Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1) (3 page)

Her cheeks hurt from smiling as she dials Carrie’s number. She
cannot believe she’s going out with a man she just met yesterday. Her call goes
straight to voicemail.

“I can’t come to the phone right now.
You know what to do.”

She takes a deep breath. No, she doesn’t know what to do. “It’s
me. I must be losing my mind because the guy I told you about from the gym
asked me to dinner, and I said yes. Call me back and tell me it’s a terrible
idea and to come straight home.”

For ten minutes she paces back and forth in the lobby, willing
her phone to ring. No luck. Now she has to make a decision. Peeking out the
window, she spots him leaning against a dark gray Jeep talking on his cell.
Happiness flows through her. He waited, just like she hoped he would.

He jogs up to her as soon as she pushes open the door.
“Everything good?”

“Yes, let me get something out of my car, and I’ll be ready.”

She tosses her gym bag in the back of her SUV and grabs her
beach tote before walking with him to his vehicle, an older beach Jeep without
a running board to step on or handle to pull herself up. “This is kind of
awkward, but with my back, I’m going to need a boost to get in.”

His hands are gentle but strong, low on her hips to avoid
touching the bruises. Still, tears sting her eyes from the sharp pain. Tipping
his head down, he whispers, "I'm sorry if I hurt you." Goose bumps
cover her bare shoulders from his soft voice in her ear.

He climbs in on the other side and looks over at her with
another sensual smile, sending little jolts of pleasure through her body.
“Where would you like to go? What are you in the mood for?”

“I know a place with fabulous fish tacos. It’s about an hour up
the coast. Is that too far?”

“I’ve got all night.”

Mansions and cottages intersperse with stretches of open beach as
they drive down the highway. Strands of her long hair swirl in the salty
breeze, occasionally brushing over his arm. He remains quiet, although it’s not
uncomfortable. Just peaceful.

She leans her head against the seat and glances at him. “Tell me
about yourself.”

He laughs at her request. “Now that’s an invitation for trouble.
What do you want to know?”

Without even trying, he exudes a sexy, confident vibe unlike any
man she knows. An irresistible lure, powerful enough to challenge what she
believes to be true about herself. “Everything!”

“Well, I went to UCLA. I work a lot. I go to the gym. I guess
that’s it.”

She pulls her seatbelt away from her chest and turns almost
completely to face him. “You’re what? Thirty or something? And, all you can
tell me is where you went to school, you work a lot, and you exercise? There’s
got to be more to you than that.”

Shrugging his shoulders, he smiles at her teasing.

“What about your family? Parents, brothers, sisters?”

The humor fades as he stares straight ahead, his hand tightening
around the gearshift. “No brothers or sisters. My mom passed away when I was
younger, and my father is in a nursing home due to an accident that left him
incapacitated.”

“I’m sorry.”

His jaw clenches as he nods. The peacefulness evaporates, but
she’s not sure why. His reaction is tinged more with bitterness than grief.
They ride quietly before she tries again. “What kind of work do you do?”

“I run the family business.”

“Which is?’

“We’re involved in a variety of investments. A little bit of
everything. Whether I like it or not.”

The last few words are murmured almost more to himself than her.
She nods, knowing what it’s like when things don’t turn out the way you expect.
“People probably think you have it easy. How lucky you are to have this company
handed to you. They don’t know how hard you work, or that it might not be what
you want to do with your life.”

“I’ve spent most of my life proving myself for something I
didn’t even want. Now, I’ve earned their respect, but it’s dangerous in my world
to get complacent.”

“What
is
your world,
Nick?”

“It’s a long story.” He glances in the rear view and does a
double-take before shaking his head. She looks too, catching a black sedan
turning off the road behind them. Nothing unusual, except for his worried
expression. “Now it's my turn to hear all about you.”

Intrigued by the sparse details he shares about his life, she
studies his profile, trying to understand his sudden tension. Although he seems
to be hiding something, she doesn’t feel afraid. “Similar story. No brothers or
sisters. My mom died about a year ago.” A lump forms in her throat, and she
takes a deep breath to keep it from turning into a sob. “I never knew my
father. He left before my mom even knew she was pregnant. I’m by myself, except
for my best friend Carrie and a few close friends like Jason.”

Glancing over at her, he raises his eyebrows. “And new friends
like me.”

She winks at him, conveying a nonchalance she doesn't feel. His
impact on her is more than he can imagine. “We’ll see.”

When they get to their exit, she gives him directions to the
restaurant. She braids her hair then puts on a pink sun hat with a white sash
and black sunglasses from her bag. The only way to keep them from getting
mobbed.

Out of the corner of her eye, she catches him watching her. “Why
the sudden cover up? I like your outfit, but you looked great the way you
were.”

They pull into a parking space, and he comes around to help her
down. Once the pain in her back subsides, she takes a deep breath and starts
her confession, “I haven't been completely honest with you about who I am.”

He leans his head down to hers as they walk. “Who are you?”

Humor entwines his question, perhaps thinking she’s playing a
practical joke. They reach the hostess stand before she can answer. “Good
evening. Would you prefer inside or outside?”

Nick nods to her, letting her choose. “Outside, please.”

They wind through the restaurant, following the woman to a table
close to the edge of the patio. Pleasure surges in her heart when Nick pulls out
her chair. Carrie’s grandma always says good manners are the sign of a good man.

“Your server is Ryan, and he'll be with you shortly.”

“Thank you.”

Nick turns to her and lowers his voice. "Now, are you going
to tell me what's going on?"

Her gaze drops to her hands, her fingertips rubbing over the
glittery pink polish. “I’m Shae Armstrong. I’m a singer, and I’ve done a little
bit of acting…small roles in two movies.”

She looks up to find him staring at her with a frown. “You mean
like Madonna or something?”

“Well, I’m a little bit younger than her, but yes.” Rubbing the
back of his neck, he starts to say something and stops. She can’t quite read
his expression, but guesses he thinks she’s crazy. “I swear I’m telling the
truth. Your family business is keeping you out of the loop. You’ve heard of
Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, right?”

Nick smiles as the waiter comes up to take their drink orders.
He turns to Shae first.

“May I have sparkling water with an orange slice, please?”

“And you, sir?”

“I’ll have water too. No orange slice.”

She laughs at his modified order. “Too girly for you?”

“I'm guessing it’s your signature drink. I don’t want to be a
copycat.”

He opens his menu and looks through it while she enjoys the
view, a welcome peace flowing over her. The blue-green waves almost match the
cushions on their chairs. The breeze lifts the corners of the white tablecloth
and threatens the dancing flame in the silver candleholder.

As the waiter departs with their food order, Nick glances down
at his buzzing phone. “I’m sorry. I really have to take this. Excuse me.” He
walks a few feet down the sidewalk separating the restaurant from the beach.
Pacing back and forth, he runs his hand through his hair, the rise and fall of
his voice floating on the wind. By the time he returns, their meals are being
delivered. “I’m sorry my call took so long. There’s always a fire needing to be
put out.”

"It's okay. I hope everything is all right."

"Yeah, it's fine. Let's eat." He smiles before digging
into his food.

She moans after taking a big bite of her fish taco, the mixture
of cilantro and lime making her tongue tingle. “I had forgotten how good these
are. Thank you for bringing me here.”

Nick nods, his mouth too full to answer. After he swallows, he
leans back in his chair and smiles. “You’re welcome. I think I’ve found my new
favorite.”

“I told you they were good.”

As they finish eating, he leans forward. “The sun has almost
set. You can take off your sunglasses.”

Her stomach drops. The end of their perfect evening. One night
where she got to be herself, without bodyguards or paparazzi or handlers. The
masquerade over, she pulls off the glasses and lays them on the table.

“Better. Now I get to see the real you.”

The waiter returns with their bill and does a double-take, his
eyes widening as he stares at her. “I didn’t realize it was you. I’m a huge
fan. It’s been an honor waiting on you.”

Her professional persona takes over, and she smiles to match his
excitement. “Thank you. The food was delicious.”

Murmurs float around the restaurant, and a young couple steps
outside to look, nudging each other as they whisper. Several people take her
picture. A little girl about six years old comes up and asks her for her
autograph. A genuine grin crosses her lips as she leans down close to her
favorite kind of fan. “Of course! What’s your name?”

“Emily.”

“What a cute name. Here you go. When you get back to your table,
give this card to your mom and dad, okay? It was nice to meet you, Emily.”

The girl beams as she runs to show her parents. They hug her and
wave at Shae. She nods and waves back.

Nick stands up and lays a hundred dollar bill on the table. “Are
you ready to go?”

Her butterflies return as he takes her hand and gives it a
slight squeeze. At the Jeep, he helps her up before climbing in on the other
side. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I am from the beginning. Sometimes it
makes things weird, and I didn’t want that to happen.”

“I understand. But I know it's just your job, not who you are.”
He smiles, eliminating some of her uncertainty. “You know, you were terrific
with that little girl. What was on the card?”

“It has a number they can call to get free tickets to my next
concert. I love surprising people. It’s fun to see them excited.”

“Yeah, I think you made their day.”

They drive along in silence. Her body relaxes now that he knows
the truth and doesn’t seem fazed by it. She tries to hold it back, but a little
yawn escapes.

“So, it was a concert that kept you up late last night? I bet
you are tired.”

“A little bit, but I’m okay.”

“Well then, do you want to come back to my house for a drink?
I’m not ready for the night to end just yet.”

Even though she isn’t cold, a small shiver runs through her body
at the thought of them being alone together at his home. “Okay, one drink, but
nothing more.”

Chapter Two

Nick turns into a curved driveway leading to a lavish estate
protected by a wrought iron security gate and ten-foot stone wall. All of her
worries about him using her for money or a record deal fly out of her head like
the breeze through the Jeep. He could launch his own label with the kind of
money he must have. A flutter of hope flickers in her heart. Maybe this time
will be different. Maybe this time she can be herself.

He passes the guard house, nodding at the camera, and parks by
the dark walnut front door. Textured stone and arched windows accent the
camel-colored brick. Raised flower beds edging the stone driveway soften the
starkness of the mansion, providing bursts of pink, yellow, blue, and lilac
intermixed with lush green plants.

The heat from his hands wrapped around her waist burns through
the thin fabric of her dress as he helps her down. They linger for a moment,
holding onto each other, with their bodies separated like two kids at their
first school dance. Yet the electricity crackling between her fingers and his
biceps is anything but childish. Her heart pounds at his deep breath. He feels
it too.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

One hand slides to her lower back, and he leads her up the steps
and into the house. Overstuffed chairs and leather sofas fill the living room,
facing an enormous stone fireplace. The space overlooks a sleek and modern
kitchen, the counter covered with stacks of worn cookbooks, a large bowl of
fresh fruit, and a platter of homemade treats covered by a loose sheet of wax
paper. Her stomach growls at the rich scent of vanilla and brown sugar, and she
twirls her hair around her finger to keep from snatching a cookie off the plate.

She concentrates on the curls looping over his collar as they
walk outside to a stone patio spanning the entire length of the house. A
figure-eight pool with a waterfall spa in its center fills the open space, with
a recessed fire pit surrounded by benches occupying the other end. She shakes
her head at the visions of roasted marshmallows and melting chocolate popping
into her mind.

They stop next to a double chaise lounge facing the water. Her
breath catches from him smiling down at her. “This is my favorite spot. I
thought you might like it too.”

“I love it.” She steps forward and leans against the railing,
the waves rolling into the sand. “This is the best time of day to be at the
beach. When the heat is gone and the sky is so colorful. I could stay here
forever.”

“Open invitation—as long as you want, whenever you want.”
Shivers trail her spine at the huskiness of his voice, making her turn around.
His Adam’s apple bobs up and down as he swallows hard. “Would you like a glass
of wine?”

“Yes, please.”

After he goes back into the house, she sits on the chaise and
takes a deep breath, inhaling the salty taste of the ocean air. Tilting her
face upward, she welcomes the delicate breeze on her skin. As luxurious as his
home is, it doesn’t bring her the same peace as being outside in the burgeoning
moonlight.

At the creak of the French doors, she turns to him, accepting
the wine glass from his outstretched hand. “Thank you.” Her heart skips a beat
when he sits down next to her holding a small tumbler of dark brown liquid. She
takes a small sip. With a tendency to drink reds, the crisp, fruity white is an
unexpected pleasure. Kind of like this entire evening.

“Do you like your wine?”

“It’s wonderful. You have good taste.” Nodding toward his glass,
she wrinkles her nose. “I don’t know how you drink that stuff.”

“Whiskey is an acquired taste. But it has a nice, calming effect
after a long day.” He clinks his glass against hers and takes a drink, his eyes
never leaving hers. Heat rises up her cheeks at his intensity, forcing her to
look away. “So, you aren’t offended I didn’t know who you were until you told
me?”

His subtle frown greets her as she turns back to him. She can’t
let him off the hook just yet. “No, not at all. I’m just going to have to fire
my publicist. She told me if I hired her, everyone in America would know who I
am.” Pressing her lips together, she tries to maintain her poker face. But his
growing smile overwhelms her, and she can't hold back.

“You should cut her some slack. I’m sure I’m the only one who
doesn’t know who you are. I work so much, I’m out of the loop, remember?”

“What
is
your family
business, exactly? You can’t own a beautiful home like this walking dogs.”

His deep, belly laugh is contagious, making her chuckle too.
"I’m an investor. My partners and I acquire struggling businesses with
strong potential, turn them around, and cash out when they’re successful.”

“So, how do you have time to bake cookies if you're always
working?”

“Ah, the infamous sweet tooth rears its ugly head.” Goose bumps
rise on her skin from him leaning closer, his arm brushing against her wrist.
“Marta, my housekeeper, made them. She's always tempting us with her goodies.”

Her stomach gives a little lurch. Maybe she let down her guard
too soon. “Us?”

Raising an eyebrow at her, he winks. “Some of my staff like
sweets too.”

“Good. I was worried you might be hiding a girlfriend or wife
from me.”

“No, I’m single. For now, anyway.”

She should be offended by his arrogance, but can’t bring herself
to be. As much as she hates to admit it, she’s falling under his spell. Hard
and fast, if she’s honest with herself.

“Tell me what it’s like to be a rock star. I’ve lived in L.A.
all my life and never met one before.”

She shakes her head and holds up a finger. It’s not right for
him to think she’s more than she really is. “Not a rock star. A pop star.
There’s a difference.”

“Which is?”

“I don’t play an instrument or write my own music. I’m just
lucky to have been blessed with a good voice and happened to be at the right
place at the right time.”

Her skin tingles where he strokes her finger before gently
pushing it down. “You don’t have to be modest. You wouldn’t be famous if you
didn’t have something special.”

“Only luck. Otherwise, I’d be walking the dogs.”

Before he can respond, his phone buzzes. Unlike at the
restaurant, he ignores it, focusing all his attention on her. A rare feeling to
have someone’s genuine interest rather than the fawning and head patting she
receives from Team Shae. “I doubt that.”

She winks before nodding at the vibrations rustling the cushion
between them. “I think someone’s trying to get a hold of you.”

The door opens and a tall man with close-cropped black hair
walks out. His muscles bulge even through the white dress shirt and black suit
coat. Yet his gentle eyes and the small smile he gives her soften the tough-guy
physique. He gestures to Nick. “I’m sorry to bother you, but we have a
situation. Carter’s here and needs to talk to you.”

Nick sighs and shakes his head before standing. “Tell him I’ll
be right there.” Turning back to her, he frowns. “I’m sorry. I’ll be back in a
few minutes.”

She nods before taking a sip of wine and setting the glass on
the side table. Two emergencies in two hours on a Sunday night. No wonder all
he does is work. There’s no time for anything or anyone else. Especially not a
woman he just met with a crazy life of her own. One who knows how foolish it is
to let her heart absorb any more of his tender affection before she falls
completely. And has to walk away.

Listening to the relaxing sounds of the crashing waves, she
leans her head against the cushion. She’ll have him take her home as soon as he
comes back.

* * * *

Irritated by the interruption, Nick runs his fingers through his
hair as he walks toward the lounge chair. He leaves her twice in one date. Not
a great way to start off…whatever this is. He may not know what to call it, but
he sure doesn’t want to mess it up. “I’m sorry, Shae. It’s…”

She’s curled onto her side, arms hugging herself, eyes closed.
He sits the plate of cookies next to the half-full wine glass and takes the
opportunity to study her. Aching to push back the strand of wavy, dark hair
that’s fallen over her face and caress her cheek, he shoves his hands into his
pockets. The softness of her expression exudes a peace he envies. She’s sweet
and playful, yet holds something back. Just when he thinks they’ve made a
connection, timidity creeps in, creating a shield around her. Perhaps from whoever’s
hurting
her.

After picking up his glass, he sits down in the chair across
from her. Her pink dress fully covers her body, from the hollow of her throat
to the tops of her knees, with only her sculpted arms and lower legs visible. How
can she be so modest and so sexy at the same time?

Yet, his stomach turns from what he can’t see—the damage
inflicted on her creamy, soft skin. She doesn’t have a boyfriend, and her dad’s
not in the picture. Who the hell could it be? He takes a long drink. Once he
finds out, she won’t have to worry about him anymore.

His mind drifts to her earlier comment. God, how he would love
‘more’ with her. To taste her pink lips. To lose himself in her gentle touch.
To feel her body pressed against his. Inhaling deeply, he tries to cool the
heat rising in his body.

Long, dark lashes flutter against her cheeks before her eyes fly
open and she gasps. His stomach knots at her panic. Resisting the urge to take
her in his arms and soothe her fear, he kneels down on the floor next to the
chaise. “Hey, it’s okay. You fell asleep. Everything’s okay.”

She turns to him, searching his face for reassurance. Her body
relaxes when her eyes meet his, overwhelming him with the trust she places in
him not to be afraid. She drops her head, tucking the wayward hair behind her
ear. “I’m sorry. I guess I'm more tired than I realized.”

“Don’t apologize. I know you had a big night last night.” He
wraps his fingers around hers and helps her up, his pulse racing when she
doesn’t let go of his hand as they walk. “Come on, I’ll take you back to your
car.”

In the garage, he opens the door to the Audi. “I thought this
might be easier than climbing into the Jeep.”

Her face lights up with the huge smile he’s waited all night to
see. “Thank you.”

She seems pleased, maybe even a little surprised, by his simple
gesture. He can’t stand the thought of someone making her do anything but
smile. Before she can climb in, he pushes the door shut. “Wait.” He takes a
deep breath, trying to control his fury. “This is probably the wrong way to go
about it, but I have to know. Who’s hurting you?”

Wrinkles crease her forehead in uncertainty. “I don’t
understand.”

“The bruises on your back.” Old and new anger swells in his
chest. He may have failed before, but not this time. Not with her. “Someone is
hitting you, and I need to stop him.”

Shock flashes in her eyes before she shakes her head. “I wear a
waist harness during my concerts for some of the stunts we do. It’s hard on my
back to be suspended so much.”

No one is hurting her. The pain in his chest evaporates from knowing
she's safe. “I’m sorry I overreacted.” He nods and pulls the door open. “It was
killing me thinking some asshole was putting his hands on you.”

“It’s the equipment we use to put on a good show. You know, make
sure the fans have fun.”

She sits down, her gaze following him as he walks to the other
side of the car. An expression he can’t decipher darkens her face. His
irrational behavior may have pushed her away. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, it’s okay. You just…surprised me.”

He glances over at her as he drives. Deep in thought, she stares
out the window. Silence hangs between them, not quite as comfortable as before.
Unsure how to reach her, he taps on the steering wheel, struggling to control
his need to touch her. To keep her from slipping away before she’s even his.

At the gym, he parks next to her car and takes a deep breath,
trying to find the right words. Before he can speak, she turns to him, her eyes
and smile sparkling again. “Thank you for dinner and the drink. I’m embarrassed
about falling asleep, but I still had a great time with you tonight.”

His body softens with relief. Somehow, he’s earned a second
chance, and he won’t screw it up this time. “From okay
to
good to great. I must be doing something right.”

Her sweet laugh quickens his pulse before she shakes her head.
“You’re teetering on the edge with that cockiness. Be careful or you’ll slip
back to pretty good.”

Fucking shit
. How can a woman this incredible not be taken? He slides her
hand into his and holds it against his chest. “I have to see you again.”

Pink tints her cheeks before she drops her eyes from his gaze.
“Well, it just so happens we’re going running in the morning, remember?”

“I mean a real date. Not exercising with Jason.”

Her fingers squeeze his before she pulls away and opens the car
door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”