“There’s nothing stupid about wanting to kiss a hot guy. He’s gorgeous Alice and you’re single. Why not have a fling? You’re both adults and there’s nothing stopping you.”
“It’s not that easy and you know it. What if he finds out who I am?” And she was back to the beginning of an endless loop.
“He won’t find out who you are unless the State of Washington changes their adoption laws and as far as I can tell, there’s no legislation pending to do so. Chloe might have a chance when she’s eighteen but that’s in eight years. Even if you told them who you were, it won’t help Chloe. You’re not a sibling and neither you, nor Lance has children. The way you can help her is the way you already have. You’re donating stem cells and blood. Don’t forget, even if you wanted to spin that angle and leave out the adoption, you’re saving her life. Niko might be upset at feeling deceived but in the end, he’ll thank you for saving his niece’s life.”
“I hope you’re right but most of all, I hope I don’t have to confess a word.” Perhaps she was overthinking this entire mess. It was too far-fetched even for her to comprehend, let alone a complete stranger.
“As for Niko, if you like him let it play out. See where it goes. Millions of people have casual affairs. Don’t overthink it.”
She wanted to take Grace’s advice. While she still lusted after Niko with his hard body and fiery eyes, it wasn’t purely physical. She liked his spirit and his kindness. If Chloe was her daughter, she couldn’t ask for a better uncle for the girl to have.
Alice pushed the outer door open. Misty air touched her cheeks as she and Grace moved down the paved sidewalk outside the condo. “It’s been a while since we’ve talked. Do you want to have dinner tonight?”
“I have a work event tonight, but I happen to know Niko is working the bar at Vicenzo’s. You should have dinner there. The place closes at ten p.m. Let your hair down and live a little. If Niko is going to end up hating you, you might as well give him one more reason to do so,” Grace said.
“Grace, that’s horrible.” Alice was grateful for the heat of the run to cover her flush. Tempting as it sounded, there were two sides to every story. And she wasn’t sure if her own heart would ever recover.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“You make the best dirty martinis, Niko.”
“Thanks, I try.” Niko pushed the cocktail to the woman on the other side of the bar. She was a pretty brunette with nice tits spilling above her black top. She’d been coming into Vicenzo’s for weeks and hadn’t been shy about letting him know she was interested. The complete opposite of Alice.
“How’s your night going?” His job required he talk to his customers and he didn’t mind, especially with the ones who tipped well.
“I’ll let you know in a minute.” She removed the toothpick from her martini and flashed him a flirtatious grin as she sipped at the drink. Licking her lips, she placed the glass back on the bar. “Much better. I have a company Christmas party tonight and there’s no bar. Dumbest idea ever.”
“Sounds like it.” He propped himself against the bar, elbow resting on the wooden surface.
“And I don’t have a date.” She leaned in, the action enhancing the swell of her breasts, sultry eyes flashing a definite invitation. “Or a boyfriend. Do you want to do something when you get off?”
“I’m sorry, I have to work late and have an early morning.” Or you could take her up on her offer. And what, blow off his business? The minute he got off work, he had to make two hundred chocolate covered bacon rolls for a banquet.
“I was in the other night and a little birdie told me you’re on 3Square,” she said.
Her admission came as no surprise. The employees at the restaurant liked to gossip about things that they had no business talking about. In their defense, they were excited for him. If it had been anyone else, he’d be happy for his fellow coworker. Of course, they weren’t exploiting their sick niece. “Yes.”
“I’ve never seen a live show before,” she said.
“It’s a closed set.” Alice slipped into the chair next to the brunette. “Hi, I’m Alice, I’m the producer of the show.”
An unexplained eagerness lightened Niko’s mood. She was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater, the clingy material hugging her in all the right places. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, enhancing the striking hue of her eyes. Beautiful eyes on a beautiful woman.
“Really? Wow, I love your show,” the brunette said, looking from Niko to Alice.
“Thank you, it’s always nice to meet a fan.” While her voice was friendly enough, there was brittleness in her smile.
“Can I get you a drink?” Niko asked Alice.
“I’d like a glass of white wine, something dry. And a menu. I haven’t eaten dinner. Do you have time to talk in between customers? I have a couple of follow-up questions I need to ask.”
“Sure.” Niko poured a glass of wine and sat it before her. He examined the curve of her jaw, a slight tick showing near her ear. Interesting. “Here’s a menu but I can guarantee that there’s nothing low-cal on it.”
“I’m sure I can find something. Please, don’t mind me. Finish your conversation.” She lifted the menu and studied it.
“Do you need another drink before the dumbest Christmas party ever?” he asked his customer, keeping an eye on Alice’s profile. If he hadn’t seen her eyes flicker to him, he’d think she was engrossed in her menu.
“No, I’d better not.” The brunette retrieved a twenty and a business card from her purse and laid them on the bar. “Keep the change, and call me if you want to hang out.”
