Page 26 of Best Man
“Me neither.” He chuckled. “ButifI weregetting married, I’d pay someone to handle it all and be done with it.”
“Right?” Her eyes sparkled. Niko couldn’t look away even if he wanted to. “But that’s not really how our parents raised us. Farm people, you know? We’re stubborn. We like to do everything ourselves, for better or worse.”
Niko grinned and bobbed his head. “Us Russians—very stubborn people, too.”
“Ah! So we understand each other, then.” Paulina’s giggle tapered off into a sigh.
Niko could tell she had a lot on her mind—the wedding, no doubt. “So you have more work to do,” he began. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Nope. Not unless you can write a killer speech,” she joked. “Because I’ve still got to finish writing mine.”
“Speech?”
“You know, for the toast?”
“Ahh.” He wagged his finger. “Jax did say something about that.”
Her eyes widened with concern. “Um … how’syourspeechcoming along, Niko?”
He shrugged. “Eh. I think I’ll wing it.”
“Wing it?!” Shocked, she laughed. “Aren’t you nervous?”
“Why would I be nervous?”
“What if you grab the mic and your mind goes blank? What if youchoke?”
“Ineverchoke,” he said resolutely. Then he loosened. “Besides, no one expects the Russian to give a good speech. I can barely speak English.”
She huffed, acting offended on his behalf. “Now that’s simply not true. Your English is just fine. I can understand you perfectly.”
“Thanks,” he said. “Actually, it could be a good thing if I choked—next to me, your speech will sound incredible.” He grinned. “In fact, do you want me to choke for you? I will, if you want.”
“Niko!” She squealed with infectious laughter. “You’re either brave or you’re crazy. I’m not sure which.”
“I’m very brave,” he said proudly, “and more than a little crazy, too.”
She giggled again. “And you’re surprisingly honest, too, apparently. Most guys won’t admit they’re crazy.”
“I don’t know what to tell you,” he said, borrowing a line. “I guess I’m not most guys.”
“No,” she snickered, her eyes darting up and down the athlete’s body. “You’re definitely not.”
If she liked honesty? He had some more to give. “You have a lovely laugh, Paulina.”
“Oh—um,” she stammered, caught off guard. “Er, thanks, I guess.”
He noticed that he’d made her cheeks turn pink. “Sorry. I embarrassed you.”
“No, no. I just don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know.” He changed the subject. “So you still have to write a speech. But now you know it doesn’t have to bethatgood.” He winked. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
She played coy. “Maybe. ButI couldn’t ask you to help,” she said, though the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth told a different story.
“Yes, you could. I told you, I want to help.” He gestured at the restaurant. “Really, I’m your only hope, because they won’t be much help tonight.”
She knew he was right, but she looked torn. “Ican’ttell you, though. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
