Page 36 of Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée
Nick’s dark gaze compelled her to want to accept. She moved away from him to break the spell he spun just with his presence.
“Nick, that’s a lot to think about. You have to give me some time.”
“I will, but remember, time is important. Dad could have another attack or a stroke, and then the deal is off because it would be too late. I hate to be blunt about it, but that’s the truth as presented to me by his doctors.”
“You would be Michael’s legal father,” she said, turning to study Nick and wondering how good this would be for Michael.
“I’m glad you’re considering Michael, too. While he’s only a baby, he has a big stake in your decision. As my child, he would be my heir and I would support him until he’s grown.” Locks of black hair fell across Nick’s forehead and a muscle worked in his jaw, another hint of the intensity of his feelings.
“Of course, I’m wondering what kind of father you’d be.”
“I can’t make promises about something I don’t know about myself, but I’ve been surprised how much he’s wiggled into my life. I enjoyed last night and today with him around. He has a way of winning you over, though it’s effortless on his part.”
“Yes, he does,” she said, thinking about Nick’s declaration.
“This marriage between us won’t last and I have no inclination to take Michael from you. Michael would be my heir.”
“At least you’re honest and that’s good.” They stared at each other and she could feel the clash of wills and see the determination in Nick’s expression. He crossed the room to her to place his hands on her shoulders.
“Marry me. It won’t be bad and you know it. You’d get what you want. I’d get what I want. Dad gets what he wants. It will be good for Michael and there is no way on earth you’ll lose your baby. Dad and I will just be more in your life than otherwise.”
“More in my life? Nick, you and I would have an intimate relationship.”
“I can’t see that that would be bad,” he said quietly, slipping his hand to her throat. “We’re not in love, but sex promises to be great between us.”
“I still can’t imagine you suggesting this. You have a lot to lose.”
“Not as much as I have to gain,” he countered. “My bachelor freedom I can forgo for a while. Grace, once again, this is a temporary marriage. It’s not a lifetime commitment.”
“You’re charming and sexy. You’ve told me what a confirmed bachelor you are. Suppose I fall in love with you?”
“Hopefully, if that happens, I’ll fall in love with you. If I don’t, that’s one of the risks you take, but there aren’t many other risks and people can survive breakups. At the moment we’re not in love.”
“Intimacy may lend itself to love. I know I can’t be detached about someone I’m intimate with.”
“Regard it as a risk. I think this marriage will be well worth your while for all the pluses there are.”
“You know I can’t possibly give you an answer now.”
“I’ll repeat, don’t wait long. I can’t see that you have much to lose and you have a world to gain for both you and Michael.” Nick drew her into his embrace and leaned forward to kiss her.
She stood resisting him, her thoughts on his proposition, but then his mouth opened hers, his tongue thrust inside and her attention shifted to Nick. He kissed her passionately as if trying to win her over physically, a reminder of the strength of their attraction. Marriage, making love constantly, a million dollars, plus her restaurant. It spun in her thoughts, but his kiss drove away reason. In seconds passion encompassed her.
She wound her fingers in his hair again, standing on tiptoe to kiss him ardently. She ran her hands over him, slipping them beneath his sweater to caress his smooth back, trailing down to his narrow waist.
Nick stepped back, pulling off first his sweater again, and then hers. “This is good, Grace. We do well together.” His gaze traveled to her breasts as he unzipped her slacks and let them drop. He unclasped her bra to push it away, cupping her breasts to caress her before kissing her.
His tongue was hot, wet as he circled a nipple and made her clutch his shoulders. In minutes he straightened to kiss her, holding her with one arm banding her waist while his hand caressed her inner thighs. She spread her legs slightly, giving him access.
“You’re beautiful. Desirable,” he whispered. “Awesome,” he added, his words another caress that heightened her desire.
His hand slipped higher and he tugged away her panties before his fingers touched her intimately, stroking her while he continued to kiss her.
Her heart thudded violently and she could feel his heartbeat racing beneath her hand spread on his chest.
She moaned with longing, sliding her hand down, unfastening his pants to get them out of the way and feeling his washboard stomach. Minutes later she pushed away his tight briefs. She took his stiff rod in her hand to caress him.
Sensations showered her, heightening her response and longing. She tugged at his shoulders, spreading her legs wider for him. “Nick,” she whispered before kissing him.
