Yours Book 2: Gaining Experience (Yours Series) (15 page)

S
ephora

“
S
ephora
, Nick, over here,” I have no idea where to look. We are being shouted at from all directions.

Nick keeps a tight protective hold on my waist as we make our way over the red carpet. His publicist, Cody has us stop at the media outlets he has strategically placed along the way for Nick to engage.

Cody seems to be a career driven guy. He always seems to be focused on the task at hand. I am getting used to seeing his petite frame at these events now. Especially when Nick is directly involved.

“Nick, how do you feel about the comments and rumors that have been going around about Sephora,” One reporter asks as we step to the next awaiting media crew.

I see the scowl and death glare Cody sends the guy. Nick shows no signs of irritation other than his grip tightening on my waist. I look up at Nick and he gives me a wink before giving his full attention to the asshole question being asked of him.

“I wouldn’t know what comments and rumors you are talking about. I don’t read foolishness,” Nick shrugs.

“I’m talking about the rumors that you have been dating Sephora since she was seventeen or eighteen,” the reporter says with a smug smile on his face.

I gasp and Nick scowls, tightening his hold. “I was once told not to repeat the words of a fool because it becomes hard to tell the difference between who is the fool and who is not,” Nick replies smoothly.

“Well, I have pictures of you and a young Miss. Emilsson,” the reporter replies. I watch him lick his lips as if he is savoring a juicy find.

He thrusts out a few pictures for all to see. The first one I can see is from the night of the banquet for my scholarship, over four years ago. It is a picture of Nick helping me into my coat.

I groan inwardly at the wide eyed bewildered look on my uni-brow rendered face. The wolfish smile on Nick’s face in the picture says a lot. I snatch the photos, curious to see the others. I flip to see a few more of Nick sitting beside me at the same banquet. The last photo stops me in my tracks.

I was there in the flesh. I know it was all innocent, but now looking at the photos from the outside I would believe differently as well. The last photo is of when Nick hugged me goodbye that night. You can see him brushing a kiss to my cheek and it doesn’t look innocent at all.

I frown and look up at the reporter. “These are misleading. Nick was nothing more than the benefactor of my scholarship and my brother’s friend at the time. Why would you try to make this look so wrong,” I say out of pure shock.

“I will not ever explain myself, especially with foolishness like this,” Nick states, his calm façade slipping. Nick starts to step away to the next camera crew Cody has waiting for us, as he glares at the report who has ambushed us with the photos.

“What about my other question then,” the reporter rushes as he sees his opportunity slipping away. “How do you feel about everyone saying that Sephora is not right for you? That she is not as attractive as you are or as you deserve to have on your arm?”

Nick whips around with me still in his grasp, almost knocking me over in my heels. His grasp steadies me and he rush forward into the reporters face. Nick is nearly towering over the man when he stops before him.

“Do I look like I care about what anyone has to say about the love of my life. You all should take a good look in the mirror. I would love to meet the perfect man or woman in their own eyes. Someone that doesn’t agonize over their looks, their weight, their self-worth! I am more than a flawed man, but this woman,” Nick reaches for my face with his free hand and turns it towards the cameras. They all start to flash rapidly. “I want you to take a long look. This woman…this woman right here, is perfect and she makes me a hell of a lot closer to perfect. So I don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks.”

With that, Nick turns and storms, forward ignoring the rest of the stops Cody had planned for us. I am stunned. Nick has been silent for weeks. He has ignored all of the press on our relationship. I never thought I would see him lose his shit like that.

I think he would have hit the man had I not been standing there beside him like an anchor for his rage. Cody scurries along behind us. I look back to see a look of amusement mixed with frustration on his face. I guess he will be fixing that one in the morning.

Nick stops abruptly once we are inside the venue. Cody stops before him and clasps his hands in front of him. With a smirk and a lifted brow, he looks between Nick and me.

“For what it is worth, I thought that was awesome,” Cody sings.

Nick rolls his eyes. “I have a suggestion for how we will fix it. I will discuss it with you later,” Nick sighs. “For now, see if you can offer a few exclusives with the media we missed, but only those truly worth it.”

“Absolutely, I will also remove our little friend from my list,” Cody says and presses his thin lips.

With that, Nick turns, dismissing everything that has happened. I find myself in awe of him once again as he works the room without a care in the world, keeping me at his side the entire time. I really don’t mind, especially when Nick introduces me to a few of the children from the program.

Nick was being modest at the house. These little girls adore him and with good reason. Not only does the foundation cover the girls’ college education costs, but some of these girls are only in elementary and middle school.

Nick has been supporting programs in their schools to help them reach their dreams. He has set up everything from supporting staff, new technology for their classrooms and laptops for them to take home, after school programs, and summer camps that specialize in literacy and finance courses.

Nick spends time in the summers with them teaching them to be future entrepreneurs. Something I didn’t even know about him. I didn’t think it was even possible to fall in love with him anymore.

“Mr. Lincoln,” One of the youngest girls with bright eyes and a bit of a lisp says softly.

“Yes, Gabby,” Nick says with a smile.

Her eyes light up even more to have his undivided attention. I love that Nick knows each of their names. She looks to me then back at Nick with a broad smile on her tiny face. She can’t be older than nine or ten.

“Did you hear? I am being skipped a grade next year. My teacher says I have made extraordinary progress,” she says proudly.

“Why yes, I did hear all about that, Gabby,” Nick smiles proudly.

Jamie, the pretty Latina, Nick introduced as the program coordinator leans in to whisper in my ear. “Gabby was one of our girls that was having a lot of academic difficulty before joining the program. Her mother is a nurse and a single mother. While she makes decent money, things are still tight. With her income, she and Gabby cap out of most programs that would have help Gabby.

“We were her mother’s final hope. Gabby is really bright. The program she was in before just wasn’t enough to engage her in the school work. With the help of the foundation we were able to get her to immerse herself into her education and stimulate her interests,” I can hear the pride in Jamie’s voice.

“Well, I am looking forward to the awards ceremony this weekend. We will definitely have to honor these latest turn of events,” Nick says and winks at Gabby.

Gabby giggles and looks up at Nick like she is totally smitten. Trust me, I know the feeling. I have to stifle a laugh as I watch her pretty brown eyes glow with happiness.

“Mr. Lincoln, will you be coming by the center again soon? I’ve been wanting to show you my newest portfolio. I think I have a winner this time. I have a twenty percent growth rate and I just started it last month,” an older girl says with a smug grin on her face as she joins the group.

Nick lifts a brow and his smile grows. “Sephora, this is our little prodigy, Dalisha, this is my girlfriend, Sephora,” Nick says by way of introduction to the newcomer.

“Nice to meet you, Dalisha,” I reply.

“So you’re the computer genius,” Dalisha says as she looks me over. “Pretty dress. You know I thought you were a white girl or something when he used to mention you, well before I put two and two together and figured out that the computer genius was the same as the girl he was jonesing after. You’re even prettier in person. Those people in the papers are stupid,” she lifts a brow, as she drops her hip and places a hand on it. “Nice, Mr. Lincoln, nice. I told my mom you were into the swirl.”

I burst out laughing. Nick chuckles too, as he drags me into his chest and kisses the top of my head. I am wiping at tears when I finally catch my breath.

“Make sure you bring her along next time you come by the center,” Dalisha says and winks at me.

I like this little girl. She has to be about sixteen, but her bluntness eludes to her wisdom beyond her years. All of the girls I have met so far are sweet and amusing in their own way.

“Will do,” Nick nods as he continues to chuckle.

Nick excuses us and we start off towards a group of donors Nick wants to make sure to speak with. This is the easiest I have seen him at one of these things, which shows me how much he loves doing it. I have so many questions for him.

“So I am getting the impression you have mentioned me to the girls before,” I prod.

“I may have spoken of you a time or two in the pass to motivate them. You’ve given me a lot of ammo over the years. Some of the girls may have been cheering you on as you shined during your college career,” Nick smiles and winks down at me.

I go to ask him another question when Cody and Mariah rush over. Nick steps forward bending his head as each of them whisper in each of Nick’s ears, it is the first time this evening that he looks at me apologetically, before excusing himself with a kiss to my forehead.

I think nothing of it as one of my two favorite distractions turns up the moment Nick disappears. I forgot to mention that one of the best parts of the last four weeks has been the fact that Braxton and Ryan have been to a few of these things. Surprisingly, Nick has been open to me spending more time with the two, even outside of these events.

Nellie must have mentioned me learning self-defense to these guys because I now get visits from them and Noah around lunchtime every day. I think Noah enjoys kicking my ass. I never knew how out of shape I was until about three and a half weeks ago.

None of the guys take it easy on me. I thought Nick would have mercy on me the first time he came into the gym at the house to see Noah putting me through the ringer. He just grunted, whispered something to Braxton and left me to slaughter.

I have to say though. I look amazing in this platinum floor length gown with a deep split in the side. My legs have never been this toned and my waist looks even smaller. I noticed Nick taking notice of my body changing, so I take my torture with a smile because it is worth it at night.

“Noah is busy tomorrow. Why don’t we take a break from your usual training and do something fun,” Ryan says with a panty melting smile. He doesn’t even try, I swear.

I shrug my shoulders. “Actually, that sounds fun. I need a break,” I sigh.

Going public with my relationship with Nick has not been the only thing weighing heavily on my mind. I think I have found something of use to Nick to find this mystery man. I have had some leads for at least two weeks.

I have just been trying to figure out what to do with what I have. Nick is going to flip his shit, but I know this is going to bust things wide open for him. I just don’t know if this information will help more than it will do harm.

For weeks, I just keep hearing Nick’s voice in my head when he said that each time he gets close to the truth something bad happens. I just don’t know what can of worms I may be opening by giving him what I know. I don’t want to hurt Nick more than help him.

I haven’t built up the balls to ask Lucian what really happened with our dad. However, knowing what I know I think I have my own ideas. Some things just don’t add up. Kimmie has been too preoccupied with Lucian drama to focus on this stuff with me, which is fine. I don’t want to stress her out with it.

Kimmie always looks happy but…at the same time cautious, I guess you would say. Between digging for something to help Nick and crying over what people have been saying about me and our relationship I haven’t had time to find out what is really going on with my best friend and brother.

“Where’d you go,” Ryan asks with a concerned look on his face.

“Uh, nowhere,” I say plastering a smile on my face.

“Well, you have been going nowhere a lot lately,” Ryan says and twists his lips. He looks at me for a long time as if studying me. “You would tell me if something was going on with you wouldn’t you. I mean I’d like to think we are friends. Nick may want to kick my ass, but I’m not going anywhere. So I would hope you would talk to me if you needed someone to talk to.”

I reach to lock my arms through Ryan’s. I look up at him and smile. He is right. I do consider him a good friend. I am really grateful that Nick has respected that we are friends and hasn’t forced me to give up our friendship, which surprised me at first.

“Yes, Ryan, if I needed to talk I would talk to you. I have a lot on my mind, but it’s nothing you need to worry about,” I say with a smile.

Ryan lifts a suspicious brow at me. The thing about friends. They learn to read you. I know if I give Ryan the chance he will search out the truth, so I stop him in his tracks by offering to dance with him.

“Come on, show me some of your moves,” I say with a smile.

“Don’t tempt me. I am still thinking about stealing Nick’s girl. You are killing that dress,” Ryan says and bites his lip.

Those golden bedroom eyes of his glimmer with mischief. I fear for the girl that falls under their spell someday. Ryan Black is one sexy guy, but my heart already belongs to another.

S
ephora

I am having a ball on the dance floor with Ryan. He is making me laugh so much my stomach hurts. It is almost enough to make me forget that Nick hasn’t returned yet, almost.

I have been scanning the room for Nick every few seconds. I know Ryan can sense my tension and I am grateful to him for trying to ease my nerves. He really is a sweetheart.

“You should have seen your face when you finally took Noah down the other day,” Ryan snorts. “At first you looked like you were going to run. Like he was going to get up and kick your ass. I thought you were going to shit your pants. Then when it hit you that you actually took him down, you had this priceless smug face before you broke out into that adorable victory dance.”

I have to try to catch my breath I am laughing so hard. What he is describing is exactly how I felt. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to run or check to see if Noah was alright.

I was in awe that I actually took such a big guy down. Noah is huge. He is also a great teacher. Noah is also patient and thorough.

“You have no idea,” I giggle. “I thought…”

I trail off as Harvey Carver appears behind Ryan. Ryan stiffens and turns to see what has gotten my attention. I am not sure how I feel about Harvey Carver. I have met him a few times at a few other events.

Nick seems to trust him, but the jury is still out for me. For one, anyone with Jillian Carver as a spawn is not the greatest person in my book. That woman is pure evil and they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Because of Jillian I am always cautious around her father. He swears to Nick that he hasn’t seen her since Nick fired her. Something in my gut tells me this is not entirely true.

“Do you mind if I cut in,” Harvey says to Ryan, who is glaring at the man, suspiciously. “I have wanted the opportunity to dance with this lovely lady. It is the first time Lincoln has left her side. I figured I’d grab a chance before it’s too late. You wouldn’t deny an old man his heart’s desire, now would you?”

I narrow my eyes at him. I am not buying the charm he is trying to put on for a minute. It seems neither is Ryan. However, I am curious. I touch Ryan’s arm and nod up at him.

Ryan reluctantly releases me. “I’ll be right over there if you need me,” Ryan says seriously, pointing over to the spot he intends to go and wait for me in.

I nod before turning my eyes back to Carver. He is looking at me as if he is looking for a secret or something. It makes me uneasy, but I fight to keep my discomfort hidden.

Harvey steps forward taking me into his arms. Harvey Carver is not a horrible looking man, but he is not terribly handsome either. He looks like he may have been more attractive in his younger years, but then again maybe not.

His blue eyes are sharp in his shrewd face. His thin lips make him look like he is always disapproving of everything around him. Carver stands at at least six feet. His lean frame and long nose makes me think of Mr. Burns from the Simpsons, just with a full head of red hair.

“I get the feeling you don’t like me very much, Sephora,” Carver says as we move to the music.

I shrug. “I don’t know you to like you or not,” I reply.

Carver laughs. “This is true, but you are not a silly girl. Now are you,” he says and looks me in the eyes.

An eerie chill runs through me. I don’t like where this is going. I press my lips, but I don’t answer him. He gives me a sly smile when he sees I am not going to answer him.

“You have been digging a hole for yourself, Sephora. As a friend, I am telling you to back off. You are putting everyone in danger. Enjoy your life with Nick. Leave the big bad world to the sharks. I would hate to see you get eaten,” Carver bends next to my ear to murmur.

I gasp and stiffen. I pull away to look up and narrow my eyes at him. Carver just stares at me. I close my mouth as I realize it is hanging open.

“I am a friend, Sephora. Whether you think it or not I am on your side. You mean a lot to Nick, don’t hurt him by getting yourself or him hurt,” Carver warns. “You never know who you can trust around these parts. There are eyes everywhere. You are lucky that the good guys have seen you first this time.”

“Is there a problem,” I hear Nick’s voice at my back.

“Nicholas my boy,” Carver croons with a smile that I see right through.

“Harvey, it is good to see you. Thank you for your generous donation this evening,” Nick says as he places a possessive arm around me and pulls me into his side.

Carver waves him off. “You know I will support wherever I can. Your father would be so proud of you, Son.”

Nick tenses and his hold on me tightens, at the mention of his father. I place a hand on his chest to soothe him. After a moment I feel him relax. Nick leans to place a kiss to the top of my head.

“If you will excuse me, Harvey,” I will need to make my excuses earlier than I planned. I hope to see you at the awards ceremony tomorrow evening for the girls. We are inviting all of our high donors out to see what the girls have accomplished,” Nick says, but the pride from earlier is gone.

Something else is going on. I study Nick’s face, but he is not revealing anything through his control mask. His eyes aren’t even giving any clues away.

“I’ll see you there. I am impressed by these little ladies. I can’t wait to hear all about all of their accomplishments. You have our future looking bright, Nicholas,” Carver smiles and I once again feel that chill run through me.

“Good night,” Nick says dismissing the conversation and leading me away.