Nicole: Star Crossed Lovers (A Wish for Love Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

underwater.  Daniel tells me you're an experienced diver and now that I see how beautiful you are I thought you might agree, for a fee of course, to be interviewed as a local and be photographed in the water."
    "I know you'll enjoy working with us." Daniel sat down behind her.
    "Think about it. You can give me an answer tomorrow," said Howard smiling at her as he got up to join the group sitting not far from them.
    Nicole wondered if Daniel's interest in her might not be purely business.  The thought made her shiver and she drew herself in, clasping her hands tightly around her knees.  Daniel pulled her closer until her back leaned against his chest.  His arms encircled her as his hands penetrated her unbuttoned cardigan. His lips brushed her ear.  "It wasn't my idea.  I simply agreed with Howard, after he saw you tonight, that you would add something special to the film.  That's all."
    He was a mind reader.  She tried to distance herself but he held her even tighter.
    "Don't go," he murmured in her ear, "please stay."
    And she stayed.
    *  *  *
    Her phone rang, tearing Nicole from her thoughts, disturbing the peace.  She hesitated a minute but answered the unfamiliar number.
    "Good morning, did I wake you?"
    She was ready to swear that his lips were lifted in an amused smile. "Yes, you did.  I'm still sleeping.  And if I hear your voice I must be having a nightmare."
    Daniel laughed before becoming serious.  "I wanted to make sure you're alright.  I stayed with you till dawn and then had to leave for the day's shoot."
    "It might interest you to know that I couldn't care less when and where you go," Nicole shot back.
    "I was worried about you," he said, calm despite her attack.
    She refused to soften.
    "I was perfectly fine until you startled me so," she responded, a note of anger breaking through.  If only you hadn't touched me, the thought flashed through her mind, unsaid.
    "I'd like to have dinner with you tonight.  I hope you're free," he added with exaggerated politeness.
    "I happen to have a free evening but having no desire to see you again, as I made very clear last night, let me refuse your very kind invitation.  I hope you don't take it personally," she added sarcastically.
    "I want to see you very much," he said after a short pause.  "I must see you, Nicole," he added, a note of urgency in his voice.  The way he pronounced her name caused a ripple of excitement to streak through her body.  He spoke softly and slowly, ignoring her cynicism. He emphasized every word, not commanding but supplicating.  
    Nicole fought the desire to give him the answer he wanted.
    "No, Daniel, I'm sorry."  Lord, why is it so difficult for me to resist him? she thought.  "I'm sorry," she repeated, "it's best for both of us."  She hung up and breathed deeply, aware of the reaction his voice evoked, aware of the tremendous willpower it took for her to reject him.
     
    In the large caravan on the movie lot Daniel stood lost in reverie, musing on the best way to convince Nicole to meet him again.  He felt her refusal had come only with great effort.  I must be patient and tender, he admonished himself.
    "Daniel, are you there?" a feminine voice interrupted his meditations.  "We've been waiting for you for over a quarter of an hour."
    "I'll be right there."
    Diane entered and moved close to Daniel.  "You've been looking rather strange these past few days, distracted and sunk in thought.  What's bothering you?"  She placed a well-groomed hand on his arm, parting her lips and drawing them close to his.  “If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to let me know."
    Daniel looked at her tiredly.  "Thanks." He turned aside, refraining from touching her.  From the moment he knew there was a chance, even the faintest, of seeing Nicole again, he lost interest in other women.
    *  *  *
    At first everything went smoothly.  He and Diane would meet every now and then for an evening's entertainment that ended in