He finally looks into my eyes, his head slowly descending toward me. The anticipation is torture, but I’m willing to suffer because I know the reward will be worth it.
The sound indicating the ground floor dings, and he steps back right as the doors open to the busy lobby with people waiting. I right myself, realizing I was completely up against the wall.
After rushing into the parking garage behind him with flushed cheeks, he struts toward a black SUV.
“I’ll be at your place at five,” he tells me.
I nod as he gets into the vehicle. It doesn’t pull away until I’m safely in my faded red Nissan.
CHAPTER 17
KATE
“He’s comingto get me right now. Like, he’s literally on his way.”
I’m throwing things in my suitcase, praying I’ll be able to zip it up.
“Whoa, why are you so freaked out?” Mel asks, looking up at Nikolai with a question in her gaze.
“I’m not ready! He suddenly wants to fly out tonight, like it’s no big deal. I haven’t even shaved. I was going to clean Speckles’s tank. I thought about getting a car wash?—”
Mel starts to help me fit the random shoes and purses I don’t need on this trip into the worn bag.
“I can clean his tank. Here, look at me.” She grabs my shoulders, forcing me to be still. “Take a deep breath.”
She guides me through the inhale, and I close my eyes as I release it.
“Are you sure you aren’t just a little nervous to be with him all weekend?” she asks, rubbing her hands over my shoulders.
“I like him...so much,” I whimper. “And he doesn’t feel the same.”
“Oh, honey, I know you do. I’m sorry about my dumb idea with the lingerie thing. You could still get sick?”
I look down at my chipped fingernails, realizing belatedly that I should’ve gotten a manicure. I’m going to stand out like a sore thumb at this wedding.
Nikolai walks up beside me, giving me an awkward side hug. “You know, maybe you should really go to prove that you can do it. Think of it as a little vacation.”
Mel half-smiles at his attempt to cheer me up, and I’m glad she’s found a sweet guy.
“With the bikini I packed you, you’ll have no trouble finding a man to keep you company on that island.” She winks at me as a knock sounds on the door.
“Ugh, that’s probably him.” I run over to Speckles’s tank, picking him up to kiss his shell. “Please don’t forget to?—”
“I know, I know. I still have the book-length text about his care saved in my phone. He’ll be fine.”
I zip up the suitcase the rest of the way before opening the door to see my boss standing there in his navy suit and aviator sunglasses. It’s like looking at a live cover ofGQ.
“Hi...I’m ready. This is my roommate, Mel.” I almost tack on that she was there that night at the bar, catching myself just in time.
She stands up and extends her hand. “Hi. Nice to meet you. My boyfriend just went to the bathroom, or I’d introduce you.”
I look around to see that Nik has disappeared.
“Hey, do you have my laptop?” I ask her as Luke grabs my suitcase, trying to roll it even though one wheel broke off long ago.
“Oh, yes! Here it is.” She sticks it in the case for me along with the cord. I give her a brief hug, and she whispers in my ear, “You got this, babe. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
