Solving For Nic by Lexxi Callahan Page A

logical not irrational. That night with Nic had been more than her first time, it had made her question everything about herself and all the things she told herself she wanted but for once logic and numbers were no help in understanding what was happening to her.
    He topped off their wine glasses, emptying the bottle. “We can make it up to each other. I have a place in the Keys. Spend the week with me.”
    “Seriously?” The invitation was the last thing she’d expected.
    “There’s a boat and a pool and if it gets too quiet, I’ll take you shopping.”
    Take her shopping? Who did Nic think she was?
    He kissed her again. His mouth moved slowly over hers, grazing tender flesh with his teeth then soothing her with his tongue. Long fingers wrapped around the back of her head and held her there. He lifted those golden, jungle animal eyes. “Spend a week with me and let Rogan and Angie have some time alone.” His hand stroked down her cheek until his thumb pressed along her bottom lip.
    Oh, that’s who he thought she was. Maybe her performance had been too good. Now she was Angie’s problem and Nic wanted to get her out of the way. It stung, but she couldn’t blame him. Nic had never seen her in the real world. They’d met at parties and family functions.
    She relaxed back in the booth, her eyes closing as he tasted the soft skin below her ear. Hot chills slid over her, shutting down her brain. Not thinking was perfect. Everything fell away. Hatton. School. Angie and Rogan.
    She wanted to go with him. Wanted to spend more time with him. Wanted to forget all the pressure and problems and live in the now. What would a few days hurt?
    “Will there be more kissing?” She flicked the tip of her tongue against his thumb.
    He raised his head, eyes meeting hers. “Definitely. Lots of kissing.”
    “And you have a boat?”
    “Fishing trawler but plenty of places for you to tan. My house sits right out on the water. You’ll love it. Take a chance, bella . It’s paradise, I promise you.”
    Paradise? Perfect. “Sounds like fun. Give me fifteen minutes to grab my stuff.”
    “As long as you don’t change your mind.”
    He was surprised when she met him downstairs. He took her carryall bag in one hand and her arm in his other. She let him lead her outside to the rental waiting in valet parking and within minutes they were headed south.

    She was so quiet Nic expected to see her sleeping when he darted a quick glance at her. She surprised him when she smiled. What was it about her that set his blood on fire? He’d dated some of the most beautiful women in the world but none had had him in a state of constant frustration. His whole body ached. His fingers tightened around the steering wheel again and he tried to focus on driving.
    She wasn’t his type. Nic preferred tall, elegant women who knew the score. Despite the streaks of mascara at the end, he'd done no real damage to them. They recovered. They all did.
    Would Lizzie recover if he let himself get too close to her? Would he break her if he took what he wanted until he didn’t want it anymore?
    Yes. He knew it as sure as he was breathing. There was a vulnerability there she went to great lengths to hide. He suspected most people never spotted it but he could see it clearly. It sang to him like a damned siren, firing up some primitive protective instinct in him. He hated to admit it but he understood why she’d taken off.
    He groaned in protest as the source of his anger melted away along with his excuse to do what he wanted next. He should have called her. No, he should have gone after her instead of letting jaded assumptions ruin one of the best experiences of his life. Now he had a second chance to get this clawing hunger out of his system. He’d take things slower this time. No need to rush. This time he wouldn’t scare her away.

Chapter Six
    Lizzie opened her eyes, unsure where she was at first. She was lying on her stomach against incredibly soft sheets