Not Her Gargoyle Read online

  Ms. O’Leary was outside, her gaze riveted on her sexy, half naked gargoyle in disguise. She hurried inside before Nick closed the door. “It worked.” She waved a hand full of bills in front of his face. “Here’s your half.” She handed him the money and then patted his cheek. “You wonderful, sneaky boy.”

  Ruby snapped her jaw shut. “Ms. O’Leary?” She gave a nervous laugh. “I didn’t know you could act so well.”

  The old woman pouted as a tear slid down her cheek. “Seymour negotiated me down a couple hundred dollars.” She winked. “Or so he thinks.”

  “But what he said about your grandson…”

  “I told him that last year when I couldn’t make rent around Christmas. I don’t have any grandbabies and my son would rob me blind before sending me money.” She stuck her half of the money in her bra and gave Ruby a week hug. “He’s a keeper,” she whispered in her ear then she returned to her apartment.

  “What happens when Seymour figures out the guitar isn’t worth anything?” She leaned against Nick again.

  Norm strode out of the bedroom. “Nothing. He offered to buy the guitar that your neighbor thought was worthless. He was, in fact, trying to rob her.” He bumped fists with Nick before exiting through the window onto the fire escape.

  Nick followed. “Are you going back to the lighthouse?”

  “Where else?” Norm answered.

  “What are your thoughts on the vampire?”

  “He’s a recluse.” Norm shrugged. “I think he likes our company.” He leaped off the fire escape and took wing.

  “Watch for the dragons,” Nick shouted. The muscles on his back slid under his skin as he withdrew from the open window then closed it.

  She made an appreciative sound. Nick glanced over his shoulder as she leisurely ran her gaze over his body from head to toe. She sat on the couch and ran her perfectly manicured fingernails along the low-neckline of her blouse. Catching his attention, she popped a button. “You’re full of surprises. How did you convince Ms. O’Leary to help us?” Opened another.

  He licked his lips. “It wasn’t that hard when she understood Seymour was our mark.” He crossed the distance separating them, leaning his hands on the back of the couch, trapping Ruby. “Where did we leave off this morning?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “I think you left me wanton and unsatisfied.” Boy, had he. If she hadn’t needed to impress her boss on the first day of work, she would have taken care of business. Instead, she’d been on edge all day. For many reasons. She could really use some release and Nick was made to her specifications. It was like the maker had read her mind when he’d created him. “Think you can seal the deal this time?”

  Nick gave her a small, devilish grin that melted her to the cushion. “I think I can manage that.” Guiding her legs apart, he hooked a finger under her panties and dragged them off her hips.

  A shiver ran over her skin where his fingertips trailed along her legs. She had an idea where he wanted to head and she prayed she was right. “You don’t have to wear the charm for me, Nick.”

  Wicked amusement twinkled in his eyes. “I’m curious what it’s like having sex in this body.” He gasped. “Does that make me a virgin?”

  She ran her nails over the hard muscles of his chest, leaving pale red marks. “I know just how to corrupt you.” Would it feel weird for him? She wanted Nick to enjoy their first time together.

  “Lift the edges of your skirt higher for me, Ruby.” He said her name as if she were as precious as the gem she’d been named after.

  She complied, pulling the hem to her hips. It was as far as she could go with him looming so close.

  Bending her knees, he set her feet on the edge of the chair, exposing her lady parts for his viewing pleasure. His gaze met hers as carnal desire ignited in his eyes. Gone was the roguish, sweet gargoyle. A hungry male knelt before her, ready to worship her body and satisfy her insatiable appetite.

  She moaned and lifted her hips to give him better access. Oh boy, they had the rest of the evening alone and it seemed like Nick wasn’t in any hurry. Not like her, who was ready to climb him like a flag pole and show him a thing or two about how to use that pole.

  “You’re so beautiful. I’ve been dying to touch you.”

  Me too, she wanted to cry, but held her tongue.

  He circled her entrance with his fingers. “So wet.” He brought them to his mouth.

  “Oh my.” The words slipped out. She never noticed how soft his lips appeared until now. “Kiss me?”

  The devilish smile she’d enjoyed not long ago returned. She loved his playfulness. “Your wish is my command.” He leaned forward, setting his mouth to her core, his hot tongue boldly licking.

  She grunted at the sudden solid sensation and arched, hoping not to slip off the couch.

  He held her still as he kissed her most intimate parts. Using his tongue, he left no flesh unexplored. Slow and easy, with loving strokes.

  “Nick!” She tried to rock her hips but his strength kept her prisoner. “Oh God.” Need flashed inside her gut. It roared for completion. She entwined her fingers in his hair and rested her feet on his broad shoulders.

  Ignoring her pleas, he continued the kiss as if they had all night.

  Which they did. Oh god, oh god, oh god… “Please.” She writhed in his hands and lifted the hem of her skirt to watch his devotion to her body.

  A deep chuckle came from his throat, purely male and self-satisfied.

  Ruby’s vision narrowed as the sensation assaulted her over-eager libido. “Yes. That’s it.”

  Softly at first, he played with her bud, but soon he sucked harder until she could only pant and hang onto the armrest for dear life. He brought her into a state of sheer ecstasy where she couldn’t even remember her own name. Each exhale came out a moan until the pleasure grew too much as it crashed over her.

  Rocking her hips in his strong hold, she cried out… What? She’d never remember. She only knew his mouth upon her. Her need exploded. With a shuddering cry, she collapsed. Limp and lifeless, her body molded to the form of the couch. If not for Nick’s strong arms, she might have pooled onto the floor.

  He placed a gentle kiss to her inner thigh. “Good?”

  “Very.”

  “It’s not fair that you’re more dressed than me.” One button at a time, Nick undid her blouse, then her skirt. The clothes slid off her rubbery limbs until she lay bare under him. “Where should we start this time?” He nipped at her collarbone as he ran his hands along her torso and hips.

  “Nick.” His name dragged out of her throat. Begging. In a flash of desire, her dignity went poof. She’d find it tomorrow, tossed behind the bone-melting satisfaction he’d leave her in, and probably be too exhausted to care.

  He swept her hair from her face. “Are you mine, Ruby?”

  Heart fluttering, she whispered, “Yes.” Nobody had ever asked her before. They either just assumed ownership or didn’t want her.

  Guiding her legs off his shoulders, he pressed his tip against her entrance. “Say it.” His words tender and undemanding.

  She bit her bottom lip as she met his gaze.

  Rocking his hips, he teased, driving just inside of her, then withdrawing. “I can do this all night.” He winked.

  She believed him—the bastard was already torturing her and they’d only begun. She chuckled. He’d leave her a quivering mass by morning at this rate.

  He continued to stroke her in all the right places until she panted, the need so strong she thought it would burn her from the inside out.

  “Please.”

  “Please, what?”

  “I’m yours,” she cried out. As soon as the words left her lips, he plunged inside of her to the hilt.

  Hard and fast, he pumped. Like everything Nick did, he made love to her with a wickedness that left her wanting more.

  She met every stroke, squeezed him with her secret muscles and felt every inch of his length. Her passion loved his energy.
Each thrust brought her closer to the edge until she finally stepped off, crying his name. Heat swelled in her abdomen as he spilled into her.

  He collapsed to his knees, sliding out of her and rested his head on her abdomen, her thighs still resting on his shoulders. If her sister walked in now… ah hell, Trixie had walked in on worse. She’d probably just laugh and make coffee.

  Ruby woke to find the other half of her bed empty. She sat up. “Nick?” Heart pounding, she listened for him moving around the apartment. No one answered.

  Why had he left without waking her?

  A hard lump formed in her throat. Pulling on her robe, she glanced at the clock. It was early. She doubted roosters were even awake. She’d thought Nick was different from the other guys. That she’d wake up and have someone to snuggle with in the dawn light. Maybe tease each other before having to go to work.

  The kitchen and living room were devoid of his presence. Shoulders slumped, she took in the span of her empty apartment and the ocean of quiet. She hated it. Then she spotted the note on the fridge. Her heart skipped a beat and she rushed to read it. The penmanship was blocky and misshaped.

  Ruby, Peter wanted me to open the coffee shop today. I wanted you to sleep in since I kept you busy most of the night. See you at work. Nick

  She pressed it to her heart. He’d gone to work. He was being responsible. God, and she was an emotional mess. Lifting the note, she read it again to make sure she hadn’t misread the chicken scratch.

  She missed him. That…was new.

  Of all the times she’d been dumped, she experienced an array of emotions, from suicidal fury to dejected shame. Had she missed any of them? Personally, no. She missed having the company, having someone to take her out or fight with. Right now, she missed Nick. His roguish manners and sweet caring nature. She never wanted to wake up without him. Ever.

  She folded the note and placed it in her robe pocket. Nick really was a keeper. Sighing, she made her way to the shower. Pausing by her bedroom, she fought the urge to crawl under the covers. She had to be mature too and join him at work. They should also fess up to Peter. No more mischief. From this day forward, they would be responsible, taxpaying citizens of New Port.

  No more scams, cons, or other illegal activities. They would be boring. After a few days with Nick filled with tomfooleries, she wasn’t sure about this decision to be law abiding. It hadn’t worked for her these last few years.

  The trip to work was uneventful. She hung outside the coffee shop for a minute to watch as Nick served coffee to the morning crowd with his huge, charming grin. That smile could melt the panties off any woman within ten-foot range.

  Well, except for maybe Nancy, the coffee shop manager. She sat in the corner of the coffee shop, head resting on the table. Ruby made her way past the line of customers and sat across from Nancy. “Rough night?”

  Nancy lifted her head and peered at her through her long bangs. “I felt fine until we opened the shop. My stomach is upset. Let me sit here for a few more minutes and I’ll come help with the morning rush.”

  She scanned the shop. “Where’s Peter?”

  “He’s supervising the renovations at the diner.” Nancy dropped her head back onto the table with a thunk.

  “You look like roadkill.” She patted her hand.

  “Don’t hold back any of your opinions there, Ruby.” She groaned.

  “I say it as I see it.” She leaned forward. “Maybe you should go home.”

  She lifted her head once more. “Neither of you have access to the safe if you need change or the passwords for the register if the order needs to be changed or refunded.” She shook her head. “I can’t just give you them. Peter will skin me alive.” She jerked straight in her chair, eyes wide. Nancy covered her mouth before racing to the bathroom.

  Ruby made eye contact with Nick. Concern clearly in his expression. Nancy was right, they needed access to these things, but they really didn’t need Nancy behind the counter. She waited by the bathroom door until Nancy exited, a tinge of green coloring her skin. “Go in Peter’s office and rest. I’ll come get you if we need anything.”

  Nancy squeezed her arm in gratitude and followed her advice.

  Hesitantly, Ruby joined Nick behind the counter. Great—second day on the job and she had to wing it. She rubbed her hands together. Couldn’t be that different than bartending. This was coffee, not rocket science. Hopefully, she and Nick wouldn’t poison anyone.

  Nick leaned in close. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  She flashed him a smile and flush flooded her cheeks. “Nancy is not feeling well, so it looks like you’re the boss today.”

  His smile lost some genuineness. “You’re joking, right?”

  She shook her head and passed the coffees he had just made to the waiting customer. “Come again and have a nice day.”

  “This is my first job ever.” He whispered urgently in her ear. The edge of panic made his voice rough. “Look at this line, people will start leaving soon.”

  “Do you want to control the coffee or the cash register?” she asked.

  “Coffee.” He winked at the customer waiting on the other side of the counter. “Be right with you.”

  The girl looked ready to swoon. She couldn’t blame her.

  Ruby pulled him aside. “Okay, this is how we’re going to handle it. I’ll write the order on the side of the cup with the customer’s name. Make the drink and serve it. We’re only doing carry outs. No table service until the rush is done.”

  He nodded. “I like it when you’re bossy.”

  “Scat, coffee boy.”

  The register was similar to the one that they had at the diner. She was thrilled that Nick had chosen to make the coffees since she still hadn’t mastered the cappuccino machine.

  And so, the morning rush began. She wrote the orders on the sides of the cups, handled the money, and any of the pastries they offered.

  Nick focused on the drinks. She noted he pulled out a small recipe card from his pocket on occasion, like when a customer ordered a London Fog. Who came to a coffee shop for tea? It was like getting a trick question on an exam, but Nick passed it with flying colors. Their tip jar was full by eight AM.

  Nancy never made it behind the counter.

  Ruby elbowed Nick. “I’m going to check on Nancy.”

  He bumped her hip and nodded.

  On her way to Peter’s office, she noticed him sitting at the table, watching. A familiar woman was keeping him company. She strode over. “Nancy isn’t feeling well.”

  Peter nodded. “I sent her home.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief and turned her attention to the woman. “I don’t think I’ve seen you since your barbeque, Betty.” She hugged the little wolf shifter with all her might.

  Betty returned it and cracked Ruby’s spine. “You stop being a stranger.”

  She groaned. “You win. You win.” It was difficult going to Betty’s. The bus route was chaotic and whenever she visited, she left feeling like a failure in life. She stared at Peter. “Why didn’t you say something when you arrived?” Not that Peter had to report to her, but they could have used an extra pair of hands.

  “Looked like you and Nick had everything under control.” He rested his chin in his hand, leaning forward. “Betty was telling me about your managing experience before working at the diner. Why don’t you join us and tell me more?”

  Ruby’s mind raced. What lies had her friend been telling her new boss? She joined them at their table.

  Betty kicked her under the table. “The bar.”

  “Oh.” She sighed. “It was a biker bar before it was bought out and turned into a…” She would have called it an over exaggerated poetry reading, club that served alcohol. “Gathering place.” she cleared her throat and tossed a daggered glare at Betty.

  The werewolf rolled her eyes. “It’s a hipster bar.”

  Recognition dawned in Peter’s face. Oh please Lord, don’t let that be his favorite place to hang out
. “The one on Memphis and Fifty-Fifth Avenue?”

  Keeping her pleasant smile plastered on her face was getting harder and harder. “That’s the one.” She kicked Betty back for good measure. “I managed the bar for a few months while the sale was going through. The new owners and I didn’t quite see eye to eye.”

  “How so?”

  Ruby clasped her hands together under the table until they went numb. This was beginning to sound like a job interview. “They wanted to micromanage my managing. It was a waste of both of our time if we didn’t share the same vision for the bar.” She left out the part where a backstabbing coworker had lied and told the owner that she had been selling herself to customers after work. What was worse was the coworker had been fired not long after Ruby for doing just that.

  Peter nodded as if understanding. She questioned if he really did. There had to be a good relationship between owner and manager for a business to prosper. A trust. He didn’t seem to have that kind of bond with Nancy.

  The shifter glanced at Betty. “I didn’t know you are a friend of the wolf pack either. What other secrets do you have?”

  She laughed and it came out like a nervous titter. “A lady never reveals all her secrets.” Now she sounded like a southern belle. What was wrong with her?

  A swarm of women had gathered around the counter and her boyfriend again. Didn’t any of them have jobs? “I better help Nick.” She moved to rise.

  Peter motioned for her to stay. “Why don’t you take your break. I’ll rescue Nick.” Peter winked as he rose from the table and joined her boyfriend.

  She ground her teeth as the group giggled at something Nick said. He would need rescuing from her if he kept that up.

  Betty held up her cell phone and took a picture of the spectacle. “He’s cute. Did you sleep with him yet?”