Lou could tell these two had some kind of connection, and although she was worried Ronnie would be tempted by the handsome young man’s charms, she seriously hoped she wouldn’t fall for the guy. The timing was just not right for this. But on the other hand, he was also a distraction, and perhaps she thought more glumly, as she peered in the refrigerator for the fixings for a salad, he could get her mind off her problems every now and then. Her daughter had a rough road ahead of her. She just didn’t want to think about what she could possibly face, so set to work chopping the vegetables for the salad. She needed to eat healthy, keep up her strength and had not one, but two children to consider now.
Ronnie followed Nikko outside. She was still laughing at him.
“Well, what else could I have said?” he teased back, “The truth? I want your daughter, Mrs. Russell. I want the chance to be alone with her. I’ll pick her up later; I’ll take her for a ride in my car, and see how far I can get. A milkshake seemed more innocent, friends going out for a sweet treat. Your laughing at me, I’m sure, made your mom quite suspicious. Now she’ll figure milkshake is code word for ‘I’m taking your daughter out for a night of passion, and I’ll bring her home sore and tired, but feeling great.’”
At first Ronnie was shocked by his blunt manner and took a step back. Then laughed at the ludicrousness of the entire situation. Here she was, contemplating his offer, a man whom she had sworn off last summer, and yesterday. But a good night’s sleep, a couple of refreshingly honest conversations, had her seeing Nikko in a different light.
“Is it the truth?” she asked huskily.
Nikko heard the question, but her tone threw him off. His pulse beat a little faster. He didn’t want to push. And hell yes, it was the truth. “Only if you want it too,” he answered holding back. She just looked at him, brown eyes staring into blue. Seeing him for the first time.
She was tempted. God, help her. Her mouth was suddenly dry. But his statement, although said in jest, reminded her he was a playboy, a very handsome one whom she found way too attractive. The kiss this morning had been a mistake, one she initiated, and maybe now regretted. He was getting harder and harder to resist.
If they had consummated their passions last summer, who knows where she’d be now. She never would have taken Gary back. She questioned why she ever had. In their small circle of friends, it had been more for companionship than anything else. All of their other friends were already coupled up, and it had been convenient. She’d been planning to break up with him after graduation, find a job far away, and just break it off cleanly. He’d never leave Maine, or his family. His father owned a lumbering company that cut down trees and prepared them for sale, and he was planning on pursuing that as was expected of him.
She shook her head, if only. Nikko was looking at her curiously. He was waiting for an answer. Yes, if only . . . he wasn’t so damn handsome. She needed to remind him of her situation.
“Well, although a milkshake does sound yummy,” she rubbed her belly mocking him, to make the blow of her next words easier to take, “you could have just said, I need to go fill my brothers in on all the info I got from sitting in on the conversation between lawyer and client, and then I’ll be back to keep a vigilant eye on the possible flight risk.” She was stalling. His invitation was there, clear as day, open and waiting. All she had to do was say yes.
His eyes narrowed in disappointment. Too soon, he thought. He saw in her eyes she was shutting down again. The ice princess was back. Damn, this girl ran hot and cold, and switched gears so fast he couldn’t keep up. But he couldn’t fault her now, not with the situation she was in. He gave her his most stunning smile and also gave her the truth.
“Yes, I do need to speak to my brothers, true. Do I think you’re a flight risk?” He paused long and hard to let her wonder. “No, I don’t think you’ll run. Your mother would lose her house. And, you wouldn’t do that to her.” He already sensed how important her family was to her. They shared that.
Uncomfortable under his gaze, Ronnie looked down at her feet momentarily. When she looked up, his smile was replaced with an expression of regret. A warm feeling welled within her chest, and she decided to be honest with him.
“I’m sorry Nikko, my emotions are just all over the place. I shouldn’t have led you on. I know I kissed you earlier, but we really shouldn’t…” She sighed and ended abruptly, not sure of how to finish.
He didn’t even give her the chance though. “Why?” He asked point blank. His blue eyes searched hers. She just stared at him blankly not knowing what to say. He began to approach her, still staring into her brown eyes. His hands went up to skim her arms, and she shivered under his touch. He was mere inches away. “Why?” Again the question. He dropped his voice down to a husky whisper, making her skin feel warm and cool at the same time. “Why?” he asked again in a breath that mimicked the whisper of the summer breeze.