Resisting Nick (Wicked in Wellington) by Kris Pearson Read Free Book Online Page B

He slapped a hand against his forehead in exasperation. “I can’t believe I didn’t query things years ago. Both my so-called brothers are losing their hair early like Brian.”
    “And you’re certainly not losing yours.”
    “They’re both classic slow gainers. Scrawny as.”
    “But you’re—” Perfect, just perfect, she told herself.
    “I’m what?”
    “Umm...stronger?” She’d soon be blushing. “You have nice muscles.”
    “Need them in my business.” He sent her half a smile as thanks for her compliment.
    “And there’s the Salvation Army,” she suggested, trying not to drown in his slow easy grin. “I think they do a lot of people tracing.”  
    “But again, I’d need a name to start with.”
    “Surely your parents can tell you something?”
    Nick’s expression changed as swiftly as if someone had slammed down a shutter. Jaw clenched, eyes dead.
    “Haven’t asked. Can’t face them for a while yet. I’ll smash Brian’s bloody head in, the way I’m currently feeling. Lucky for him they’re away for a couple of days.” He sent her a glance that challenged her to disagree. “I’m not doing it on the phone. I want to look into the bastard’s eyes when I ask him.”
    Sammie rested a hand on his knee for a second before pushing herself upright. “Another wine before you go? I’m throwing you out in a few minutes. I need to get myself properly unpacked and organized.”
    Nick grabbed her hand before she slipped free.
    “Thanks for listening. Just a coffee maybe? So I don’t drink myself into a maudlin haze and end up sleeping here on your sofa?”
    Sammie’s heart gave a lurch of anticipation. Her brain followed up with a bucket of cold water.  
    “Not a chance, Nick. I’d push you out long before that.”
    Or drag you into my bed.  
    “It’ll have to be instant coffee I think,” she somehow managed. “I haven’t been here long enough to check all the cupboards, but I don’t see a coffee maker.”
    He shrugged, beautiful shoulders lifting and falling again, making the white T-shirt reshape itself so she imagined snowy marble sculpture coming alive. “Fine. Keep the rest of the wine for another day.”  
    “Take it with you.”
    He shook his head and sent her another of his slow incendiary smiles. “I might come back for a glass tomorrow night.”  
    “I might be out.”
    “You got a boyfriend, Sammie?”
    God—what was she supposed to say to that? ‘Yes’ might mean he never came back. ‘No’ would make her sound far too eager and available.
    “Not here in Wellington.”
    “Back home?”
    She shook her head. “Broke it off.” Well, it was only a small lie. “I’m going overseas, Nick. My relationship wasn’t going anywhere, but I am.” She turned and headed for the kitchen, busying herself finding mugs and teaspoons and a jar of coffee granules, head down, eyes well away from the glittering darkness of his.

CHAPTER SIX

    Next day it poured, and a blustery northerly sent leaves tumbling everywhere and sheets of water sluicing sideways in the cooler air.
    Sammie fed Zorro in the murky early morning light and stood for a few moments on the small balcony, sheltered from the worst of the weather. She’d bought a couple of energy bars with her, but Kelly’s pantry had plenty of cereal, and there was half a loaf of bread so breakfast was easy.
    She intended taking her car to get around the possible ‘wine-with-Nick-after-work’ thing, but when she went to the secure basement parking garage, she found several boxes of personal possessions still on the back seat. Boxes she’d intended carrying up the night before until she’d been waylaid by her unexpected visitor. With no time to do that now, and not wanting the car sitting outside with tempting looking boxes visible to attract thieves, she decided to walk. The apartment was only a few blocks from BodyWork, and the shop verandas would mostly protect her from the rain.  
    But that left the possibility of