Page 11 of Nikoli

I freeze. "What?"

"I hope you don't mind if I join you." Nikoli gives me a sheepish smile as he sits down next to me. "Grandma here thought it would be fun."

My eyes flicker to Martha, who I notice is wearing a pleased expression as she tucks into her tub of ice cream. I feel Nikoli waiting for me to say something, so I turn to him and notice a frown.

He whispers, "I can go."

"No!" My eyes widen as I grab his thigh to hold him in place. "Stay. Please. You took me my surprise, is all."

His eyes light up with pleasure as he removes my hand from his thigh and wraps his own larger hand around mine. As my eyes move to our joined hands, he leans in and whispers, "Having your hand so close to my favorite body part would become embarrassing."

My cheeks immediately start to burn. "You're a big flirt, Nikoli."

He winks and takes a large scoop of ice cream from my tub. "Only when there's something I want."

"Willow and I," Martha begins, "ate popcorn and watched you on TV."

It's almost a relief to have his attention taken away from me. He makes my body hot and aching. Even holding his hand gives me butterflies. What is it about this man? Ever since I left home, I've avoided all kinds of attachments. Now I'm attached to Martha Southern and want to do naughty things with her grandson.

As if he knows I'm thinking about him, he squeezes my hand before releasing it, then intertwines our fingers for a more intimate grip. He clears his throat. "So, what else do you ladies have planned?"

"Willow suggested we go to the harbor and sit and watch the ocean. Get some fresh air in our lungs." Martha pauses. "And I noticed you did not comment on us watching the game."

"You only watch the game to catch Dario all sweaty."

Martha bursts into giggles. Nikoli rolls his eyes. "I think the ocean is a good idea."

"Of course, you will join us, Nikoli?"

"I wouldn't miss it." He looks in my direction. "Is that okay with you?"

My voice betrays me, so I nod, enjoying the feel of his palm against mine.

"I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow." Martha comments, sitting back in the chair, her ice cream tub empty.

"Coach didn't want to hang around town." He shrugs. "I think he wanted to get home to his wife. So, we got back late last night." He chuckles. "We had to show our faces at a meet and greet the boss had arranged. It wasn't too hard to get us all to leave early."

"Well, I'm not complaining." Martha looks in my direction. "And I don't think Willow is either."

I wish I didn't blush. "I'm enjoying our outing."

"Hmm." Martha smiles. "I'm ready for some fresh air now."

"Let me help you," Nikoli says, and almost as if he regrets it, he lets go of my hand.

I quickly clean up and throw everything in the trash before joining Martha and her grandson.

I follow him as he leads his grandmother out of the shop. It's a pretty nice view from where I am. Nikoli has strong thighs and a firm butt that holds my attention longer than it should. He has a tattoo on his neck that, along with his neatly trimmed beard, makes me hot and bothered.

As if he senses my eyes on him, Nikoli turns his face to me, and his blue eyes catch my gaze. I can't look away. I'm sure the need I have for this man is written all over my face. I wonder where all this is coming from. Maybe my attachment to this man has been there all along. And that it is only now bubbling to the surface because I no longer want to hide it.

Nikoli stiffens, his gaze becomes serious. He knows that I want him. I mean, it's not that sudden, considering we met four months ago.

8

NIKOLI

Fucking hell!

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