Unyielding Love: Nick & Bee's Story Vol. 1

By DW Cee

Nick Reid belongs to a legendary family known for their love, generosity, and commitment to one another. When a Reid finds true love, it's full of drama, but happily everlasting.
Bee Taylor grew up alone and independent, but she believes that when she finds her ultimate love, it will have been worth the loneliness.
As a twenty-five-year-old med student, Nick finds Bee to be the closest thing to true love, but doesn't desire to commit beyond the here and now. He feels he's too young, too unsettled, but ultimately, he's too afraid to take that last step.
As a thirty-year-old designer, Bee is established in her career and ready to find the same kind of stability in her personal life. She wants a man who can profoundly love her and commit without reservation.
If opposites attract, then Nick and Bee are the perfect pair. But, there are too many obstacles that keep these two from finding happiness.
Written once again in a blog format like its preceding series, Indelible Lovin' - Max & Jane's Story, Nick and Bee's Story is full of drama, cliffhangers, and of course twists and turns. Originally published as a Monday / Thursday series on my website, Vol.1 has been compiled as a read-all-in-one-sitting version. This volume is only half the story. The rest is being unfolded on the website.
Warning: If you don't like laughing, crying, feeling frustrated, and wanting to slap the hero upside his head, this isn't the book for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DW Cee
• Release date: Mar 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311812926

DW Cee

I started writing back in Dec of 2009 after I saw an interview with Stephenie Meyers. She told Oprah that she always had stories in her head and that struck a chord with me. Whenever I drive, I have all kinds of stories circulating in my mind. Generally, I am the star of this story and many wacky things happen. Of course, I make the story quite complimentary and beneficial to me. I guess you could say Meyers channeled my head case into a novel. I am first a wife and a mother, as well as a restauranteur and a caterer. Writing is my last profession and a late-found one. I have a B.A. and an M.Ed from UCLA (yes, just like Emily from Indelible Love) and taught 1st grade for four years till I had my first child, a son. Two years later, I had my daughter and the two kids ran my life till they both started school. My husband and I opened a restaurant in LA when we first got married and have been in the food service industry for almost 17 years. I think I've always been a foodie at heart and though it sounds strange, loving food did not have anything to do with opening up a restaurant. That was all my husband's idea. I didn't even know I could cook till I got married. And then I discovered, I love cooking! I love everything related to food. Eating, first, cooking second, cleaning a definite last. I could do without the cleaning from the prep work and the mound of dishes created after a meal. But, that's a whole other blog in and of itself. Whenever we plan a family trip, and especially when my husband and I go on a couple's trip, it's based around what we want to eat, or which restaurants we want to visit. Hubby and I did a trip to Austin one summer just to eat BBQ. The trip to Rome was for pasta, Tokyo was for ramen and sushi, and in Paris, we gorged on treats from all the beautiful patisseries. The two best meals of my life were at Taillevent and Joel Robuchon in Paris. All of these places and restaurants sound familiar? :) NYC is our favorite city (and yes, Emily's favorite city as well) for dining. But… I digress. Even with the crazy schedule, I hope to keep writing. Indelible Love - Emily's Story and Indelible Love - Jake's Story were my first two attempts at writing. Entwined, my third novel, as well as Indelible Lovin' - Max & Jane's Story Vol. 1 & 2 have also been self-published on Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks, Nook, and Kobo. I am currently working on another story titled, Unlikely Attraction, as well as a new In...

Book preview

Prologue

June 16, 2011 BEE: Nicked

I can’t believe what just happened. What have I done??? I’ve never done anything like this in my life!

May I hazard a guess and say you haven’t done this in a while—period?

What gave that away? I laughed at his comment. Was it the pseudo virginal-pinch upon entry, or the orgasm in under a minute?

This beautiful man laughed with me. "Perhaps it was the look of shit, what the hell did I get myself into while being pleasured to oblivion."

‘Pleasured to oblivion?’ I quirked my eyebrow and attempted a doubting look. It was hard to do when a very tall man was on top of and still inside me.

Admit it. I was damn good! He said with much machismo.

I laughed again and slapped his ass. As much as I enjoyed his body on mine, he was heavy. You’re choking me.

Now what the hell kind of statement is that after I gave you the orgasm of your life? He purposely started grinding into me again. Shit! That felt really good, still.

I must be truly hard up for sex because that’s making me want to go another round.

That’s all it took for the both of us to go at it like we hadn’t just had sex five minutes ago, and to find completion a second time. Unfortunately, that was also all it took to knock me into oblivion.

When I finally woke up, I found Nick staring at me. His eyes were gentle, his half-smile was sweet, and his face had a soft expression that resembled love. Since we’d only met a few hours ago, I knew it wasn’t love, but the look was damn close.

We met at dinner with a group of mutual friends, and instantly liked each other. All ten of us were single people, but the moment Nick and I shook hands in greeting, there was instant chemistry.

Nick and I were the last two to arrive, and we arrived at the same time without knowing we were headed in the same direction. He cut a striking figure with his height and good looks. I pegged him at 6’3", and his black hair, and blue eyes were stunning. What made his looks stand out was when he opened the door for me and smiled. He had a killer smile that I could stare at all day long. I probably looked like a fool, gawking at this stranger. But then again, he was most likely used to women ogling him.

This good-looking giant walked almost in step with me and continued to follow me into the elevator. He smiled again and asked which floor, and when we discovered we were both going to the restaurant I was giddy. I liked knowing this man would be somewhere in my vicinity, and I could stare a few more times before the night was over.

There was always an unspoken discomfort when riding an elevator with one other person. But with this guy, my body was humming with excitement. I could feel a pull between us, and I wondered if he felt what was in the air. Or, was it just me since I hadn’t been with a man, good or bad looking, in years? Whatever it was, my senses felt alive for the first time since Beau, and boy, was that a long time ago!

Once again, we walked in step and found ourselves at the same table, greeted by the same people. Before we could introduce ourselves, our friend introduced us as Nick and Bee. We sat in the last two-top at the end of a long table, and talked for hours. Initially, it was all about what he did, what I did, and how we knew everybody at the table.

Nick had just finished undergrad and was taking a year off to work before starting med school. He explained that his brother was having a three-week engagement and getting married on the fourth of July.

Though Nick was younger than I was, I liked him instantly and immensely. After Beau, I was wary of all men and hadn’t had the desire to jump into a relationship with any of them. The opposite sex was my enemy for too long.

Once dinner was over, the majority of our friends wanted to go dancing, but that wasn’t for us. Nick and I chose to stay together, and I suggested he stop by my place since it was close to the restaurant. I had no idea that coffee would lead to spending a night together!

Good morning. Nick was already up, washed and changed, but laying in bed with me.

I held out a finger asking him to give me a moment, and got up to take care of all morning routines that needed to be taken care of before talking to anyone. I was not into kissing with morning-breath—not that we were going to kiss again.

When did you get up, and where did those clothes come from? Did you go home and come back?

Nick chuckled. I had clothes in the car. The disappointment must have been apparent on my face. He immediately countered with, I’m in the process of moving back home and I have clothes everywhere.

I see you’re an early riser.

I couldn’t sleep with you continually snuggling into me with your back. A man can only take so much dry spooning without needing relief. This guy was smiling so big, I didn’t know whether he was kidding.

"Should we talk about what happened last night? I need to explain that I’ve never done this before. I’ve never, ever, ever met a guy and brought him home…ever!"

He laughed at me heartily. You’ve already said this, and I don’t have hearing issues or trust issues. I believe you. And if you’ll give me the same trust, I’ll tell you I’ve never done this before either. That was good to know. When I saw you walking into the building, I felt drawn to you, but was too chicken to ask for your number. When I realized we were going to the same place, I figured I’d ask for your number before you left. As luck would have it, I ended up in your bed without even having to ask for a number. He had that asshole grin again. He knew I wasn’t happy so he quickly spoke, "And, like I said last night, I could tell you weren’t exactly the sleeping around kind of gal."

So…what does this mean? I mean, do you ask for my number, go about your way, and maybe call me the next time you get an itch? My question came out sounding like a joke, but I was pretty serious.

You can ask for my number and text me for a booty call, too, he teased. Before I get into any more trouble, how about I take you to breakfast and we get to know one another a little better? I don’t even know your last name. My Gram would slap me upside my head if she heard about my behavior. He pulled out his hand so I could grab it. Breakfast? he offered.

Why not? I thought to myself. Hand-in-hand, we walked the short distance to the door and opened to a man with his arm up, hand fisted, about to knock on my door.

Hello Auntie! My nephew, Donovan Taylor had stopped by unexpectedly. He looked at me, he looked at Nick, and for some inane reason, he grinned like the village idiot. Well hello there, Nick Reid. How’s my best friend’s little brother doing?

"Nick REID??? Shit!" I said too loudly.

"Bee TAYLOR??? FUCK!!!" Nick agreed.

What the hell have we done?

August 11, 2013 NICK: Stung

Why are you here?

Now what kind of greeting is that to the man who crossed the English Channel for you?

Bee snorted! I don’t remember you doing anything for me much other than a wham-bam-thank-you-mam!

Did all women play difficult to get, or was it just this woman? Bee Taylor and I first met about two years ago and the second I saw her, I knew there was something special about her. She had a wicked sense of humor and I loved the way she laughed. At a young age, she was accomplished, independent and spirited. I’d never met such a refreshing woman as Bee.

Unusual for the both of us, she and I ended up in bed together within the first meeting, and all would have gone swimmingly had Donovan Taylor not shown up at her place. I practically hyperventilated when I realized she was related to Donovan. She, too, couldn’t contain her surprise at my last name. The three of us went to breakfast; we couldn’t lose Donovan even if our lives depended upon it. That asshole was having a good time at our expense. When Donovan finally had to leave for his meeting, Bee and I agreed that we had made a terrible mistake. It was almost incest for the two of us to date.

I had thought of Bee often, and her good humor resonated with me for longer than necessary.

Last Christmas, right before we all left for New York, Bee and I ran into each other at a party and ended up in bed again. But before the sex happened, hours of talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company happened. She made me happy.

After much back and forth, we decided to see each other. We’d date occasionally and we’d either land in bed or have an all-out verbal brawl. There was no happy medium for us. When Laney called and asked me to come to Paris to support Bee at this fashion show, I thought this was a good way to show her that I was interested in something other than her body. I thought that perhaps we could decide where things might lead us if we blindly followed.

Would you like to have dinner with me, Bee Taylor? I asked in my perfect-gentleman voice.

She grudgingly broke a smile. I’ll have dinner with you, Nicholas Reid, once you help me clean up here. She flew out as quickly as she flew in.

I walked over to see my glowing cousin who had had the debut of her life in this fashion show. She and her soon-to-be walked down the runway as though they were at a church getting married.

You’re out of the room. I said to Laney who haphazardly walked into me.

Of course I’m out of the room. What kind of question is that, Nicholas Reid? She had the biggest damn smile known to womankind.

Just saying. I laughed at the thought of all the hardship Donovan would face. If he thought it was difficult to win her over, wait until he saw how difficult it would be to live with this brainiac who argued better than any lawyer known to mankind. He was in for a big surprise! You and Donovan looked good out there.

Thank you, and I’m glad to see you here supporting Bee.

Bee? I thought I was here to support you, I kidded.

After a quick chat with the guy who would soon become more than Jake’s best friend, I moseyed over to Bee to see where I could help.

She was a drill sergeant ordering everyone around, trying to get her portion of the show wrapped up. After watching this strong woman command everyone around her for an hour, she was done.

Are you ready? I asked.

I am. She looked exhausted. Where are you staying?

Laney told me you wanted me to share a room with you. I couldn’t contain the grin.

And I thought you swore up and down we wouldn’t share anything anymore after our last ‘date.’

I acted like I had no idea what she was talking about. All I know is, I was told that if I crossed the English Channel, I’d get to watch my cousin in a fashion show and sleep with a pretty lady.

Do you think we could try this without hopping into bed? Bee was dead serious. Believe it or not, I’m not some slut who goes around sleeping with every guy she has dinner with. Why, you’re only the…

I’m only the what?

It doesn’t matter. She shook her head as though she was erasing a thought. Just know that I don’t sleep around.

Look, I explained, I’m a simple guy. I don’t do complicated. I’d like for us to get to know one another, but not fall so heedlessly in quicksand.

She appeared no happier with what I’d just said. What do you want from me, Nicholas? When we met two years ago, you freaked out as soon as you learned my last name and didn’t ever call me again. That didn’t feel too good. I felt cheap and used.

I’m sorry. And I really was sorry.

Then when we saw each other last Christmas, the exact same thing happened. You pulled your wham-bam-thank-you-mam, and left with a good-bye, but never a proper hello. Are we doing this or not?

Bee. You stump me. She looked at me as if I’d grown two heads. You’re successful, you’re goal-oriented, and you’re serious—in a good way. I don’t know if I can meet your standards.

Are you bullshitting me?

I am not! Why would I bullshit you about something this serious? I like you and would like to know you better. Can we work with that?

Without the sex?

Without the sex…if you insist. I chuckled.

"Let’s go back to your hotel, order room service and just talk."

Bee smiled in contentment.

Watching her smile made me float like a butterfly, stung by a Bee.

Unyielding Love – Nick & Bee’s Story Vol. 1

December 2, 2013 BEE: Nicholas Gerald Reid!

Shit, Bee. We said we wouldn’t do this again. With that good morning, this asshole flew out of my bed and nearly ran out the door when realization struck—he was buck-naked.

Last I checked, my clothes didn’t rip open on their own. Are you Reid men all that aggressive in bed? That was my good morning to Nicholas, who grinned. Damn. He was good looking when he grinned. I was so screwed. What the hell! I’d admit he was good looking any which way or form.

I haven’t asked the other Reid men what they do to woo their women.

Woo? You call ripping off my dress and doing me against the wall, wooing? Let me tell you, what you did ends in an ‘ing’, but begins with four very different letters.

Now he was laughing hard. Where the hell do you come from, Bee Taylor? I’ve never met anyone like you.

Which part makes me so irresistible to you, Nicholas? Charming as your cousin Laney, part? Opinionated but beautiful like your sister Jane, part? Or is it the perfect-all-around like Emily, part? Because I know it isn’t the tall and buxom part like your cousin, dark hair, sparkling blue-eye combo like your sister, or the flawless skin and never-gain-an-ounce-of-weight like your sister-in-law.

It’s the bust my balls but still make me drawn to you, part that makes you so charming. If I ever thought he was going to lie like a doormat, I had another thing coming.

Where are we going with this, Nicholas? Are we back to being friends with benefits when it’s convenient, are we trying for something steadier, or are you going to get the hell out of here for the fifth time and never see me again...till the next time?

Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?

He laughed.

I laughed.

We both fell back on the bed laughing.

In truth, I wouldn’t have minded having someone like Nick as a boyfriend. At almost thirty, I was no spring chicken, but I didn’t consider myself an old maid, either. I had a successful career, a great family, and cool friends who kept me busy. I didn’t need a man to fill my calendar, but a man did keep the bed warm. It was also nice to have someone to talk to about life. However, Nick believed he was going to die a bachelor. A part of me didn’t want to fight it, and the other part wanted to ask him to change. But if he didn’t see my worth, the hell with him.

Why don’t you go home? I asked as nonchalantly as possible. I didn’t want to admit to Nick or to myself that I was irritated.

Are you kicking me out?

Weren’t you the one who bolted out of here with his bare ass on display? I’m not stopping you from leaving if you’re so revolted by us sleeping together.

Bee... He gave me this tone whenever he had no answer to our unresolved situation.

I get it. You like doing me against the wall, but you don’t want to date me.

What’s going on today? You’re not acting like your usual carefree self. Why the sudden rant about relationships?

Rant? Did this asshole think I was ranting and begging him to be in a relationship with me? Just go home, Nicholas. I still have to finish Donovan and Laney’s wedding gifts.

Nick put his clothes back on, but didn’t take his eyes off me. I didn’t know what he thought he was accomplishing by staring at me while his very erect figure, hung.

Nicholas Gerald Reid—6’ 4", dark hair, blue eyes, just like his siblings, but taller, better built, and a rascal. If Jake was the quintessential good-looking, jet-black hair, shiny blue-eyed man who made women stop and take a second look, Nick was the younger, don’t-give-a-damn, just-wanna-enjoy-life, man. He charmed women with not only his good looks, but also with his carefree personality. Jake was the ideal Reid. Nick was the fun Reid. I liked this fun Reid, but wondered if we’d had enough fun for now, and if I should ask for a commitment.

Watching my nephew Donovan fall in love and court his fiancée, Delaney, there were too many times where I’d wished for that kind of adoration. Was I willing to give up the freedom of doing what I wanted to do without anyone getting on my case? This was always the dilemma for me—my freedom vs. the security of a relationship.

What are you being so spacey about? You’re zoning. Nick was done getting dressed but hadn’t left.

It’s nothing. There was not a chance in hell I was going to tell Nick about my insecurities. Make sure to close the door on your way out. I’m hopping in the shower. With that, I left him standing there and jumped in the cold shower to wake myself up from an unrealistic fantasy.

After that unwelcomed wake-up call, I got downstairs to my kitchen and was peeved, again. Nick had left. Was I an idiot? What made me think he’d stick around? My last words were for him to close the door on his way out. He hadn’t left a note, started my coffee, or in the least, shouted out a good-bye while I was showering. Hell! I needed to get Nicholas Reid off my mind.

What are you doing here at this hour? I answered a frantic ringing-of-the-door with very little enthusiasm.

What kind of welcome is that for your soon-to-be niece who brings you presents?

It was too early to face Laney, but thankfully she arrived after Nick left.

It’s the kind of welcome for someone who doesn’t call to let me know she’s coming. I was still irritated by my morning interaction with her damn cousin.

Um...you get up on the wrong side of the bed? Laney giggled. Nick didn’t do his job properly last night? Is he an under-performer?

What the hell makes you think Nicholas was here? Shit! That was said too emphatically to sound nonchalant.

Nicholas, huh? Is Nicholas Gerald what you yell out right at the point of climax? Donovan was rubbing off on her. She was being smug!

Impudent child! I admonished, but laughed with her. How was Switzerland?

"Don’t know, but