Page 26 of Nikolai
She knew better.This wasn’t the wine, it was the man.This particular man.Tall, with immensely broad shoulders, heavily muscled, harsh features and on top of all that…interesting.He didn’t in any way try to impress her.He didn’t have to.He was impressive all on his own, by his very nature.He exuded power, but wasn’t trying to overwhelm her in any way.Instead, he was super attentive and seemed to want to hear what she had to say.
Parker talked more to him about her projects that she had to any other human being, including her agent.Her agent was interested in the final product, so he could sell it.Nick really seemed interested in the process, too.
But the waiters standing around had a slightly impatient expression and they were the last clients on the terrace.
She turned to Nick.“I think it’s time to go.”
“Pity,” he said.
Yeah.It was a pity.She nodded.
Nick got up and pulled out her chair as she stood up.Another really attractive trait.
Old fashioned manners, really odd in such a rough man.But that mother he claimed he was terrified of must have taught him well because he did things that men didn’t do anymore.Stand up when she entered a room.Pull out her chair when she sat and when she got up.Listening to her.Refusing to even contemplate allowing her to pay.Granted, that last point was also a little annoying because she wanted to invite him out as thanks for keeping her company while she worked.But no.
He wouldn’t let her pay.
It wasn’t a question of him having more money, though he did.But she wasn’t hurting, either.It was just that he’d looked genuinely distressed at the thought of her paying.
Nick cocked his arm, and she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow.Again, that electric feeling as she touched steely muscles.He smiled down at her and took her hand, tucking it more firmly against him.
“One last look?”he asked quietly.
She nodded and they went to the edge of the huge terrace and leaned against the waist-high balcony, looking out over the Bay.Such beauty, such magic.
The lights of the city twinkled like scattered diamonds, tracing the winding streets and ancient buildings.Far below, the Bay of Naples stretched out like a great dark mirror,
The air was cool and carried the faint scent of saltwater mixed with the distant aroma of jasmine and citrus from the gardens below.
Nick sighed.“So beautiful.”
It was.And it was the first time Parker had had a chance to share this beauty with someone who appreciated it.She’d been on a few dates with Neapolitan men who took it completely for granted.
The waiters were putting chairs on the tables, sweeping up.Parker glanced at Nick.“Our cue to leave.”
They crossed the terrace arm in arm, and it wasn’t until they were back on the street that Parker realized something.“Um, Nick?”
He turned to her, smiling.“Yeah?”
“We didn’t—um, you didn’t, you know…pay.”
He patted her hand.“Don’t worry.It’s taken care of.”
Oh.More magic.Did she want to know?
No.She didn’t want to know.
Had he waved an enchanted wand?Somehow paid telepathically?Who knew?Who cared?If there was ever an evening for magic payments, pulling money right out of the air, it was tonight.
They started holding hands, quite naturally.Parker couldn’t remember the last time she’d held hands with a man.With anyone, really.The last time she could remember holding hands with someone was crossing a busy street with a teacher when she was a child.It was incredibly intimate, and you had to move as a unit, not as two separate beings.His hand was warm, large, as hard as wood.
She got used to walking beside him, holding hands, very quickly.Like the most natural thing in the world.The air was soft and smelled of linden trees and jasmine and car exhaust, not unpleasant.The full moon had risen high in the sky, casting an unearthly silver glow over the streetscape.
She’d forgotten where they’d parked but he hadn’t.Way too soon, they were at his car.He lifted her up, rounded the vehicle and slid behind the wheel.
He turned his head to look at her.“Home?”
Parker nearly sighed with longing.It had been a spectacular evening, and she didn’t want it to end.The temptation was so strong to prolong the evening.She knew a jazz club nearSpaccanapolithat was fabulous.Incredible music and excellent drinks.Or they could take a drive, it was a beautiful evening.But…she was an adult and had to work the next day.He’d volunteered to come along, too.Tomorrow would be a long, hot day out in the middle of nowhere and she should be rested up.
