A quick laugh flew out of him. “How could you tell?”
I shrugged. “You give off little brother vibes.”
“Hopefully not to you.” He winked.
I bit my lip.
“Oh nooo.” He clutched his chest and made a show of feeling distressed.
“Oh, come on. You knew this wasn’t a date,” I pushed, laughing at his theatrics. “I’m too old for you anyway.”
“No way, age is just a number.” He sat back and studied me for a beat. “But I had a feeling.” He gave an over-the-top sigh and shook his head. “You're JP’s girl, aren’t ya? When the tenth text came in, I kinda figured.”
I let out an amused huff and fiddled with my straw wrapper on the table. “I don't know about that. He’s just kind of…”
“An asshole?” he deadpanned.
“No.” I laughed. “He’s nice. He’s actually one of the best guys I know.” I smiled thinking about him. I nodded to his phone. “We’re just friends. He’s just worried about me because I’m pregnant with our baby.”
His eyes darted around my face, trying to read me. “You really believe that?”
I shrunk back a little and felt my face blush. “I’m not actually sure.” JP was a protector through and through, but would he be this protective of me if I wasn’t pregnant with our baby?Probably not, a voice in the back of my head whispered.It’s not like he even checked in on me after leaving the cruise back in July.
“For what it’s worth,Idon’t believe that for a second,” Niko announced, making my cheeks heat up even more. “Well,” he blew out an exaggerated sigh, “since you’re not into me, maybe you could help me out and give me some dating pointers?”
A laugh flew out of me. “Sure.”
“This does kinda suck for me though. You’re exactly the kind of girl my oldest sister said to go for. I think the two of you would be besties.”
“Me and your sister?” I asked curiously.
“Oh yeah.” He took a long sip of his pop. “I can sense it. She’s a mom, too.”
“Oh.” My hand automatically went to my stomach.
He studied me carefully. “She left a bad situation, and now she and her baby are the happiest family around.”
“She’s doing it on her own?” I asked slowly.
“Yupp, and they’re good.” His face brightened as he talked about his nephew learning to walk and trying new foods. He laid his hand on top of mine, making me flinch slightly. His eyes danced over my face, like he was trying to piece things together. “You have nothing to worry about, Ali.”
“I’m not worried.” The lie automatically flew out of my mouth.
“Good.” He gave me a genuine smile and patted my hand. “Andeven if things don’t work out with McDick, who cares.” He stretched back, giving me a grin. “There are more guys out here who’d love to be with you. Me included.”
I rolled my eyes, but gave him a look of thanks.
“And you’ve got my number, make sure you use it. You can always call me for help, okay? Even if it’s just to move heavy furniture or have some company,” he said as he signed the check. “I’d hope someone would be there for my sisters like that too, ya know?”
“Thank you.” His words and actions surprised me. He seemed much more mature and perceptive than I would’ve originally guessed. “Do you think I could meet her? Your sister?” I shook my head. “Sorry, that’s probably weird.”
“Not weird at all,” he said with a grin. “She’s coming to some games this season, I'll make sure it happens, Ali.”
___________
After walking out of the restaurant, Niko moved me to the inside of the sidewalk and guided me with a protective hand on my lower back.
“You’re very good at this date thing,” I told him, my teeth chattering from the cold despite my wrap coat. “You don’t even need pointers.”
