Page 31 of The Question of Us
“Jesus,” he whispered, glancing around the room. “Is it hot in here or what?”
I shot him a come-hither smile, or at least that’s what I hoped it was considering I was years out of practice. “You look a little... flustered. Is there something I can help you with?”
Nick shook his head like the question amused him. “You’re a damn tease is what you are.”
I locked eyes. “It’s not teasing if it’s a promise. You wanna kick this joint and have a little fun?”
He chuckled. “Feels like aCasablancamoment?”
I waggled my brows. “Of all the gin joints in all the tow—” I drew a sharp breath as his bare toes ran up my calf.
He said, “I’m no Humphrey Bogart.”
My lips twitched. “Well, I’m even less of an Ingrid Bergman, although the woman certainly knew how to wear a hat. But you actuallydohave a little Humphrey in you, or at least his character Rick.”
Nick’s eyebrows rose into his hairline. “Oh really? Do tell.”
I stretched out in my seat. “Remember when Rick had to make a decision between getting Ilsa and Lazlo both safe, or not getting involved at all, or getting Lazlo safe but holding on to his love, Ilsa? The story is all about sitting on the sidelines versus stepping up, even when it might cause conflict and put us in harm’s way. Rick spent years on the sidelines, but in the end, he does the right thing. He gets them both safe, and it changes all their lives.”
The noisy bar faded into the background as Nick studied me with such tenderness that I felt the ridiculous urge to run. Heat raced into my cheeks and I stumbled over my words, “Sorry. Man... that, ah... well, it sounded way too?—”
“Perfect.” Nick reached across to take my hand. “It was perfect. Perhaps there’s a little Humphrey Bogart in all of us, and maybe everyone has their own Ilsa and Lazlo moment in their life. A choice that begs us to step outside our own small world and try to make a difference in someone else’s.” Nick’s eyes brimmed with affection and it changed everything about him, softening all those hard edges. He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the palm. “Thank you for helpingmemake the right decision.”
He leaned across the table and kissed me softly on the lips, not caring about the crowd that filled the bar. It was so unexpected that I almost pulled away. Almost, but I didn’t.
Nick must’ve sensed it, however, because when he drew back, he apologised. “Sorry. With it being our anniversary, I thought we could get away with it, but I still should’ve asked.”
I considered his words for all of two seconds then pulled him back over for another kiss. His smile unfolded beneath my lips and he murmured my name before slowly pulling away.
“New rule,” I announced, relaxing back in my chair. A quick scan of the surrounding tables revealed only one or two interested looks and nothing unfriendly. Most people were too busy with their own conversations.
Nick grinned. “I can’t wait.”
“Don’t ever apologise for kissing me again. Anywhere. Anytime. I’m down for it. I’ve never been much for PDA, but for some unfathomable reason, it’s different with you.”
Nick’s grey eyes darkened on mine and he gave an oddly uncertain nod. “To be honest, I haven’t been much for it either, although that might’ve been because Davis was always thetouchy-feely one in public. He would initiate things like holding hands and kissing, and I just went along with it. But with you, I can’t seem to keep my hands or lips to myself. So I’m thinking it maybe wasn’t only Davis who liked it, after all. I just never had to think about it.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come on. Let’s grab some food from the supermarket and head back. There’s a spa bath with our name on it.”
The idea of the two of us sharing a bath made me laugh, especially since I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d had one.
“I’m serious,” he deadpanned. “Relationship goals, mister.”
“Okay, okay.” I downed the last of my beer. “I’m just trying to work out how a bath together qualifies as a relationship goal.”
He looked a little sheepish. “I happen to like baths and Davis couldn’t stand them.”
I rolled my eyes. “Now you’re playing dirty. How can I say no to something Davis wouldn’t do for you?”
He waggled his brows. “Is it working?”
I slid my hand into his and went up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “Of course it bloody is.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nick
The supermarket wasa hundred metres of scorched pavement past the brewery, and by the time we walked through into the air-conditioned bliss I was almost ready for another cold beer.
Fat chance of that.
