He shook his head. “After I’m finished with my lemon water, I was going to return to my hotel room.” His smile widened. “In fact, why don’t you join me?”
Fear leaped inside her as a lump lodged in her throat, making it impossible to swallow. Although her heart beat wildly, his offer was what she’d hoped for. Could she really go through with this? Yet, she didn’t want to back down now.
“You can’t be serious.” She chuckled. “We just met and already you’re inviting me to your hotel room?” Her voice shook even as she tried to remain strong.
One broad shoulder lifted in a shrug. “It’s not a proposition, Nicole. I just think you’d be more comfortable sitting on something soft while we ice your foot and bring down the swelling.”
“I... I...” She swallowed hard, trying not to feel embarrassed again. “Well, you see —”
The waitress returned with a bag of ice and handed it to Mick. “Is there anything else you’d like?” Her voice dripped with honey.
Nicole resisted the unlady-like snort she wanted to release. Instead, she bit her bottom lip to keep from making a rude comment toward the obviously infatuated girl.
“What do you say?” he asked Nicole. “Can I buy you a drink?”
Why in the world would she want a drink right now, especially with all the adrenaline currently pumping through her body? Was he purposely trying to get her drunk? He probably figured that liquor would loosen her up, so she could act like all the sleazy women he’d dated. However, she wasn’t a drinker.
“Actually, I’d love a soda. Do you have Sprite?”
The waitress nodded.
“That’s what I’ll have, then.” Nicole met Mick’s gaze again. “No alcohol for me tonight. After all, I’m driving home.”
He glanced back at the waitress and nodded. “One Sprite for the lady.”
“Would you like another drink?” the waitress asked in a husky tone as she batted her fake lashes again.
“No. I’m still working on this one.” He pointed to his half-empty glass of water.
Nicole sat forward and touched his arm. “Oh, please have a drink with me. I hate to drink alone.”
The longer he stared, the more his smile relaxed. His eyes darkened, making her heart hammer quicker.
He looked back at the waitress. “Get me a Colorado Bulldog, then.”
Nicole sucked in a quick breath. Why had he ordered that? Did he know that was her grandfather’s favorite drink? Nah, Mick couldn’t possibly know.
Just like earlier, confusion crossed the waitress’s already dopey features. Her brown, penciled-on eyebrows drew together. “What’s that?”
Nicole didn’t hesitate to roll her eyes this time. How did this girl get a job in a place that served alcohol if she didn’t know anything about mixing drinks?
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Nicole mumbled. “It’s Kahlua, milk, vodka, and a splash of Coke.”
Mick’s wide eyes met Nicole’s as his grin widened. “Very good.”
The waitress scribbled the ingredients down and nodded. “Got it. I’ll be back.”
He shifted the bag of ice in his hands and placed it gently on to Nicole’s bruised foot. Pain shot through her, making her hold her breath. The bruise hurt worse than she’d expected, and the ice shocked her already overheated body. As his large hands cradled her foot and calf, the coldness disappeared and warmth spread through her. Why did she have to react this way from his touch?
“You surprise me, Nicole.”
She peered into his dark eyes, wishing she could see their true color. The tabloid magazines said they were gray, but the dim lighting didn’t allow her to see. “Why do I surprise you?”
“Because you know how to make a Colorado Bulldog.”
She shrugged. “It’s my grandfather’s favorite drink.” Just as the words flew from her mouth, she quickly snapped her lips together. She couldn’t say anything that would connect her to James Adkins. In fact, she needed to get Mick talking about his business and the real reason he was here.
“It’s not a popular drink.” He withdrew one hand from her leg and rested it on the table. “I don’t order it very often, but I thought tonight called for an out-of-the-ordinary creation.”
