The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 45

Lauren laughed and patted her back, "Now that I think about it, I wish I'd come up with the idea of such a gift myself."

Jessica blushed, feeling like a mercenary, "I don't need any gifts." She told her. "That's why I never asked."

Jessica changed her mind and thought that it was better to return the bike. She didn't want Nick or anyone else to think that they could buy her affection.

Christian understood her hesitation and groaned. "If you don't take it, then we will have to give ours back too. If not for yourself then do it for me." He looked accusingly at her. "It took me weeks to learn how to ride and just because I heal fast doesn't mean I hurt less."

"Why would you have to return yours, I'll just use my own." She pointed at her ten year old bike. She loved that bike but compared to the z1000, she shook her head morosely; all the chips and dents were glaringly obvious.

"Nick's girl riding that piece of-"

"Hey!"

"-while her bodyguards are riding in style." Christian scoffed, "Might as well go get the car, Axel. And call Nick and tell him she said no. All that pain for nothing." He muttered and went to run a hand over his intended bike and shook his head, sadly. "It was nice knowing you."

Jessica raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest. "Laying it on a little thick aren't you?"

He smiled wickedly. "Is it working?"

She rolled her eyes. "Maybe."

"Say yes."

"Yes."

"She said yes!" He pumped his fist in the air. "Everybody conga!" He grabbed Jessica by the waist and started to do just that.

Jessica laughed and swatted at his hands. "Stop it!"

"I'm going to my room; staring at a wall is more entertaining than watching someone act like an idiot." Danielle snapped.

"It won't take them long to shed the fear," his bodyguard tried to assure him. "As soon as they spend time with you they will see that you are nothing like him."

"Am I that transparent?"

"You are to those who know you, and we've all been busy praising your good character. Five minutes around you and they will see that we were right...either that or run back into hiding?" He added jokingly.

Nick chuckled and shook his head, "Thanks, and I hope you didn't embellish my good virtues too much."

He cringed, "Actually, you volunteer at the soup kitchen on Wednesdays, read to the kids at the library on Thursdays, Friday nights you volunteer as the designated driver at some of the local bars, coach kids sports on Saturdays, go to church on Sunday and Monday you spend it at the hospital."

Nick's eyes grew wide and smiled, "you forgot Tuesday."

"Oh no, that's your resting day." He was informed, tongue in cheek. "But you can't sit still so you usually bake cookies to take to the soup kitchen the next day."

"Have I killed anyone with those cookies yet?"