“Oh, I didn’t say I was good. And if I’m going to make a fool of myself on the dance floor, you’re definitely coming with me.”
We laugh, and as he runs a hand through his dark hair again, I notice for the first time how big his hands are. I bite my lip, trying not to let my mind wander to all the places I want him to put those hands.
His laugh is deep and sexy, almost like a growl. Everything about him is sinful, and I feel like I’m riding on a high. Maybe the champagne is going to my head, but I don’t think so. Something about Nic is different from any other guy I’ve ever met. He’s so confident and at ease, both with himself and with me, and it’s a huge turn-on.
A server comes around and tells us it’s time to head in for dinner. After we’re seated at our table, the speeches begin, and everyone toasts with champagne to the bride and groom. I lock eyes with Christine and she gives me a huge smile, obviously pleased to see Nic and me together.
As the server sets down my meal, I suddenly feel ravenous. I was so nervous about seeing Jeremy tonight, and with my anxiety over this blind date, I couldn’t eat anything all day, and believe me, I never skip meals. I take a big bite of chicken and let out a groan, but when I realize Nic is watching me, I’m so embarrassed, I stop.
“I didn’t eat much today,” I say, feeling the need to apologize. Jeremy always used to comment on what I ate, and it made me self-conscious about eating in front of guys.
“You should never apologize for that,” Nic says earnestly, and I’m totally spellbound by how understanding and sweet he is. Then he grins. “Besides, I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
“I’m sure you do,” I say, smirking at him.
Nic tilts his head as he studies me, then chuckles. “You’re something else, you know that?”
“But, seriously, I don’t normally eat like I’ve been starved for two days,” I say, hoping to get back to a topic with less sexual subtext. “I’ve just been a little anxious today. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this night. No offense,” I add quickly.
“None taken,” he says. “So, what exactly did this guy do to fuck up your relationship?”
I look down at the table as memories of our breakup come rushing back.
“He broke up with me, actually,” I say, then take a large gulp of champagne.
If I’m going to tell the sexiest man I’ve ever met about how I was dumped and replaced by another woman, I need a little liquid courage. Well, if I’m honest, I need a lot of liquid courage to admit that I was dumped.
“It was pretty much out of nowhere. And then a few days later, I see that he’s got a new girlfriend.” I gesture across the room to where Jeremy is sitting with her.
I’ve been trying not to look at them all night, but I can’t help but stare for a few seconds as he whispers something in her ear, making her laugh.
“You’re way more beautiful than she is, you know,” Nic says, catching me off guard.
My face warms, partly from embarrassment that he saw me staring at them, and partly because I’ve never had a guy as drop-dead gorgeous as him even look at me, never mind tell me I’m beautiful. Especially after watching me shovel my dinner in my mouth like a ravenous buzzard.
“Thanks,” I say, smiling. “Even though I think you’re a liar.”
“Seriously, you have no idea what a catch you are.”
When Nic covers my hand with his, my heart thumps hard as his brown eyes look warmly into mine. I’m speechless, and luckily the moment is interrupted by Christine coming over to say hello. I tear my gaze away from Nic to smile at her.
“You look amazing,” I say, jumping up to give her a hug.
“Christine, congratulations again,” Nic says.
I don’t know if that moment affected him as much as it did me, but he seems completely calm, so it must be my imagination.
“Thanks for coming, Nic. It’s good to see you again.” She smiles at him before looking back at me. I can tell she’s dying to hear about how we’re getting along.
“I’m going to use the restroom,” I say, giving Christine a meaningful look.
“I’ll come too,” she says quickly.
“Nic, do you think you’ll be okay for a few minutes?” I ask, grabbing my purse.
“Take your time.” He gives me a knowing smile, so I’m pretty sure he knows exactly what we’re about to go do.
As soon as the door to the restroom closes, Christine turns to me. “So, how’s it going with Nic?”
“He’s amazing, Chris.” I gush over him as I check my makeup in the mirror. “Seriously, you didn’t tell me how hot he is. And he’s so sweet. Why have you kept him from me for so long?”
She laughs. “You were with Jeremy. And Nic just recently moved here to Chicago.”
“Speaking of Jeremy,” I say, then fill her in on the run-in with him, and how Nic just told me Jeremy’s new girlfriend doesn’t hold a candle to me.
“He’s right. You are more beautiful than her,” Christine says. “I know Jeremy is your brother’s good friend, but he’s an asshole and you deserve better. You have to know that, because it’s the truth.”
I smile at her, then give her another hug. She’s always had a talent for seeing the best in me, and knows exactly how to cheer me up in a tough situation.
“I’m so glad you’re having fun.” Christine smiles, pulling me in tighter. “I just want you to have a good time and not worry about Jeremy and his date.”
I’ve been trying not to let her know how much I was dreading the weekend, not wanting to ruin her special day, but of course she saw right through me.
“Trust me, I’m barely even thinking about Jeremy,” I tell her, and I mean it.
I’ve only known Nic for an hour, but it feels like much longer. How is it possible that a guy this sexy, smart, funny, and sweet even exists? And that he isn’t already attached to another woman? It seems almost too good to be true.
“I just want you to remember that you’re amazing and deserve the best,” Christine says, checking her makeup.
“You’re gonna make me cry.” I slap her playfully on the shoulder. “Now, let’s get back out there before they send a search party for us.”
As we leave the restroom, my gaze is immediately drawn to Nic. I’m blown away again by how gorgeous he is. How is it that each time I look at him, he gets more attractive?
He looks my way and our eyes meet, sending me into a full swoon. Everything else fades away as I walk toward him, and all the past drama with Jeremy seems like it happened to someone else.
If someone told me a week ago that I’d actually be looking forward to this wedding, I’d have thought they were crazy. But something about Nic sets off butterflies in my stomach like I’m in the seventh grade all over again.
I’ve always been a goody-two-shoes, always doing exactly what’s expected of me. I pay my bills on time. I obey traffic laws, even if there’s no one else around. And I always eat my vegetables, even when I don’t want to.
But as I return to Nic, I decide that I’m tired of being a goody-goody. I want to do something reckless for once.