Nico moved to stand behind her. He leaned down and kept his voice low. “Would you tell me if you weren’t?”
Her hands paused. Her chin tilted toward him. Her voice was whisper soft. “I don’t trust myself with the two of you.”
He stepped to the side, wanting to look her in the eyes. He didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”
Her eyebrows lifted slowly, and she gave him that look that saidI’m giving you a few seconds to let it sink in.
“You don’t trust yourself with—oh.”
Her smile was back, and this time, it made her eyes glitter. Yep, that was his dick twitching behind his zipper. Since he could also tell she wasn’t thrilled with that admission, it probably wasn’t the correct response.
“I won’t let you do anything you’ll regret in the mornin’.”
A boisterous laugh bubbled out of her. “Regret? I wouldn’t regret it. I just don’t want to do that to myself again.”
Nico understood. When it came to Stone, he didn’t trust himself either. Because of the intensity ofthat night, Nico had convinced himself he had been dangerously close to being in love with Stone back then. It was the only rational explanation for the emotional upheaval that had followed the man’s departure. For years, Nico had thought about him, about what might’ve been if he’d stayed. It was complete fiction, but it had become real in his mind.
“Let’s just see where it goes,” Stevie said as she went back to handwashing dishes. “But … if it does…” She looked back at him again. “Would you run out of the house screamin’?”
He didn’t even have to think about it. “No.”
Nico still thought about that night. For the longest time, he’d tried to analyze it to death. To figure out why that particular formula—Stone plus Stevie—had done it for him in ways nothing else ever had. He could never figure it out since he only had one night to draw from. But that didn’t stop him from trying. A repeat would probably bring as much clarity as confusion, though. Still, he wouldn’t pass it up.
Stevie huffed. “Who’s to say Stone would even be interested?”
Everyone,Nico thought. Everyone who knew the man would say that Stone was interested.
Nico had seen the way the guy was looking at Stevie. There was the same worship flickering in his gaze now as he’d seen back then. Fifteen years might’ve passed, but it was safe to say that Stone Jameson was still in love with the girl. That much hadn’t changed. However, Nico’s feelings for Stevie certainly had. He pretended they were friends, but Nico loved her. And there was no questioning it. What he felt was definitely love because it choked him up when he least expected it.
But he knew Stevie. You didn’t rush her into things. You took it slow and let her come up with the idea herself. Otherwise, she would need time to think about it. And Stevie Shepherd could think things to death if you let her.
The back door opened.
“Good job, Jäger,” Stone praised as they came inside. “You got a treat for him?”
“In the jar over there,” Stevie said, pointing toward the cabinet near the door.
Stone opened the glass jar with “Treats” etched into the side and pulled out one of the small training treats Stevie was using to work with the puppy.
“Good job,” Stone repeated and gave the dog his treat.
Nico finished pouring the drinks. He wasn’t quite as generous with the vodka as Stevie would’ve preferred. She would thank him for that in the morning.
When he went to hand Stone one of the drinks, Stone didn’t reach for it. “I was thinkin’ I should go.” He looked toward the back door. “The sleet’s let up some. I’ve got four-wheel drive, so I’m sure I can get home.”
Stevie turned off the water and grabbed a towel, turning to face him. “Stay. Please.”
Stone stared at her for the longest time. Long enough Nico was certain they were having a silent conversation, speaking only with their eyes. To Nico’s surprise, Stone looked at him, seeking his response.
Nico attempted to pass him the drink again, nodding. “Stay. I think a conversation is long overdue.”
Stone’s gaze snapped between them once more. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Stevie came around the island. “Why?”
Stone swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing slowly in his throat as he peered at her. “Because I don’t trust myself around the two of you.”
Nico snorted a laugh.
