Page 69 of Until Now

“Hey, baby.” It’s like my prayers have been answered when I hear that voice. He kisses my cheek and I relax under his touch. “I’m sorry, I’ve been so busy tonight.”

“Oh,” the guy looks between us. “I’m sorry, I had no idea.”

“I’m sorry…Sam.” That’s his name. Sam.

I don’t miss the way Nick’s hand lingers on my waist as he watches Sam scurry away. His lips turn up into a smirk matching my own when he finally meets my gaze. “What?”

“Oh, niente,” I laugh taking a sip of champagne.

Over the speakers, a soft piano melody plays and other couples move to return to the dance floor. His fingers grip my waist pulling me closer, his breath warm against my ear, “Do you wanna dance?”

Yes. Yes, I do. He has no idea how badly I want to dance, but what happens after? Do we go back to avoiding each other? Do we pretend like there isn’t an elephant sitting in the corner, waiting to be acknowledged?

“Yes.”

Nick kisses my temple before leading me to the dance floor. That familiar warmth grows in my chest when he takes me into his arms, one hand in mine, the other resting on my lower back. I notice other guests have started to stare, but when I meet his stare, everyone else disappears. It’s just us on the dance floor as the singer softly relays his love the best way he knows how.

His left hand holds mine to his chest as we sway. I rest my chin on his shoulder inhaling the comforting scent of him. It transports me back to the night of his birthday. We couldn’t keep our hands to ourselves all night. Cedar and cardamom surrounded me the same way they do now.I’m happy the first time was with you,he said when we got home. And, the way he kissed me… I hate how much this is affecting me.

“Come back to me,” he whispers with a lingering kiss.

A brief spin out…in…back into his arms. Our faces mere centimeters apart. The heat between us grows with each beat and I’m falling more in love with the man in front of me. A man I’ve never really known. One who has never known me, not really. Has never given himself the chance to know me. But, something deep inside yearns for him.

The music slows and he dips me. His breath tickles the exposed skin of my neck and his lips brush over my collarbone. When we stand, we are closer than before. Our noses touch and time stands still when his lips brush mine…

We’re walking a thin line that neither dares cross.

A new beat.

Moment gone.

Chapter Forty-One

Wedding guests wavegoodbye to Elizabeth and Josh as they depart for the airport. I stand near my brother who’s chomping at the bit to get back inside and enjoy a few more rounds at the bar. I can’t blame him, he’s been busier since coming home from Haven. It’s pretty obvious Daddy wants to start the transition sooner than later, finally take some time off for once in his life. Kai doesn’t think he’s ready to give it all up yet, but he doesn’t know Daddy like I do. He’s tired and he’s not getting any younger. If he wants to enjoy the life he’s built, now would be the time.

“You guys up for a nightcap?” Kai asks. I’d been too lost in thought to notice the car had finally turned and the crowd had begun to disperse. The night’s events replaying on a loop in my mind. The dance with Nick left me confused — more than confused.

“Count me in,” Alex chirps and Michaela agrees.

“Sure, why not?” Nick checks his watch. “Still pretty early.”

“I think I’m going to turn in, I’m pretty tired,” I decline with a small smile and Eileen yawns in agreement. “It’s been a long day.” I just want to be alone.. The past forty-eight hours have been a complete whirlwind.

“Oh, would you two live a little?” Michaela huffs.

“I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast.”

“What about you, babe?” Kai asks.

“Fine,” Eileen sighs. “But, just one.”

Michaela squeals with delight leading the group toward the lobby doors. I don’t even make it through the front door before a familiar warmth blooms under my skin. Nick’s grip is light, I could easily slip my hand from his, but I let them hang between us.

“You okay?” he asks.

“Just a little tired. It’s been a long few weeks.”

“What if I grab something and meet you upstairs?”

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