Electing Love (The Collins Brothers Book Three) Read online

  They’d never have to leave the room until the wedding. She stepped out of her clothes and ran her hand on his muscular torso. “I’ll remind you, Gerard.”

  She ran her kisses down his neck, and then back toward his lips. He deepened their kiss, and ensured she went on top of him as he sat on the bed.

  She straddled him and ran her hand through his thick hair. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  She closed her eyes and moaned. His lips on her set her skin on fire.

  As her eyes rolled back, something inside begged to be released. But now wasn’t the time for confession. She kissed his ears as she whispered, “I follow my heart with you, Gerard.”

  “At least you know what you follow. With you, I’m clueless, Nicole.” He unbuttoned her shirt, and grinned as he peeked at the pink bra underneath. “And I do want us to get married.”

  “It’s in the wardrobe collection.” She unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. He tugged her bra off, and then stood up with her legs practically wrapped around him. She dropped his pants to the floor.

  He lowered them both on the bed. She wrapped her legs around his waist. “You’re sexy tonight with these long legs right where they are.” He traced her leg, kissing her thigh. “It’s like you want me.”

  “Gerard, we both know what part of me you like.”

  “It’s true your legs were the first part of you I saw, but you are so much more than that.” He kissed her nipple, and a sweet agony raced through her. “What part of me do you find hot?”

  How he made her heart melt. “It’s how you see the world. Your suppressed emotions see depths while your feet are planted on the ground.”

  “Wrong answer.” He squeezed her calf muscle. “Adorable, but not what I asked. What part of my body?”

  Her lips curved to smile as she stuck her tongue in her cheek. “Ohh, well, let me take a closer look, then.”

  She ran her hand on his stomach, and he quivered. Then she traced his back and squeezed his muscles. “Your body is in shape. I like this.” Then she traced his shoulders and kissed the muscle. “And I love these arms that hold me.” Then she dropped her hands and dipped into his boxer shorts. “Your butt wins, though. It’s squishable yet hard, and it’s just for me.”

  His head fell back and he laughed.

  She then lowered herself on him, and the length of him filled her. A moan almost came out from her, but she covered her lips to silence herself.

  As he sped up, she lost all control and thought other than this was a slice of heaven.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Gerard

  Gerard stared at his morning beard and realized he’d have to shave today. He’d not scratch Nicole with how fast his hair grew on his face. The birds chirped outside his window.

  Then he went back into the bedroom. Nicole slept soundly. She’d been right about how Isabelle scared him. Marriage wasn’t supposed to endanger Nicole.

  Her hair was spread on the pillow, and she seemed like an angel. He stepped back. His heart ached near her.

  He ran his hand on his chin. Nicole had changed him. If he had to choose between the election and keeping her safe, he’d give up his own dreams for her.

  His entire body was tense. He found his clothes in the closet and slipped out of the room. He opened the door gingerly to not wake her, and stayed light on his feet as he descended the stairs. His skin crawled with something. Outside, he slipped on his sneakers, and decided to run down the street to get his parents donuts.

  His father loved them. His mother loved the iced coffee. The street was silent. A silver Porsche was parked on the street. He locked the front door and began his jog.

  Nicole probably hadn’t had a donut in years. He ran faster now, and sprinted. He’d buy her one of his old favorites.

  His sneakers smacked onto the payment, and he continued his sprint. The wind stayed on his back and helped him go faster and faster. His heartbeat raced.

  If he went fast enough, his mind stopped debating everything.

  The sweat on his forehead grew cold as he thought about one question. What if Nicole was in danger because of him?

  As he turned the corner at breakneck speed, he almost ran into a silver Porsche. He ran to the sidewalk, stayed in form, but his eyes widened.

  Had he seen that car near his parents’ house? The light turned, and he rushed into the shop. He closed the door behind him. No one else was in the store except the clerk, so he stared out the window. The silver Porsche parked outside.

  His muscles tensed, ready for anything. Someone had followed him.

  “Can I help you?” the woman behind the counter asked.

  “Can I borrow your phone?” Gerard tore his gaze from the window and swallowed. “I need to call my brother, and I forgot my phone.”

  “What? Hold on, my radio is too loud.”

  He stared at the light brown hair. She was vaguely familiar. He turned to keep the car in sight, but then shifted to speak to softly with the woman. “Can I borrow your phone for a minute? I live up the street and that silver car outside almost hit me while walking here.”

  “Gerard.”

  She knew him. He knew her from somewhere. She stepped back and hesitated. “This has been my favorite donut shop since I’ve been a little boy.”

  “Gerard Collins. I received my invitation this morning. I’m so excited to see Nicole Burns again. I’m bringing my boyfriend.”

  His mind went blank and his smile faltered. “What’s your name?”

  She leaned forward. “Sherry. I was friends with Nicole back in school. I work in the library, and I’m just helping out a friend today. Please tell her I said hello.”

  Sherry the librarian was Liam’s old crush. “Sherry, this is important. Can I use your phone?”

  “Let me get it from the back.” She walked away and opened a door as she called out, “The last party I went to with your family was New Year’s, the museum benefit.”

  The party where Kate was accused of stealing art. He rubbed his eyes. She returned with the phone and said, “Here you go.”

  The silver Porsche was still outside. He dialed Liam’s number and said, “Someone’s waiting outside in a car near the donut shop. No one is getting out, and I don’t trust it. Come pick me up.”

  “Get me a double chocolate and a regular,” Liam ordered, but then his voice became more serious. “Is anyone in the shop with you?”

  “Sherry is covering someone’s shift.”

  Liam’s quick inhale of breath changed his tone. “I’ll be right there. Both you and Sherry need to stay inside.”

  Gerard hung up the phone and handed it back. “Thank you.”

  She slipped her phone in her apron then went to the register. “What can I get you?”

  He leaned on the counter, but stared at the car. No one moved. He turned his head toward Sherry. “A dozen donuts. Four regular coffees. One iced coffee.” Gerard paused. Nicole would likely be a regular girl. She grew up here, and she’d have regular in her blood. “In high school, did Nicole have a favorite donut?”

  She nodded and reached for a donut. “Sprinkles. She loved candies that you pop in your mouth, and we’d buy a box of M&M’s every time I go see one of her movies.”

  Good information. For the rest of his family, he pointed to various donuts. Sherry handed him the box as Liam’s truck blocked the view of the Porsche. Liam walked in and stared at Sherry.

  She nodded at him, but didn’t say anything.

  Gerard handed his brother the coffee. “Let’s go. You can play Romeo later.”

  “Sherry, if any stranger comes in today, call the police.”

  “This is a store. We want customers.”

  “Be safe.”

  “You too, Liam. Take care.”

  Liam’s face went red, and he turned toward the door.

  The silver Porsche took off as they walked around Liam’s truck. The blackened windows gave no indication who was inside.

  Gerar
d clutched the box as he sat down in the passenger seat. The moment Liam joined him, he steered the conversation to what had made his heart race. “Will the Boroni family target Nicole because of me?”

  “If someone is chasing you then I’m worried too.” Liam’s calmness did not stop the thumping in Gerard’s chest. His brother made it worse when he stared at the donut shop without moving.

  He stayed quiet until Liam drove away. “Let this go for now. Don’t change everything you want because of a maybe. Let’s figure this out, like we did for Kate and Daniel.”

  Gerard’s spine straightened. “Kate was shot in the head. I can’t let that happen to Nicole.”

  “She’s fine, and married to our brother now.”

  Gerard shook his head. The moment Liam parked in front of their house, he jumped outside.

  No one could hurt Nicole because of him. She needed to be protected, and he’d have to send her back to Los Angeles, one way or the other.

  He dropped the box onto the dining room table. Liam followed. Gerard took his cup and sat down. Liam stood there without a word. He wrinkled his nose, held the milk in his hand, and then decided to put it down. Today he drank his coffee black. “Sit. You’re making me nervous standing up like that.”

  Liam sat but didn’t say anything.

  Footsteps echoed in the hall. His parents were not that sure-footed. Gerard stood as the door opened to Nicole. She stretched in his way-too-big-for-her flannel pajamas. She kissed his cheek and sat next to him. “Which coffee is mine?”

  Gerard picked one and handed it to her. She closed her eyes and savored her first sip. “I missed this.”

  Then she reached for the sprinkled donut and nibbled. “Good job with getting my favorite.”

  “Sherry was at the store and told me.”

  “I can’t wait to see her. She was one of the nicest people in school.”

  Liam coughed.

  She nodded. “Your brother was nice too. Did you see her? Was she pretty still?”

  Gerard stared at both of them and said, “She has a boyfriend.”

  Liam’s face darkened. Nicole shrugged and stared at Gerard. “One step at a time.”

  Gerard tensed. His fiancée and brother were having a different conversation than he wanted to have.

  “Wedding plan causing some tension?” Liam asked as he pivoted toward Gerard. “You’re both wound up too tight for this early in the morning.”

  “Are you changing the subject? I could help you get Sherry’s attention.”

  “It’s better not to discuss my old crush. It’s ancient history. You’re both far more current.”

  Gerard kissed her cheek and opened the donut box. “Do you want another, Nicole?”

  “I don’t dare. I need to wear that wedding dress.”

  He pointed to a second sprinkled donut. “I won’t care if you gain some weight. You’re skinny.”

  She sighed as she stared at the donut. “The camera adds pounds.”

  If he sent her back to Hollywood then in six weeks when the election ended, he could go get her. Perhaps it was better if they slowed down and she was safe from the threats. Once the heat was clear, he’d crawl back to her and beg her to forgive him.

  He sipped his coffee and stared at her. He’d have to find her and smooth everything out. His racing heart demanded it. He picked up the donut and placed it on her plate. “Eat. Nicole Wyman sucked the fun out of Nicole Burns’ life.”

  “I’ll be Nicole Collins soon enough.” Her face brightened. His pulse jumped. Yes. No matter what happened, she’d be his wife. He needed her, but it was better if they waited until she was safe. She babbled on, excited. “I’ll eat half. You eat the rest.”

  “Deal.” He wished they could get married this weekend as planned, but her safety overrode the plans.

  She split the donut in half, as Gerard asked his brother, “No one will get into our new home or to the wedding if we install whatever security you recommend?”

  Liam nodded and reached for another donut. “Relax and trust me.”

  Gerard sipped his coffee. Kate’s unconscious body after someone shot at her replayed in his mind. Nothing like that could happen to Nicole. He’d not allow it. He’d have to cut the cord for now.

  He’d keep her safe, no matter what.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Nicole

  Nicole ground her feet into the floor. She repeated in her mind that they were getting married. Her grin grew wider.

  Gerard’s eyes met hers. His face was white as he sipped his coffee, and his pupils dilated. “You feeling the sugar rush, Nicole?”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged. Then she did a little dance under the table. She tried to keep her arms still and tapped her toes on the ground. Nothing would get in her way now. She sipped her coffee. “It’s time I get started on my charity. I’m going to plan an event and donate the money right now to Samariteens. It’s the closest organization I found to help teens like my sister. I’ll want you both there for this benefit.”

  “Of course.” Gerard didn’t twitch a muscle.

  Liam stared at his brother. “I’m in. Chicken better not be dry.”

  “Funny.” She bent her neck sideways to see Gerard, and he was still white. She took another sip. “Would you be okay with conference chicken?”

  “Politicians always eat the dry chicken at the events without complaining,” Liam said.

  “We need to end the Boroni threat.” Gerard kept his tone flat. “Now stop falling into the police stereotype of eating all the donuts and get out there to stop the madness you started in the quest to end crime in Boston.”

  Liam said, “After I finish my coffee.”

  Footsteps echoed in the hall. Gerard whispered in her ear, “Mom’s coming. We’re stuck if we don’t leave now.”

  “Where are we going?” She blinked. “I’d like to finish my coffee and speak to your mom.”

  The door opened and Margaret came right next to her. “I want to speak to Nicole.” She put her hand on Nicole’s shoulder. “We need to hire a photographer, a DJ or band, write the vows, and get to the church for the fast-track counseling for the waiver.”

  Gerard shook his head.

  “Gerard doesn’t want chicken at our wedding, but he’ll suffer for the day if he must.” She turned to look at him and then Margaret. “We’ll go to the church, meet, and sign whatever they need.”

  Gerard’s face fell like he was a five-year-old told to finish his meal, but he nodded. “We have to call a lawyer. I’m not taking her money.”

  “I’m…” She tried to finish her sentence, but didn’t know what to say. But she realized silence made no sense. “Thank you. For today, can we put on the invitations that donations to Samarateens are what we want instead of cash?”

  “Iced coffee.” His mother’s face lit up as her gaze went to the table. “My sons are the best. Thank you.”

  “I drove,” Liam added. “Gerard went inside.”

  Nicole dropped her hands into her lap. “Gerard, thank you for the regular. It’s a New England thing no one in California understands.”

  “I thought you’d approve.”

  ***

  Gerard stared at his new black Rolls-Royce from his porch. Nicole glanced out the window at him. They’d have to head to the church, but his silence sent a chill down her spine.

  “Father O’Reilly is waiting for you both,” Margaret said to her as she opened the door. “Get going.”

  “Can he come to the house?” Gerard asked as he turned to hug his mother. Nicole fixed her shoe strap and leaned against the wall.

  “No.” His mother crossed her arms. Nicole stood away from the door and walked toward the door. “You’re late. I have the lawyer coming here for you. Now move.”

  As she stepped into the sun, Nicole slipped on a pair of Raybans and took his hand. “Let’s get going.”

  She listened to her heart. Love had to be enough, even if her brain kept saying it wasn’t always.

 
She slipped into the car, though her mind was in a daze.

  “Are you listening to me?” he asked as he joined her in the car.

  She shook her head. “I wasn’t listening. What did you say?”

  “When I drive us to the church, we’re going straight in and then out. No talking to anyone. Reporters or otherwise.” He took her hand. “We have to be safe, Nicole.”

  “Okay.” She shrugged. This wasn’t a big deal. “We have a lot to figure out when we get back, including checking on the realtor. We should have done that yesterday.”

  “I did.” He drove on the same street she used to walk as a teenager to get to school. She stared at a girl in pigtails walking the same path she had. Gerard said, “She’s fine. And she’ll earn a hefty bonus to close on the house tomorrow. We’ll need to get the best security measures in place as soon as possible.”

  “You’re on that one. I’m shopping for furniture,” she said. “Can we ship my stuff from Santa Monica over? I’m going to hire a decorator who can work on pictures of our places and combine our styles. When we get back to Boston, I’ll take pictures to send her.”

  “Sounds good. You’ll have to give me her name for security. I’ll see if we have some pictures of my place in Boston to get you started. We’ll add that to the list to do today.”

  “Sometimes I wish I lived in a fairy tale where the magic wand took care of all the daily life stuff. Right now, you have a debate the night before our wedding, and I don’t want you to get distracted.”

  “Bad timing,” he said. “The networks are selling this one big. It’s one last debate on television. Then we have that event later in the week for the primary donors, but that’s more posing for photos and controlling the flow of information. Part of me wishes you’d stay home and out of the limelight.”

  “Stay safe, you mean. You keep forgetting my movies.” She shook her head. “I can handle the media. I’ll stay in the safe spots pre-established and wave to the audience. I’ll need you to relax.”

  “I forgot about the sex tape.” He turned down the street, and she gazed the church. “Barnie released a statement with the evidence it was doctored. Most people are blaming Thomas Cecchi.”