Page 17 of Winner Takes All

“Nope. You’re too important. I like competing against you, and don’t want us to stop challenging each other, but I want more. I think you do too.”

Before I can react to this, he closes the distance between us, his hands gently cupping my cheeks as he boxes me in against the rocks. We’ve done this before on this very beach. I need to tell him to stop, but I can’t find my voice. I realize I don’t want him to stop, don’t want to push against him.

“I see the fire in your eyes, Nik. Stop fighting me,” he huskily whispers. He gives me a bit of a crooked grin. “Tell me to stop, Nik.” I try to say the words, but nothing comes out. This makes his smile grow. “That’s what I thought.”

Before I can do anything else he closes the remaining distance between us and kisses me. It’s full of fire and sparks emotion in me I haven’t felt in a very long time. All of my frustration, thoughts of competition, and need to run away evaporate in a heartbeat. What’s left behind is lust as his tongue traces my lips before sliding inside, instantly making me submit to him.

He presses his hard body against mine and I feel his excitement, feel what this is doing to him. We’ve always been explosive, and when we stop fighting passion takes over. It’s never far from the surface no matter how much I try to deny it.

He pulls back, not giving me much space. “Come home with me, Nik.” The low growl of his voice filled with desire speaks to me. Everything within me wants to accept his offer. A seagull squawks above our heads, bringing me back to my senses though. I pull back from him, watching disappointment enter his lust-filled gaze.

He allows me to back away. My steps are slow at first, but the farther I get from him, the more my head clears. I start picking up my pace as I keep my eye on him. I grow more confident as he stays where he is, his smile back in place. He knows he gained a victory today. I assure myself it’s okay to lose some battles as long as I win the war.

“This doesn’t change anything, Victor.” I hate that my voice is slightly shaky. I take a breath. “I’ll be back to myself within the hour.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Nik. This is inevitable though. I’ll let you run for now if it makes you feel better.”

“I’m not running,” I lie as I take another step back. “I’m walking away.”

I don’t wait for a response before I turn and do a very quick walk away. It takes all I have not to run, but I can’t prove him right. His kiss has left me reeling, reawakening feelings I thought were under control. I was wrong, I was very, very wrong. I do want this man no matter how much I tell myself I don’t. I can’t comprehend it.

I’ll feel better soon, I assure myself. I just need to get away. I pick up my pace, but don’t breathe right until I’m back home. I don’t know what I’m going to do about Victor. I do know things have become a heck of a lot more complicated, though.

Chapter Nine

Victor

I’m at the shop with Dad working on another beat-up old truck that’s definitely seen better days. The bells over the door jingle and I glance up, but don’t pay much attention. People are in and out of here all day. Some need help, and some just want to visit with Dad. All are welcome in his shop. He enjoys the company while he works.

“Want me to check who it is?” I ask.

“They’ll come back,” Dad says. I shrug. I wipe my hands on a rag then nod at Dad as he talks about a new tool he wants to order. I hear soft steps and finally look up to see Nikki standing in the doorway. Her eyes land on me and I see a flicker of surprise in her gaze... along with something else. She wasn’t expecting me. I’m glad I decided to come down in my free time.

“Hello, Victor,” she says, her voice detached, or at least she thinks it is. I hear the play of emotion just beneath the surface.

“Hey, Nik. I wasn’t expecting you to chase me down, but I like it.” She glares at me. This is what I like to see. I like her as a fighter not defeated. It’s not who she is.

Dad, who’s always had a soft spot for Nik, beams as he stands, instantly wiping his hands so he can greet her. “Well, if it isn’t little Nikki Sands standing in my shop. It’s been too long,” he tells her as he moves forward and pulls her into a bear hug. Shelaughs, genuine warmth in her eyes as she hugs him back. I wish I could get that laugh from her. I will, I assure myself. I have before and I’ll do it again.

“It’s so good to see you, Mr. Fortier,” she says. He releases her. “My car’s making a funny sound. I’m hoping it’s a quick, easy fix; I can’t afford a new car right now.”

Dad waves away her formality. “You know better than to call me that,” he tells her with a laugh. “That was my dad. Let’s bring your car inside. I know you’re busy and I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“I appreciate this so much,” she says as she hands him her keys.

This is amazing. I’d never tamper with her vehicle, but I love that something bought her in. I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I meet my dad’s gaze, my eyes pleading with him to take his time. I see him look down as he chuckles while he walks out the door to retrieve her car. Dad doesn’t charge an hourly rate, he charges by the job so he can take all the time he wants and it won’t screw Nik.

Nikki stands awkwardly by while Dad drives the vehicle into the garage. I hear the clanking and immediately know what it is. It’s a quick fix, but I’m praying Dad really does take his time. I have her in my zone and want to keep her here.

He steps from her car. “I think I know the problem, but let me run a few tests,” Dad tells her, and I let out a sigh of relief. He did get my message.

“Of course,” she tells him. “Do you want me to come back in a few hours?”

“Oh no, you can wait here. It shouldn’t take too long,” he tells her with practiced innocence. Dad really does want those grandbabies. I’m growing more and more willing to give them to him... with the right woman... withthiswoman.

Dad gets to work, and Nikki moves away from me, looking unsure of where she should wait. Her attention shifts over to atable near the corner of the shop where I have my plans for the restaurant laid out. There are blueprints, sketches, menu ideas, and concept notes. My entire vision is here for the world to see. She moves toward it, and I feel my heart beating a little harder. Her opinion matters to me, and I don’t want her to tell me this is foolish. I move over to stand next to her.

“What is this?” she asks as she peruses the documents.

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