chapter SIX
Nick barely slept a wink all night. After Laney had stopped their kiss, he was sentenced to spend the rest of the night with an aching hard-on. He was out of the suite long before she would wake up and he found himself back in the gym. Not many people were there, so he had full range of the equipment. He muttered that he would be in the best shape of his life after his „marriage" to Laney. Moving from one machine to the next, he pushed himself to personal heights. By the time a crowd started filtering in, he was wrapping up his workout.
Cooper Wright walked in and punched settings into the treadmill machine next to Nick"s.
“Where"s Laney?”
“Why?” He hadn"t meant that to come out as gruff as it did.
“Just curious.”
“Heidi"s not enough for you?”
Cooper shrugged. “She"s great.”
“Sure, she is. You might want to tell her to grow a pair of vocal cords during a conversation.”
“Oh, that.” Cooper laughed. “A minor setback, but rest assured she has vocal cords. What about Laney?”
Nick stopped jogging and fixed the guy with a serious look. “Even if I did know I wouldn"t tell you.”
“Just curious.” Cooper laughed.
“Yeah, the way I hear it you"re real curious.”
“She told you I asked her out? That shouldn"t bother you.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, I"ve seen your type of woman, Nick, and Laney ain"t it.”
Cooper pushed himself up with his arms and lifted his feet to the stationary rails of the treadmill belt. “Although I must commend you on your choice of companionship. How long have you known about Vivian Zelman?”
“I didn"t.”
“Bullshit. My team has been researching her background all week and we couldn"t even find a traffic ticket on the woman. You can"t tell me you selected Laney just for fun.”
“I"m not telling you anything other than I didn"t know about Zelman"s wife until I saw her yesterday morning.”
Cooper considered Nick. “You hooked up with Laney right after you saw
Vivian.” It wasn"t a question. “You really are as good as they say. I was
expecting you to show up with Vanessa or Kim.”
“Just how many people know I"m sleeping with them?”
“Everybody. Including them.”
Nick stepped off his machine and collected his towel. “Until we disembark from the ship, remember it"s a sin to covet your neighbor"s wife.”
“I"ll keep that in mind. Give Laney my love.”
“F*ck you.”
* * * *
When Nick returned to the room, Laney had gone. She"d left a message on the table telling him that Vivian had asked her and Heidi to join her for a dance class in the gymnasium. He welcomed her absence.
Perhaps he could catch up on some of his sleep.
He showered and fell onto the bed, lying on her side. He could smell her scent. It smelled faintly of flowers. He rolled onto his side. There was no way he would sleep with her fragrance haunting him. After napping for an hour, he checked his e-mails and made a short phone call to his office to get an update on current campaigns. He was interrupted when Cooper knocked on his door inviting him to join him at the batting cages. Nick saw right through the ruse. Cooper wanted to keep tabs on him to make sure he wasn"t seeing Zelman behind his back.
Nick didn"t return back to the room until well past noon. There was still no sign of Laney. He was just stepping out of the shower when Laney walked in the room. She took in his wet skin and bare chest before meeting his eyes. Dressed in some Capri-styled sweatpants, tube top and flip-flops, she looked refreshing.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” He nodded toward the towel she held. “How did your class go?”
She smiled. “It was fun. Not exactly what I had in mind but it was fun.
How about you?”
“I went to the gym.” There was no need to mention his encounter with Cooper.
“Did Vivian mention where her husband was?”
“Will was with us.”
“Will?” He arched his brow.
She smiled. “He joined us for our dance session. He"s a very energetic man for his age.”
“Why didn"t you tell me he was with you? I could have joined you.”
“I didn"t know where you were. You were gone before I awoke.”
Nick knew it was ridiculous to feel guilty over that, but he did. “Did he say anything?”
“About what?” She tossed her towel onto the ottoman and reclined on the loveseat.
“About me?”
She gave him a silly look. “No, he didn"t. This may surprise you but Will and Vi are on a real anniversary vacation. You"re not exactly at the top of Will"s priority list.”
“Vi?”
“That"s her nickname.” She flipped a stray brown strand of hair over her shoulder. “You know, you and Cooper might want to focus more on nurturing your marriages rather than just putting in face time with Will. It was noticeable that both Heidi and I had been abandoned.”
Nick took offense at being corrected. “It looks like you have your part down. We won"t have to practice the art of nagging.”
“Fine,” she snapped. “I won"t say another word.”
“No.” Nick sighed heavily. “That wasn"t fair. You"re right. I should have been there with you. I know you"re trying to help. I"m sorry.”
She didn"t seem to care for his apology. She slipped off her shoes and Began riffling through her bag. “I need to freshen up. Are you finished with the bathroom?”
“I"m sorry you got stuck with the Zelmans. I take full responsibility for that.”
“You should and don"t be surprised if they ask you how you feel. I told them you were a little seasick.”
“Seasick?”
“I didn"t know where you were, Nick. I had to tell them something.”
“Right,” he agreed. “You"re right.”
“I know.”
“I guess we have some free time.” He said this with little enthusiasm.
She rolled her eyes heavenward. “Will mentioned that he wanted to visit the pool this evening. If you want to get another chance at them we could beat them there. That way it won"t seem like we"re stalking them.”
His face lit up. “Great idea.” He wasn"t exactly up to roaming around the ship looking for the Zelmans. Nor was he excited about being locked up in the room with Laney, not after last night"s kiss. If they planned this right, he could get in some major time with Zelman and still come off as an attentive husband.
It was becoming routine to wait on Laney. She showered and changed in the bathroom at agonizingly slow speed, all the while saying, “I just have to do one more thing” and ten minutes later would repeat the same words.
He was getting antsy. The Zelmans were probably already there by now.
“Laney, how much longer are you going to be in there?”
The bathroom door swung open and Laney appeared in a black sarong tied in a knot above her breasts. It fell to just above her knees, completely hiding her swimsuit except for the halter strings that tied around her neck. Even with the formless fabric wrapped around her there was no hiding her curves. Nick both anticipated and dreaded the moment she removed the covering.
“I"m ready.”
“Don"t forget the script,” he reminded her.
“Which is?”
“We"re happily married.”
“I"ll try to remember that.”
* * * *
The pool was a festive place. There was loud tropical music playing, splashing waterfalls and people everywhere. Nick spotted a place for them not far from the tiki bar. He"d chosen this spot specifically because he could see who came and left the pool area. He spread their towels over their recliners, pulled off his T-shirt and leaned back in his chair, observing the current crowd, mostly families with young kids.
There were a small number of people around Nick and Laney"s age.
The pool was huge, providing plenty of room for everyone, though he noticed that everyone his age was lounging near the bar. Laney left to go buy them drinks. As he watched her make her way to the bar, he noticed guys checking her out as she passed Like him, they too must have been wondering what was underneath that black veil. She returned quickly with two large piña coladas.
He looked past her at the long line in front of the bar. “That was quick.”
She shrugged. “Some guys let me skip. Here you go.”
He took both glasses from her to allow her to get settled, frowning at the frozen drinks. “A beer would have been nice.”
“Perhaps so. However the guys who let me skip in line offered to pay.
I Doubt they would have been as charitable if they knew they were paying for my handsome husband instead of my attractive girlfriend.”
“Using your feminine wiles to get your way?”
“I prefer to call it sharing the wealth. Besides you look so cute with a girly drink in your hand.” She batted her eyelashes playfully.
“I thought you were supposed to be the loving wife ….”
His words stuck in the back of his throat. Nick lost focus of everything when Laney pulled the knot loose and let the wrap fall on the lounge. Nothing could have prepared him for the vision before him. She was wearing a leopard print bikini that broadcast every inch of her shapely body. She was a beautiful mixture of lean muscles and soft curves. His gaze journeyed from her firm calf muscles to the flare of her thighs and hips, up to the dramatic hourglass dip of her stomach to the delicate curves of her full breasts. He knew they were more than a handful. Those golden orbs teased him behind the flimsy fabric of her suit. They were barely contained and he hoped they would spill forward into his hands any moment.
The only thing that dragged his attention from her breasts was the space between her thighs. She had strong legs and he couldn"t help but imagine how they would feel wrapped around his waist. They looked warm to the touch and delicious to the tongue.
What would she taste like? His eyes narrowed in on the one spot he knew he would find contentment in. Would her p-ssy lips be rosy pink or mouth-watering chocolate?
“Nick.”
He blinked but didn"t look away.
“Nick, I can hold my drink now.”
“I"m sorry?” he said, slowly coming out of his haze.
“My drink.” She held her hand out, causing her cleavage to jiggle slightly. When Nick didn"t react she snatched the frosted glass from his hand. A deep blush covered her cheeks. She must have known where his mind was from the dumbfounded look on his face. That, or she noticed the prominent hard-on he was sporting. He had to cool off before he could lie down, but to do that he couldn"t look at Laney. She had all but forgotten him. She"d pulled her sunglasses over her eyes and was carelessly reclining on her chaise, sipping from her drink every few seconds. What else could he do but sit there looking miserable until his cock softened?
Nick sipped on his drink, hunched over on his lounge looking more like a guard dog for Laney. Unsure if it was the alcohol from the drink, he boldly challenged any man that looked at her too long. She was completely unaware, as she had been dozing for the past ten minutes. This gave him the opportunity to watch her, openly appreciating her beauty.
How was it that she"d worked for his company for three years and he couldn"t remember ever laying eyes on her? He definitely noticed her now.
The problem was he couldn"t stop noticing her. That made him wonder about her ex, the boyfriend who was a no-show for the cruise. Had he dumped her? Emergency? He wondered who the jerk was and what circumstances made him desert Laney. He would find out soon enough.
Laney turned onto her side and Nick took a shaky intake of breath when her cleavage kissed. This had to stop.
“Laney.” He placed his hand on her hip to shake her awake. He couldn"t help it.
He had to touch her. She slowly opened her eyes and upon seeing him, she smiled and stretched. She didn"t roll onto her back because Nick hadn"t removed his hand yet.
“Let"s go for a swim.”
She gave a sleepy nod. “Okay. Did you finish your drink?”
“No, do you want it?”
He handed her his glass and waited until she"d finished it off before helping her to her feet and guiding her to the pool. He caught a few black guys throw him a look that he could only imagine a rich kid who"d just won the lottery would receive--undeserving, unworthy, and unappreciative.
He eagerly stepped into the pool, welcoming the cool water. Laney followed him, only a bit more timidly. Once submerged in the water, she laughed at the wondrous feeling. Seeming to become aware that Nick was watching her, she blushed.
“I heard you got your dining room remodeled.”
He wet his hair. “Just how much do you know about me, Laney?”
“Not much. I said, I heard.”
“What else have you heard?”
She laughed. “Don"t flatter yourself. It"s not all good.”
“Such as?”
“You"re stringing along two women named Vanessa and Kimberly.”
“Damn.” He was shocked. “You know about that?
“Everyone does.”
“But how do you know? We don"t move in the same circles.”
“You mean because I"m not white?” She smiled. “Nick, women talk regardless of what color they are. I even heard rumor that the one called Vanessa came up to the office and made a scene when she caught you and Mary-Knight together.”
He was astounded by how much a complete stranger would know about him.
Laney knew a hell of a lot about his personal escapades, yet she was a mystery to him.
“Do you think I"m sleeping with Mary-Knight?”
“No.”
She didn"t hesitate. Nick wondered if that was a good thing. “How are you so sure?”
She shrugged. “I"m not sure.” She waved her arms in the water. “Call it woman"s intuition. Besides, I doubt Mary-Knight could keep a secret like that to herself.”
“Would it bother you if I was?”
“If you were what?”
“Sleeping with Mary-Knight.”
She tilted her head to the side. “It"s not my place to care either way, but apparently Vanessa cares.”
If Laney knew about Vanessa flipping out, there was no telling what his executive team was thinking. For some reason it didn"t really matter what his team thought. At this moment, he was interested in what Laney thought of him. Knowing what she did, she couldn"t have thought much.
“Anything else?”
“Aside from Vanessa and Kimberly, you"re a notorious womanizer.”
“And that"s a bad thing?”
“It would be if Will Zelman got wind of that information. Your personal life isn"t exactly personal.”
He smiled. “And what about you?”
She looked surprised at the turn of conversation. “What about me?”
“Well, you"ve obviously heard a lot about me. What about you?
Anything you care to share?”
“No.”
“How about the ex?”
She was becoming uninterested in the discussion. “I don"t want to talk about him.”
“Come on, Laney. You know my dealings. What are you hiding?”
“I"m not hiding anything.”
“Then why are you here alone?”
He watched her nibble on her lower lip. It was a nervous trait he was beginning to think was quite endearing. Talking about her ex-boyfriend seemed to weigh on her.
She looked near to jumping out of the pool to avoid the question. He treaded water to get closer to her. When she looked up at him he was stunned by her pretty brown eyes.
They were swimming with … regret?
He stared down at her. “What happened?”
She took a deep breath. “I caught him with another woman.” She gave him a strained smile. “I"m not as irresistible as you seem to be.”
“I disagree.” He looked down at her. No wonder she didn"t like him.
He represented her cheating boyfriend. Funny how it had never mattered to him how any of the women he"d slept with felt about his womanizing. In all truth he had never been around any of them long enough to find out …
except Laney. The vulnerability he saw in her eyes was an upset.
“I find you to be very irresistible.” He lowered his head and watched her eyes widen as he advanced on her, but she didn"t move away. His lips were inches from hers when a splash of water drenched them.
They looked up to see a volleyball floating in the water next to them.
A Guy called out to them, “Hey, man, I"m sorry. That was a foul ball.”
“No problem.” Nick tossed the ball back to him.
“Hey, why don"t you two join us for a game? It would even out the team.”
To the cheers of the group, they joined a rather jubilant crowd for a game of water volleyball. Nick and Laney teamed up with another couple, John and Natalie. A very fun group. Finally, Laney was in her element.
Nick was pleased to see she excelled in the sport. Laney directed where her team members needed to be, provided their game strategy and was the unofficial team cheerleader. Nick was impressed with her agility.
Laney served and spiked the ball with great ease. Nick was a natural athlete. Even though volleyball wasn"t his favorite pastime, he was more than efficient. Together they were a force to be reckoned with.
“I"m open!” Nick yelled out to Laney. When she bounced the ball his way, he promptly spiked it over the net, gaining them a point.
“Great job, Nick!” Laney smiled brightly at him, content with their lead over the other team. The teams played vigorously, trading the lead with every other set. Their team worked seamlessly together, encouraging each other with every play.
Their rivals argued with each other the entire time, yet they were extremely good players. The players became engrossed in the sport. Name-calling and catcalls were shouted out all in good fun. Picking up hints from the other members, Nick and Laney cheered each other on affectionately.
When Laney again made a point for their team, Nick kissed her on the forehead.
She seemed stunned at first, missing the next serve aimed straight at her. The missed advantage quickly snapped her out of her stupor. She saved the next shot and served the volleyball to John, who slammed it over the net. Their team rejoiced. Laney jumped on Nick"s back, wrapping her legs around him and kissing him quickly on the cheek. Nick laughed when she flipped her middle finger in the faces of their opponents.
The game went on for half an hour and the vigorous match had gained an audience by now. Natalie scored the winning shot completely by mistake.
The ball bounced off her head while she was looking in the opposite direction, miraculously bouncing over the net. They celebrated by allowing the losing team to buy them drinks. Laney was so happy she didn"t even flinch when Nick slapped her playfully on the bottom as they came out of the pool.
They enjoyed the rowdy banter with the group at the bar. Laney sat in Nick"s lap, as there were few seats available. John and Natalie invited them to join them in the casino that night. Nick didn"t commit, pleading he needed to check with their party.
They did not bid their new friends farewell until Nick spotted the Zelmans waving to them from across the deck. They gathered their things and joined the couple.
William Zelman smiled. “Good to see you"re feeling better, Sinclair.”
Nick nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
“We saw you playing,” Vivian Zelman said excitedly. “You were both very good. Laney, I had no idea you could be so … aggressive.”
Laney blushed knowing Vivian was referring to her flipping off their adversaries. She was relieved to hear Nick laugh and wrap his arm around her waist.
“How long have you been here?”
William Zelman glanced at his watch. “About an hour or two. The weather is so nice it"s hard to keep up.”
Nick nodded. “Laney and I have been out here for hours, but it feels like we just got here. I want to enjoy every minute aboard but there is so much to do.”
“Yes, there is,” Vivian agreed. “When is the big day, Laney?”
Laney looked at her dumbfounded. “What day?”
“Your anniversary.”
“Oh, uh…” She couldn"t remember if they had actually discussed a date.
“Well…”
“Today,” Nick blurted out. “We"re celebrating our one-year anniversary today.”
Vivian beamed at Laney. “Congratulations! What do you have planned?”
“Well, I … um ….” She looked to Nick for help.
“I"m doing all the planning,” Nick offered. “I figured since she"s put up with me for an entire year, the least I could do is spoil her on our getaway.” Nick patted her on the bottom.
“Oh, how sweet!” Vivian cooed.
“Good for you, Sinclair.” William Zelman bowed his head slightly.
Vivian appraised Nick appreciatively. “Laney, you have one adorable husband.”
Laney looked up at Nick. “It would seem so.”
Nick nodded. “We were just about to go back to room to rest. Do you Have dinner plans?”
“On your anniversary night we would be honored to join you.”
William reached for his wife"s hand. “The first year is always the most magical. We would like to do something for you two.”
Nick shook his head. “Oh, no, that"s not necessary. Your presence is enough.”
William shook his head to refuse further dispute. “It"s our pleasure.”
“If you insist, sir.”
“I do.”
“Oh, how exciting.” Vivian clapped her hands with pleasure. “We must make you perfect for tonight. I"m leaving for my treatment at the Lotus Spa within the hour.
You must join me. My treat.”
“Vi, that"s very sweet but I couldn"t impose on your personal time.”
Vivian Zelman shook her head. “Nonsense! I"d love for you to join me.”
William Zelman frowned. “Laney, do yourself a favor and just agree to go with her. She"ll argue with you until your head hurts if you don"t.”
“Will!” Vivian slapped her husband"s arm. “Don"t say things like that in front of Nick and Laney.”
William laughed at his wife"s embarrassment. “It"s true, Vi.”
“No, it"s not,” Vivian argued.
“Okay.” Laney surrendered, not wanting to witness yet another argument between the couple. “I"d be happy to join you if it isn"t an inconvenience.”
Forgetting her frustration with her husband, Vivian Zelman grinned.
“Wonderful!
I"ll call the Wrights" room to see if Heidi would care to join us.”
Nick wasn"t certain if he wanted Laney to go. He was beginning to enjoy having full access to touch her. She was finally relaxing around him and he"d planned to take full advantage. He could only hope she was this tranquil when she returned from the spa.
“Oh, Nick, there"s no reason to look so sad,” Vivian teased. “I"ll bring her back.”
Nick squeezed Laney"s hip. “I can"t help it. She"s special to me.” He Kissed Laney"s blushing cheek. “Enjoy yourself, sweetheart.”
Nick watched Vi latch onto Laney"s arm and pull her along, pleased by how receptive Laney was to him today. Even when she didn"t want to be, her body responded to him. It comforted him to know he had control over something between them, little as it was. He didn"t kid himself, though.
When she had her mind made up that she would have nothing to do with him, she went all frosty. One thing was for sure, the next few days would be interesting.
* * * *
Laney let Vivian drag her to the fitness area where the spa was tucked away in the corner. It had been nice to lean into Nick"s side while speaking with the Zelmans. It amazed her how easily Nick fell into his husbandly character when they were around. He was all warm and caring, strongly attentive and very charming. Everything he said was meant to make him look like the perfect husband. For a moment she caught herself wishing he really meant those words--that there was an ounce of sincerity in those intense blue eyes when he spoke such romantic expressions.
So enticing were his words that she"d almost been prepared to argue with Vivian not go to the spa, but she knew she would have only embarrassed herself.
Nick wanted some private time with William to persuade him to consider Sinclair Corp.
He had been very specific from the beginning about her responsibilities. Keep his wife busy while I work Zelman over. She had better pull herself together and focus on what she was being paid to do.
Enduring a luxury spa treatment wasn"t exactly torture.
Heidi joined them ten minutes later. Up until now, Laney had barely spoken to her. This would be a good time to size up the competition. She was around Laney"s age and she had a sparkling smile. Though she"d been pretty quiet so far, Laney suspected the woman was lively in familiar surroundings. Laney didn"t believe for a second that a woman as beautiful as Heidi could actually be as meek as she appeared before the Zelmans.
Vivian took charge, instructing the staff of her needs with much avowal. She spoke in a tone that only rich people used when they were asserting their importance. Laney and Heidi watched as the staff rushed about to meet Vivian"s demands.
They were escorted into a private bathroom lined with small closets.
The musical sound of running water was heard through the speakers, instantly relaxing the women. They undressed and slipped on soft white terrycloth robes and matching slippers. Ushered to a room that had three tables covered in bright linens, they disrobed and slid under the blankets covering the tables. When they were comfortably situated, curtains were pulled away to display a massive window that overlooked a turf surface of the boat.
It was currently being used as a mini field for a game of football. The women looked and immediately spotted Nick and Cooper among the players while William Zelman stood on the sidelines acting as a referee, a concept Vivian seemed to find quite humorous.
“Will is the worst cheater when it comes to sports.”
Laney turned to Vivian. “There are plenty of guys out there. I don"t think he could get away with anything.”
“Believe me, he will. I guarantee you the team Nick and Cooper are on will win. My husband will make sure of that.”
While their masseuses began working on their backs, Laney, Vivian, and
Heidi watched the first few plays of the game with great interest. True to her word, it wasn"t long before William Zelman started calling plays in favor of Nick and Cooper"s team.
That"s when the arguing started. The women laughed as they watched the men bicker among themselves over the call. Eventually losing interest, they stretched out and let the hands of the masseuses soothe them.
“Heidi, how did you and Cooper meet?”
Heidi was caught off-guard by Vivian"s question. “Uh … a party.”
“Oh really. Who hosted it? I might know the couple.”
Heidi paused. “Actually … I can"t really remember. It was such a long Time ago.”
“How many years have you and Cooper known each other?”
Heidi gave Laney a pleading look. Laney took mercy on her and turned to Vivian. “Vi, how long have you and Will been married? I don"t think you ever told me.”
“Thirteen short years.” She looked out over the turf and smiled at William, face beet-red, arguing with a teenager from the opposite team.
“He is very entertaining. I fell in love with him on our second date. He was too cute to not love.” She smiled at Laney.
“Your husband is very handsome, as well.”
Laney looked out over the turf area where Nick was playing football.
Actually, he was currently arguing with Cooper, giving her a profile view of him. With his hair tousled and his bare chest glistening with sweat, Laney had to admit he was quite an impressive specimen. It made her almost giddy knowing this was the very man she"d slept with in the same room last night.
“Yes,” she replied breathlessly. “He is quite handsome.”
“I"ll have to make sure I deliver you back to his side,” Vivian rambled.
“He was very concerned about your leaving him.”
Laney shrugged her shoulders. “He"s a charming one.”
In the far-off distance she heard someone repeatedly say, “Mrs.
Sinclair?”
“I haven"t been to a spa in months,” Laney continued. “I don"t understand why? I always enjoy myself--”
“Mrs. Sinclair?”
“Where do you go in San Francisco, Vi?”
“Laney, dear.”
Laney finally paid attention to the strange look on Vivian"s face.
“Your masseuse is talking to you.”
“What?” She turned to see the beefy man standing next to her waiting expectantly. “Mrs. Sinclair, I need you to turn over.”
She nodded and quickly turned onto her back. How could she not have heard him? He had a deep timbre to his voice and a sizable presence.
She was too embarrassed to even look at Vivian. How could she have forgotten her „married" name again? One more mistake like that and Vivian would begin to wonder about her. Vivian must not have thought her reaction too odd because she was now listing the many spas she had visited. Laney and Heidi nodded whenever necessary, but for the most part they let Vivian talk freely. It was a welcome to see Vivian ushered off for her mud wrap while Laney and Heidi were led to the pedicure chairs. As soon as Vivian was completely out of sight, Heidi became vocal.
“She is something else.”
Laney smiled. “She means well, I guess.”
“I guess.” Heidi sighed. “Hey, thanks for bailing me out back there.
I tried to get your attention when that guy was calling your name, but you weren"t facing me.”
Laney shrugged. “I"ll have to be a little more attentive.”
Heidi smiled brightly. “Overall, you"re doing a great job.”
“Thanks. You, too.” Laney was unsure exactly how much she could say to
Heidi. She was, after all, sleeping with the enemy.
“Nick is quite a catch.” Heidi winked at her playfully.
Laney only smiled. What was she supposed to say to that? They both knew she wasn"t really married to Nick.
“You know, Laney, I know a few women who would kill to be in your shoes right now.”
“What do you mean?”
Heidi smiled. “You know … Nick has a reputation.”
“You mean his women?”
Heidi waved her hand. “Who cares how many women he"s screwing?
That"s old news. I mean he has a reputation for knowing exactly how to get a woman off.”
Laney"s blank face spoke volumes.
Heidi leaned forward confidentially. “Please tell me you"ve f*cked him already.”
Laney looked away. “We don"t have that kind of … arrangement.”
Heidi laughed in disbelief. “I can"t believe it. Do you have any idea what you"ve got? The man"s name is synonymous with orgasm. F*ck him, Laney. Let him screw your brains out as soon as possible.”
“Heidi, I don"t feel comfortable talking about this with you.”
She waved her hand in the air ignoring her argument. “Tell me you"re at least letting him go down on you.”
“Heidi--”
“Are you at least going to try?”
“No.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Look, Heidi--”
“Fine,” she huffed. “Do you care if I do?”
“What?”
“I"ll f*ck him. In truth I"ve been wanting to for a long time, but I"ve never been able to get close enough to him. So is it cool with you? Well, of course it is. You two aren"t dating. Kim and Vanessa keep him too busy.
But I like you, so I want to make sure you aren"t mad if I do.”
Heidi looked at her expectantly. Laney was at a loss for words. There wasn"t anything going on between her and Nick. He was free to do whatever he wanted. She definitely had no right to be territorial over him. So why did it anger her to know Heidi wanted to sleep with him?
Would he really sleep with her? Why not?
Heidi was beautiful. Nick wouldn"t turn her down. Just thinking the words in her head pissed her off. Not at Heidi, but at Nick. Nick would be the lowest of the low if he slept with Heidi. She didn"t understand it, but she was instantly annoyed with Nick and wanted to tell him so.
Heidi pulled her back to the present. “So are you okay with me hooking up with Nick?”
Laney forced a smile on her face. “Help yourself.”
Heidi"s grin broadened. She leaned back into her seat. “Fabulous!
Oh … for your information, you can screw Coop if you want. I don"t mind.
He"s a lot of fun, plus I know he has eyes for you.”
“Really?” Her voice sounded foreign even to her own ears. She didn"t care how Cooper felt about her. Right now she was consumed with thoughts of Nick and Heidi.
Heidi tossed a silky lock over her shoulder. “You know, Laney, this is really a perfect arrangement. We can both get off with great looking guys.
If things go well between you and Coop, maybe we can all join each other sometime. I haven"t swung in months.” She placed her hand on Laney"s. “I know you and I could have a lot of fun together.”
Laney stilled. This conversation was too much for her. “I forgot my camera in the other room.” She slid her hand away from Heidi. “I"ll see you later,” she said hurriedly over her shoulder as she left the room.
She went to the dressing room, quickly changed into her clothes and jogged back to the cabin. With the door closed firmly behind her, she leaned against it for support.
Taking several breaths, she tried to calm herself. Not only was she angry with Nick, she was outright humiliated by Heidi"s words. What on earth gave her the idea that she would be part of a foursome? Was Nick into that? Is that why she had assumed Laney would be? Had Heidi heard rumors that Nick was that daring with sex?
It unnerved her to know Nick would be into that sort of thing. What would she do if Nick propositioned her? She could feel herself turning red.
She pressed her hand against her cheeks. They felt like they were burning.
She would kill him first and then curse him out. No, she would curse him and then kill him. She groaned.
What was the difference? If Nick was into swinging, she had no control over that. If she were asked again, she would have to assert herself.
Not even those pretty baby blues Nick possessed could convince her otherwise … at least she hoped so. She needed a nap. Perhaps that would calm her jittery nerves. She desperately needed to cool down, shake off the image of Heidi and Nick sleeping together and be an adult about the situation. Yes, she would take a nap. It was the only thing that would keep her emotions at bay.