arms and torso in a way that shows off his muscled physique.
The sweater is rolled up to his elbows and his feet are bare. I catch myself just before I lick my lips. I’m not the only one not playing fair.
“Are you in the mood for Christmas carols?” he asks, moving to a panel that reveals an entertainment unit.
“Sure, why not,” I say huskily and want to kick myself. I clear my throat and turn back to watch the fire. I still haven’t figured out what it is about this man that just does something to me.
Music fills the room, but I can still hear Nelson moving in the kitchen. The music lulls me into a peaceful trance. It doesn’t take long before the cottage is filled with delicious aromas. My stomach starts to grumble a little, as my mouth waters. I hope it tastes as good as it smells.
I take my empty wine glass to fill it again. Making sure to put a little extra sway in my hips. I feel his eyes on me, as I try not to look in his direction.
“Where’d you learn to cook,” I ask, as I pour my second glass of wine.
“Detra’s mother loved to cook,” Nelson replies.
I smile and look over at him. My mouth drops. The food smells delicious, but Nelson looks a hot sweaty mess. His hair is pasted to his forehead, his cheeks are red.
All this time, I thought he had it covered in here. I’d been sipping my wine and relaxing by the fire. I thought he had this. The kitchen looks a mess right along with him.
“Oh, my God, Nelson, do you know what you’re doing?” I gasp.
He frowns and looks up at me. “It looks worse than it is. It’ll be fine,” he murmurs.
I throw my head back and laugh. “If you don’t get out of this kitchen,” I chuckle.
“No, I want to do this. I promise you it may not look good, but it will taste great,” he says, with a blush and boyish smile.
I see the plea in his eyes and my heart jerks in my chest. I push my sleeves up and look around at the mess. I won’t takeover, but I’ll help to clean up some of this.
“It better be good,” I playfully mumble and bump him with my hip.
He wraps his arm around me, placing his hand on my waist. “It will be great,” he says against my temple, then places a kiss there.
My belly flips and my scalp tingles. I’m in so much damn trouble when it comes to this man. I look up into his eyes and smile at the wrinkles around his eyes, as they smile back at me.
“Tell me something else about you,” I say, while moving to wash the dishes.
“There’s not much to tell. I grew up rough. I was the white kid in the neighborhood. I got my ass beat, until I got tired of it and started to fight back.
“Everyone thought I’d be easy to pick on, until I wasn’t anymore. After a while, they either tried to jump me or just left me alone. Detra and her siblings helped a lot. When we became friends, they had my back.
“I hated my childhood,” he says, with so much loathing dripping from the words.
“How about high school? No special girlfriend or anything,” I turn to say and smile.
Only, the icy look that covers his face, makes me wish I hadn’t said a word. His jaw works, his fist clenches at his side. I can see I’ve struck a big nerve.
“There was a girl, but that didn’t turn out so well,” he finally replies.
“I don’t think I found myself until freshman year in college,” I say with a smile, trying to change the subject. “Forget about dating. I was so socially awkward.”
Nelson looks at me and lifts a brow. “I have a hard time believing that. You make everyone in the office feel at ease,” he murmurs.
“Yeah, now,” I give a short laugh. “In high school, I always said what I thought. I’m guessing I was a little too honest for the other adolescent minds.”
“I think that’s one of the things I like about you. You’re not afraid to say what’s on your mind. It gives the clients a sense of security and the feeling that you know what you’re doing with their interests,” he muses.
I watch him make faces at the pot he’s stirring. I roll my lips, trying not to laugh at him. His eyes flash up to mine and a deep blush takes over his cheeks. It’s so endearing.
“I’m going to be honest with you now. I’m afraid to eat that,” I burst out with the laughter I’ve been holding.
“Come here,” he waves me over.
I press my lips and look at him cautiously. I’m hesitant to move near him at first, looking around at the mess and the pot he is stirring. When I look into his hopeful hazel orbs, I cave.
I move forward and stop before him. Nelson places a hand on my hip and tugs me into his side, lifting the spoon to my lips. I lean forward and give the spoon a tentative lick.
The taste burst on my tongue in a delicious explosion of flavors. I go back in to wrap my lips around the spoon for more. It’s so good.
I cover my mouth and moan. “Wow, that’s amazing,” I say, nodding my head.
I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover. As if to prove my point, Nelson drops the spoon on the counter and cups the side of my face. His lips are on mine faster than I can blink.
This man’s kisses are drugging. It’s like he’s eating my face, but not in a sloppy teenaged boy way. It’s controlled, demanding, and all-consuming. I reach to lock my fingers in his hair, pulling a deep groan from his throat.
Much too quickly for my liking, Nelson pulls away. I lean into the counter on my unsteady legs, trying to catch my breath. Nelson licks his full bottom lip, as his eyes roll over my body.
“We’ll be able to eat in a few,” is all he says, turning his attention back to the pots before him.
I decide to get out of his way and go set the small table by the window. It’s an oak round kitchenette set that speaks to the allure of the cottage. The rich blue flowers in the center of the table, tie in with the blue throws and pillows from the living room area.
I love the combinations of blues, soft greys, and beiges. It almost has a beachy cottage feel. I get the feeling Detra was the one that had a hand in this décor.
I’m surprised by the ping of jealousy I feel. Nelson has mentioned her, as a part of his life several times. She must know so much about him. Detra is a beautiful woman, I can’t help wondering if they were ever involved romantically.
Which totally shocks me, I’ve never been the jealous type. My thoughts start to circle a million things, from my attraction to Nelson, his relationship with Detra, the near car accident, and what this date truly means to our relationship. I’m placing the last glass on the table when I feel Nelson walk up behind me.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he says into my ear, wrapping his arms around my waist.
I turn in his embrace and look up at him. “I am too. You’re full of surprises Nelson. I’m interested to find out more,” I beam up at him.
His eyes grow dark. “Be careful what you ask for,” he purrs, giving my backside a little squeeze.
I swallow back my reply. I don’t want to beg for it and I don’t want to come off needy. I’ve already thrown out there that I’m interested.
Nelson searches my eyes, taking on a little look of disappointment, when I don’t reply. I bite my lip, confused by the sudden change in his expression. Lord, this man is giving me whiplash.
I go to make the reply I’d held back, but Nelson pecks my forehead and turns to get our food. I take a seat at the table. When Nelson places a plate before me, I roll my lips again.
“Smells delicious,” I compliment.
“It’s one of my favorites,” he says, with the cutest shy smile.
My heart flips over. Suddenly, I want to dive into this plate and finish every morsel. The aromas of garlic bread, fresh tomato sauce, and basil fill my lungs.
“Fresh marinara sauce over sausage and Orzo. Nice,” I nod.
I fork a bite and pop it into my mouth. Oh, my God. If I thought the little taste I had before was divine. This is just amazing. The pasta is cooked to perfection.
“Everyone always says I’m like a tornado in the kitchen, but I’m the perfect storm in your mouth,” Nelson chuckles.
I nearly choke at the visual that pops in my head. I reach for my glass of wine, as my eyes water. You would think I was a slut. Yes, I can be a freak in the bedroom. At least, I think I am, but I’ve never been openly aggressive or provoking. Nelson seems to bring that side out.
His eyes widen. “Are you okay? Is it too spicy?” he asks.
I shake my head. “No, it’s not the food,” I cover my forehead, trying to collect my thoughts.
A few beats pass and I hear Nelson’s rumbling laugh. “That did come out bad didn’t it,” he laughs out.
“Yeah, sort of,” I feel myself blush.
“I promise. This once, that was not my intention,” he says, voice laced with amusement.
I drop my hands into my lap. “I just need to say something,” I say softly. “What happened yesterday and what I said earlier are so unlike me. I’ve never had sex outside a relationship and mostly well into the relationship. I just don’t want to give you the wrong idea about me.”
“Then, I guess it’s a very good thing we’re in a relationship,” Nelson gives me a heated smile. “I’ll make a deal with you. We’ll both stop overthinking this, before we mess things up.”
“Deal,” I chirp.
“Let’s finish our meal so I can give you your Christmas present,” he says lightly.
“Sounds good,” I reply, wanting nothing more than to devour the rest of the meal before me. Well, the food and the man.