Just before he lost his mind, he pulled back and nipped her bottom lip gently.
“One of the things a husband does is put your needs ahead of his. You need to sleep on this decision.”
Raina cupped his cheek. “I’ve already decided. Let’s get married.”
Nick was quiet for a moment, then he nodded. “Okay. I’ll wake you early tomorrow and we’ll fly to Vegas. I’ll go book our seats now.”
Then he turned the lights out and left her alone in his bed.
* * * * *
LATER THAT NIGHT, Ridley got into bed and pulled the covers up to her neck. Jackson was still in the shower, so she had a few minutes to brood before he came back.
What was I thinking telling Nick all that?
As much as she loved her future brother-in-law, she was well aware of his faults. He was so used to women throwing themselves at him that a woman like Raina, who was genuinely hard to get, had to present an unusual challenge.
One he couldn’t resist trying to conquer.
But what if it was more than that? Ridley couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, but there was something about the way Nick looked at her sister. Something that made her think his continued attempts to romance Raina were about more than just sex. He watched her when he thought no one else was looking and his eyes revealed more than the words coming out of his mouth.
“Okay, I was going to just let you stew in peace, but I can’t take it anymore. What’s wrong with you?”
Ridley turned to see Jackson standing in the doorway that connected to the en suite bathroom, rubbing the water from his arms with a towel. Her mouth went dry as she followed the path of a single drop down his muscular chest, below his belly button…
“As much as I appreciate your distraction, I actually want an answer to this question,” Jackson remarked dryly.
Ridley reluctantly pulled her gaze up to meet his eyes. Good grief, the man was fine. Too fine for his own good. It was scary at times to think what her life would be like if she’d turned left instead of right, or done anything that would have prevented her from coming to Virginia last month. She would have missed out on the best thing that had ever happened to her. She was just trying to make sure that Nick and Raina didn’t miss their chance. Which made a little bit of meddling okay, didn’t it?
“Nothing. I’m just thinking about everything that happened tonight. The tabloid picture and then that awful press conference. And then Nick going on stage. I’m just worried.”
Jackson threw the towel over his shoulder and walked across the room stark-naked to rummage through his dresser. “I know she’s your sister and worry comes with the territory, but Nick would never hurt her. Plus, I think we might need to be more worried about Nick.”
Ridley sat up. “I did something tonight. Something I probably shouldn’t have.”
Jackson finally selected a pair of sweatpants and pulled them on. He padded over to the other side of the bed and slid beneath the covers. “Does this have anything to do with Nick’s insane behavior tonight?”
Ridley bit her lip. “Um, it might. I sort of told him about Raina’s fertility issues and how she wants to have a baby. I may have suggested that he make her the same offer he made us.”
Jackson sat straight up in bed, dragging the covers off her. “You did what? Why would you do that? I thought you wanted Nick to stay away from her?”
Ridley drew her knees up to her chest. “I know, I know! That’s what I thought was best, but you didn’t see the way he was looking at her. I think he really loves her, Jackson.”
Jackson made a noncommittal sound. “You may be right. I’ve actually never seen Nick like this over a woman. Any woman. But still, that doesn’t mean I think he should offer to be her sperm donor.”
“If he offers to father her child, I very much doubt if he’ll be donating in a cup.”
Jackson smirked. “Well, yeah. This is my brother we’re talking about.”
“I’m worried she’ll regret this. Raina pretends to be so modern and unaffected, but she’s not. I think inside she wants the same things I do. Family. And not by some guy who’s a random number in a database.”
“Is this about your dad?”
“What? No! This is about Raina.”
“I know you love your sister, but I think you’re also worried about the baby. Growing up without a father. Without even knowing who he is…”
“Okay. It’s a little about that. I just don’t want her to do something she’ll regret because she feels like she’s running out of time. I’d rather she gets pregnant by someone who cares about her than some guy she doesn’t even know. No matter what else happens, I know Nick would love his child.”
“That is, without a doubt, true. And she would have a big, rambling, loving family to help her out if she needed it. No matter what, Alexanders stick together.”
Ridley clapped her hands over her face and fell back against her pillows. “I really hope this doesn’t end up being a disaster.”
“Come on, let’s go to sleep. There’s nothing more we can do about it tonight. I doubt Nick is going to kidnap your sister and steal her away somewhere. You can always go check on her in the morning.”
“Okay,” Ridley agreed. But even after they were snuggled under the covers and Jackson had her spooned right up against his chest, it was a long time before she was able to fall asleep.