Icing Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 1)

“And who was that mousey blonde he was with?” a newcomer asked. “How is a woman like that going to help his career?”

My hands were shaking, and I pressed them to the cool wall behind me, trying to stay calm. Attempting to tune the women out, I concentrated on Richard introducing Nolan and the other two men, talking about their show, and how great it would be for the community. After a couple of very brief speeches, the men gathered in line for some photos. Then one of the hosts beckoned for his wife to come over to join them.

I could see Nolan looking for me, but I shook my head. He nodded, flashing me a little ‘thumbs up’.

It was sweet that he understood me, and that he didn’t force me to go up there. But what sort of career transition was he going to have if he didn’t have a stylish woman at his side for photo ops and parties? These are the sorts of things that made powerful men more powerful, not drinking fine wine from coffee mugs on the floor.

As soon as they seemed like they were finished with the photos, the orange-haired woman headed straight for Nolan. But she was cut off by a tiny brunette in a red dress, who clasped Nolan’s arm, instantly laughing as if they were old friends. Or lovers.

I really didn’t know him very well, and no matter how I felt about him, I didn’t feel right asking those sorts of questions.

“Hey, look!” one of the ladies beside me exclaimed. “Becky is making a run for Nolan as well.”

“You know, she’s in PR,” another woman said. “That would be a wonderful match. She could do great things for him.”

“True. A total power couple. They’d take over the city.”

Dodging behind them, I made a break for the door. As soon as I had my coat, I jumped into a cab out front, texting Nolan.

Please stay at the party. You obviously have people to meet and connections to make. I’m sorry it was too much for me. You need a woman who can support you through this sort of thing, and that’s not me. I’m sorry, I just can’t. I’m on my way home. Thank you for a lovely Christmas.

I didn’t know what else to say, but the tears streaming down my face made it hard to see the screen anyway.

CHAPTER EIGHT

* Nolan *

Reading Sharolyn’s text was like being punched in the throat. I obviously hadn’t seen it coming, and it actually cut off my breath. I called her immediately, but she didn’t answer. So I sent her a text.

I’m so sorry that you’re upset, sweetheart. Please let me know if I can come over and talk about this. But at least let me know that you got home safely.

I quickly said my goodbyes, but her text came back before I even got my coat.

I’m already home. I’m okay. I just can’t talk for a couple of days.

Okay, sweetheart. I’ll miss you.

Even though I saw Richard waving me over to talk to another bunch of corporate guys, I had to leave. Ignoring the lineup of cabs in front of the venue, I walked home, even though it was chilly and would take at least half an hour.

Racking my mind, I tried to think of what could have upset Sharolyn. She didn’t want her photo taken, which was fine. I didn’t want to force her to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with.

Then I remembered Becky coming running at me. Could Sharolyn have been jealous? She couldn’t possibly think that I would be interested in another woman when I had her. Could she?

By the time I got home, I had a plan. I knew that Sharolyn thought I was a bit of a tough guy, and a little rough around the edges. But I knew when it was time to ask for help.

***

I waited until noon on Sunday before ringing Jenny’s buzzer. She let me in, still in her pajamas with a robe wrapped around her.

“I’m so sorry to bother you,” I started.

“Come in. Sit. I know what this is about,” she said.

We sat on her couch and I got right to the point. “I knew that last night’s party wasn’t Sharolyn’s sort of thing, but I was really proud to be seen with my new girlfriend. Was that wrong?”

Jenny shook her short auburn hair. “No. Not at all. You have to understand, Sharolyn is an amazing girl when she’s in small groups. When she feels unsure of herself, she gets easily rattled and sort of falls apart.”

“I know she’s shy,” I said. “But she was just waiting for a couple of minutes. I was going to get her out of there as fast as I could.”