Then all of the girls touched it to test if it poked at their fingertips.
Nick leaned in and chuckled in her ear. "Did you have any idea that you'd end up giving them a whole sensory experience?"
She shook her head. "Not in my wildest dreams."
Katie looked up over the handle of the basket and grinned. "Dad, are you okay if I go with the other girls to party?"
Eun's mother waved at them. "I've got room for the girls at the house to sleep."
"If you can handle all of the energy. I'll pick up Katie in the morning and if others need a ride, I can help."
Eun's mom waved off his offer. "Eun's brothers can take the girls back. They're all home from college so they can help."
Nick placed a kiss on the top of Katie's head. "You have fun, Katydid."
Katie looked at her and Ruth felt her heart running over with love for Nick's daughter. "Enjoy your night, Katie. I'll see you all tomorrow for the Sugarplum Tea."
The girls cheered and Ruth felt Nick take her hand and lead her toward the parking lot.
The night air was cool, but she wasn't in any danger of catching a cold. It was just the right temperature for her.
She shivered a little when she caught Nick's distinctive scent in her nose.
"You cold, honey?"
Their steps slowed to a stop as they waited for a car to cross in front of them.
She looked up at Nick and the soft halo of the parking lot light behind him made him look like he was lit from behind by a pool of melted sugar. Yes, she loved sugar and all of the sweet melty goodness.
But she loved him more.
She shook her head. "I'm not cold at all."
The aisle in front of them emptied and Nick started across the lane toward his car.
"Then," he whispered to her as he held her door open, "let's get home so I can have some time alone with you."
NICK
He had a plan.
A plan that went flying out the window as soon as he stepped inside her house.
All it took was one look up at him, her eyes shining with some unspoken emotion.
He was left unable to resist saying what was in his heart.
He took her by the shoulders and walked her back until she was pressed between his body and the wall.
"Ruth," his voice was roughened and deeper than normal, "I love you."
RUTH
She felt like she was floating, which was an odd feeling for a woman with her share of curves.
Her instinct was to stay right there, but she was trying to reach out more.
Trying to reach out for what she wanted.
