I would have never known, yet so many things fell into place now that I did. His awkwardness at times, the inability to follow obvious social cues, and his need to see tasks through to completion.
It was kind of him to offer his forgiveness, but it still bothered me how badly I reacted to what happened in college. I mentioned it vaguely to my mother when we spoke recently,and she reminded me that if Niko had forgiven me, I needed to forgive myself. I was trying.
His words about not treating him differently hit home as well. There was nothing in me that made me want to pity him. The man was a brilliant scientist and a kind human being. Just because his mind took its own path in responding to the world around him didn’t mean he was less than.
It was evident that Niko wanted me to treat him with dignity and respect. I couldn’t imagine any other way.
Pushing my hair from my face, I groaned when I remembered I’d invited him to game night. It was more evidence of my descent into madness, but my friends would not take no for an answer after I blurted out about the dating coach situation.
But it would be just as I told him, a way to ease into the dating lessons. Since he hadn’t mentioned it until that conversation, I had to. It was driving me crazy, just floating out there in the cosmos. It was clear I had to make the first move.
Telling him to bring Mike would at least make it seem less like a couple’s thing. It was a stroke of genius on my part. But even so, there was one little area I needed help with: my growing attraction to Niko.
The incident at the leadership meeting was a case in point. But to my credit, I mean, come on, the man was wearingchinos. Chinos and a shirt, the two top buttons undone, and no tie. Not a suit. Business casual. And let me tell you, he nailed it.
I snorted at the memory of saying those same words when I tripped and nearly ended up in his lap.
Luke made fun of me mercilessly for ten minutes when we left that meeting. I was mortified at almost falling over justlookingat Niko in casual wear.
How was I going to pretend to date him when I couldn’t even walk by without tripping over something?
I didn’t know if he caught some of my body language when we were together, and I prayed he didn’t. All the breathless reactions, loud swallowing, and blushing. So embarrassing.
Realizing that I was now tapping my pen on my desk with the same vigor as a drummer in a rock band, I set it down and pulled my laptop closer. Thankfully, Jaz's constant reminders about my schedule kept me busy for the next few hours.
“Jaz, see if Naomi in marketing is free, please. I want to go over something with her before my next call,” I said as I opened my office door. She saluted me, followed by a wink.
“She’s free and waiting for you,” she answered after a quick phone call.
“Great, thanks. I’ll grab my water and head up.”
When I passed her desk, she was standing, her hands on her hips, tapping her high heel. “What’s going on with you?” I asked, checking my phone for an email I was waiting for.
One perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose when I looked up. “I should be askingyouthat, girl boss,” she said. Oh, boy.
Knowing she had intel on everyone abouteverything, I mentally reviewed any incriminating things I’d done lately. It could be one of many recently. She was impatient and leaned closer.
“Having trouble staying upright today?”
I deflated like a balloon the day after a party. I should’ve known there was no way my humiliation wouldn’t get back to her. One of her minions must’ve ratted me out. Bet it was Sarina from accounting. Ever since Jaz played matchmaker for her and Joseph, the woman would do anything for Jaz. But I wouldn’t fold so easily.
“No idea what you’re talking about. Gotta go. Naomi’s waiting.” Trying to walk past her, she slid in front of me, her eyes laughing. I tried to slide the other way but was thwarted again.
“We look like we’re doing the Cuban Shuffle,” I said. “Move.”
She snorted. “It’s the Cupid Shuffle, doofus. And she can wait a minute. Want to tell me what’s going on with you and the Turkish delight?” Geez, she was giddy with power and knowledge.
I scrunched up my face at her description while filing it away for my own personal use later on. “Have you gotten into the special brownies again?”
Her whole demeanor changed to revulsion, her eyes twitching, mouth in a sneer. I knew that would knock her down a peg.
She sneered at me. “Nevergoing to forget that happened, are you? I told you I’d never trust my cousin Tony again. And no, I haven’t, but it sounds likeyoumight have. Falling over Niko in the conference room.”
“I didn’tfallover him,” I hissed. “I tripped, that’s all.” I stepped around her, ready to break free. I was still musing about the Cuban Shuffle thing. I’d have to look that up.
“Mmmhm. Whatever you say. But you might want to know, he has a girlfriend.”
Stopping in my tracks, I whirled around. “No, he doesn’t.”
