Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) by Nikki Belaire Page A

know
these people, but I can tell I like them.”
    She smiles, relieved he’s returned to his old self after the
tension during dinner. “I know they’ll like you too.”
    Putting the last pan in the drying rack, he walks over to her,
creating ripples of anticipation in her chest. “So, does that mean you’re going
to let me in your life a little?”
    She nods and slowly parts her knees so he can move closer.
Sliding his hands around her lower back, he pulls her to him, eliminating all
the space between them. Her pulse races as she straddles him, her dress bunched
around her hips. Swirling sensations overwhelm her—the coolness of the
countertop penetrating through her thin, cotton panties, the rough denim of his
jeans on her thighs, his strong hands radiating warmth on her back.
    Lifting her hand, she traces the outline of his face with her
fingertip. His eyes burn into hers as she glides from his temple, down his
strong jaw, and across his dimpled chin, resting on his lips. Whispering her
name against her finger, he stiffens when she rubs back and forth. He leans
forward and kisses her hungrily, moaning as she parts her lips, welcoming his
tongue, fueling the fire he flames in her. Her body trembles with the need for
his hands to touch her bare skin, to know she wants everything he craves from
her.
    He fists her hair, his lips gliding to her ear. “Stay with me
tonight.”
    A shiver shudders through her body at his whisper. She wants to
say yes so badly. “I can’t.”
    He holds her tight, placing a soft kiss on her shoulder. “I’m
sorry. I know I promised I would take it slow.”
    Relief washes through her he accepts her rejection, another
reminder of his gentleness and understanding. She loops her fingers through the
curls on his neck, almost sorry she said no.
    “When can I see you again? And don’t say at the gym. I want to
take you out on a real date.”
    She laughs and shakes her head. “What’s this ‘real date’ you’re
always talking about?”
    “You know. I come to your house and bring you flowers. I meet
your family, meaning Carrie, and get the third degree, and take you out for a
romantic dinner.” He leans back and winks at her. “Then, I bring you back here
and make love to you all night long.”
    “Nick!”
    “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. But please, let me take you out.”

 
 
 
    Chapter Four

 
 
    On Saturday evening promptly at six
o’clock, the doorbell rings. Shae squeezes her favorite silver clutch, trying
to hide her shaking hands. A swirly combination of excitement and fear flutters
in her stomach. She‘s been looking forward to this night all week, succumbing
to Nick’s contagious anticipation of their first real date.
    Now that he’s here, she pushes down the
panic rising in her chest. He said he was kidding. It’s just dinner, nothing
else. Yet, she can’t stop thinking about the something else. She may not have
the willpower to tell him no.
    Carrie smiles at her before she opens the
front door.
    Shae’s breath catches in her throat. Nick stands in the doorway, wearing a sleek black suit
and holding a single pink rose. He’s sexy and thoughtful and utterly
terrifying. All the emotions stirred up from their kiss in his kitchen bubble
back to the surface.
    Her best friend looks back with a
mischievous smile and winks before calling out, “Shae, your deadbeat boyfriend
is here!”
    Nick laughs while Shae shakes her head.
“Carrie!”
    “I’m kidding. Just trying to lighten the
mood. Hi Nick, I’m Carrie.” She holds out her hand to him.
    “Nice to meet you.”
    With legs wobbling like rubber, she walks
toward him and accepts the flower he offers. He lowers his head and brushes her
cheek with his lips, warmth spreading across her skin from his soft touch. “You
look beautiful.”
    Up close, a slight scratch trails his jaw
where he must have cut himself shaving. Faint red circles flush each cheek. His
smile is almost hesitant. She can’t believe it.