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

forever.  He decided to keep all his options open.  "I have a business meeting at eight," he lied to Ralph without a second thought.  "I'll try to make it afterwards.  But don't count on it."
    Ralph could barely hide his disappointment.  "But you're the guest of honor!" he said flatteringly.  "Please don't disappoint me.  And of course, there will be lots of gorgeous women there," he added.
    "I'll do my best."
    It was ten at night.  Daniel worked with fierce concentration, stopping every half-hour only in order to phone Nicole.  But from the early hours of the evening she was to be found neither at the bungalow nor on her cellular.  Although he had little desire to show up at Ralph's party he knew how important public relations were to his productions and his appearance at these social affairs was an important ingredient in their success. Production was on schedule, tomorrow was the start of the weekend and the crew had two days off.  Come to think of it, a bit of wine and music wouldn't hurt after a hard week's work.
    He shaved and showered, running his hands through his wet hair to smooth them back.  His wardrobe contained clothes from the best-known designers.  A few well-established clothiers had his measurements and every few months a representative would arrive with an assortment of clothes, suits, shoes and accessories.  The selection took Daniel no more than ten minutes, leaving his secretary to take care of payment.  Now he dressed quickly.  His car was waiting at the entrance to the hotel but Daniel preferred to stretch his legs and walk.
     
    The party on the Marella was in full swing.  Buffet tables, weighed down with delicacies, were laid out on the lower deck.  Caviar, shrimps, oysters and lobsters were exposed on large platters and various fish were served from silver and gold plated trays.  Crates of champagne and fine wines were brought up from the hold and drinks flowed like water in a never-ending stream.  The crew of the yacht, dressed in blue and gold uniforms, served the guests attentively and added to the feeling of opulence.  About a hundred guests were on board and the mood was carefree and lively. 
    Nicole stood by the railing, a crystal glass filled with bubbling champagne in her hand.  Ann was by her side, bantering with their host.  "When will you get it into your head that I'm not interested in Casanovas like you?" she asked in mock despair.
    "What are you looking for then?" Ralph answered her question with another.
    "I'm looking for a man who is intelligent, sensitive, faithful, has a sense of humor, and by the way," she rushed on in the same breath, "I hear that Daniel Miller is supposed to be here tonight.  Is that rumor true?"
    "You witch," laughed Ralph, "I give up.  I'll try my charms on your beautiful friend.  Perhaps she'll help mend a wounded ego by dancing with me."  He leered at Nicole and held out his hand before addressing Ann.  "To answer your question, I invited Miller personally, but to my great sorrow it looks like he isn't going to show up.  Shall we dance?"  Ralph asked as he led Nicole out to the dance floor.
    When Ann invited her to go with her to Ralph Townsend's yacht party, Nicole politely declined.  She didn't know Ralph but Ann had more than once described the lavish blasts Ralph often threw.  Nicole didn't like these kind of parties and generally led a quiet life, but after Daniel's morning call she changed her mind.  She was afraid that if she stayed at home she would not have the strength to resist the overpowering urge to accept his invitation.  She wasn't even sure that he wouldn't turn up at her doorstep and convince her to join him.  Daniel Miller always got his way.  Therefore, early that evening, Nicole went to Ann's house, packing a bag with the clothes she'd wear at the party.
    When they arrived Nicole realized some of the guests were from the movie crew.  The chief photographer and several well known actors, including