Fair Catch (25 page)

At least she hadn’t flat out told him no. “Alec’s composed most of the guest list from a few local television newscasters, politicians and businessmen. The Stewarts and Colemans have also been invited.”

She stared at him for a long moment before one side of her mouth curved up. “Your parents
and
a party all in one night?”

Nick grinned. “My parents will love you, and the party will be fun.”

“Well,” she said, keeping a hold of his hand and stepping back, “I guess you’ve got yourself a date.” She led him into the living room where Cade was setting up the movie. “But if the party isn’t fun, you’re leading the singing in nursery for the next month.”

Nick laughed as he sat down on the loveseat. “Deal.” He pulled Ellie down to sit next to him.

* * *

Ellie stood in front of her full-length mirror staring at herself. She smoothed her hands down the front of her silvery blue evening gown, trying to calm her nerves. Nick would be here in a few minutes to introduce her to his parents before the guests for the party started to arrive.

She twisted the clasp of the necklace she wore to the back of her neck, the single tear drop aquamarine stone resting just below her throat. The unpretentious piece of jewelry complimented the simple lines of the regency styled gown. With her curly hair pinned up on her head, all she needed was a long pair of white gloves and she could pass for one of Elizabeth Bennet’s sisters going to the Netherfield Ball.

If only that was the case. Dancing with Nick would be so much better than mingling with the affluent people slated to attend the party.

Letting out a deep sigh, she slipped on a pair of silver stilettos and slowly made her way downstairs. Amber, a young lady from church, had arrived about thirty minutes ago, keeping Cade entertained while Ellie finished getting ready.

When Ellie stepped into the family room to tell Cade goodbye, Amber’s mouth opened in astonishment. “Wow, Ms. Garrett, you look amazing! I can’t believe that’s you. I mean, you’re always pretty, but tonight you look totally gorgeous.”

“Really?”

“Totally!”

Having the teen’s approval boosted her confidence. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ll be past eleven. You have my cell phone and, of course, I’ll just be across the street if you need me.”

“Hey, don’t worry about us,” Amber said, patting Cade on the head. “We’re going to have so much fun!”

“Yeah. Bye, Mom.” Cade already had Amber playing Monopoly Junior.

Nervously, Ellie went to the living room and peeked out the window. Nick’s house had been busy all day with caterers setting up for the big event. Just then, a car pulled up in front of the large stone house. A couple got out of the car, and Nick stepped outside to greet them. They had to be his parents.

Not wanting to be caught staring out the picture window, Ellie stepped back. Anxiety of being rejected tightened around her stomach. What if Nick’s parents didn’t like her? She wondered if they were bothered their son was seeing a divorced woman with a child.

When she heard the soft knock on the door, suddenly going to this party seemed completely insane. Her heels clicked against the wood floor as she approached the door. Shaking off the apprehension, she opened the door to find Nick looking incredibly handsome in a tux.

The look of awe on his face eliminated most of her fears. He scanned the length of her, his mouth open and his eyes glowing with approval. For a few seconds, it appeared she had rendered him speechless. “Uh, wow. You look…” His eyes skimmed over her again. “Ellie, you’re beautiful.”

This man was so good for her self-esteem. “Thank you.” It was her turn to look him over. Nick’s broad shoulders filled out the suit coat nicely, making him look every bit the celebrity. No wonder women threw themselves at him. “You look
very
good in a tux.”

Her knees weakened at the slow grin he gave her. “Thanks.” He reached for her hand, weaving their fingers together. “My parents are excited to meet you.”

“I’m anxious to meet them.” She leaned into him as they stepped off the porch. “But, Nick? Please promise you won’t leave me alone.”

He looked at her sidelong with one eyebrow raised. “That’s an easy promise to keep.” He squeezed her fingers with reassurance. “Don’t worry. Tonight will be okay.”

The knot tangling her stomach made her think otherwise. Ellie wasn’t prone to throwing up—she hoped that was still true. How embarrassing would it be to throw up all over Nick’s new oriental carpet?

They entered his house as workers bustled around, laying out a buffet that rivaled something out of a Vegas casino. She was going to be so mad if her nerves made it impossible to eat. The food looked incredible.

Nick’s parents stood in the great room just off of the dining area. Judging from the way his dad appeared, Nick was going to look very good in thirty years. He’d inherited his indigo eyes from his mother. Ellie gripped Nick’s hand tighter as he introduced her. “Mom and Dad, this is Ellie.”

Chapter Nineteen

Two
sets of eyes rested on Ellie. Her stomach dipped down to her knees. What if they didn’t…

A soft smile spread across Mrs. Coulter’s face. “Goodness, you are just as beautiful as Nick said you were.” She stepped forward and embraced Ellie. A light exotic scent swirled around her as Nick’s mother said, “I can’t tell you how happy we are that Nick found you.”

Her acceptance made Ellie’s anxiety dissipate. “Thank you.” Ellie looked up at Nick. “I’m glad he found me too.”

Mr. Coulter gave Ellie a familiar crooked smile that was so much like Nick’s. “I can see why my son is so smitten. You are very beautiful, Ellie.” He circled his arms around her, giving her a gentle hug. He smelled just as good as Nick, but his body was much softer.

When she pulled away, Nick’s palm came to rest on her lower back. “Thank you,” she said, overwhelmed by their kindness. “I’m glad to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Coulter.”

Nick’s mom grinned as she shook her head. “Please, call me Carolyn.” She pointed to her husband. “And this is Frank.”

“Okay. Thanks, Carolyn.” Ellie looked at Nick’s dad shyly. “Frank.”

They visited for a few more minutes until it was time for the party to start. Alec was the first to arrive. His date was super-model gorgeous, wearing a black strapless evening gown and clutching a black sequined purse with blood red fingernails.

Ellie felt a little plain compared to the woman. However, Alec’s eyes blazed with male appreciation as he scanned Ellie from head to toe. “Hello, again.” He took her hand and placed a warm kiss on her knuckles. “You look absolutely enchanting.” He leaned in and whispered in Ellie’s ear, his voice low and seductive. “If you ever get bored with Nick, you know where to find me.”

Alec’s cologne was a tad overpowering, and while he looked devilishly handsome, he didn’t tempt Ellie in the least. She pulled away, wrapping one arm around Nick’s waist. “Who is your lovely date?”

His mouth curved up in a wry smile. “Pardon me. This is Celeste.” He pulled the woman close to his side.

Celeste gave them both a cool greeting. Then her cell phone buzzed and she excused herself to take the call.

Alec watched her leave and then leaned in close to Nick. “Please tell me you have an open bar.”

Nick laughed at him. “Okay.”

Alec’s dark eyes lit up in surprise. “You do?”

“Sure. But the strongest thing I have is Mountain Dew.” Nick patted his manager on the shoulder. “Sorry, pal. You’ll have to be charming all by yourself tonight.”

“Fabulous,” Alec muttered as he moved on to greet Carolyn and Frank.

Nick kept his word, remaining close to Ellie throughout the evening as the rest of the guests arrived. The company was a mixture of political, wealthy and local celebrities. Ellie recognized quite a few news reporters from Colorado’s local stations. Everyone seemed nice—until Ellie was alone in the bathroom.

The main level guest bathroom had a large powder room. Ellie came out of the bathroom to wash her hands and found she wasn’t alone. She immediately recognized the tall blonde asTiffany Burke, the perky reporter from Channel Eight news.

Tiffany touched up her lipstick, peering closely into the mirror and ignoring Ellie.

“Hello,” Ellie said, turning on the faucet.

The woman’s gaze flickered to Ellie as she expertly arched one eyebrow. “How convenient to live next door to Nick.”

Ellie was taken aback by her harsh words. She stuck her hands under the warm water and tried again. “Are you having a nice evening?”

Tiffany glared menacingly. “I understand you were married before. What happened to your husband?”

For someone who made a living out of communicating with people, Tiffany sure didn’t know how to carry on a conversation. Before Ellie did something childish like fling water all over Tiffany’s pink silk dress, she turned off the water. Drying her hands, she figured two could play this game and thought of something totally random. “Don’t you just love The O’Reilly Factor?”

Tiffany’s brows drew together. “Huh?”

“I know. I completely agree.” Ellie started for the door. “Well, nice to see you again.” She tilted her head to the side, smiled and wiggled her fingers goodbye.

As she emerged from the bathroom, Ellie glanced over at the food-laden tables. She had been too nervous to eat anything before, but after her run in with the jealous reporter, she felt ravenous. Once she found Nick, she planned on sampling the delicious food.

* * *

Nick laughed at the punch line a local radio talk show personality told. Clapping a hand to the man’s shoulder, he excused himself and stepped away from the group to search for Ellie. His eyes scanned over the lively crowd who all seemed to be having a nice time. He spotted his parents in the corner and felt grateful for their presence. Betsy and his mother were talking to the wife of one of the states congressmen. His dad was engaged in a serious conversation with several men.

Looking beyond his parents, he finally saw Ellie as she pressed through the crowd. She was breathtaking tonight. And Nick wasn’t the only man to notice. Several men tracked her progression, their eyes filled with admiration. If anyone tried to waylay her, Nick was prepared to step in.

However, when Alec stopped her, Nick sat back to watch. Usually women fell all over themselves at Alec’s roguish good looks. Ellie was the exception and had put him in his place several times. It was something Nick enjoyed.

Alec said something and succeeded in making Ellie laugh. As they continued to talk, Nick noticed a tall blonde standing behind Ellie, glaring maliciously at her. It wasn’t Alec’s date. Celeste had been on the phone most of the night.

The blonde looked familiar, but Nick couldn’t place her. All at once Ellie took Alec by the arm and introduced him to the sullen woman. The second Alec turned on the charm, the blonde lost the surly attitude. Ellie slipped away, a smug smile on her lips.

When she reached Nick’s side, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Very clever.”

Ellie’s eyes held a mischievous gleam. “I met her in the bathroom, and she seemed perfect for Alec.”

“Do I even want to know why she is perfect for him?”

One slender shoulder lifted in a delicate shrug. “Let’s just say they might enjoy conversing with one another.” Ellie flashed him a playful smile. “You know, I actually feel like eating something now.”

That was a switch. He’d been trying to get her to eat all evening, but she claimed to be too nervous. “All right.” He led her across the room, loving how it felt to have someone with him at a party. She filled a void in him, completing him in a way he had always dreamed about.

The rest of the night was wonderful. Ellie had relaxed enough to actually enjoy the party. As the evening came to a close, they stood together to bid the guests goodnight.

One of the last visitors to leave was the pretty blonde Ellie had introduced to Alec. Before Nick could say anything, the woman leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Nick, it’s been wonderful seeing you again.” She pulled away, offering him an alluring smile. “We need to get together and catch up on everything.”

Nick shifted his stance, trying to remember who she was. He came up short. “Thank you for coming…Uh…I’m sorry, I don’t recall your name.”

The woman flattened her lips into a tight smile. “Tiffany Burke. I’m a reporter with Channel Eight news.” Her eye twitched slightly as she continued to hold his gaze. “I’ve interviewed you on several occasions.”

He was vastly relieved he hadn’t ever dated her. “I’m sorry. I’ve…done a lot of interviews.” Nick gave her what he hoped was a friendly smile. “I trust you had a nice evening?”

Her eyes twitched again, flickering briefly to Ellie. “I did. Good night.”

Tiffany whirled around and stomped away. Nick blew out a short breath and glanced down at Ellie. “I think I offended her.”

“I’m sure she’ll be okay.” Ellie reached up, rubbing her thumb against the lipstick mark Tiffany must have left on his cheek. “You can’t be expected to remember everyone who has ever interviewed you.”

Nick stared into her beautiful eyes, the warmth of her touch stirring up strong emotions inside his chest. The love he felt for her intensified with each breath he took.

Her fingers stilled as she returned his gaze. “What?”

He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Nothing. I just like having you with me.” His mouth lingered against her fingers. “I love you.”

Ellie’s eyes softened. “I—”

Alec cleared his throat. “I hate to break this magical moment, but Celeste and I are leaving now.”

Nick gave her a slow smile and winked at her before turning his attention to his agent. “Thanks for sticking around. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Perfect,” Alec said, sardonically. Then with hooded eyes, he took Ellie’s hand. “Let me know if you’re ever bored.” He placed a prolonged kiss to the back of her hand.

Ellie tried to hide a smile as she took her hand back. “Have a nice night, Alec.”

* * *