Page 41 of Best Man
She walked away first, though, and beckoned for him to follow her back into the barn.
“The silver lining is,” she continued, as she led him back to the table to pick up the last of her things, “I would’ve been afraid to set this many sky lanterns loose if we hadn’t gotten so much rain. But the ground will be good and soaked tomorrow, so there’s no worries about one dropping out of the sky, landing in some dry brush, and starting a massive wildfire.”
Niko’s eyes bulged and he laughed out loud. “Oh my God! I hadn’t even thought of that! Nowthatwould ruin the wedding.”
“Right? But hey, us farm folk are always watching the weather.” She scooped up her umbrella. “Do Russians keep track of the weather?”
“What’s the point? In Russia, it is always brutally cold,” he said, boastfully. “Here, it is much nicer. So why would I care about the weather? It isnothingcompared to Russia.” He chuckled smugly. “Why?”
“I figured as much,” she said with sass, and twirled her umbrella in hand. “It was pretty obvious when you showed up here completely drenched.”
Niko’s jaw dropped and short, stunned bursts of laughter escaped him. He couldn’t believe her. She’d walked him right into that one! Parisi would be proud …
“Wow,” he stammered. “I didn’t know you could talk shit!”
“Oh, you’ve got no idea, Niko,” she gloated. “I can talksomuch shi—hey!” she yelled when Niko snatched the umbrella right out of her hands and tossed it aside.
“Let’s see howyoulike getting wet, then!”He spun her around. His hands spanned her waist.Pushing from behind, hebegan to walk her to the open barn door.
“No, Niko!” she squealed, digging her heels into the ground. “No! Don’t!”
She fought hard for every inch. She was strong—stronger than any girl he’d ever known, easily—but Niko pushed a five-hundred-pound sled around the gym like it was nothing. It was nothing for him to overpower her, but her strength deeply impressed him nonetheless.
Man, think of the babies she could give me,he thought—before quickly shaking the disturbing thought from his mind.What the hell? Freaking baby madness strikes again!
He pushed her right to the edge. A curtain of rain fell inches from her face.
“Please please please!” she begged, realizing she couldn’t stop him. “I’m sorry! I’ll do anything you want!”
He didn’t expect to hold her to that. But he liked that she’d put it on the table regardless.
“Anything?” he growled in her ear. Hesmelled something sweet on her—was it roses? Whatever it was, he liked it, and he nuzzled her a little closer.
She desperately nodded. “Anything.”
He grinned.Of course, he’d never had any intention of actually pushing her out in the rain—he was only trying to give her a scare. He let her go. She spun around and collapsed, resting her back against the frame of the door. She panted for air, her tits rising and falling.
“Oh my God!” She laughed, relieved. “I really thought you were going to do it!”
He shook his head. “I’d never.” He smiled at her. “You’re very strong, Paulina. Did you play sports?”
“Thanks. Just soccer,” she said between pants for air.
Her hard nipples tented her sweater. Niko understood; after their tussle, he was a little thicker between the legs, too.
“I guess I owe you a favor now, huh?” she said.
“Forget it.” He picked up the discarded umbrella. “I was never going to push you out there in the first place.”
She folded her arms. “Booooo.”
He chuckled. “So youwantto owe me a favor, then?”
“Yup,” she said with a happy nod. “Besides, it’s only fair—since you helped me and all.”
“I’ll try to think of something, then.” He held the umbrella out to her, but she refused to take it.
“You take it,” she said.
