Page 42 of Covert
"She disappeared three years ago. Went out dancing with some friends and never came home."
Nikki's quiet for a long time. "I'm sorry," she whispers, and I can hear the remorse in her voice.
"Thank you." I take a moment to appreciate the girl lying with me. One I've grown very fond of. She's funny and caring, and flirts with me when I'm feisty, but then sits with me when I'm lonely and sad. She's constantly thinking of the people around her and helps them without being asked, as if it's second nature to her. She's beautiful, inside and out.
And I know with a certainty I feel in my bones, that she could be the second girl I fall in love with.
Chapter twenty-two
Diesel
I'm growing impatient with my girl. I've asked her out several times, only for her to come up with an excuse. And I know it's an excuse. And I know why she's avoiding me.
I just don't have to like it.
Our night together was amazing, but she went distant after that. She's cautious with her heart, and I understand that, but if she'd give me the chance, I could prove to her that we're worth it.
She's amazing - smart, sweet, caring, beautiful, sexy.
The boys texted me last week that someone had broken into her apartment, so they moved her in with them. If I'm being honest, I'm a little jealous of how much time they get with her. They're with her all day, every day. I don't mind sharing her, as long as the guys put her needs first. And that Maddox guy can be a real asshole.
A part of me worries I'm being edged out. I want to know how she's feeling after having her privacy violated. I want to know where they live now. I want to know she's okay.
But on another, more selfish level, I want to know that we're okay. That I didn't screw this up by bedding her before proving to her that I'm worth it. She hasn't totally shut me off, but she's definitely taken a step back.
She's still convinced this has to be temporary, so she's guarding her heart. I get it, I really do, but nerves have made my stomach uneasy.
After church, I drive to the shop. They're about to close, so I'm hoping to get a few minutes with her. If only to gauge that I didn't completely fuck it up.
She was on board after the rally but withdrew almost immediately. I know I'd been eager. Maybe I should have made her wait, played hard to get?
So, I kick down the kickstand and turn my bike off, reaching into the saddlebag to pull out my gift for her. I turn it over in my hand, second-guessing the entire thing. Is she going to think it's lame? It's recycled trash. I'd get her something better if I had the money. I shake my head. She told me that it doesn't matter to her, so I'm going to trust her.
She's wiping down the glass display when the chime dings and announces my arrival. The sign on the door says "closed," and she opens her mouth to tell me as much, but then she sees me. A small, shy smile spreads across her face as her eyes drop.
Okay. We're going to be okay.
My girl still wants me.
With all the cocky swagger of someone who didn't earn it, I march up to her, slide behind the counter, wrap my arm around her waist, and drop a kiss to her cheek.
"Hey, baby girl," I say, my voice low and just for her.
She rolls her eyes playfully. She seems uncomfortable with attention, but she doesn't realize she's the fucking sun in my solar system, and I can't notgiveher attention.
"I made you something," I say quickly, afraid that I'm going to chicken out and not give it to her.
I take one of her hands in mine. Her hands are small, her fingers tiny and delicate, so I hope I got the size right.
I slide the antique spoon ring onto her forefinger and breathe a tiny sigh of relief that it fits.
She thumbs it immediately and looks at it.
"You made this?" Wide eyes look up at me in shock.
I lift a shoulder in a shrug.
"Yeah. It was one of the other guy's hyperfixations for a hot minute, so I figured I'd learn, too. Is it okay?" Okay, maybe some of my nerves were still alive.
