Chapter 27 Nikki
Nikki
Rain pelts down outside, but I don’t hear the roof leak, the wind as it rattles windows, or the creaks of the old cottage. Instead, I’m snuggled in tight to a Hollywood movie star in his bed, which, at a guess, is made up with fine Egyptian cotton and maybe even some cashmere.
“Where did you grow up?” His fingers run up and down my bare arm, my back flush with his chest. We showered and fell into bed, him pulling me close immediately. Now, as the moonlight filters through the crack in the curtain, we’re up late, talking.
“Manhattan,” I whisper the truth, no longer scared to share it with him.
He huffs a laugh against my bare shoulder. “I grew up in the Bronx.”
“No way?” It’s probably a fact I should’ve known, but unlike most girls my age, celebrities were never my thing, and I don’t spend my time looking at gossip news or social media. I prefer a good book instead.
“We were practically neighbors.” His lips brush my skin, pecking kisses, not able to stop touching me.
“I’ve never been to the Bronx.”
His kisses stop abruptly. “Never?”
I shake my head slightly. “Nope.”
“Like not even for a Sunday afternoon stroll?”
“No. We had a house in Connecticut. Mom, James, and I used to stay there most of the time. School and other commitments were in the city, and then we’d rush back to the home and gardens we all loved so much.” I remember it all like it was yesterday.
“So you loved nature as a kid, then?” He smiles against my skin. I like this. We’re a tangle of naked limbs, his hands not leaving my body. I feel safer here in his arms than I’ve felt in forever.
“I guess. I took after my mom.”
“Was it something you studied at college?” His fingers draw small circles across my shoulder.
“It’s my passion. I love working the garden, growing herbs, vegetables, fruits. I like building things that compliment nature, not take from it.” I refrain from mentioning my father is the opposite, in almost every way.
“I see that. I watch you go through the rubbish at the diner, sorting it into recyclables.”
I love that he noticed that. “I’ve done that since I was a kid,” I tell him, huffing a laugh.
“I think the fact that you can make your own turbine is insane… It’s good that you have something you’re passionate about.”
“I guess it’s a little odd. I mean, most girls my age are shopping, out dancing, maybe traveling the world. And here’s me—”
He cuts me off. “Smart. Sexy. Genuine. You are ahead of them by leaps and bounds. You’re beautiful. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
I turn my head a little, looking back at him, my heart stuttering.
“Both inside and out.” His nose nudges mine, and our lips meet briefly as his hand slides down to my hip.
“What about you? Have you always acted?”
“Struggled a bit initially. Left school. I wasn’t studious; Sawyer got all the brains. Rolled around, working blue collar jobs for a while until I moved to LA.”
“That takes courage.”
“Or desperation. I could see Sawyer making it, and I wanted to make something of myself too.”
I nod in understanding. “Well, I think you succeeded, although…”
“Although what?” he asks curiously.
I squint, not wanting to tell him, but knowing I should.
“Okay, truth time. I’ve never actually seen any of your movies.
” I squeeze my eyes shut, waiting, before Sutton barks out a laugh.
I feel bad for a moment, but they aren’t really the kinds of movies I watch.
All those action films were never my idea of fun, but I can appreciate that they take time, dedication, and commitment to make.
“Maybe you can watch me in the Whiteman’s commercials. That’ll be a way to get you to watch me onscreen.”
Puzzle pieces click together as I turn my head a little to look at him, seeing him gazing at me adoringly. “Is that what you’re doing out at the distillery?”
“Well, it’s top secret. But yes, I’m the new face of their latest release. Filmed a few commercials, did a photoshoot. It’s been great, actually.”
“If you enjoy it so much, you should do more of it.” I’m sure movies are the cream of the crop for actors, but he might as well be doing something he enjoys; otherwise, what’s the point of it all?
“Yeah… I came here for a break. I didn’t think I would be gone from LA this long. But there’s been a lot of good that’s happened here.”
I want to know more, so I ask softly, “Like what?”
“Well, the project with Whiteman’s is what I’ve always wanted.
I’ve been trying to collaborate with them for a while, and timing wise, it never worked until now.
I like the idea of being connected to a brand; it has longevity, and Whiteman’s Whiskey is something that I could promote long term.
I also get to spend time with my brother, which I’m grateful for, because we’re usually so busy.
The time we do spend together is never long enough.
Now he also has an instant family, which I love being a part of, and then… there's you.”
My cheeks heat a little for getting a mention. “Me?” I almost hold my breath.
“Yeah. I kinda like hiding out in Whispers with you.”
“I kinda like hiding out in Whispers with you too.” I haven’t been this honest with another man in my life. It’s equal parts terrifying and liberating. Which is what has me saying something that’s been on my mind more and more. “But I can’t go back to my life, Sutton. And eventually, you will.”
I trust Sutton and I’m having fun. But that’s all it can be.
A friend when I needed one. A rest stop.
Somewhere I can just let go for a little while.
Be the young, free woman I should be. But he’ll eventually go back to LA, to his movie sets and his models.
Me, I’ll be at the diner, just the girl who served him coffee once upon a time.
“I’m not in a hurry to leave. I feel more at home here than I have anywhere.”
I swallow roughly, not answering. I don’t want my heart broken.
“But you… you should definitely take Tanner’s offer.” I shake my head again.
“I can’t.” If all the stars aligned, then staying in this small town and working in the field I love would be a dream.
Away from the pollution of the city. Away from my father’s shadow.
With my brother safe to be the boy he needs to be.
But I know the minute I start a career working on my passion that my father will notice.
My name will start discussions, and eventually, the wind will pick it up and take it straight to Dad.
I also know that he won’t have my back. Any pleas I had fell on deaf ears. Having his daughter work in the complete opposition of his corporation would bring reputational damage. We both can’t succeed. Not in his world. But that isn’t what scares me. What scares me is that he will take James back.
“Why? Tell me why, Tinker Bell.” Sutton moves then, lifting to hover above me, his elbows resting on either side of my head, our eyes locked. His body is hot, heavy, and hard against my thighs, and my legs widen, letting him settle between them.
I bite the inside of my lip, my nerves a mess but my body craving more of him. “It’s complicated.”
“Things that are worth it always are…” He leans down, his lips brushing mine as he slides inside me, taking my breath as we devour each other again.