Son of a bitch. The interruption couldn’t have happened at a less opportune moment. Body still aching for fulfillment, he strode into the bathroom, washed his hands and splashed water on his flushed face. Fuck. Nothing short of another ten minutes with the sensual woman standing in the doorway would soothe his physical ache.
“Chloe doesn’t have the code?” She whispered, buttoning her blouse and hiding creamy flesh from his hungry view.
He fastened his own flannel shirt. “Not for this very reason.”
She cocked an eyebrow and he realized, too late, he’d given the wrong impression.
“Chloe used to hide up here and we never knew where she was. She needs limits.” And apparently, when it came to Alice, he did as well. Unable to resist, Niko palmed the back of her neck, pulling her in for one more kiss. Alice hesitated for a telling instant before her lips parted beneath his, her response was reserved, tempered. The ardent woman on the couch was fading fast. Disappointment rushed through his head and he released her mouth, stepping back to ground himself in reality.
“How do I look?” She stared over his shoulder, not meeting his eyes. Her face and neck were still flushed and he longed to reach out and stroke her skin.
Niko curled his hands into fists and inhaled. “Fine. Just be thankful Chloe’s a kid and doesn’t know any better. Your sister, however?”
“Geez, I’ll get rid of her,” Alice murmured through clenched teeth. She picked up her phone from the coffee table and sent out a text. He admired her quick thinking.
But even if they were caught, what was the harm? They were both consenting adults and after what happened, he’d consent to much more.
From the strain around her jaw, Alice was of a different mind.
Shit, she was having second thoughts. He ran his hand through his hair and moved slowly to the door, careful not to make a sound. Her reaction wasn’t surprising given her recent breakup with Richard but it sucked. It sucked so badly. Niko pressed his ear to the door and shoved his hands into his pockets, shoulders hunched. He considered himself an easygoing person but with his body still in a heightened state of need, he was finding it difficult to be patient with the situation as a whole.
“Oops, Chloe, looks like I have to run downstairs real quick. Will you be okay by yourself?” Brooke asked.
“I’m not by myself. Uncle Niko is here.”
And he would always be there. This entire show was because of Chloe, not him, or his lust for Alice. It was bigger than all of them and he couldn’t forget that. Mentally counting to ten, he opened the door.
Chloe skipped inside, her blue dress billowing at the action. “You look much snazzier than the last time I saw you. I’m glad to see you changed out of your PJs.” He kissed the top of her head covered in a blue beret. Since she’d started losing her hair, Hallie had been splurging for hats to make up for the loss. Anything to help her feel normal.
“What took you so long? It’s almost one. You said you had a surprise at one.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize it was so late.” Was it too late for him and Alice? She was getting over a breakup, but he didn’t want a commitment. From the way she’d unbuttoned her top and brought their kiss to a deeper level, she hadn’t wanted one either. Perhaps he was overthinking this and should trade his shift at the restaurant so he could take her on a real date. And if they picked up where they left off, then it was meant to happen. Or you’ll have to suffer through a perpetual hard-on. Not a pleasant thought. He snatched up the tub Alice had brought out from the back room. “It’s downstairs so hop to it kiddo.”
Chloe held out her hand to Alice. “Come on let’s go see.”
She linked her fingers with Chloe’s. Walking out the door, Alice turned her head as she passed and met his stare before her eyes fell to his mouth. Hope swelled at the hint of passion that lingered in the gesture. Damn, he might have a chance after all. He trailed after her, his stare locked on the sway of her curvy hips under the prim black skirt. He shifted his attention to the steps, needing to focus on something less stimulating.
Tonight, he’d either have a hot date with a hot woman or another cold shower.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Alice perched on one of the three benches placed around the set’s faux fireplace, her legs still shaky from her electric encounter with Niko. A large Christmas tree stood behind them, beautifully decorated with the garland and ornaments the kids had made for it. She adjusted the skirt over her knees. After their heated encounter, she’d never think of this outfit as the same modest, professional attire again.
It was a monumental mistake to give into her base desires. She hadn’t lied to Niko; it had been years since she’d experienced such an explosive orgasm. Not since Lance. She shivered at the realization. Temperament wise, Niko was as far from Lance as she could get.
Niko stepped out from behind the tree, a large box in his hands. Physically, he was far superior to Lance in every way from his broad shoulders, to his strong, chiseled jaw. Lance had a weak chin to match his weak character.
“Is that it? Is that her surprise?” Chloe asked.
“Yes. I couldn’t find puppies but I did find two possible options,” Niko said. He met Alice’s inquiring gaze. He grinned and that adorable dimple, the one she’d kissed, peeked out. If possible, her knees weakened more at his generosity.
Ronan joined him with another container, the joyful light in his eye softening the stern lines of his face. Since arriving in Seattle, her cameraman had been unusually upbeat. By the way he eyed Hallie, Alice understood why. What was it about the Stavo siblings that charmed everyone they met? Because they were warm-hearted, genuine people, something often missing in her world.
Niko reached into the box and a high-pitched mewing erupted. Grinning broadly, he pulled out a squirming kitten. “Now, we’re looking for the cute factor.”
If that’s what he was looking for, he didn’t have to go far.
“It’s sooooo cute.” Chloe clapped her hands, giggling as he placed it in her lap. She ran a slender finger over the orange tabby’s back. The kitten, however, wasn’t too thrilled with the current situation and started to growl and hiss. Tiny claws caught in the material of her skirt and pulled at the fabric.
