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Olivia and Yasmin made their way to the cafe. They found a table and sat down.
"So. Simon told me you met Nick in a night club." Yasmin said with a laugh.
"Um...yeah. I stopped for a few drinks on my way home one night. He came up to me and started talking. I wasn't really interested though." "What made you change your mind?"
"I don't know, really. He just came across so nice, and sincere.Like he really just wanted to talk more than anything else." "Sounds like Nick. Always the gentleman."
"Exactly.I really appreciated that. I wasn't looking for anything. But, I am glad I took the time to get to know him." Olivia said with a smile. "Ah...I know that smile."Yasmin said "that is the smile of a woman in love."
"Oh Yasmin...really...I don't know. I like him terribly, I love being with him...but I just don't know..." Olivias' words trailed off as her thoughts drifted to Drew.
"What is it Liv?" asked Yasmin
Olivia proceeded to tell Yasmin the story of her fiancee', and how he was killed.
"Oh luv.....I am so sorry. I had no idea. No wonder you are a little
hesitant."
"Yeah. it's hard. I want to fall in love again...but a part of me feels like I let Drew down if I do. It's crazy I know." "Not crazy in the least, luv." Yasmin said as she squeezed Olivias' hand.
Olivia smiled.
"Olivia, how long has it been since Drew?"
"It's been about 4 years."
"Olivia." Yasmin began as she held Olivia's hand in hers. "I'm sure Drew's
death was a shock to you, and you feel you'd be letting him down if you love
someone else. Don't you think he would want you to be happy, luv?"
"Yes. Drew always wanted me to be happy. I told Nick that for the first
time in a long time, I'm truly happy, and that he's the reason I'm so happy Yasmin."
Yasmin smiled. "Honey, you've got it for Nick Rhodes."
Olivia couldn't help but smile.
"Nick's crazy about you, Liv. I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. Give him a chance, let him love you."
Olivia's smile broadened.
"Thank you, Yasmin."
"You're welcome, luv." Yas replied as she hugged Olivia.
Yas and Olivia were talking and laughing when Nick approached.
"What are you two laughing about?" he asked before he kissed Olivia.
"Just girl stuff Nick. You wouldn't be interested." Yas laughed.
Nick sat down and joined them. They enjoyed their lunch and were
relaxing and laughing at some classic Simon stories told by Yasmin.
"I hate to break up the party." Yas began "but I need to get home."
"We'll walk back with you." Nick offered.
"Give me a minute?" Olivia asked as she headed towards the ladies room.
"Go ahead luv, we'll wait right here." Nick said.
Olivia entered the cafe. Yasmin moved closer to Nick.
"Nick, I'm telling you-hang on to her. She's good for you and you
know it.
I know you have feelings for her."
"I do. I like her a lot." Nick replied.
"Don't bullshit me Nick. If Simon can't do it, neither can you. Your
feelings for Olivia go further and deeper than liking her, don't they?"
"Well......" Nick began
"Nick, you're talking to me. Not John, not Simon. Be honest with me."
Nick collected his thoughts for a moment.
"I'm crazy about Olivia. I care about her. I want to be with her all the time."
"Nick, you're in love." Yas said with a smile "It's been a long time since I've seen you this happy. Don't let her go, Nick."
Olivia came out just as Yas finished her sentence. Nick held
his arms
out to Olivia and hugged her tight.
"Shall we?" he asked, dropping his arm around her waist.
They walked back to the studio where Yasmin's car was.
"Let's get together again, Olivia." Yasmin said as she hugged Olivia.
"Thank you." Olivia whispered in her ear.
"You're welcome, luv." Yas whispered.
Nick kissed Yasmin's cheek.
"Remember what I said, Nick." she whispered.
"Bye you two." Yas said as she got in her car and drove away.
"Ready, luv?" Nick asked.
"Yes." she replied.
Nick and Olivia got in his car and headed back to his house. They settled on his sofa when they got home.
Nick ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.
"Long day?" she asked.
"Not long, really. Just me, John and Simon butting heads about things."
"I can't imagine how hard it would be working with my best friends." she replied.
"Hmmmm...it can be hellish sometimes, but it's all worth it in the end."
Olivia sat behind Nick and directed him to lean back against her.
She began to massage his shoulders.
"Mmmmmm...." he sighed. "That feels marvellous, luv."
She could feel him relaxing as the tension left his shoulders. She placed her fingers on his temples and rubbed slowly, feeling his soft hair brush her fingers.
"Better?" she asked.
"Much. Thank you, sweetheart." he replied.
"Come here." he whispered.
Olivia leaned closer as Nick turned his head and kissed her. He turned his body, Olivia felt his weight on her. His body was warm and his
kiss was hot. Nick's lips lingered on her neck and throat.
Olivia's breathing was rapid. She grabbed Nick's hair, forcing his lips to kiss her harder. Nick moved slightly and began to unbutton Olivia's shirt.
Her chest was heaving. He leaned down and gently kissed her and slowly made his
way down to the swell of her breasts.
Raspy sounds came from her throat as she arched her neck back. Nick ran his soft fingers along her skin. Olivia's head rose, she locked
eyes with him as she began to unbutton his shirt. She kissed his neck and shoulders with hard, hungry kisses. Nick pulled her close and savoured the feeling of her skin against his.
He left tender kisses on her shoulders that became harder as her nails ran down his back. His hands dropped to her waist. He unbuttoned her trousers with ease and slid them down her slender hips. He rose and pulled
the trousers from her legs before he slipped out of his.
Olivia held her arms out to Nick. He pulled her up from the sofa and drew her into his arms before he gently laid her down on the Persian
rug. They stared into each other's eyes as they made love. He buried his face in her neck as their sounds of pleasure permeated the room.
Nick held her tight and kissed her gently. They laid on the Persian rug, breathless and holding each other.
"Olivia, are you asleep, luv?"
"No....just relaxing." she purred.
"Let's go upstairs." he suggested.
Nick stood up, took Olivia's hand and pulled her up. He wrapped his
arm around her as they went upstairs and into his room. He slid in bed behind her and curled up against her. He ran his hand along her soft skin.
She didn't stir. He softly kissed her cheek.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." he whispered.
Nick's mind was flooded with thoughts. His conversation with Yasmin played over and over in his mind. He knew the feelings he had for
Olivia were strong. He knew Yasmin was right, he was in love with Olivia. He wanted to wake her and tell her, but he decided not to.
He'd come close to telling her after they'd made love, but he felt it wasn't the
proper time. He wanted to tell her soon, before someone else did, like John, or God forbid, Simon. He was quite sure Yas had hinted at it,
but she'd never just blurt it out.
Nick hugged Olivia and drifted off to sleep.
CHAPTER 16
When Olivia awoke, she could tell it was early evening from the way the last traces of light shone through the window. She looked at the clock which read 7:00, they had been asleep for several hours, but now Olivia was wide awake. Olivia was on her way out the bedroom door when the phone rang. "Hello?"
"Olivia. This is Kate. How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"Good. John and I were going to go out for dinner, and we wanted to know if you and Nick would like to join us."
"That sounds great. What time?"
"In about an hour. Is that ok?"
"Sounds great."
"Ok....well, John and I will pick you two up in about an hour then." "Ok Kate. See you then. Bye."
"Bye Olivia."
Olivia went into the bedroom where Nick was still sound asleep. "Wake up sweetie." Olivia said as she kissed him softly. "Hmm..."
"Kate just called. Her and John are picking us up in an hour for dinner."
"Where are we going?" Nick asked trying to wake up. "Don't know. I am sure we will find out in an hour." she said with a laugh.
"Alright then. I guess I had better get up and make myself look presentable."
"Same here." she said.
"I'll meet ya down stairs in half an hour." Nick said as he leaned over and gave Olivia a kiss.
Olivia was waiting in the living room when John and Kate rang the door bell.
"Hello you two." Olivia said as she stepped aside for the couple to enter.
" 'Ello Liv." John said as he kissed her cheek. " Hello." replied Kate as she hugged Olivia. "So are you two ready to go?" asked John. "Well....I am. Nick is still upstairs getting ready. He takes longer than I do!" Olivia said with a laugh.
"I heard that." Nick said as he came down the stairs smiling. "So, where are we going?" Olivia asked.
"I thought that we might let you ladies pick." John said with a smile. "Ohh...ladies choice." Kate said as she leaned in for a kiss from John. "Hmm.....Chinese sounds good to me." Olivia said. "Works for me." Kate agreed.
"Then chinese it is." said John as the foursome walked out Nicks door.
They got settled in John's car and headed for the restaurant, laughing and talking the whole way. John parked the car. He and Nick opened the doors and helped Olivia and Kate out of the car. They entered the restaurant and were seated. The foursome continued talking and enjoying their evening. Nick couldn't help but steal glances of
Olivia. She looked great. Nick also noticed how at ease she was with John and Kate. It was like she'd known them forever. He thought she was
amazing.
"Great decision, Olivia." John said.
"Yes, Olivia. Chinese was a great idea." Kate confirmed.
"Thanks. I'm glad we did this."
The two couples relaxed and continued to chat. Olivia and Kate excused themselves so they could could make the necessary touch ups.
Nick and John looked at each other.
"Wonder what those two will talk about?" questioned John.
"Be afraid." Nick laughed.
"No way, mate. Olivia and Kate wouldn't gossip about us."
"Speaking of Kate." Nick began "I think she's just what you need."
"Why do you say that?" John asked.
"John, she's a lovely woman and she's very nice."
"Yes, she is. I like her a lot."
"You should hang on to this one."
"Funny. I was just going to say the same thing to you about Olivia, mate."
The two friends shared a laugh as Olivia and Kate approached the table.
"Uh-oh. What are you two laughing about?" Olivia chuckled.
"Just something John said." Nick laughed.
"Mmm...he is quite the jokester." Kate said as she put her arms around him.
"Are you ladies ready?" John asked as he stood up.
"Ready when you are." Kate and Olivia replied.
They left the restaurant, got in John's car and headed toward Nick's house for drinks. They entered his house still laughing. Olivia
and Kate settled in the living room, while Nick and John got their drinks and joined them. They continued chatting and laughing for awhile
before they started saying their goodnights.
Nick and Olivia escorted John and Kate to the door. Nick and John shook hands.
"Goodnight, Olivia." John said before he kissed her cheek.
"Goodnight, John." Olivia replied.
Kate and Olivia hugged and said their goodnights.
"Goodnight, Nick." Kate said.
"Goodnight, Kate. We had a good time." Nick replied as he wrapped
his arm around Olivia's waist.
"Thank you for inviting us." Olivia said.
"We'll have to do it again soon." Kate replied.
Nick and Olivia stood at the door as John and Kate pulled away. Nick closed the door and took Olivia in his arms.
"You're incredible." he said.
"I am?"
"You are, Olivia."
"How?" she teased.
"Well, the way you get along so well with John and Simon. They really like you. Yasmin loves you and so does Kate." He placed a gentle kiss
on her lips before he stared into her eyes.
"Everybody loves you, Olivia."
"Everybody?" she asked, returning his kiss.
He cupped her face in his hands.
"Everybody that meets you loves you."
"I like John and Simon. And Yasmin and Kate and I have become friends. I love Yasmin, she's great."
He still had her face cupped in his hands. He brought his
face
closer to hers and met her eyes with his.
"Nick?"
"I love you, Olivia."
"What?" she asked, not believing what she just heard.
"I do. I love you, Olivia."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?"
She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight.
"Nothing's wrong, Nick. I promise."
"Why are you crying, luv?"
"I'm happy, Nick. I'm really happy."
"I'm glad. I want you to be happy, sweetheart."
"I am. I love you too, Nick." she whispered in his ear.
She lightly kissed his neck. He lifted her chin and kissed her. When their kiss ended, they held each other and gazed into each other's eyes. Nick stroked her cheek and smiled.
"Hmmm...it's late." he said.
"Is it?"
"Ummmm-hmmm...."
"I'm nowhere near being tired."
"I'm not suggesting sleep." he purred as he leaned in to kiss her.
They made their way to the stairs still locked in a kiss. Nick and Olivia were still in a breathless kiss when they reached the top of the stairs and stumbled through the bedroom door. Olivia slid Nick's jacket off and began to unbutton his shirt. She moved her lips down to his neck and to his shoulders as she pushed his shirt off. She began to kiss harder when his hands moved up her back and unzipped her dress. He slid the silky
material from her shoulders and it fell to the floor. She felt his cool hands slide down to her waist and pull her closer. Olivia managed to wedge
her hand between them and undo the button on his trousers.
Nick laid her back on the bed and kissed her gently. She felt his
warm lips travelling down her throat. Her body tingled and every nerve ending was alive as he kissed every inch of her soft skin. He kissed her
with hungry kisses. She broke their kiss as she threw her head back and arched her body against his. They were breathless, their bodies
still molded together. The light of the moon shone through the windows. Nick
could see her beautiful face when he looked at her. "Sweetheart..." he whispered.
"Mmmm...." she said with her eyes half opened.
"Were you sleeping?"
"No, just very relaxed."
"Come here, luv." he said as he laid on his back. Olivia curled up against him and laid her head on his chest.
"Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you."
"Mmmm..I love you too, Nick."
He gently kissed her forehead and drifted into sleep.
The sound of the phone ringing woke them from a dead sleep. Nick fumbled with the handset before he finally got it.
" 'Ello?" he mumbled, still groggy.
"Nick? It's Yasmin. Did I wake you?"
"It's ok. What time is it?" he asked, shielding his eyes from the sun.
"Ummm...it's about 12:30pm."
"Oh wow. I definitely slept late today."
"I'm sorry I woke you. Is Olivia around?"
"Yeah. Hang on a second."
"Sweetheart." he whispered "Yasmin's on the phone for you."
He kissed her gently before he handed the phone to her.
"Yasmin?"
"Good afternoon, luv. How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"I'm great. Do you have any plans today?"
"No."
"Would you like to get together?"
"Yes. I'd love it. Would you like to come over here? I can make lunch for us."
"Sounds lovely, Liv."
"Good. Umm...why don't you come by around 1:30?"
"That sounds fine. See you then."
"Bye Yasmin."
She crawled over Nick and hung the phone up. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
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