Stanislaski's Bundle 2 of 2: Luring a Lady\Waiting for Nick\Taming Natasha (Stanislaskis) by Nora Roberts

Author:Nora Roberts [Roberts, Nora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781460336090
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2014-04-17T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Freddie hated the fact that she couldn’t stay mad at Nick. Aloof, maybe. The bar was crowded with so many bodies, the room filled with so much noise, that it wasn’t difficult to stay aloof from one man.

But she just couldn’t hold on to her temper, not after what Nick had done for her grandparents.

In any case, there wasn’t time to brood over it, or over him. There were toasts to be drunk, food to be eaten, dances to be danced.

Not that Nick asked her to dance. He partnered her aunts, her mother, Nadia, family friends and relations. And, of course, the stupendously sexy Lorelie.

Well, if he was playing the aloof game, she would play harder.

“Great party!” Ben shouted near her ear.

“It is.” She managed to work up a smile for him as he awkwardly led her around the crowded dance floor. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it. I’ve known Zack’s in-laws for years. Terrific people.”

“The best.” Her smile bloomed a bit when she spotted Alex twirling his mother. “The very best.”

“I was thinking…” Ben missed a step, and barely missed her toes. “Sorry. Failed my dance class.”

“You’re doing fine.” Though he was in danger of breaking her wrist as he pumped her arm like a well handle to keep his time. She grabbed the first distraction she could think of to save herself. “Have you tried the food? Rio’s really outdone himself.”

“Then let’s get some plates.”

Look at her, Nick thought darkly, scowling at Freddie as Lorelie draped herself over him. Flirting with Ben. Anyone—even Ben—should have the sense to see that she wasn’t interested. Just leading him on. Typical female.

“Nick, honey.” Lorelie’s creamy voice invaded his thoughts. She sent him a melting look. “You’re not paying attention. I feel like I’m dancing by myself.”

He sent her a quick, charming smile that made even the savvy Lorelie almost believe he thought of no one but her. “I was just wondering if I should check the bar.”

“You checked it five minutes ago.” Lorelie pouted prettily. She knew when she didn’t have a man’s full attention—and how to take it philosophically. As attractive as Nick was, there were always other fish to fry. “Well, why don’t you get me a glass of champagne, then?”

“Sure, coming right up.” Relieved, he left her. She’d been clinging to him all night, like poison ivy on an oak, Nick thought. That kind of possessiveness always made him determined to shake loose.

The truth was, they just weren’t clicking. He didn’t think he was going to break her heart or anything quite so melodramatic, but Nick had learned through sad experience that women didn’t always take even the most compassionate breakup well.

He’d have to let her down gently. No doubt, the sooner he backed off, the better it would be. For her.

The idea made him feel so altruistic, and relieved, that he opened a fresh bottle of champagne with a celebratory pop.

“How come we get music only from that box?” Yuri caught Nick in a headlock that would have felled a grizzly.

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