He loved her.
How many years had she wanted this man?
Too many to count.
But he didn’t own her heart. Too bad the man who had it didn’t want it.
She sat up, uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
He smoothed a stray hair off her cheek. “You never told me what happened between you and Jaxon at Benediction.”
Damn Nick’s ability to read her.
He continued. “You developed feelings for him, didn’t you?”
Her fingers flew to her collar, and she nodded slowly. “Yes.”
He tipped his head. “I can understand that.” His tone was light, and he didn’t sound upset at all. “He’s a great guy. That’s why I’ve called him my best friend since college. It’s why I fixed him up with Alyssa. And you’ve got one of the biggest hearts I know.” He took her hand and swiped his thumb back and forth across it. “You offered him comfort at the most difficult time of his life and accompanied him to a sex club. I’m sure he didn’t intentionally take advantage of you, but it must have stroked his ego to have a young, beautiful woman by his side as he learned all the ways his wife had betrayed him.”
A sinking feeling settled in her belly. “You think he took advantage of me?”
He gave her a sympathetic half smile. “Like I said, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. But who could resist you? You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. Not to mention one of the most intelligent. Don’t you notice how every man stops what he’s doing and stares at you when you enter the room? No single, heterosexual man would turn down a chance to be with you.”
Was Nick right? Had she been merely a convenient distraction for Jaxon?
The sinking feeling morphed into a crater the size of the Grand Canyon. “I think you’re exaggerating.”
He tugged on her hand. “I’m not. I’ve been patient because you’re my intern, but I’ve wanted you since your interview. I thought you felt the same.”
Her cheeks grew hot. Why was it she had no problem fucking Jaxon on a stage in front of people, but what she was about to admit to Nick made her blush? “I did. I had a crush on you for years. I even . . .”
“What?”
She covered her face with her hands. “It’s so embarrassing.” She dropped her hands to her lap. “When I was in college, I read the article about you in Hour Magazine and I . . . clipped it. After that I followed your career. I even kept a scrapbook of you.”
He bumped her playfully with his shoulder. “Wow. My own personal stalker. Not many attorneys get one of those.”
She laughed. “I know. You must think I’m unbalanced.”
He shook his head. “No. I’m flattered.” His eyes gleamed with arousal as he gazed at her lips.
She covered his hand with hers. “Nick, you’re really a great friend—”
He jerked away. “You’re giving me the friend speech? Is it because of Jaxon?” A shadow of what looked like anger passed over his face, but when she blinked, it was gone.
“No.” She hated disappointing him, but it was better to tell him now than to lead him on. “I realize Jaxon and I may not work out, but regardless, I don’t have those feelings for you anymore. I learned things about myself this week, and it changed me.”
He glared at her, his eyes narrowed, giving her the impression that he was trying to see inside her and figure her out. Then he shook his head and smiled. “I understand. Friends it is . . . for now. And when you’re ready, I’ll be there waiting for you.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to contradict him, but she held back. He’d saved her life and been the one who stuck around to comfort her today. She didn’t have it in her to hurt him. Besides, even though she couldn’t imagine it, who could say she wouldn’t feel differently in time?
She faked a yawn. “Thanks for sitting with me, but I’m really tired.”
He squeezed her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. “Get some sleep. If you need anything, I’ll be right outside on the couch.”
He got up from the bed and turned off the lights before closing the door behind him. She flipped to her side and stared into the darkness, unfortunately wide awake.
If the time ever came when she wanted to give herself to Nick, he would deserve to have every part of her, including her heart.
But first she’d have to get it back from Jaxon.
Chapter Four
One Day to Elections . . .
TAKING A BREAK from the chaos of her life and having lunch at her new desk in Nick’s office, she smiled when a FaceTime call rang on her iPad. She clicked “accept” and her favorite man’s face filled the screen.