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What was it about Nick that brought out this warm kindred feeling? It suddenly felt very homey and comfortable. God, she was beginning to really care about this man. He had everyone wrapped around his finger, including her. And Kelsey knew it was no act, Nick was simply a nice guy and everyone responded to him. She liked him, and Kelsey hadn't liked many men, except maybe Jackson.
"R—"
"No, S," shouted Dorothy as she chuckled at herself.
Jackson shook his head, "No, it's an L, I think."
Kelsey glanced at the words on the screen but she couldn't make anything of them. She had never been good at games, never watched one all the way through. She hadn't played anything as a matter of fact!
"Well I'll be damned," shouted Dorothy, then covered her mouth and glanced at them with a little chuckle.
"You are good at this, Dorothy," Jackson said and smiled warmly.
"It's been a secret dream of mine to go to Hollywood and play this game," she announced.
"And I bet you'd win," Nick laughed. "You know Dorothy a person should follow up on their dreams."
"Yeah, but it costs money," Dorothy added.
"Doesn't Kelsey pay you enough? She certainly can afford to."
"Well, yes, of course, but . . ."Dorothy found herself looking at Kelsey, Nick and Jackson for some kind of approval.
"Maybe you should ask for a raise, Dorothy. How long you been working for her?"
"Three years," Dorothy was obviously afraid to look at Kelsey now during this conversation, but Nick didn't mind. From the glances he'd been giving her all evening, he liked looking at her. He liked shocking her.
"I suppose it is time I gave you one, Dorothy, you should have spoken up sooner." Kelsey admitted defensively.
"Oh no ma'am," Dorothy began.
Nick waved her down, "Take it Dorothy, Kelsey can afford it. See how easy it was. You should try it more often."
Dorothy looked from one to the other and chuckled.
Jackson sat back and seemed to be enjoying this conversation, a smug look of contentment on his face.
"You know, we'll have to do this more often. I mean you are the people that mean the most to Kelsey, and you should be in on the arrangements for the baby. I'm sure she'd appreciate any advice you care to offer. She hasn't much experience with babies."
How dare he say such a thing about her to them? How could she maintain respect if they thought her incapable? She could handle a baby. How hard could it be?
The chatter went on aimlessly, for what seemed like hours, everyone in a jovial mood, except Kelsey.
Then Jackson finally excused himself and left and Dorothy gathered up the mess and quietly retired, leaving Kelsey and Nick alone.
Alone, now what would she do with him? She should say goodnight and send him on his way, but the day had been very enjoyable, thanks to Nick. She wanted his company, especially now that they were alone.
Nick had other ideas. He took Kelsey in his arms and hugged her. She felt the immediate tension in his body, or was that hers? "I enjoyed the evening, Kelsey. I'm going to be tied up next weekend, but the following we'll get together and start picking out furniture, okay?"
"Nick I really . . ."
But just then, Nick pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly on the lips. It was just enough to tantalize, not satiate, Kelsey's mind noted. And then he was gone. He was manipulating her, and he knew it.
The next week flew by in a blur with business as usual at the office, and a phone call from Kelsey's mom. She was going to be in town next weekend. Jackson hadn't screened her calls, hadn't even been around to. It was like some sort of conspiracy, Kelsey decided.
Oh dear, Nick would have to be put off, she decided with a little frown. As much as she didn't want him interfering in her life, she missed him already, and was looking forward to their next weekend together.
"Nick, look, this is Kelsey." She said in a low voice, through the phone. "My mother is coming into town next weekend, so I'm afraid we'll have to reschedule the furniture trip."
