Niko hefted two heavy cases of baby formula and carried them down the stairs. He brushed past Alice and caught the tantalizing scent of vanilla from her shampoo before he slid the cases on a higher shelf.
“What I did to him was rather shitty. I don’t blame him for being angry. I deserved it. Nor do I blame you for being angry with me. I deserved that too. Only, I don’t care what Lance thinks about me. I stopped caring a long time ago. I—” she cleared her throat and spoke in a broken whisper, her hand settling on his arm. “I do care what you think. I care deeply.”
So do I. He stared into her entreating eyes and braced himself. Niko had to have all the facts before he could even think to bend. He’d never been in love with a woman the way he loved her but he had to be certain she cared for him as a man, not as Chloe’s uncle. “And what about you? What are your expectations?”
She slid her hand down his arm, fitting her palm to his. He forced his fingers to relax and not react, although he itched to link them through hers and never let go.
“I have no expectations. Hallie said Chloe wants me in her life and I’d like to honor her request. I’m not her mother, Hallie is. I accept that and I’d never try to take her. As I told your sister, I gave up that right a long time ago.”
Chloe and Alice. Mother and daughter. No, birth mother and child. Hallie was Chloe’s mother and nobody could take her place. “I’m glad you feel that way. Because I’d fight you tooth and nail if you tried.”
“I’m just grateful to be in her life. To be in your life.” Tears welled in her eyes and she cast him a trembling smile. “I know it’s asking a lot for you to forgive me, but I’d like to try building our friendship all over again, this time based on honesty and truth.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” he said, unable to resist rubbing his knuckle along her soft cheek.
“It’s too soon. I understand.” She bit her bottom lip and tried to drop his hand, regret lingering in her gaze.
He laced his fingers through hers and shook his head. “No, I don’t think you do. Twice you’ve given Chloe the chance for life, and for that, I can’t thank you enough.”
The tears dripped from her lashes and she bit back a sob.
“I love you Alice, and I want to be more than your friend but we have a lot of work to do. We jumped into this head first without a safety net and we crashed big time. Perhaps we should start slow, maybe go out on a real date?”
“I’d like that. Very much. I love you too.” Tears fell down her cheeks and she wiped them back. “Crap, I’m crying again.”
Niko pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her waist. She melted into his body as his lips found hers, the warmth of her kiss overcoming his resistance. He was still upset over the entire situation but as he held her in his arms, he had faith he’d be able to forgive her once he forgave himself. As much as he wanted to lay the blame at her feet, he was equally culpable. He should’ve kept her from leaving on Christmas Day and listened to her side of the story. It was a knee-jerk reaction, one he wanted to take back, but couldn’t. The only thing left was to move forward.
With Alice by his side.
