Page 34 of Silent Night Sins
Oh, so he was pretending he didn’t know firsthand how they tasted.
“Did you try them?” I countered.
That sinful smirk played on his lips. “Delicious. Compliments to the chef.”
“I’m not a chef.” I huffed a laugh. “But painting them was a creative outlet.”
Donny chose that moment to reappear with another round of drinks. “I tried to snag some of your cookies, but they’re gone! The waiter said there were multiple guests asking who the baker was. I think you’re a hit, Nicole.”
My fingers shook as I took the cocktail. “Thanks.”
That was unexpected praise. I could only imagine what my father and sister would say if I opened a bakery. It didn’t matter how bougie or high-end it was, that kind of work would be associated with blue-collar labor.
It was suddenly hard to breathe. The overwhelming sense of failure pushed through me. Eggnog, cocktails, and…crap, I hadn’t really eaten lunch. It was all churning in my stomach. While I was prepared to play the part to support my sister tonight, running into the object of my fantasy was throwing me off my game.
“You feeling okay?” Donny asked, stepping into my space.
The cocktail was plucked from my fingers. Cristiano shoved it in Donny’s face as he barked, “I’ll take her out back for some fresh air.”
Without a word of protest, a hard hand was splayed over my back, and I was guided through the crowded reception. The kitchen was equally cloying, but the moment we stepped into the brisk, winter air, I inhaled deeply.
“Thanks,” I gasped, sagging against the patio railing.
The door clanged shut. “Don’t mention it.”
Staring into the heavens, I let deep lungfuls of winter fill my chest. “I just feel so…aimless.”
The monster leaned against the railing beside me, crossed his arms, and watched me. “The Nicky I remember had dreams as big as the sky.”
“Yeah, well.” I lifted my arms and dropped them. “Some of us aren’t meant to soar.”
A low, rich growl vibrated his chest. “Maybe you just forgot how to use your wings.”
Angel. Say angel.
He didn’t.
We were just two strangers, passing in the night. It…hurt.
Sighing, I hugged my arms and turned slightly to face him. “Look at you, though. Local boy turned fighting legend.”
Cristiano snorted. “I have to win a title fight and then defend it to be called a legend.”
“You’ll do it, I know you will,” I insisted.
He held my gaze. Something hard, something raw, passed through those black eyes. “You always believed in me.”
I nodded. “I still do.”
“Well….” He reached out and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. Bending, he murmured, “I believe in you.”
Angel.It was right there on the tip of his tongue. My heart fluttered with hope.
The back door banged open. “I have your coat and a water,” Donny called out.
Cristiano straightened.
“Thanks.” I swallowed hard. “I think I’m going to call a cab. I’m not feeling well.”
