Love Script (33 page)

His wild eyes took in the sight of Danny’s arms around her, and she could literal y see the pools of anger mirrored in his eyes. But he stil ed when he saw her swol en face; then, his gaze darkened as he turned on Danny.

“Are you responsible for this?”

Danny pushed Laney behind him protectively. “I was going to ask you the same question.” His voice was strong, but Laney could feel Danny shaking with fear.

Nick slammed the door closed behind him, preventing any chance of Danny escaping.

“Who the hel are you?” he demanded.

“I’m Daniel Rush—”

“No.” Nick shook his head, taking an aggressive step toward Danny. “I don’t give a damn what your name is. I want to know who you are to Laney and what the hel you’re doing in her bedroom.” Danny took a nervous gulp. “I think you should leave.”

“I think you better answer my question,” Nick growled.

Laney didn’t like where this was going. If she didn’t do something quick, Nick would have his hands wrapped around Danny’s throat. Stepping forward, Laney hoped to create a barrier between them. This seemed to only further irritate Nick but Danny gave a sigh of relief.

“Nick, this isn’t what it looks like.”

“Who is he, Laney?” he thundered.

She could feel his desperation. He was nearly shaking with it.

“I promise you, Nick, there is nothing going on between me and Danny. He’s like a brother to me.”

“That doesn’t explain why he’s in your bedroom!” Nick dragged his hand through his hair but stopped mid-action when a thought occurred to him. “Are you sleeping with him?”

She was real y getting tired of being asked that question today. “No, I’m not sleeping with him,” she snapped. “We’re just friends. He’s not interested in me.”

Nick folded his arms across his chest. “He’s in your room, Laney. I’d say that makes him very interested.”

She closed her eyes and massaged her temples. “Danny’s gay, Nick.”

Nick looked Danny over. He said nothing, but his eyes told her he wasn’t convinced.

“I’d be happy to kiss you, if you like,” Danny suggested with a wink.

Nick didn’t respond to Danny’s joke but at least he took an apprehensive step backward.

Thankful Nick’s temper had simmered a bit, she turned to Danny. “I’l cal you in the morning.” He looked like he didn’t trust her alone with Nick. “I’l be fine,” she assured him. “I promise.” Danny nodded and then kissed her on the cheek. He and Nick eyed each other menacingly as he exited the room. Laney waited until she heard him close the front door before she spoke.

“What are you doing here, Nick?”

“Who the hel was that?”

“I’ve already told you, he’s Danny.”

“Explain,” he demanded.

“I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“How often is he invited into your bedroom?”

“I’m not answering that.”

“Do you always dress like this for him?” She looked down at her nightgown. The delicate satin trim stopped mid-thigh. It was a simple gown, too plain to be considered provocative but a far cry from decent. She imagined the scene Nick had walked in on did appear to be an intimate one, but she would die a slow death before she’d admit that to Nick. This was her home, and she’d do whatever she damn wel pleased.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she met his stare. “Why are you here?”

“We aren’t finished talking about your visitor.”

“He’s my friend, that’s al .”

“He walked right into your home.”

“I leave the door unlocked for him.”

“
You what?
”

“You didn’t answer me. Why are you here?”

“I was checking on you. It seems I caught you at a bad time.” He surveyed her, beginning at her reddened eyes and puffy cheeks down to her painted toenails. The sight of her attire clearly offended him, but whatever cutting remark he might have made faded away when his gaze flickered across the bracelet he’d given her. His expression softened a bit, and he seemed to be struggling with this thoughts. Final y, his eyes lifted and lingered on her swol en face. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“Your face?”

“I’ve—I’ve had a rough day.” She nibbled on her lower lip.

“About the other night, when we ran into each other at the restaurant. I—”

“What about it?” she snapped.

“I want to talk to you about Cooper.”

“What about him?”

“Are you dating him?”

“What does it matter to you?”

“Are you sleeping with him, too?”

“Exactly how many people do you think I’m sleeping with?”

“Answer me.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Oh, yes, it is.” He stepped forward, making her step backward until the back of her thighs pressed against the edge of her bed. His blue eyes stormed a murky hue. “Are you sleeping with him?” he asked in a quiet voice.

She told herself she should lie to him, so he could see how it felt to be hurt, but the look in his eyes was so grave that it frightened her. “No, I’m not sleeping with Cooper.”

He suddenly seized her by the shoulders and shook her hard. “Are you trying to drive me crazy, Laney? Do you real y think I’d believe that?”

“I’m not lying. And you’re hurting me.” He released her abruptly, as if her touch burned his skin. “I don’t believe you.”

“You don’t have to.” She rubbed her arms. “I want you to leave, Nick.”

“Why? Are you expecting more company?”

“Don’t you have a woman waiting for you somewhere? Who is it this time? Vanessa, the nudist? Our Caribbean friend, Heidi? Or is it your date from the restaurant?”

He threw his hands up. “Those women mean nothing to me.”

“Is that what you tel them about me?”

“Of course not. You should know that.”

“I don’t know anything anymore! Least of al about you, Nick. I’m an emotional wreck; I can’t stop crying or eating. Every time I see you, there is a woman throwing herself at you, and you treat me like a cheap rental wife. I’ve had enough.” She sniffed.

“Just go. Don’t worry about me. If it eases your mind, I’l be fine in time. I just need you to leave.” He looked at her hard before shaking his head. “I can’t, Laney, not this time. I can’t stay away from you.

I think about you every hour of the day, and I long to be near you.” He dragged his hand through his hair.

“This isn’t normal. I drive myself crazy wanting you the way that I do.”

She was stunned into silence. She told herself she couldn’t afford to be hurt by him again and she shook her head. “No, Nick, I’m not listening to this.”

“You’re gonna have to.”

“No!” She covered her ears like a child. “Get out, Nick.”

He pul ed her hands away from her face and lowered his lips to kiss her. She refused him, pul ing out of his grip. Her anger slipped a bit when she saw the hurt in his eyes. He looked helpless.

“Laney, please, stop this.”

She shook her head. “Nick, I’m tired of being hurt. Whether by you or by Rob, I’m tired of it. I told you that day on the boat you had the power to hurt me, and that’s exactly what you did. Damn you, Nick.

I can’t take any more.”

“You don’t have to.” He stepped close and lowered his lips to hers. She turned away from him again, but he captured her face between his large hands and forced her to look up at him. “No more.” His eyes remained hard, but he pul ed her into his arms and kissed her. Laney came wil ingly this time, his lips caressing hers gently. Slowly, he kissed her until her mouth opened to him. He groaned. Her body ached to have him inside her.

The feeling of being in his arms again was intoxicating, his familiar musky scent was heavenly.

His eyes were icy blue when he slowly opened them to look down at her. “Get on the bed.” She pul ed away from him. “Nick, I can’t let you use me like that anymore.”

“Get on the bed, Laney.” He pul ed his shirt over his head and began undoing his belt buckle.

“Spread your legs wide. And if you value what you’re wearing, I suggest you take it off now.” He stepped out of his pants and stood magnificently naked and unashamed before her. Her mouth went dry at the sight of him, and it shamed her how attracted she was to him. Her body reacted immediately. A hot wave of arousal assailed her, sweeping down her spine and making her inner thighs wet with desire. His eyes had become stormy; she knew that look.

Seduced by his nearness, she numbly watched him rip the gown off her body. Her panties came next. He gathered her into his arms, his scent overwhelming her senses. Her arms wrapped around his neck. She let him lift her, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. Holding him tight, she enjoyed the strength of his arms. Heaven help her, she loved this man. Even though she knew he would only hurt her again, she was wil ing to sacrifice everything to have him again. If only for just one more time.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck. She relished the silky feeling of his hair against her face.

His hands kneaded her bottom, torturously skimming lower and lower to her slit. Her vaginal lips were swol en with arousal. His fingers played with her, spreading her apart before sliding inside. She moaned as he drew his fingers in and out of her warm wetness. Her head fel back on her shoulders as he pressed hot kisses along her neck. She moaned when the head of his cock, thick with excitement, brushed against her ass.

Frustrated with being so near her and not a part of her, he urgently lowered her to the bed, spreading her legs wide to receive him. Their eyes met. He kissed her soundly and with one determined thrust, he sheathed himself inside her, groaning loudly. The feel of her wet pussy gripping him tightly was exhilarating. He didn’t move for a long time; it was enough just to be inside her again. Holding her tight, he buried his face in her hair. He was so shaken, he thought he might start crying. When he’d caught his breath, he began to move inside her.

He moved his hips slowly at first, wanting to prolong every moment. His thrusts were slow but powerful, shaking the bed with every plunge. Their heavy breathing soon fil ed the air around them. His hips jerked faster and faster, slamming into her. Her soft moans turned into cries of passion. She squeezed her silken wal s around him and it was his undoing. They came together violently, leaving them both weak and trembling.

It was long minutes before he could regain his energy to speak. He sighed against her ear. “Laney, you have no idea how badly I’ve dreamt of being with you. I can’t stay away from you again.” Laney ran her fingers through his hair. “I missed you so much, Nick.”

He grunted. “I couldn’t tel .”

She wrapped her legs around his waist, pul ing him closer. “I was hurt and confused.”

“That was al my fault. I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” She shivered. “Nick, I’m happy to see you, but what does this mean?”

“Things can’t go on this way; something has got to give. I need to be near you.”

She leaned away from him. “Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

He went stiff in her arms. “I’m sorry, Laney, but if that’s what you had in mind, I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you.”

He could see the hurt in her eyes.

She quietly rol ed away from him and quickly brushed hot tears from her face. Her voice quivered when she spoke. “Why did you come?”

He sat up. “I came to return something to you.” Rol ing off the bed to retrieve his pants, he pul ed something out of his pocket. He stared at her thoughtful y before opening his hand. “These belong to you.” The moonlight revealed the sparkle of bril iant diamonds.

She stared at the treasure, unable to believe her eyes. “My rings,” she whispered.

“I love you, Laney.”

“You what?” She couldn’t have heard him right.

“I said I love you.” He knelt before her. “I don’t want a girlfriend; I want a wife. A real wife. I want you, Laney.” He slid the rings onto her shaking finger. “I want to wake up next to you every morning, wait an unreasonable amount of time for you to get out of the bathroom and watch you blush when I tease you.” He pressed her hand against his cheek. “I know I’ve done and said a lot of hurtful things, but if you give me a chance, I’l spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Marry me, Laney; I’m begging you.” He kissed the palm of her hand. “I want you to be my wife, permanently.”

“I don’t understand. I thought you were involved with those women.”

He shook his head. “No, I’m not. I haven’t been with anyone since you.” He held her hand against his chest. “Say yes.”

Laney felt her eyes mist. “Yes! How could I ever say no?” She hugged him, pul ing him up on the bed with her to kiss him.

“Do you care for me?”

“I love you, Nick, very much.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to come home for over an hour and then when I saw that guy walk into your place—”

“Shh…” She pressed her finger against his lips.

“You have no need to worry about him.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Are you sure your friend Danny is…”

“Yes.” She laughed. “I’m positive. In truth, he’s been nursing a huge crush on you for weeks, although I doubt you made a good first impression tonight.”

He huffed. “Let’s hope so.”

“Danny’s just my neighbor, Nick.”

“You’re moving in with me tomorrow.” He held her tight. “Just to make sure.”

She laughed. “Oh? And what else do you plan on changing?”

“Plenty. You’re fired.”

She bolted upright. “
What?
”