Page 40 of Nico
"Tasty."
"It's just eggs, bread and butter." She pointed out as she picked up her own sandwich.
"Still." He took a huge bite as he turned around to stare at her.
"What?"
"You nibble."
"What?" She aimed a frowning stare at him as she continued to eat.
"I always noticed that about you." His eyes twinkled as he demolished the sandwich. "You take your time eating a meal, sort of delicate like - the proper lady."
She shrugged a little self-consciously. "When you grow up with a woman like my mother, table manners were part of the rigid training." She grimaced as he wiped his fingers on his shirt, leaving grease stains. "I'm surprised you weren't taught that much."
His grin spread. "You might think I'm insulted, but far from it." Picking up his wine, he took a sip, savoring the texture on his tongue. "Mother tried her best, but it didn't stick." He lifted a hand and tucked a fat curl behind her ear. "I would like you to spend Christmas with us."
"Us?"
"The family. Mother is planning her annual party on Christmas Eve, and I'm forced to attend. I usually try to get out of it, but this time I can't because of Gracie. And then there will be the family dinner on Christmas day."
Her appetite disappeared completely. "No."
"Why-"
"You can't be stupid enough to think that I could just show up at a family gathering."
His eyes darkened. "It's a step towards the future, one I want to share with you."
"They're your family and the fact that I've met your little girl is a big factor. We need to take it slow." Shoving away from the counter, she started to gather up the dirty dishes. His hand on her arm halted her.
"You're right of course." He sighed heavily. "I'm moving too fast." Taking her hand, he drew her between his thighs. "How about this? You come over to my place tomorrow afternoon? I'm having Gracie over and you could get the chance to meet her." He rubbed his hands up and down her arms, expression pleading. "I promise to take it as slow as you want me to, but I need you to get to know her. You're going to love her."
He held her gently, his thumb tracing small circles on her arm. "Slow is fine. We'll do this together, on your terms." For a moment, the kitchen was silent except for the quiet hum of the refrigerator and the faint clink of glass as he set his wine down. She relaxed just a little beneath his touch, meeting his steady gaze.
"I just need some time," she said softly. "I'm not used to... all of this."
He nodded. "I'm not either. But I want to get used to it, with you."
Her lips curved in a tentative smile. "Let's clean up, and maybe - just maybe - I'll let you convince me to try dessert at midnight, too."
He grinned, relief lighting his features. "Deal. But only if you promise to nibble."
*****
"I thought the housekeeper already cleaned?" Leaning on the jamb, Nadine watched as her brother frantically scrubbed a cloth over a priceless cherrywood table. And hoped to God their mother would never hear of it.
"She did." Nico spared her an impatient glance as he tossed the cloth and started to dig around in the creases of the sofa for any wayward clothing he had left there. "That was a day ago."
"One day and you managed to make all of this mess."
"I was working in here." He muttered, looking seriously baffled when he came up with a pair of jockey shorts and one black sock. "How did this get here?" He shook his head and searched for more. When he came up empty, he turned in a circle to see if he had missed anything.
"What's this for? Gracie doesn't care about the mess."
"Sadie does." He caught her surprised look and nodded. "Yes, we patched things up and before you say anything or hand down judgment - I don't give a damn. I was lost without her. I asked her to marry me. Eventually." He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "She turned me down and said we should wait."
"I agree with her there. She's a smart woman." Nadine stepped into the room, the scent of pine and Lysol assailing her nostrils. For the first time since he was living by himself, her brother had gotten a Christmas tree. The Douglas Fir was almost touching the concave roof and decorations crowded the branches. Over at the manor, there was even more madness. Gracie had brought a change in their lives. Every room had a tree, and an expert had been hired to decorate and string lights.
