Page 22 of Until Now

After the night under the stars, I suggested a quick detour to Elk Camp for Tuesday night dinner. Farm to Table is a local tradition where you ride the gondola up the mountain and enjoy dinner prepared with farm fresh foods accompanied by live music and activities. We’ve always made it a point to go at least once a year.

Nick rejoins the table with a fresh bottle of wine. He refills my glass before pressing his lips to my temple, the simple action speaking on the recent change in our relationship. We still haven’t talked about that day in our room, how close we had been… But, there has been a noticeable shift in our relationship. I always have some kind of hold on him, and he feels more comfortable pressing a kiss to my cheek or temple. Last night, I think it surprised both of us when I leaned in for a quick, noncommittal kiss by the fire. Ever since, I have been trying to ignore the desire to do it again, minus the quick and noncommittal part.

“So, Nick,” Eileen starts as Kai refills her glass. “How has your trip been so far?”

“You’ve really never left Winchester?” Kai is still dumbfounded by the idea.

“Not really, we went to Boston to drop my brother at college.” Nick shrugs, “We didn’t travel much growing up. Dad felt like he couldn’t leave the garage. And, Mom didn’t work, so the garage was our only income.”

“If you haven’t noticed, most people aren’t like us, Kai,” I say. “Vacationing in Greece, Barcelona, Haven…it’s not the norm.”

“Tell me you at least got to go Disney World,” Eileen pleads.

“Nope,” Nick says behind his beer.

“Che cosa?” I’m shocked. “Well, we have to go then.”

He presses a kiss to the back of my hand and smiles at me. But, it’s not the same one I’ve seen the last few days. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes. No dimple. He thinks I don’t mean it… He thinks this is all for show. We only have a few weeks left and after that — Nick will be back at the garage and I will be… A heavy weight settles in the pit of my stomach at the thought.

“Hey babe, can you and Nick go grab some water? They’re going to be closing up soon and I’m parched,” Eileen asks my brother. Kai looks between her and the table confused, why did she need more water? There is a pitcher on the table and she has a full glass of wine. When he doesn’t get up, she kicks him under the table.

“Okay, okay, I’m going. C’mon Nick, wouldn’t want her to kick you too.” Kai rubs his shin. “Damn, she’s ruthless.”

Eileen chuckles watching them leave and when they’re far enough, she turns back to me. “So, when are you going to tie this one down?”

“Lina!”

“It’s not like you haven’t thought about it. He’s nice, charming, not to mention incredibly handsome.” Eileen sips her wine. “And those eyes!”

I laugh when Eileen fans herself. I can’t deny his eyes are gorgeous, the perfect combination of a warm whiskey and golden honey. When he stares at me, I just melt.

“He gets along with your family. But, above all else, he is totally in love with you.”

“Love?” I scoff, “Lina, I think you’ve seen one too many Hallmark movies.”

“Don’t believe me?”

“We just started dating!”

“Your brother told me he loved me after three months. When you know, you know!”

"He told you he loved you before introducing us?"

“What can I say? Kai James Villa is a romantic.”

Nick doesn’t love me, it’s all part of the act. But, his acting is better than I thought it would be, he’s almost had me convinced a few times. “I don’t think we’re there, yet.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“What did we miss?” Kai asks, handing out fresh bottles of water.

“Just a little girl talk,” Eileen winks at me.

Chapter Fifteen

I leave acup of coffee on Nick’s nightstand before retreating to the balcony hoping to get a few extra minutes to myself before he joins me. I haven’t had any alone time and I can’t stop thinking about the conversation with Eileen two nights ago. She is utterly convinced Nick and I are just like her and Kai — a love-at-first-sight scenario. Which is definitely not the case. I don’t believe in insta-love. How can you know you love someone if you don’t even know them?

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider telling Eileen the truth. I hate lying to her, she’s one of my closest friends. It’s getting harder and harder to keep this secret. But, what would Eileen say? Would she be mad? Would she judge me? Surely, she’d understand, on some level. Right?

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