Icing Up Love Read online

  The room smelled earthy and warm, his weight shifting to my side, his arms around me. “You’re amazing, Sharolyn.”

  I couldn’t speak, just kissed his scruffy cheek, then he held me as we dozed for a bit. I was more relaxed with him than I could ever have imagined.

  “I’m going to grab a glass of water, baby. Do you need anything?” Nolan asked after a while.

  “No, thanks.”

  I’d heard Jenny complain about men who seemed to be allergic to the kitchen, so it was nice that Nolan didn’t expect me to wait on him. He was just so easy to be around. I didn’t know why I could let my guard down with him, or why I felt so comfortable. It was amazing.

  He came back and set two glasses of water on the bedside table. “Just in case,” he grinned. Then he handed me two small boxes that had been tucked under his elbow. “Open the green one first,” he said, sitting close and putting his arm around me.

  “You didn’t have to get me anything!”

  “I just saw a couple of tiny things that made me think of you the day after we met.”

  Opening the box, there was a small enamel pin of a fancy cupcake with pink and purple icing. “So cute! Everyone will laugh when I wear this at work.” I turned to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  The way he was beaming made me melt. His arm around my back, always touching me, always holding me close, was something I definitely wanted to get used to. But right now, it was making my heart race and my insides flip every time.

  “You’re very welcome. Check the other one.”

  Opening the light blue box, there was a pair of earrings. They were a bit bigger than my usual silver stars, but these had a cluster of white and blue stones at the center. “They’re beautiful. But please tell me they are crystals.”

  He shot me a weird glance. “Are you kidding? The only reason these diamonds and sapphires aren’t bigger is that I wanted them to be small and elegant. Like you.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered. “They’re lovely. I’m sorry… I didn’t have time to get you anything.”

  “No, baby,” he said, setting the boxes on the table and pulling me against him. “You’re giving me the best Christmas day I’ve ever had.” He grinned, those warm eyes sparkling. “I’ve never spent the holidays with a beautiful woman that I absolutely adore.”

  His sweet kiss changed into much more, as we dissolved into each other again. This time I wanted to show him how much he was driving me wild. Rolling us so that he was on his back, I straddled him, writhing my hips so that his shaft was pressing against my open folds.

  “Yes,” he groaned. “Baby, you’re so hot.”

  He reached down, aiming his thickness so that he could slip inside me. At this angle he felt even bigger, but since I was controlling the pressure, I was able to move with him, then against him, in a deep, sensual dance.

  His hands gripped my ass, helping me to raise and lower my hips. Placing my hands on his chest, I swayed for a moment, loving the way his eyes followed my breasts. He seemed so hungry for me. I was shocked at how incredible it felt to have a man crave my body this way. I felt almost powerful.

  Leaning forward, I found that if I shimmied a bit lower I was rubbing the base of his shaft against my sensitive little button. My moans seemed to thrill him, as we rocked together, our endless kiss driving us both to the edge again.

  I tossed my hair to the side, catching his eye again. “I could stare at you forever,” he murmured, his fingers digging into my hips as he began thrusting up into me a bit faster.

  “I want you to,” I said, surprising myself. Rocking harder, I felt my thighs clench as the tension gathered to the breaking point.

  “That’s it, gorgeous,” he groaned, looking up at me with a feral gleam in his eyes. “Come for me. Come all over my cock.”

  My fingernails bit the back of his shoulders as I kissed him hard to muffle my squeals, writhing over him as my climax shook me to the core. He gripped me tighter, fucking me hard and fast as he tipped over the edge as well, his release hitting my insides in quick, sharp bursts.

  Then he held me against his chest, unmoving. Finally he whispered, “Baby, I want to tell you something, but I don’t want you to answer. Okay?”

  I nodded, listening to his heartbeat against my ear.

  “I’m falling madly in love with you, and I don’t want to scare you away. So just give us some time to adjust. That’s all I ask.”

  I knew at that moment that I loved him too, but I’d never said such a thing to anyone before. So if he wanted me to wait, I’d wait. I nodded, my cheek brushing against his chest. Then I turned my head to kiss his skin.

  “That’s my girl,” he murmured, stroking my hair until I fell asleep.

  CHAPTER SIX

  * Nolan *

  I know that everyone usually just sent texts, and I’d been messaging her a lot the past two days. But I couldn’t resist calling Sharolyn Saturday afternoon to hear her voice. “Hey, baby,” I began before she even said hello, “Please tell me you’ve decided to come to the party tonight?”

  I heard her hesitation, and hoped that I wasn’t being too pushy.

  “Well,” she said softly, “What do the women usually wear at these things?”

  I tried to picture some of the bimbos my brother always tried to set me up with. “A little black dress, usually,” I said. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I just throw on a black suit, and take the jacket off as soon as I can,” I chuckled.

  “How about this,” she said carefully, “I’ll go for a bit, and if I get overwhelmed, will you forgive me if I leave early? I could just jump in a cab and disappear. You could stay of course.”

  “That would be amazing, sweetheart. It’s mainly just an appearance so that I end up in the photos with the other guys from this new show. Sharolyn, I’ll be beside you practically the whole time. We will find a way to have fun.”

  “Okay,” she said. She didn’t sound sure. But she said yes, and that was all that mattered.

  ***

  Holding her hand in the back of the cab, I gave it a squeeze. She looked absolutely perfect, her blonde hair falling across her shoulder in waves, and a little black dress that showed just enough skin to be sexy, but not overly slutty like some of the women I’d seen at these things. It was disgusting how they were shamelessly cruising for a rich husband.

  The second we arrived, we split a glass of wine. She told me her trick of using just a tiny bit to relax, and I wanted her to enjoy herself.

  Sharolyn seemed tense as I introduced her to my brother, a few friends and their wives. It was sweet that she instantly began making small talk with the women by complementing their shoes. Then she made them laugh by complaining about how terrible winter was for women’s feet, and that it just wasn’t fair. She was obviously trying very hard, and I was the only one who could see that she was nervous.

  “She’s cute,” my brother Richard said to me.

  “She’s breathtaking,” I said quietly. “This is the one.”

  He turned to me in shock. “Are you serious?”

  “When you know you know,” I shrugged.

  After a few minutes of chatting, Sharolyn took my hand, giving me a squeeze that seemed like a signal.

  “Hey, sweetheart,” I said, “There are more people I need to introduce you to.”

  I walked her through the main part of the ballroom, so that everyone would see us together, but then led her to the side of the bar where it was quiet. We sat down, and I held her hands in mine. “So far so good?” I asked.

  She cocked her head. “I don’t belong here,” she whispered.

  “Do you want to leave? If you could hang on just twenty more minutes…”

  “Okay,” she said softly.

  Reaching up to run my thumb along her cheekbone, I kissed her gently. She seemed to relax a bit under my touch, finally smiling up at me.

  “Excuse me.” I turned to see the event photographer. “Can I get a shot of the two of you together?
”

  I slipped an arm around Sharolyn, turning us both to the camera. He took a few shots, then made a quick note in a little book. “Nolan Briggs, obviously. And you are?”

  “Sharolyn Cooper,” she said quietly. Her voice sounded thin, as if she were forcing herself to speak. As soon as he disappeared, she turned to me. “Why does he need my name?”

  “They always do a web page to show who attended the event, which is supposed to entice people to show up for the next one,” I chuckled. “It’s just a formality.”

  She nodded, and I took her hand as we did another lap of the hall. I left her with the ladies she’d been chatting with at the beginning of the night when it was time for Richard to make his announcement.

  “This will be quick,” I said, giving Sharolyn a kiss on the cheek. She nodded, but I could see that her eyes were tight. “I really appreciate this, sweetheart,” I said. I didn’t like that she looked so uncomfortable. But there was nothing I could do for the moment.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  * Sharolyn *

  Standing against the wall, I couldn’t fall into the conversation with the other women, so I just shuffled away. But I could hear them clearly. Their comments on every finicky detail of everyone’s outfit was more mean-spirited than an amusing commentary.

  Then I saw the strangely thin orange-haired woman from the photo with Nolan last year. She was wearing a bright white dress that caught every eye in the room, with so much cleavage I don’t know how she took a single step without fear that her boobs would fall out.

  A woman that just had joined the group made a strange clicking noise. “Did you see what Sarah is wearing?” There was a round of nodding and murmuring. “She’s trying to get Nolan back, I’ll bet. Now that he’s going to be on TV, she’ll sink her claws in tight. You just watch.”

  I’d already been forgotten, standing beside and behind them in the shadows.

  “And who was that mousey blonde he was with?” a newcomer asked. “How is a woman like that going to help his career?”

  My hands were shaking, and I pressed them to the cool wall behind me, trying to stay calm. Attempting to tune the women out, I concentrated on Richard introducing Nolan and the other two men, talking about their show, and how great it would be for the community. After a couple of very brief speeches, the men gathered in line for some photos. Then one of the hosts beckoned for his wife to come over to join them.

  I could see Nolan looking for me, but I shook my head. He nodded, flashing me a little ‘thumbs up’.

  It was sweet that he understood me, and that he didn’t force me to go up there. But what sort of career transition was he going to have if he didn’t have a stylish woman at his side for photo ops and parties? These are the sorts of things that made powerful men more powerful, not drinking fine wine from coffee mugs on the floor.

  As soon as they seemed like they were finished with the photos, the orange-haired woman headed straight for Nolan. But she was cut off by a tiny brunette in a red dress, who clasped Nolan’s arm, instantly laughing as if they were old friends. Or lovers.

  I really didn’t know him very well, and no matter how I felt about him, I didn’t feel right asking those sorts of questions.

  “Hey, look!” one of the ladies beside me exclaimed. “Becky is making a run for Nolan as well.”

  “You know, she’s in PR,” another woman said. “That would be a wonderful match. She could do great things for him.”

  “True. A total power couple. They’d take over the city.”

  Dodging behind them, I made a break for the door. As soon as I had my coat, I jumped into a cab out front, texting Nolan.

  Please stay at the party. You obviously have people to meet and connections to make. I’m sorry it was too much for me. You need a woman who can support you through this sort of thing, and that’s not me. I’m sorry, I just can’t. I’m on my way home. Thank you for a lovely Christmas.

  I didn’t know what else to say, but the tears streaming down my face made it hard to see the screen anyway.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  * Nolan *

  Reading Sharolyn’s text was like being punched in the throat. I obviously hadn’t seen it coming, and it actually cut off my breath. I called her immediately, but she didn’t answer. So I sent her a text.

  I’m so sorry that you’re upset, sweetheart. Please let me know if I can come over and talk about this. But at least let me know that you got home safely.

  I quickly said my goodbyes, but her text came back before I even got my coat.

  I’m already home. I’m okay. I just can’t talk for a couple of days.

  Okay, sweetheart. I’ll miss you.

  Even though I saw Richard waving me over to talk to another bunch of corporate guys, I had to leave. Ignoring the lineup of cabs in front of the venue, I walked home, even though it was chilly and would take at least half an hour.

  Racking my mind, I tried to think of what could have upset Sharolyn. She didn’t want her photo taken, which was fine. I didn’t want to force her to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with.

  Then I remembered Becky coming running at me. Could Sharolyn have been jealous? She couldn’t possibly think that I would be interested in another woman when I had her. Could she?

  By the time I got home, I had a plan. I knew that Sharolyn thought I was a bit of a tough guy, and a little rough around the edges. But I knew when it was time to ask for help.

  ***

  I waited until noon on Sunday before ringing Jenny’s buzzer. She let me in, still in her pajamas with a robe wrapped around her.

  “I’m so sorry to bother you,” I started.

  “Come in. Sit. I know what this is about,” she said.

  We sat on her couch and I got right to the point. “I knew that last night’s party wasn’t Sharolyn’s sort of thing, but I was really proud to be seen with my new girlfriend. Was that wrong?”

  Jenny shook her short auburn hair. “No. Not at all. You have to understand, Sharolyn is an amazing girl when she’s in small groups. When she feels unsure of herself, she gets easily rattled and sort of falls apart.”

  “I know she’s shy,” I said. “But she was just waiting for a couple of minutes. I was going to get her out of there as fast as I could.”

  Jenny looked at me very carefully as if she were examining my soul through my eyes. “You’re a good guy, Nolan. And I think you really do care for her. So I’m going to tell you what happened.”

  She explained how Sharolyn had heard the other women talking, thinking that a bold, flashy woman was someone who would help my career. Apparently she had overheard some of the gossip and seen photos of me online with Sarah.

  “Oh my God,” I groaned. “Sarah and I went on one blind date that my brother set up, and she managed to drag us in front of every camera at the event. She’s a shallow gold-digger, and she’s not even pretty. How could Sharolyn think I would be interested in someone like her? Or someone pushy like Becky?”

  Jenny nodded sympathetically. “Nolan, she’s never had a boyfriend before. She barely knows you, and she’s afraid of her feelings for you. But most of all, you know how kind she is. She always puts others first. She won’t even consider standing in the way if you’re starting a new project.”

  My head fell into my hands. “Maybe she got the impression that the show is a big deal just because I’m excited about it. It’s not like my life depends on it or something.”

  “You’re going to have to explain that to her.”

  “She said she didn’t want to talk for a couple of days. Should I go to her now? Or would that scare her away?” I looked at her pleadingly. “Jenny, what do I do?”

  She grinned. “You definitely score a goal for knowing when to ask for help. A lot of men wouldn’t.”

  I couldn’t help chuckling. “Goals are great, but I think she’s actually calling me for icing. Going too far too fast.”

  Jenny rolled her eyes. “Why did it have to be a hockey player?” sh
e laughed. “Don’t worry, Nolan. I’ll help.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  * Sharolyn *

  I didn’t feel much better after last night’s long phone call with Jenny. I knew my eyes were puffy from crying for hours, and I probably looked like death warmed up. But I dragged myself to work anyway. Luckily it was so busy that I couldn’t even think until around six o’clock when people began cleaning and packing up for the evening.

  Although I really didn’t want to, I checked my phone. I knew that I had to let Nolan go for his own good, and I didn’t know what sort of awkward discussion that would involve. I knew it was cowardly, but I couldn’t imagine sitting across from him and telling him it was over. Just thinking of those earnest brown eyes still made my stomach twitch. The thought of his hands on my skin made me melt completely.

  It was almost disturbing how much I wanted him. But it wasn’t meant to be. We just weren’t right together.

  Sure enough, there was a text from Nolan.

  Hey sweetheart, I miss you. I know you might not be ready to talk yet, but I just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you. xoxo

  I staggered to the chair in the corner, collapsing in a fit of tears. I’d never broken down at work before, and I was completely ashamed. Wiping my eyes, I was about to put the phone away when it rang, with Jenny’s icon popping up.

  “Hi,” I answered in a small voice.

  “What time do you get done?” she asked, not even bothering with pleasantries.

  “About half an hour.”

  “Meet me at Jimmy’s. We need a glass of wine.”

  “Okay. Thanks.”