Davis could barely form words and was holding on to his restraint by a thread. “You make me want . . .” He was still trying to gain control of his mind and body. “Not like this. Not when so much is unresolved.”
Nicole placed her hands flat against his chest. She was terrified. Not because Davis was physically withholding himself, but because she couldn’t reach him emotionally—and she might never be able to. She was desperate. “You’re mine, Davis Chatham, and I’m yours. If that is the case, we have the rest of our lives to get it right. We don’t have to wait to make love. We can be together AND fix us.”
“You’re in recovery.”
“Ugggggghhh . . . You can’t keep using that excuse. I will be in recovery for the rest of my life.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I’m done with treatment. I had my last session this morning, and everyone is packing up to head home. So, that excuse is no longer valid. We have problems, Davis. I know that . . . big ones.” Nicole pressed her sex into his hardness. “Let’s start over at a place that we both can agree is fantastic between us.”
“You won’t quit, will you?”
“No. I won’t. Like I said, we have our problems, but sex has never been one. Let’s start where we can agree because I believe we have the rest of our lives to resolve our differences. And guess what? When we fix those, there will be a hundred more to pop up.”
Davis released his hold and stepped away from her. “Nicole, you and I both know that I’m no good for you. I drove you to this place. We should head back.”
Nicole stared at him in disbelief. “Davis. That’s not true.”
He wouldn’t look at her. His voice was firm. “You and I both know it is. Look, I’m going back to the house. Are you coming?” He held his hand out to hers.
She didn’t take it. “I’m not going to let you do this.”
He dropped his arms. “I guess that would be a no. I’ll see you back at the house.”
Nicole watched him walk away—no—he was running away. He was doing a lot of that lately, and she planned to put a stop to it.
Chapter 25
This is my last night here on this island. I’m determined to convince my husband we have a chance.
There was a soft knock on her door. Nicole walked over and opened it just a crack. It was the housekeeper, Akela, who was also the cook that Davis hired for their stay. “Yes?”
She smiled. “Everything you asked for is all set.”
Nicole’s own smile spread across her face. “Great. So, the Serenity team made it to the airstrip okay?”
“Yes. They were thrilled to be able to leave a little early so that they could get home to their friends and family.”
“I know that feeling. I can’t wait to see my own kids when we leave in a couple of days. Were you able to take care of my other request?”
“Yes. It is all set as well, and we’ll prepare the rest once you’re finished with dinner.”
There was a twinkle in Nicole’s eyes. “And Davis is none the wiser?”
“No, ma’am. He’s been holed up in his room all day. I don’t think he’s come out even once since he came back earlier.”
That stubborn man has been hiding from me, but this time it’s to my advantage. Nicole kept her thoughts to herself. “Great. Thanks again, Akela, for all of your help.”
“It’s my pleasure. Are you sure you don’t need anything else?”
Nicole shook her head no. “For the most part, I think I’m all set. But, if I do, I’ll let you know.” Akela nodded and walked back down the hall.
Nicole closed the door. She had just a couple of things left to do to get ready for her evening. Tonight was going to be one of the most important nights of her life. There would be no more running and hiding. They would lay all their cards on the table. Things could go left really quickly, but Nicole was determined not to allow it and to convince her stubborn husband not to give up on them.
It was time to put her plan in motion.
*****
Nicole stood outside of Davis’s bedroom door. She was more nervous than she thought she would be but just as determined. She patted her hair to make sure it was in place, then smoothed down the strapless, all-white cotton dress that came down to her mid-calf. Davis loved her legs, and Nicole thought the dress showed off how shapely and toned they were quite nicely. All the yoga she had been doing since she had been on the island had paid off. Nicole felt sexy, and it had been quite some time since she had felt that way. The day Davis had arrived Nicole had ordered her dress, the string bikini, and a couple of other items. They were delivered with the rest of their weekly supplies. She had been lucky to have found the clothes on the mainland. Otherwise, Davis would have seen her in nothing but cut-off jean shorts and t-shirts for the entire week.
She had stalled long enough. Nicole raised her hand to the door and knocked. He didn’t answer right away, but she could hear him moving around on the other side of the door. She knocked again only harder.
After a few moments, Davis opened it, wearing a pair of board shorts and holding a t-shirt in his hands. His dirty
