Just then, Claire emerged from the kitchen with a friend.They both carried bowls filled with potato chips.Nick recognized the tall, dark-haired woman from photos around the sanctuary.She must be her buddy Adele, the vet.Although he hadn’t met her personally, he’d heard lots of good things about her.
Claire spotted Nick, and a huge smile lit up her face.
Lacey noticed.She elbowed Nick.“I know everyone here wants a piece of you tonight, but you should go talk to her.”
“What about making the new show my number-one priority?”
“I’m not saying you should run away with Claire.I’m saying you’re allowed to have some fun.”
“Fun, huh?”
“Yeah.You’re Nick Zorn.You remember fun, don’t you?You have a million friends who adore you.Your fans can’t get enough of you.And you’ve always been a hit with women.Hell, I’ve seen you pick up women at garden shows, for God’s sake.You’ve always been ready with a laugh or a bit of flirting.It’s what people love about you.You’re the King of fucking Funtown.So, go enjoy yourself.You deserve it.”
Lacey was right.Hewasfun, but he’d let a stupid, two-minute video change his life and his outlook.He’d been spending his time hiding in dark corners, instead of walking proudly into rooms.He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d called up one of his buddies for a beer.
It was time to start enjoying himself, before his work became too demanding.
And if that meant he could flirt a little, maybe even with Claire, even better.
With that in mind, he made his way over to her.
Claire set her chip bowls down on one of the living room tables, glad to see the crew members tucking in.She’d been so worried about having enough food, but in reality, all she’d had to do was throw in a few nibbles.Lacey had arranged for the Inspiration Network to cough up the funds for catering, and had taken the burden from Claire’s shoulders.
Not that hosting a party for Nick was any sort of burden.She was glad to do it.
Adele spoke in a hushed voice.“Wow.I can’t believe the Zorn brothers are actually standing in your living room.”She gave Nick a quick once-over.“I’m glad to see the camera has not exaggerated anything.That man is hot.”
Claire’s cheeks heated.“They’re all hot.”
“Yeah, but Michael and Eli are married, so our concern is with Nick right now.”
“Nick’s not a concern.”
“Really?From our conversation last night, I think he might be a going concern.”
“Adele.”
“Okay, okay.He’s coming over.”
As if Claire didn’t already know.The heat had gone up in her corner of the room.She smoothed down her blouse so that it skimmed over her pants.They were her nicest pair of skinny jeans, the ones that accentuated her hips.Thank goodness she was wearing a sleeveless top.If she’d worn sleeves, the room would have been stifling.
Was anyone hot?No one else looked hot.
Dammit.Mia was right.Her body temperature had always given her thoughts away.Could Nick read them just as easily?
As he walked over, his gaze dipped to take in her top and jeans.
God, why had she worn this outfit?
Because, in your warped way, you kind of thought this might be some version of a date.
Just a weird one, with a huge group of people along for the ride.
“Nick, hi.You made it.”She would pretend she hadn’t heard the squeak of eagerness in her voice.
“Hi.”They did a weird sort of dance, as they tried to figure out whether to shake hands or kiss on the cheek.Nick finally leaned in and patted her back, in the stiffest hug she’d ever received.“Thanks so much for doing this, Claire.”
“I didn’t have to do too much, thanks to Lacey.There’s a ton of food in the kitchen.Help yourself whenever you’re ready.”
