Sleigh Ride Together with You by Joann Durgin Page B

saw the way you looked at her, Kingsfield. Even on air you made yourself more than obvious. You came here on a mission for the network, but it’s already turned into something more, hasn’t it? Admit it. You fancy Nicole. That’s the big difference between you and me.”
    Alex met his gaze and held it steady. No sense in denying the truth. “I’ve tried to fight it, told myself it wouldn’t do either one of us any good, but yes. Not to give you the satisfaction, but I fancy Nicole. Very much, if you must know. She’s an incredible woman. Beautiful, intelligent, and she possesses one of the most compassionate hearts I’ve ever been honored to know.”
    “You don’t know the half of it,” Colin said. “Now that we’ve got that behind us, we can move on. Let me tell you something about Nikki. She’s been hurt by men. First by a father who deserted her and her mum when she was barely in her teens. Then by dating a string of less than desirable types she freely concedes were completely wrong for her, thus making them safe. Men who had a similar pattern of behavior as her pitiful sop of a dad. They left when it came time to make a commitment. Including a certain fire captain named Jake Marston in that little town you’re visiting this weekend.”
    “Jake Marston?”
    “Strapping fellow. Tall, dark-haired. Athletic. I’ve seen a photo. Look, I haven’t met this bloke, but he puts out fires and rescues people for a living. So, he can’t be all bad now, can he?” Pausing, Colin eyed him up and down. “In fact, Nikki must have a physical type because you two somewhat resemble one another. Look, you know how well her career’s worked out, but it’s my considered opinion Nikki left a bit of her heart in Starlight.”
    Alex’s breath hitched. “Are you saying she’s still in love with this Jake guy?”
    “No, I’m not. She’s moved on, and he’s married with babies. From what little I know about Starlight, it’s like this magical place where Nikki felt as if people truly cared for her more than anywhere else on the planet.”
    “I see.” Alex crossed the room to the minibar. “You want a bottled water or something?”
    “No, thanks. This isn’t a social call. Go right ahead if you need something.”
    “Don’t mind if I do.” After pulling out a water bottle from the small refrigerator, Alex twisted off the cap and drained the bottle in one long swig. Replacing the cap, he lowered the bottle to the counter while he gathered his thoughts. “So, I’m trying to figure out what you’re really telling me.”
    “I’m not telling you anything, mate. This is personal, not professional. I’m asking you to tread carefully where Nikki’s heart is concerned. You see, she’s somewhat fragile.”
    Alex stepped around to the front of the minibar and leaned against it. “I’m sure her father’s abandonment profoundly impacted all areas of her life. How could it not?” The unspoken equation was that he prayed Nicole understood not all men ran away. He hurt for her heartache. He stopped short of mentioning her mother’s condition. As close as he was with Nicole, Colin must know. However, it wasn’t Alex’s place to broach the subject. Neither did he want to mention she’d already confided in him the basic details about her father or tell Colin how overhearing Nicole’s sobs had twisted his gut, and admittedly, his heart.
    A light surfaced in Colin’s eyes. “Exactly. And as much as she loves Starlight, I do believe Nikki leaving that little town was one of the best things she’s ever done.”
    “What do you mean?” Aside from his often teasing persona, Colin was indeed much deeper than what he often appeared on the surface.
    “When she first came to us four years ago, Nikki was quite inexperienced but incredibly bright. She worked hard and learned quickly. She stepped behind the cameras and talked to the guys who did the filming. She talked with the producers, stayed long hours researching and