Page 55 of One Sweet Day I Found You

She took both of his hands in hers. “I think that’s the only kind of guy I’d like to be sitting across the table from right now.”

Nick studied her, gripping her hands tightly.

Then Courtney grinned, hoping to lighten the mood. “Otherwise, one of us is bound to be pretty miserable. Am I right?”

He laughed.

“Did you seriously think it would bother me?”

He shrugged again. “I mean—I’ve gotten that kind of response before. Most people just see it as quitting, and that’s enough to change their opinion of me.”

“Well, that’s just not cool.” Courtney pursed her lips. “Honestly, Nick, it doesn’t bother me at all. I think it was brave. We’re not here to live out someone else’s dream for us. We need to make our own way in life. It takes guts to swim against the tide.”

He stretched his shoulders, leaning against the booth, and gazed at her.

“I admire you more, if I’m being honest,” she said. “And I appreciate you telling me.”

Nick took a deep breath and let it out then leaned across the table for another quick kiss. He gave her a slightly baffled look. “Where did you come from, Courtney Price? And how did I get lucky enough to find you?” He sat back down, not taking his eyes off of her.

* * *

Slivers of moonlightdanced on soft black waves as Nick led Courtney down the resort’s flowering garden path toward the waterfront. He put his arm around her and they enjoyed an after-dinner stroll among the hollyhocks and hibiscus. A cool breeze blew softly and a faint light shone from the hotel buildings.

Reaching a gazebo surrounded by leafy, shade-loving hosta and fine-textured ferns, they stopped for a view of the lake. Courtney squeezed Nick with the arm that circled his waist.

“Well, Nick Bingham, this has been the absolute, most perfect day. Ever.”

“Ever?” Nick grinned. He thought so, too. “So I knocked it out of the park, then?” He turned to face her and put his arms around her shoulders, then pulled her in close. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his broad chest.

“You sure did.”

This day was one for the books. “I’m glad you liked it. I did, too.” He leaned into her, inhaling the soft, floral fragrance of her long hair. He felt her warmth as she reached up and clasped her hands together behind his neck.

Nick had told her his story, the whole thing, and Courtney hadn’t shown any sign of the disappointment he’d feared. That look he dreaded—it just wasn’t there. In fact, she seemed to see the man he wanted people to see—not the loser that Regina saw, not the failure that his father saw. She saw the old Nick—happy, fulfilled, still just figuring things out with his life.

Courtney seemed to understand him, and what’s more, she seemed to believe in him.

He gazed into her eyes. A rush of emotion came over him and he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

She kissed him back and he felt the heat on the back of his neck. He kissed her again, with fervent motion—raw and unrestrained.

He wanted to hold onto this girl—with all his heart. More than anything.

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