Sleigh Ride Together with You (11 page)

 

“Hang on! I'm coming.” Running a hand over his hair, Alex smoothed it down as he sprinted across the hotel suite in his bare feet. At the last second, he hastily tucked his shirt into his jeans.

When he opened the door, his smile wilted. Colin stood in the corridor, one arm outstretched on the doorframe, his other hand fisted on his hip. Red print flannel pajama bottoms were stuffed into dark snow boots beneath his black wool overcoat. The mismatched, rather disheveled image was jarring and not at all like the normally stylish and sophisticated morning show co-host. In a weird way, seeing Colin like this made him more approachable, although the expression he currently wore was one of disgruntlement and nowhere near encouraging.

Disappointment surged through Alex that Nicole wasn't the one standing on the threshold of his hotel room. Why would he consider for one millisecond that Nicole might come? She had too much common sense and a solid moral compass to do something so foolhardy. His own wishful thinking aside, it was another reason to admire the woman.

“Colin. To what do I owe this honor?” Alex tried to keep sarcasm from creeping into his tone but wasn't altogether successful. “Come on in.” Standing aside, he ushered the other man into the room. “Are those actually prancing reindeer on your pants?”

Colin smirked. “Yes, as a matter of fact. Reindeer are fabulous, prancing or otherwise. I'm not here to discuss my choice of sleepwear. Listen up, mate. I'll save us both some time and get straight to the point. If you hope to have a prayer of winning the lovely Nikki's heart, you'd be well served not to repeat that insipid blunder you made today.”

Alex arched a brow. “I don't know what you're talking about, although there's something to be said for being direct.” He gave the door a swift push and gestured to the sofa. “Please. Have a seat.”

“I'll stand, if it's all the same to you.”

“Suit yourself.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Alex planted his feet apart on the carpet as he faced Colin. “For starters, I thought you were sick. What'd you have? The twelve-hour flu?” Maybe that wasn't fair. He'd heard from both Mike and Nicole that Colin never called in sick. He needed to tone down his defensiveness and hear him out.

“More or less, but I'm feeling better now. Thanks for your concern, such as it is. You were doing quite a decent job of keeping my chair warm this morning until you pulled that stunt with the mistletoe.” Blowing out a sigh of exasperation, Colin mirrored Alex's stance and moved his hands over his chest. “You shouldn't have put Nikki on the spot.” He stepped closer, fire in his eyes. “You certainly don't force a woman like that to kiss you. If it was possible, you would have heard me yelling at you from my living room. Come on, chap. Are you truly that oblivious?”

Actually, Alex had noticed Nicole seemed hesitant, but she'd recovered so quickly, he figured it was nothing. Not that he'd actually expected her to kiss him. He couldn't have predicted how she'd react. From his perspective, it had been a fun moment. No reason to mention the payback factor for being in Colin's chair in the first place.

“Nicole didn't seem to suffer any aftereffects.”

That statement was true enough. He'd shared a great lunch in the solarium with Nicole. They'd kept their conversation light and fun, and two hours passed before they'd checked the time. Walking back into the station, they'd spied Mike and Artie engaged in conversation in the front office. Taking him by the hand, Nicole led him in through a side entrance instead, which made him feel like a teenager sneaking around behind his parents' backs.

Colin wouldn't be here now if Nicole was his co-host in name only. Might as well clear the air. Sure, they were friends, but did the feelings run deeper? Alex suspected they might, primarily on Colin's end.

“Tell me something, Colin, and I'd appreciate your straight answer.”

Colin nodded. “Ask away.”

“Are you in love with Nicole?”

The other man appeared about to speak but then snapped his mouth closed and stared at him for a long moment. “The short answer is no. Nikki's like a sister to me, and yes, of course, I love her. The point is, I saw the way you looked at her, Kingsfield. Even on air you made yourself more than obvious. You came here on a mission for the network, but it's already turned into something more, hasn't it? Admit it. You fancy Nicole. That's the big difference between you and me.”

Alex met his gaze and held it steady. No sense in denying the truth. “I've tried to fight it, told myself it wouldn't do either one of us any good, but yes. Not to give you the satisfaction, but I fancy Nicole. Very much, if you must know. She's an incredible woman. Beautiful, intelligent, and she possesses one of the most compassionate hearts I've ever been honored to know.”

“You don't know the half of it,” Colin said. “Now that we've got that behind us, we can move on. Let me tell you something about Nikki. She's been hurt by men. First by a father who deserted her and her mum when she was barely in her teens. Then by dating a string of less than desirable types she freely concedes were completely wrong for her, thus making them safe. Men who had a similar pattern of behavior as her pitiful sop of a dad. They left when it came time to make a commitment. Including a certain fire captain named Jake Marston in that little town you're visiting this weekend.”

“Jake Marston?”

“Strapping fellow. Tall, dark-haired. Athletic. I've seen a photo. Look, I haven't met this bloke, but he puts out fires and rescues people for a living. So, he can't be all bad now, can he?” Pausing, Colin eyed him up and down. “In fact, Nikki must have a physical type because you two somewhat resemble one another. Look, you know how well her career's worked out, but it's my considered opinion Nikki left a bit of her heart in Starlight.”

Alex's breath hitched. “Are you saying she's still in love with this Jake guy?”

“No, I'm not. She's moved on, and he's married with babies. From what little I know about Starlight, it's like this magical place where Nikki felt as if people truly cared for her more than anywhere else on the planet.”

“I see.” Alex crossed the room to the minibar. “You want a bottled water or something?”

“No, thanks. This isn't a social call. Go right ahead if you need something.”

“Don't mind if I do.” After pulling out a water bottle from the small refrigerator, Alex twisted off the cap and drained the bottle in one long swig. Replacing the cap, he lowered the bottle to the counter while he gathered his thoughts. “So, I'm trying to figure out what you're really telling me.”

“I'm not telling you anything, mate. This is personal, not professional. I'm asking you to tread carefully where Nikki's heart is concerned. You see, she's somewhat fragile.”

Alex stepped around to the front of the minibar and leaned against it. “I'm sure her father's abandonment profoundly impacted all areas of her life. How could it not?” The unspoken equation was that he prayed Nicole understood not all men ran away. He hurt for her heartache. He stopped short of mentioning her mother's condition. As close as he was with Nicole, Colin must know. However, it wasn't Alex's place to broach the subject. Neither did he want to mention she'd already confided in him the basic details about her father or tell Colin how overhearing Nicole's sobs had twisted his gut, and admittedly, his heart.

A light surfaced in Colin's eyes. “Exactly. And as much as she loves Starlight, I do believe Nikki leaving that little town was one of the best things she's ever done.”

“What do you mean?” Aside from his often teasing persona, Colin was indeed much deeper than what he often appeared on the surface.

“When she first came to us four years ago, Nikki was quite inexperienced but incredibly bright. She worked hard and learned quickly. She stepped behind the cameras and talked to the guys who did the filming. She talked with the producers, stayed long hours researching and preparing for her interviews, treated most of us to lunch or dinner and pestered every staff member to learn everything she could about how their positions fit into the overall production of
Wake Up, Des Moines!
Along the way, I dare say she charmed and befriended every single one of them. She's rightfully earned her place on the show. Perhaps more importantly, she's proven to herself that she can rise above her past circumstances.”

Alex pushed away from the counter and positioned himself in front of Colin. “Without question, Nicole has the potential to go national. But I'm beginning to wonder if that's what she wants. After getting to know her, and observing the inner workings of the show this week, I can see she's got both the talent and the drive to be successful no matter where she goes.” He cleared his throat. “Colin, in spite of what you might think of me—especially in my capacity for the network—I hope you understand I only want what's best for her. In that regard, we're in complete agreement.”

“Just give me your assurance you won't hurt her.”

“I won't. You have my word. I also don't intend to start something I can't finish.”

“And what do you suppose God's plan is for you in terms of my beautiful co-host?”

“I intend to find out, my friend.” Alex gave into his grin. “I can't believe I'm asking you this, but do you have any advice?”

“Professionally or personally?”

Shaking his head, Alex chuckled. “Both.”

Colin nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Go with your gut on the first. For the latter, as tempting as it might be to kiss the living daylights out of her on any given occasion—Nikki does seem quite suited to you, in fact—wait for her cues. She likes you, Alex. That's readily apparent to anyone with eyes and a functioning brain,” he said over one shoulder. Pausing, with one hand on the doorknob, a slow smile spread across his face. “I suspect a trip to Starlight might be precisely what the doctor ordered.” He puckered his lips. “For the smoochie factor.”

“Get out of here!” Reaching for the first thing he found on the sink of the minibar, Alex tossed a bag of coffee at the other man.

Flinging open the door, Colin strolled into the hotel corridor.

As he crossed the room to close the door, Alex heard Colin's chuckle all the way to the elevator.

 

****

 

“Nicole? Hi, it's Amanda Moretti.”

Holding the phone closer to her ear, Nicole dropped into her chair. “It's nice to hear from you.” She willed her pulse to slow.

“I'm so happy to hear you're coming to Starlight this weekend.” The friendly tone in Amanda's voice, along with her words, eased Nicole's trepidation.

“Me, too. From everything I've heard about the soccer program, I'm very impressed. It's a fabulous opportunity to interview Dante. Your husband sounds like a wonderful man, and I'm looking forward to meeting him.”

“Thanks. Who knew an international soccer star would ever land in Starlight?” Nicole could sense Amanda's smile through the phone lines. “Just goes to show we can never predict God's plans. I've thought of you often and prayed for you. I can't tell you how thrilled we all are for your success on
Wake Up, Des Moines!
We get a ton of cable stations, and I watch your show whenever I can.”

“Really? I appreciate that.”

Amanda's words filled Nicole's heart. “Congrats on being Aunt Amanda. I imagine Jake and Julia have their hands full these days with the twins.” Surprisingly, talking about Jake the married man—with children—didn't bother her in the least.

“Daniel and Ben are the cutest little guys you've ever seen. They turned six months old last weekend. Oh, did you hear Hannah and Dylan are expecting their fourth in a few months? Between Jake and Dylan, I think they'll populate the future Starlight Fire Department all on their own. Anyway, the reason I called is to see if your producer told you that we'd love to have you stay overnight with us.”

“Mike mentioned your generous offer. I should have called you before now.” Truthfully, Nicole wasn't sure she'd accept the invitation and had been weighing her options.

“No worries. I also wanted to tell you that we're hosting the first annual Starlight Mistletoe Dance on Saturday night here at the house. It's going to be a busy day, but I thought it'd be a great opportunity for you to visit with everyone and vice versa.”

“Mistletoe Dance?” Nicole's lips went dry. She wanted to keep her mind off romance, and now Amanda was inviting her to a dance?

Closing her eyes, Nicole rested her head on the back of her chair.
You've orchestrated this one, haven't You, Lord?
This one smacked of His handiwork.

“Just bring a festive holiday dress for dinner and dancing. The guys are wearing their nice suits. Even Dylan and Jake.” Amanda giggled and Nicole couldn't help but smile at the enthusiasm in the other woman's voice. “I think it'll be a lot of fun, and I hope you'll join us and then stay overnight.”

“Sounds great.” Nicole breathed a little easier. “I don't know if Mike told you, but a man named Alex Kingsfield is coming with me to film the interview.” She bit her tongue not to say more. Whether Alex revealed his true occupation to Dante and Amanda, or anyone else in Starlight, was his business.

“Yes, Mike mentioned it. Feel free to invite Alex to the dance if he'd like to come, too. If not, Dante has a big screen television in the media room downstairs. Surround sound, leather recliners, a gazillion sports channels. You know, a man cave.”

After telling Amanda she'd see her on Saturday morning, Nicole jotted down the contact information and directions to their house. “Thanks again, and we'll see you soon.”

Replacing the phone, she forced herself to continue with preparations for the next morning's interviews. Every now and then, she'd stop, caught up in her daydreaming. At one point, Nicole's thoughts wandered to the contents of her closet. When she got home later, she'd choose the dress she'd take for the Starlight Mistletoe Dance. Something spectacular without being overdone. Maybe with a little sparkle or special detailing. A dress that would hopefully wow a certain network executive.