Page 94 of An Accidental Love Affair

There was a rap at the door. Damon went to answer it. He came back a moment later with a bouquet of flowers, which he sat on the coffee table, presenting Nicole with the attached card. “I assume they’re for you.”

Nicole’s gaze devoured the stunning arrangement of red roses and baby’s breath. She quickly took the card from its envelope. Hoping to make your dreams come true. Counting the days until we meet again . . . Colin. P.S.: Wear the ring until I can get you a better one.

Her eyes lifted. Damon was dangling the strings of a small velvet bag from his fingers.

“I believe this is what you’ve been looking for.”

/> Nicole’s face crumpled as she opened the bag, the ring falling into her palm. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, and she swore if Reece wanted her to wear it, she’d never take it off her finger again.

~ ~ ~

Nicole and Lindsey, along with Laura, Maggie, Clarissa and Mr. Woodhouse, sat in their reserved theater box for the opening of Twelfth Night or ‘What You Will’ for all the old-fashioned sticklers. She was anxious for the play to begin. She wanted to see Reece enact the role he wanted so desperately.

As the curtain rose on the first act, the audience quieted, giving their attention to the actors and the story they were telling. Soon, there was no sound, and everyone in the theater focused on the stage where the actors recited their lines.

Reece was spectacular as the Duke. She was happy he was finally able to prove himself in a role deserving of his talent. He was a true thespian. It showed. The audience was in awe of his performance. Who knew Reece Collins could act? She knew. She’d always known.

His father leaned forward, whispering in her ear. “You’re the reason he’s up there. This is all because of you. Thank you, my dear, for giving him new life.”

Nicole blinked back tears. Mr. Woodhouse had spoken with her early in the evening before they left for the theater. He apologized profusely for his actions the previous year, hoping she’d give him the chance to redeem himself. She kissed his cheek, assuring him all was forgiven. Marcus, on the other hand, was a different story.

After the curtain dropped on the last encore, the patrons wandered backstage to join the hero of the night. Reece was surrounded by his fellow actors, extras, stagehands, and well-wishers. Everyone seemed to want a piece of him.

Nicole and their party hung back, leery of intruding on this moment, but others didn’t seem to have the same scruples.

Lindsey leaned over, whispering in her sister’s ear. “I wonder what Melanie Daniels is doing here.”

Nicole was wondering the same as she watched the overblown bombshell squeeze her way in beside Reece, wrapping her arm around his waist with her hand lingering directly over his backside. She pressed her chest against him to lay a smoldering kiss on his lips.

“You were wonderful, darling. You have no idea how badly I wanted to be Viola,” she moaned, breathing heavily.

Nicole had seen enough. She was turning away when she caught a movement to her left. Marcus appeared at his brother’s side, leading the woman away while pointing in the general vicinity of where Nicole was standing.

Reece’s head turned. He saw her, his smile frozen as he contemplated the expression on her face. “Nicole, I . . .”

Keep it cool, she thought. Don’t let anyone know how much this really bothers you. Her eyebrows rose. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Mr. Collins, but have you seen my fiancé? I can’t seem to find Colin anywhere.” She glanced around the reception area, pretending to search. “You don’t suppose he’s left for the evening, do you?” She sighed. “I best be on my way. Carry on with your celebrations.” She turned on her heels to exit the way she came.

As she was sitting in her seat tonight, watching the performance, she squirmed when he kissed the girl. She knew it was going to happen, thought she was prepared for it, but it made her queasy to see her intended with his hands and lips on another woman’s body. It was all part and parcel of his job, true, but deep down, she was a jealous woman. She didn’t want to share him with anyone, even if it was make-believe.

She hated watching that woman, with her bleached-blond hair and her overdeveloped upper body mass, throwing herself at him. She was about to blow a gasket. That was her man, whether he was in his Reece Collins persona or not.

“Nicole Elizabeth DeLancey, do not walk out that door,” he called across the room, his tone stern.

She swung back, her eyes wide in mock inquiry. “I’m sorry, Mr. Collins, was there something you needed from me?”

He stomped right up to her, lifting her off her feet. “Just you. That’s all I need.”

She hugged him around the neck. “What about my fiancé?”

“He can go pound sand,” he said. “I want the world to know I’m yours.” He nuzzled her neck. “Come, my lady, seal our bargain.”

Her smile was wide and full of mischief. “I am most happy to oblige you,” she replied, kissing him slow and soft, the tip of her tongue tracing the seam of his lips. He opened his mouth, taking their kiss deeper with his tongue invading and dueling with hers.

“Now that’s what I call a kiss,” someone called—the spectators in the reception room applauding.

Nicole raised her head, kissing him on the forehead. “What about keeping your two halves separate?” she asked quietly. “Are you sure you want our engagement to go public?”

“If it saves me from getting groped by women who aren’t you, I’m ready if you are.”

---