24
“Are you nervous?”
Reid gave Nadia an amused look. “Maybe I’m the one who should be asking you that question.”
She let out a small laugh. “Why? Do I seem nervous?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Is that a serious question? You haven’t stopped fidgeting and plucking at your shirt since you got in the car.”
“That’s not true,” she protested.
His eyebrow climbed higher.
She grinned sheepishly and dropped her hand to her lap before turning away to stare out the window.
It was Thanksgiving Day, and they had just pulled up to her parents’ house for dinner. Several gleaming cars filled the driveway and lined the curb in front of the large stone-and-stucco house. The gang was all here.
So why was she so reluctant to get out of the car?
Everyone in her family had been pleased to learn that she and Reid were back together. Everyone but her father. He still didn’t approve of their relationship, and he believed Nadia was making a terrible mistake by giving Reid another chance. After much pleading and cajoling from his wife, he’d grudgingly consented to having Reid over for Thanksgiving dinner—operative word being grudgingly. There was no telling what he would say or do once Reid stepped foot inside his home.
So, yeah, Nadia was nervous as hell. Who could blame her?
“Baby.”
She turned back to Reid. He looked breathtakingly handsome in charcoal dress pants, a crisp white shirt and an expensively tailored jacket that fit his wide shoulders to perfection. His dark hair curled slightly over the collar; the thick locks were noticeably shorter after his visit to the barber. Not only had he gotten a haircut, he’d also shaved for the special occasion. The shave made his jaw look squarer, his cheekbones more chiseled.
Even without the dark stubble that normally shadowed his face, he still looked like the rough and tough badass who’d stolen Nadia’s heart. Rugged masculinity oozed from the man’s pores. It didn’t hurt that his knuckles were raw and a bruise bloomed over his right cheekbone, courtesy of the brawl he’d gotten into during last night’s bruising home game against the Washington Capitals.
Nadia’s mouth watered just looking at him. She wanted to lick him from top to bottom and back up again. She wanted to ride him until her ass muscles cramped.
And she would—later.
But first she had to make sure he survived his first meeting with her father.
The very thought summoned another wave of apprehension. She bit her lip, staring anxiously at Reid. “Whatever happens today—”
“Relax.” He cupped her face, stroking the curve of her cheek with his thumb. “It’s going to be okay. Remember what I told you before. I’m not going anywhere.”
She gave him a rueful smile. “You might change your mind after today.”
“Not a chance.” The corner of his mouth quirked with a wry smile. “So can we get out of the car now? Or are you still contemplating making a run for it?”
She took a deep breath, let it out slowly and then grinned. “Let’s do this.”
“Atta girl.” Reid got out and came around to open her door, extending his hand to her. She took it as he helped her out of the Tesla and then closed the door. He held onto her hand, linking their fingers as they started up the long walk together.
It was a crisp, golden afternoon with a clear blue sky overhead. Nadia felt soft and elegant in a ruffled beige blouse with a high collar tucked into black slacks that tapered to hug her ankles. The heels of her nude pumps clicked lightly on the cobblestone path.
“So this is where you grew up,” Reid remarked, looking around at the well-kept houses and meticulously manicured lawns that populated the quiet neighborhood.
“Yup,” Nadia said with a sigh. “This is where it all started.”
“I’m picturing you as a little girl riding your bike up and down this street, or sitting under that big tree with your nose buried in a book.”
Nadia gave Reid a pleased smile. “I did enjoy reading under that tree. It was one of my favorite spots, actually. How did you know?”
He just smiled, bringing her wrist to his lips. The warmth of his mouth against her skin sent a rush of tingles through her body that heated her all over.
Just as they reached the house, the mahogany front door swung open. Nadia grinned when she saw her mother standing there with a wide, welcoming smile.
“Hello, you two,” she greeted them warmly. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Same to you,” they responded.
Eden kissed Nadia’s cheek and pulled her close in an affectionate embrace. Then she drew back and smiled at Reid as Nadia began the introductions. “Mom, this is—”
“I know who he is.” Her mother clasped his hand in a warm handshake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Reid.”
He grinned. “The pleasure’s all mine, Mrs. Warner. Thank you for having me.”
“Thank you for coming.” Eden opened the door wider, ushering them inside the house. The air was fragrant with the aromas of roast turkey and baked ham.
Reid smiled at Nadia’s mother. “Dinner smells wonderful.”
She beamed with pleasure. “Thank you, baby. I hope you brought your appetite.”
“Are you kidding?” Nadia joked. “He never goes anywhere without it.”
They all laughed.
The sound of their voices drew the rest of Nadia’s family to the foyer. As they came forward with friendly smiles, she introduced Reid to everyone, skipping over Nelson and Bianca. Her uncle and cousins greeted Reid with firm handshakes, their grins wide and a bit awed. When Reid smiled at Aunt Sherise and Ana, they looked ready to swoon, clearly dazzled by his hotness.
When he glanced away to answer someone’s question, Scarlett met Nadia’s eyes and mouthed, Wow!
She merely grinned.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s coming to dinner.”
Everyone turned to see Lincoln Warner approaching. It was the moment Nadia had been dreading. She gave her father a silently pleading look, but his attention was focused solely on Reid.
Reid made the first move, politely extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Warner.”
“Uh-huh.”
Lincoln and Reid gripped hands. Both men’s jaws were tight, their postures rigid as they sized each other up. They reminded Nadia of two gunslingers squaring off in the Old West.
Apparently she wasn’t alone, because someone began whistling the theme song from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
A rumble of laughter swept through the foyer, breaking up some of the tension. It was only then that Nadia’s father released Reid’s hand. Reid looked somewhat relieved as he flexed his fingers, earning a sympathetic clap on the back from Nelson.
As everyone began drifting from the foyer, Nadia’s mother tucked her arm through Reid’s. “I’m sorry Nadia’s grandparents couldn’t be here today. They live two hours away and don’t like to travel very often. But they usually come stay with us for Christmas, so you’ll get to meet them at that time. My parents and siblings will also be visiting from Virginia, and they can’t wait to meet you.”
Reid smiled. “I look forward to meeting them.”
“Assuming you’re still around by then,” Nadia’s father grumbled under his breath.
His wife and daughter shot him a warning look.
Aunt Sherise deliberately cleared her throat. “Why don’t you fellas head back downstairs to finish watching the early game? The girls and I need to put the finishing touches on dinner and set the table. That means you too, Scarlett.”
Scarlett responded with a disgruntled scowl.
As the men began leading Reid away, he glanced over his shoulder, met Nadia’s concerned gaze and winked.
She was still frowning as she followed the women to the kitchen.
Her mother came up beside her, draping an arm around her shoulders. “He’ll be all right.”
“I don’t know, Ma,” Nadia said worriedly. “I’m not comfortable leaving him alone with Dad. God only knows what Dad might say to him.”
“Reid’s a big boy. I’m sure he can handle anything your father has to say to him—no matter how abrasive it may be.”
Nadia grimaced. “That’s not very reassuring.”
Her mother laughed and gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze as they entered the kitchen. Every square inch of counter space was covered with food. Nadia’s mother and aunt had been up since early that morning preparing the turkey and ham and all the trimmings—candied yams, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, crusty sourdough rolls. There were two different types of stuffing, and three sweet potato pies cooled on wire racks.
Nadia felt a pang of guilt as she surveyed the mouthwatering spread. “Look at all this food. I should have been here to help—”
Her mother waved her off. “Nonsense. You and Reid were where you needed to be this morning—serving meals to the homeless.”
“That’s right,” Aunt Sherise agreed, opening a can of cranberry sauce. “We had all the help we needed. Scarlett and Ana did our grocery runs, and we assigned the men to kitchen duty later this evening. Besides, your mama and I are old pros at whipping up these holiday feasts. Been doing it for years, long before you kids were born.”
“We know,” Nadia and Scarlett chorused with grins. “You tell us every year.”
Aunt Sherise laughed. “And someday it’ll be the four of you slaving away in this kitchen for your families.”
Nadia, Scarlett, Ana and Bianca shared an amused glance.
Then Scarlett cleared her throat and raised her hand. “I’m probably never getting married, so you can count me out of that cozy little scenario.”
Bianca grinned. “And unless you all know something about Nelson and me that I don’t…”
It was all Nadia could do not to blurt out Nelson’s secret.
“Well, Bianca, all I can tell you is that I’ve never seen my son so smitten by a woman,” Eden remarked with a twinkle in her eyes. “You’ve got that boy wrapped around your finger.”
As the others murmured in agreement, Bianca smiled and demurely lowered her lashes. “He’s pretty special to me too.”
“Aww,” everyone cooed.
Aunt Sherise grinned. “Whenever Nelson’s ready to pop the question, his twin will be the first to know. So, Nadia, we expect you to give us the goods, y’hear?”
Nadia gave a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”
Everyone laughed.
Looking around with a wicked grin, Scarlett announced in a sly voice, “Since no one else is going to say what we’ve all been thinking, let me be the first: Reid is fine as hell!”
The room erupted in raucous female laughter.
“I’m glad someone else beat me to it,” Ana confessed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I didn’t want to get in trouble for saying it, but…whew, chile!”
This set off more laughter and lusty hums of agreement.
Scarlett grinned impishly, fanning her face. “I mean, we’ve all watched his games on TV and seen his face plastered everywhere, so we already knew he was hot. But nothing prepares you for seeing the man in person. Lordy, he’s gorgeous. Those eyes are to die for. And he’s got that whole ‘badass roughneck’ thing going on. And that voice…” She pretended to swoon into a chair, drawing more giggles and feminine sighs.
Aunt Sherise tsk-tsked. “Now, now, Scarlett. You need to stop lusting after your cousin’s man.” She paused. “Or at least wait until she’s not around to hear you.”
Another burst of laughter pealed through the kitchen.
Nadia grinned and shook her head as Scarlett slung an arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek. “He happens to think you’re gorgeous too,” she told her cousin in a wry tone. “So maybe I’d better keep a close eye on both of you.”
“Girl, please,” Scarlett said with an amused snort. “That man ain’t thinking about no one but you.”
“I know that’s right,” Bianca confirmed. “I’ve been around them. I’ve seen the way he looks at her and touches her. It’s so freakin’ hot.”
Nadia blushed as everyone sighed deeply and fanned themselves. Even her mother seemed to be enjoying this.
Ana grinned at her. “So how’d everything go at the shelter? We saw you and Reid on the news this morning. You looked right at home with him and his teammates.”
“Didn’t she?” Aunt Sherise agreed. “She looked like she belonged at Reid’s side, wearing his jersey and serving meals right alongside him. They make such a beautiful couple.”
“They certainly do.” Nadia’s mother smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I know you were a little nervous about accompanying Reid to the volunteer event. Now that you’ve had a chance to mingle with some of the players’ wives and girlfriends, what did you think? Were they friendly?”
“For the most part,” Nadia answered, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Some of them were pretty standoffish, and I could tell they were wondering what I was doing there with Reid. But I just ignored them and interacted with the ones who seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me.” She smiled. “I really hit it off with the goalie’s wife, Jenna. She’s a former actress and model, but she’s really nice and down to earth. She invited me and Reid to dinner at their house next month.”
“That’s good,” Aunt Sherise said warmly. “I know players’ wives tend to be cliquish and unwelcoming to outsiders. It’s good for you to make as many allies as you can before you and Reid get married.”
“That’s true,” the others agreed.
“Whoa.” Nadia laughed, holding up her hands. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Reid and I just got back together, remember? We’re taking things nice and slow.”
“If you say so, baby.” Her mother smiled, then clapped her hands together. “We’d better get dinner on the table before the menfolk start grumbling. And Bianca and Nelson need to leave by three to have their second dinner with her family.”
“But we’ll be back,” Bianca promised. “So save us dessert.”
Everyone laughed.
Working together, the women carried the dishes to the formal dining room and arranged them on the long table, which was elegantly set with a russet-colored linen tablecloth and gold-trimmed china and silverware. Three glowing candles rose from the center of a festive floral centerpiece decked out in autumn colors.
When everything was ready, Nadia’s mother called down the basement stairs, “Time to eat, fellas!”
The announcement was met with a roar of applause and hearty shouts of “Hallelujah,” followed by a rumble of masculine laughter.
Just then the doorbell rang. Nadia crossed the foyer to open the door.
There was an attractive, brown-haired white guy standing on the doorstep. She immediately recognized him as one of the fitness trainers who worked at the gym with Lennox.
He smiled at her. “Hi. Nadia, right?”
“Yes.” She returned his friendly smile. “And you’re Cooper from the gym.”
“That’s me.” He looked a little nervous. “Is Lennox—”
“Right here.” Lennox came up behind Nadia, welcoming the newcomer with a warm smile. They exchanged a strong handshake, Lennox lingering over the clasp for an extra heartbeat before stepping back to let Cooper inside.
He introduced him to the rest of the family, explaining that he’d invited Cooper to dinner because he wasn’t able to get home to his family for Thanksgiving.
When Cooper saw Reid, his green eyes widened in surprise. “Holy sh—” He caught himself and grinned, enthusiastically pumping Reid’s hand. “I didn’t know you’d be here today. It’s really great to meet you, man. I’m a huge fan.”
Reid inclined his head modestly. “Nice to meet you.”
Uncle Lavell didn’t look too happy about the new dinner guest. “No one told me about this,” he grumbled, glaring suspiciously at Cooper.
Lennox looked discomfited. “I asked Mom and Aunt Eden if I could invite him, and they both said it was okay.”
“And it is,” Eden assured him. “You know we always have more than enough food at Thanksgiving. And any friend of yours is a friend of ours.”
Lennox gave her a grateful smile.
Nadia didn’t have to be a mind reader to interpret the tense look that passed between her father and uncle. Everyone in the family had long suspected that Lennox might be gay. Back in college when he was the star running back on the football team, girls had constantly thrown themselves at him, to little avail. Since graduating from college and becoming a personal trainer, he was regularly propositioned by women who showed up practically naked for their workout sessions. He turned them all down, patiently explaining that he never mixed business with pleasure. But after witnessing that lingering handshake between him and Cooper, Nadia had to wonder if there was another reason for Lennox’s refusal to date his female clients.
Wearing her most gracious hostess smile, Nadia’s mother looked around the foyer and clapped her hands together. “Let’s eat, shall we?”
Everyone followed her into the dining room, where she directed them to their chairs around the table. Nadia’s father took his place at the head of the table with his wife seated to his right and Nadia to his left. Reid sat next to her, clasping her hand and winking. Nelson sat beside Reid with Bianca on his right.
Uncle Lavell sat at the other end of the table with Aunt Sherise to his left and Scarlett to his right, mirroring his brother’s family. Luke and Ana sat beside Scarlett. When Cooper took the chair next to Lennox, Nadia didn’t miss the way her uncle’s lips thinned with displeasure.
Once everyone was settled, Nadia’s father steepled his hands on the table and fixed Reid with an austere stare. “Before we eat, let me just get something out of the way up front.”
“Lincoln,” his wife murmured.
He lifted a hand to silence her. “I’ve been holding my tongue for a while now, but I need to get a few things off my chest before we break bread with this young man. I’ll have more to say to him later, man to man, behind closed doors. But I want to say this in front of witnesses.”
Nadia cringed as her father pointed a stern finger at Reid. “I know boys will be boys, but I won’t tolerate reckless shenanigans that disrespect my daughter and jeopardize her health and well being. So if there’s any part of you that still has a taste for your own women—or any other woman, for that matter—you need to get up right now and walk out that door so my daughter can move on with her life. Because if you ever hurt or humiliate Nadia Eden Warner again, you won’t be welcome in this house anymore. Not only that, but I will personally track you down at that arena, drag you off the ice and beat the living—”
“Lincoln!” his wife gasped.
His lips tightened into a hard line. “I won’t have you hurting my daughter again. Do you understand?”
Reid held Lincoln’s hard, uncompromising glare without flinching. “Yes, sir,” he said quietly. “I understand.”
Lincoln narrowed his eyes. “You staying?”
“Yes, sir.” Reid squeezed Nadia’s hand under the table. “I’m staying.”
“Good.” Lincoln gave a short nod of satisfaction and then looked around the table. “Now let’s bless this feast and eat.”
There were a few scattered chuckles.
Once Nadia’s father asked the blessing and carved the perfectly roasted turkey, any lingering tension dissolved as platters of food were passed around, plates were filled and wine was poured.
The dining room was soon buzzing with lively conversation and laughter and the clinking of silverware. Nadia’s mother and aunt beamed with pleasure when Reid complimented their delicious cooking and asked for seconds.
Throughout dinner, stories were shared and topics were debated as everyone joked around and teased one another. Not surprisingly, much of the conversation revolved around the Denver Rebels. Having an audience with one of the team’s star players was a dream come true for the Warner men, Scarlett and Cooper. As diehard fans, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk hockey with Reid. He good-naturedly indulged their questions and comments, chuckling when Nadia’s father and uncle dispensed advice on game strategy and offered their opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of upcoming opponents.
Nadia found herself grinning as she watched Reid interact with her family. She could tell he’d already won over her mother. Eden couldn’t stop smiling at him and laughing warmly at his comments between exchanging delighted glances with Aunt Sherise, who appeared equally charmed by Reid.
He looked so relaxed, so content and at ease in the company of Nadia’s people. She sat there soaking it all in, her heart bursting with gratitude and joy.
At one point, Aunt Sherise surveyed the smiling faces gathered around the table and beamed with satisfaction. “It’s so wonderful to have all of you here. But something’s missing, and it just occurred to me what it is. You know what this festive gathering needs?”
Everyone regarded her expectantly. “What?”
Her eyes twinkled. “Children.”
Warm laughter swept over the table. Luke and Ana grinned self-consciously as all eyes swiveled toward them.
Aunt Sherise sighed dramatically. “I’m missing the pitter-patter of little feet running around, the sound of high-pitched squeals and giggles filling the house.”
“I know what you mean,” Nadia’s mother agreed. “It would be nice to have some precious children scampering about.”
“Umm-hmm.” Aunt Sherise sipped her wine. “No pressure, Luke and Ana.”
Everyone laughed.
“Do you want children, Reid?” Nadia’s mother asked, smiling across the table at him.
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am, I do.”
“How many?”
He smiled. “I’m not sure. The more, the merrier.”
Scarlett snorted a laugh. “Says the man who doesn’t have to push babies out of his—”
“Scarlett, please!” her mother chided.
Scarlett flashed a grin at Reid. “Just sayin’.”
He chuckled. “Your point’s well taken. I’m a guy so I’ll never know what it’s like to give birth. But I have three siblings and we’re all very close. I guess I want the same for my own family.”
Eden’s dark eyes gleamed with interest. “So how many kids? Three? Four…?”
“Good Lord, woman,” Lincoln grumbled in exasperation. “Why don’t you just send them upstairs to get started right now?”
Heat rushed into Nadia’s face. “Really, Dad—” Her protest was drowned out by the wave of raucous laughter that swept over the table.
Eyes glinting wickedly, Reid leaned close and murmured in her ear, “I’m game if you are.”
Her brown skin must have turned all shades of red because more laughter erupted.
Ten minutes later, during a lull in the conversation, Nadia’s father looked around the table, shook his head and chuckled humorously. “Never thought I’d live to see the day that my dinner table would be infiltrated by not one, but two white dudes.”
Uncle Lavell grunted. “I just hope only one of them is thinking about marrying into this family.”
Reid and Cooper both choked on the wine they’d been drinking. They began coughing as a palpable hush swept over the table, the others casting uncomfortable glances in Lennox and Cooper’s direction.
Nadia rubbed Reid on the back and murmured, “Are you okay?”
He nodded quickly and cleared his throat. Picking up a cloth napkin to wipe the corner of his mouth, he shot a sympathetic glance across the table at Cooper, whose face had turned beet red. Lennox was staring down at his plate with focused absorption while Uncle Lavell studied him through narrowed eyes.
Everyone else started talking at once to cover the awkward moment.
Suddenly dinner couldn’t end fast enough.
After they finished eating, Nadia’s mother doled out thick slices of her decadent sweet potato pie and white chocolate-and-cranberry cheesecake, beaming with pleasure as everyone oohed and aahed over both desserts.
“If you ladies don’t mind,” Uncle Lavell drawled, rising from the table, “the second game’s about to start, so we’re just gonna mosey on downstairs....”
“Uh-huh.” Aunt Sherise gave her husband a knowing look. “Just don’t forget you boys have kitchen duty tonight.”
“Kitchen duty? What’s that?” When she narrowed her eyes, he laughed and winked at her. “Just kidding, baby.”
Nadia’s father clapped Reid on the back. “C’mon, Detroit. Let’s go watch your Lions get their butts kicked by the Bears.”
Reid grinned. “Don’t be too sure of that.”
Laughing, the men carried their dessert plates down to the basement to watch the remaining Thanksgiving football games.
Nadia and her mother walked Nelson and Bianca out to his car, promising to save them some dessert. On their way back to the house, Eden linked her arm with Nadia’s and warmly confided, “I adore Reid.”
Nadia grinned. “I kinda got that.”
Her mother laughed. “He’s smart and charming, has a great sense of humor and behaves like a real gentleman. And Lord have mercy, he’s such a handsome devil.”
“I know that’s right.” Aunt Sherise met them at the front door, grinning mischievously at Nadia. “No wonder you took him back. No vibrator in the world can replace what that man must be putting down.”
Nadia’s face flamed. “Aunt Sherise!”
The two mothers cackled wickedly.
Dirty old women, Nadia thought, shaking her head even as her mouth twitched with amusement.
“I’m getting more wine,” she muttered before making a beeline for the dining room to retrieve her empty glass.
She found Scarlett in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of wine. Her phone was cradled between her shoulder and ear as she hummed notes of a melody that Nadia didn’t recognize. It sounded beautiful. But then, Scarlett could sing out of the phone book and make it sound like the greatest work ever composed. The girl had serious pipes.
Nadia settled on a stool at the center island and put her glass down on the counter. Without being asked, Scarlett splashed some wine into Nadia’s glass, then hummed a few more notes into the phone before breaking off with a frustrated groan.
“It sucks, right?” She shook her head, rubbing the heel of her hand into her eye socket as she listened to her bandmate’s feedback. “I don’t know, dude. It’s just not coming to me.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Let me call you back later.”
Nadia sipped her wine, watching as Scarlett tossed her phone down on the counter and blew out a disgusted breath that ruffled the purple-tinted curls falling over her forehead.
“What’s wrong?” Nadia asked sympathetically.
“I’m meeting the guys for a jam session in New York in a few weeks,” Scarlett explained. “Afterward I’m supposed to be sharing some new music with them. But there’s just one problem: I don’t have any new music.”
“What?” Nadia exclaimed. “I thought you’ve been working on some songs!”
“I have,” Scarlett said with a grimace, “but everything sounds like shit. I’m having serious writer’s block.”
“Oh, no,” Nadia commiserated. “I’m really sorry to hear that, Scar. But you’ve had writer’s block before, and you’ve always been able to work through it.”
“Yeah, but it’s never been this bad before.” Scarlett dropped her head on the counter and let out a tortured groan. “We’re supposed to be going back into the studio in January. The guys are gonna kill me if I’m not ready.”
“You’ll be ready,” Nadia reassured her, gently rubbing her back. “And you should cut yourself some slack. You guys just came back from tour last month. So maybe you just need a longer mental break. You know, more time to get the creative juices flowing again.”
“Maybe,” Scarlett mumbled, lifting her head to grab her glass and take a gulp of wine.
“For what it’s worth,” Nadia said with a rueful grin, “what I heard you humming didn’t suck at all. It sounded pretty damn good, actually. But, hey, what do I know?”
Scarlett grunted and took another swig from her glass.
Nadia gave her a sly sidelong glance. “I know something that might help with your writer’s block. Or should I say someone.”
Scarlett shot her a wary look. “What’re you talking about?”
“Well…I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell you that Viggo wants to meet you.”
Scarlett’s eyes widened in surprise. “Viggo…Sandström?”
“Yup.”
“Viggo ‘The Sandstorm’ Sandström? Viggo who plays for the Rebels? Mr. GQ? That Viggo?”
“The one and only.” Nadia grinned. “I was trying to hook him up with Jess because she met him first. But he’s only interested in you, Scar. He bought both of your albums, and he really wants to meet you.”
Scarlett stared at her a moment longer, then brought her glass to her lips and knocked back the rest of her wine.
Nadia eyed her expectantly. “Well?”
“Well what?”
“What do you think?”
“About what?”
“About meeting Viggo.”
Scarlett shrugged a shoulder. “He’s one of the best players in the NHL. Of course I wouldn’t mind meeting him.”
Nadia gave her an exasperated look. “You wouldn’t be meeting him as a hockey fan. You’d be meeting him as a potential date.”
“Hmm.” Scarlett tugged her lower lip between her teeth. “I don’t know.”
“Seriously?” Nadia was incredulous. “I can’t believe you’re balking at the chance to meet Viggo! How many times over the years have I heard you carrying on about how fine he is?”
“He is fine. Hella fine. But…” Scarlett trailed off, tracing the rim of her glass with her finger.
“But what?”
Scarlett sighed. “I saw what you went through when you thought Reid cheated on you. I’m glad you guys worked things out, and I sincerely believe he was telling the truth about not sleeping with that chick. But these guys are professional athletes, Nadia. And the reality is that they’re always gonna have beautiful women throwing panties at them. Personally, I don’t think I can handle all that drama—not even for a guy as hot as Viggo. It would drive me crazy. Anyway,” she added with a shrug, “I’m gonna be really busy next year. We’re recording our third album, and our manager booked us even more concerts and tours. So I won’t have time for a relationship, especially with a hockey player who’s always on the road himself. It wouldn’t work.”
Nadia nodded slowly. “I hear what you’re saying, and I completely understand. But…” She trailed off, pursing her lips.
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “But what?”
Nadia shrugged. “I just think…well, there’s no harm in meeting him, is there?”
Before Scarlett could respond, her phone blasted out an old Led Zeppelin song. She plucked it off the counter, glanced at the screen and sighed.
“It’s Traeger,” she said, referring to her band’s neurotic bassist. “He probably heard that I’m over here struggling creatively, and now he’s freaking the hell out.”
Nadia chuckled. “Guess you’d better talk him off the ledge, then.”
“That’s probably a good idea.” Lips twitching with wry amusement, Scarlett gave Nadia a considering look. “About Viggo…”
“Yes?”
Scarlett hesitated. “I’ll keep an open mind.”
Nadia grinned. “That’s all I ask.”
Scarlett winked at her before turning away to answer her phone with a long-suffering sigh. “No, Traeger, I’m not quitting the band to go solo.”
Chuckling, Nadia draped an arm around her cousin’s shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze, then slipped off the stool and left the kitchen.
She was surprised to find Reid in the living room with her mother and Aunt Sherise. They were sitting together on the sofa, laughing and chatting as they looked over a family photo album.
“And there’s my little Nadia,” her mother cooed, pointing to a photograph on the page.
Nadia hustled into the living room, sputtering in protest. “Really, Ma? You’re showing him baby pictures?”
“Oh, hush.” Her mother waved her off. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You were a beautiful child.”
“Your mom’s right,” Reid agreed warmly. “You were beautiful. And this is an adorable picture of you.”
Dubious, Nadia made her way to the sofa to peer over their shoulders. When she saw the photo in question, she didn’t know whether to be amused or mortified. The picture had been taken on Halloween when she was six. She was wearing a leopard print leotard with a long tail and a headband with matching cat ears tucked into her big Afro. Her eyes sparkled as she shook a tambourine while flashing a toothy grin at the camera.
“She was dressed up as Valerie, the black tambourine player from Josie and the Pussycats,” her mother explained to Reid. “Nadia and Scarlett used to love watching that old cartoon. For Halloween that year, Scarlett dressed up as Josie, the lead singer. Nadia went as Valerie, and one of our neighbors’ little girls was Melody. I believe we have an old videotape of them performing together that night.”
“Really?” Reid looked over his shoulder at Nadia, his eyes glittering with laughter. “I’d love to see it.”
Nadia groaned and then laughed. “Why are you doing this to me, Ma?”
“What?” Her mother blinked, all innocence. “I see nothing wrong with sharing your childhood pictures and memories with Reid. This helps him get to know you better.”
Reid grinned. “You’re absolutely right, Mrs. Warner.”
When she grinned and patted his hand, Nadia rolled her eyes.
Aunt Sherise struck a thoughtful pose, her eyes twinkling. “As I recall from the comics, Valerie and Archie got married and had a child several years go. So if you think about it, Valerie ended up with a white boy.” She winked at Nadia and Reid. “Talk about foreshadowing.”
Nadia blushed while Reid and her mother laughed.
“Is there any way I can get a copy of this picture?” Reid asked.
Eden beamed. “Why, yes, of—”
“I don’t think so,” Nadia quickly interjected. “That picture doesn’t leave this house.”
“Aw, c’mon, baby,” Reid cajoled. “It’s a great picture.”
“Uh-uh. No haps.”
Her mother shared a conspiratorial smile with Reid. “Don’t worry. I got you.”
When he grinned, Nadia scowled. “What’re you doing up here anyway?” she said accusingly. “Aren’t you supposed to be downstairs watching football with the menfolk?”
“He was. We snuck him away.” Aunt Sherise winked at Reid. “But he didn’t mind. The Lions were losing anyway.”
They all laughed.
Closing the family album, Nadia’s mother suggested, “Why don’t you give Reid a tour of the house? I’m sure he’d love to see your old bedroom.”
Nadia raised an amused eyebrow. “You mean you’re actually letting me take a boy upstairs to my room?”
Her mother’s eyes glinted. “As long as you keep the door open, there shouldn’t be any problem.”
Aunt Sherise grinned, rising from the sofa. “And keep your phone close.”
Nadia gave her a curious look. “Why?”
“So I can text you a heads-up in case your father decides to come check up on you.”
Nadia and Reid laughed.
After her mother and aunt headed down to the basement, Nadia took Reid by the hand and led him up the curved staircase to the second floor. Although she wasn’t a teenager anymore, she suddenly felt like one as she ushered Reid down the carpeted hallway toward her old bedroom. He made her feel breathless with excitement, like a giddy teen with her first big crush.
She found herself humming Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” as she stepped through the open doorway of her bedroom and flipped on the light.
After she and Nelson went off to college, their mother decided to redecorate their bedrooms. Nadia’s new décor featured rich jewel tones with splashes of modern art. The pink wallpaper had been replaced with a fresh coat of taupe on all but one accent wall, which was painted a deep purple. Her small desk had been swapped out for a French armoire. Her canopy bed had gone from frilly to exotic with gossamer swaths of drapery, satin emerald bedding and silk pillows.
Her mother had kept certain items for sentimental reasons. A large dreamcatcher hung on the wall next to the bed. Another wall held a collage of Polaroids featuring Nadia with Nelson or Scarlett, making silly faces and doing silly things. A tall antique bookcase held dog-eared copies of books she’d reread too many times to count. A long window seat lined with multicolored throw pillows still served as a cozy reading nook.
Nadia watched as Reid stood in the center of the room and looked around with a fascinated little smile.
“So this is your old bedroom,” he murmured.
“Yup.” She smiled, spreading her arms wide. “Welcome to my childhood sanctuary.”
“I like it. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. It’s been redecorated, of course.” She pointed to the purple accent wall. “There used to be a big poster of Usher right there.”
Reid smiled. “Usher, huh?”
“Oh, yeah. Like most girls I knew, I had the biggest crush on that dude. When I turned sixteen, my parents surprised me, Scarlett and Nelson with tickets to an Usher concert. We rode in a limo and had front row seats. When Usher sang ‘U Got It Bad,’ no one could tell me he wasn’t singing directly to me.” She crooned the words to the chorus, then sighed and grinned. “Good times.”
“I’ll bet,” Reid said with a chuckle, wandering across the room to study the collage of Polaroids. “I love how close you are to your family. I can tell how much you all mean to one another.”
“Absolutely,” Nadia agreed in a fond tone. “Family is everything.”
“Definitely.” Reid paused before the bookcase, trailing his fingers over the spines of the books. “I wonder…”
“Wonder what?”
Twinkling eyes met hers. “If I did some snooping around, would I find one of your old diaries?”
Nadia lifted an eyebrow. “Who says I kept a diary?”
He gave her a knowing look.
She conceded with a sheepish laugh. “Fine. I did. But you’ll never find them. I threw them away a long time ago.”
“That’s too bad,” Reid said with a lazy smile. “I would have loved to know all your secrets.”
She laughed. “I don’t think so. A girl’s gotta keep some mystery about her.”
“Fair enough.” Reid crossed the room to her bed and sat down. He was so big and male, he made the canopy bed look like it belonged to a toddler.
He leaned back on the pillows, his eyes heavy lidded as he stared at her. “Come here.”
Heat gathered low in her belly. He’d mouthed the same words to her that night as he stood outside the locker room after his game.
She stood there wavering, her teeth scraping against her bottom lip.
He patted the bed beside him. “Come sit with me.”
She grinned and shook her head. “I’d better not.”
He chuckled, watching as she moved to the window seat and sat down. After toeing off her pumps, she pulled her legs up on the cushioned bench to sit Indian style.
Reid smiled at her. “I can picture you laying there curled up with a book on a lazy summer afternoon.”
Nadia nodded, smiling softly. “This was my favorite reading spot.”
“No wonder. It looks very comfortable with all those pillows.” He got up and sauntered toward her. “I’ll have to install a window seat in my house.”
Her heart skipped three beats. “For me?”
“Of course. I want you to have a favorite reading spot at my house too.” When he winked at her, she felt the now familiar zip of electricity race through her body to curl her toes.
Reid sat down next to her on the window seat, put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. She snuggled into the side of his body and sighed contentedly, warmed by his masculine heat and the lingering aftereffects of good food and good wine.
“I really like your family,” he murmured into her hair. “They’re good people.”
“I’ve always thought so.” Nadia smiled. “And I think it’s safe to say they feel the same way about you. You were a hit with everyone, including my father.” She paused. “That is, once he finished threatening your life.”
Reid chuckled. “I don’t blame him for being protective of his daughter. I’m going to be the same way.”
Nadia grinned. “I can totally see you being an overprotective papa bear.”
“Damn right.” He moved some pillows out of the way and then leaned back against the wall adjacent to the window. The window seat nearly ran the length of the wall, so the bench was long enough for him to stretch out his legs. When he was comfortably settled, he pulled Nadia into his arms. She spooned up beside him with her head on his chest, her hand laying on his stomach and her legs tangled with his.
He rested his cheek on top of her head and sighed. “This is cozy.”
“Umm-hmm,” she purred. “Very cozy. I could fall asleep at any moment.”
“Me too.”
“It’s that tryptophan mojo.”
“Uh-huh,” Reid murmured, his hand running slowly up and down her back. “Dinner was incredible, by the way. I’m definitely helping myself to another plate before we leave.”
Nadia grinned. “As if Mom and Aunt Sherise needed any more reasons to love you.”
He chuckled softly, nuzzling his face into her hair. “Your mom is really beautiful. You look like her, you know.”
“That’s what everyone says.”
“It’s true. Your complexion is a couple shades lighter than hers, but you have the same gorgeous eyes and high cheekbones.” He hummed with appreciation. “I must say. You’ve got some good-looking women in your family. Damn.”
Nadia giggled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying the eye candy.”
“Definitely.” There was a smile in his voice. “I love that picture of you and your cousins on your Instagram page. You know the one I’m talking about? The one where you’re all dressed up and looking glamorous.”
Nadia smiled languidly. “I know the picture you’re talking about. It was taken at a sorority charity ball in Washington, D.C. The theme was ‘Celebrating Old Black Hollywood.’ All the women dressed up as vintage cinema stars like Dorothy Dandridge, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll and Lena Horne.” She smiled. “That’s one of the most popular pictures on my Instagram page.”
“I can see why,” Reid drawled. “All of you looked stunning.”
Nadia grinned. “Thank you kindly.”
“Just speaking the truth.” He kissed the crown of her head. “There were about twenty women in that picture. Are they all your cousins?”
“Most of them. A handful are Scarlett’s cousins from her mother’s side of the family.” Nadia smiled, tracing lazy circles on Reid’s stomach. “Mom and Aunt Sherise grew up together in Hampton, Virginia. They’ve always been as close as sisters. When Aunt Sherise met Uncle Lavell and found out he had a twin brother, she insisted on introducing him to her best friend. Dad was already seeing someone at the time, but it wasn’t serious. The moment he and Mom met, it was love at first sight. That was the only reason Mom’s family forgave her for choosing Howard University over Hampton. If she hadn’t gotten a good husband out of the deal, she’d probably still be on her parents’ shit list.”
Reid laughed. “Damn. It’s that serious?”
“Are you kidding? Attending Hampton University is a sacred tradition in my mother’s family. Same goes for Aunt Sherise’s. Their ‘defection’ caused quite an uproar, but they braved the fallout together.”
“And came away with good husbands,” Reid added importantly. “Twins.”
“Exactly.” Nadia grinned and cuddled closer to him, soaking up his warmth as he stroked his palm gently down her back. Soothed by his caress, she soon felt her eyelids growing heavy.
“Do you like dogs?”
It took a moment for the question to register. “Dogs?”
“Yeah.” Reid’s voice was lazy. “Do you like ’em?”
“I do.” She smiled. “I assume you do as well.”
He was amused. “Why do you assume that?”
“Because I’ve never met a white person who doesn’t like dogs.”
His laugh was a deep rumble against her ear.
She grinned. “Did you have a dog when you were growing up?”
“We did. A black lab named Pepper.” Affection warmed his voice. “He was great, really playful and rambunctious. He loved being on the ice. While I practiced, he’d be out there running and sliding and romping around. Every time I hit the puck, he’d chase it down and bring it back to me.”
Nadia smiled, enjoying the poignant images his words evoked. “He sounds like a very special dog.”
“He was,” Reid said fondly. “He was the best. And he lived a good, long life.”
“That’s good,” Nadia said warmly. “Do you want another dog?”
“I do. But I’m on the road all the time, so it’s not very practical. When I have a family, I’d definitely love to get a dog for my kids to enjoy.” He paused. “That’s why I asked if you like them.”
Nadia’s heartbeat quickened, as it always did whenever he alluded to their future. “I’m sure your kids will love having a dog as much as you did. And…how many was that again?”
“Kids?”
“Yes.”
“At least three. Preferably four.”
Nadia smiled against his chest. “Like your family.”
“Uh-huh.” There was an answering smile in his voice. “What do you think?”
Her stomach was fluttering. “I think big families are great.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He sounded glad. Really glad.
She closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat. It was a little unsteady, a little fast. Just like hers.
She inhaled a breath and let it out slowly before speaking again. “Do you think children thrive better when their mothers don’t work outside the home?”
He was silent.
She frowned. “It’s not a trick question, Reid.”
“I know.” He kissed the top of her head. “I definitely benefited from having my mother around all the time. But I know there were times she missed not having a career. I know how much you enjoy your job. I wouldn’t want you to do anything that would make you unhappy.”
Nadia toyed with one of the buttons on his shirt. “I think I’d want to work at least part time.”
“Okay.” His arms tightened around her, holding her even closer. “Everything’s negotiable.”
Something like relief tingled through her. She sighed deeply and smiled. “This is such a grownup conversation we’re having.”
Reid chuckled softly, rubbing his cheek against her hair. “Speaking of grownup matters,” he drawled, “I just thought of something.”
She angled her head back to look up at him. “What?”
There was a wicked gleam in his eyes. “We’ve never done it on a window seat before.”
She laughed even as a shaft of need shot through her. “And we’re not gonna do it now.”
“Why not?”
“Seriously? You’re still on probation with my father. So unless you’re trying to get yourself killed, you’d better keep that beast in your pants.”
Reid laughed. “Spoilsport.”
She grinned. “Lifesaver, you mean. As in, I’m saving you from certain death at the hands of an angry black father.”
Grinning, Reid tipped her chin up and leaned down to brush a soft kiss across her mouth, staring into her eyes. “We’ll finish this later at my house.”
“Yes.” Her voice was breathy, her stomach aflutter. “But not too much later…”