With a quick stop at the catering station, Nina made small talk with the adorable woman who made sure the divas and crew ate like humans.
Over the years, Nina had been careful not to expose the far more innocent woman to the way she lived her life.
The petite chef pressed a wrapped packet of brownies on her and laughed as Nina took one to eat right away. She handed her a cup of coffee and said, “Extra light and sweet.”
“You’re a rock star, Teddy. See ya.”
Waving, she left the building and decided to walk to her apartment. It was several miles and God knew she didn’t need the exercise but…
She needed the air.
A few blocks from the theater, a black car pulled to the curb and Nina eased the knife she always carried from the outer pocket of her bag.
Her mouth fell open when James stepped from the back. He inclined his head at her hand.
“Nina. Why are you holding a knife?”
Folding it, she put it back in the pocket and shrugged. “The streets of New York can get dicey sometimes.”
Taking her dance bag off her shoulder, he tilted up her face and kissed her lips. Pulling back, he murmured, “It’s always so fascinating.”
“What?”
“The things you choose to lie to me about.” She didn’t answer and he whispered, “Happy birthday, Nina.”
Eyes wide, she replied, “Thank you.”
“How do you feel?”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Physically. How do you feel?”
“It’s been months…”
“Answer the question, Nina.”
“I-I feel fine. Back to my normal...such as it is.”
“Excellent. The hotel has outstanding room service. Will you come with me?” She nodded. “Thank Christ. My need to fuck you is making it hard to form words.”
He hustled her into the back of the car and they were silent as they drove across town to one of the newly renovated hotels.
Pulling her behind him, he strode inside and into the elevator. They made the trip in silence. Only when the suite door was closed behind them did he slam her against the wall and kiss her breathless.
Needy, wanting, she managed to ask, “How are you here?”
“I wasn’t about to miss your birthday. I explained to Rowan and Bennett that I needed a couple of days so they’re staying close to home with my team and Mary-Margaret.”
Clearing her throat, she chose her words carefully. “Do they know about me?”
“Rowan doesn’t. I think I’ve accurately intuited that you like to keep everything about your life to yourself. Bennett is a man who knows how to read a room. When you didn’t respond to Owen Douglas as he expected, he asked several pointed questions that I answered truthfully.”
“Theyweretrying to set us up…”
“Naturally. Bennett rather likes you, Nina. He thought you and Owen would be a good match.”
“That man would have ended up as debris on the shoulder of my life road.” She looked into James’ eyes. “As you likely will.”