She slid onto the seat and smiled up at him, lips plump and pink. Again, he had the urge to kiss her; he wanted to bite that bottom lip and take it into his mouth. He also suspected he might have an audience. He knew her step dad was home now and didn’t want to give him another peep show by attacking his step daughter in the driveway. Nikko knew even one small chaste kiss would set him aflame, so it was better to resist the urges of his body altogether, for now.
“You like nice, Ronnie,” he said softly, admiring the picture she made against the black leather.
“Thank you.” Under long eyelashes that hid her desire for him, she admired his attire as well.
“Do you need help with your seatbelt, Ronnie?” Nikko stepped back to give her room to close the door, but couldn’t resist asking as she reached for the handle.
“I got it, Nikko. But, thank you,” she murmured, eyes still downcast, suddenly shy, remembering the last time he helped her, and also knowing where tonight was headed.
Yes, she thought, this could be a nice distraction, a diversion from all her worries. She held no hopes for a future with a man like this. But she also couldn’t help but believe him—she wasn’t a mere flash in the pan, a notch on his post. Her trial would be months away, and with his brother’s investment in her, they had time at least. Four months she figured. That was a long time, and anything was possible, wasn’t it?
He gave her that crooked smile that showed his dimples as he pressed the door closed, and she reached for her seatbelt. She watched him walk around the car, and just enjoyed the view. He was like a panther in his movements. Sleek. Sexy as hell. She imagined him dating models, not short girls with curvy figures. But she knew he was attracted to her, just as much as she was attracted to him. Why not take advantage of it? It would be one helluva ride.
When Nikko was in the car, the electricity between them was intense. There was static in the air. He turned the car’s ignition over and smoothly backed up out of her mother’s driveway. Soon they were cruising along State Road Fifty headed into Spring Hill.
He reached for her hand and held it on his lap, while he steered with one hand. He used one finger to trace small light circles on the top of her hand, constantly in motion. It was comforting and did crazy things to her. She enjoyed the intimacy of the small gesture.
“So, ice cream, a milk shake?” he reminded her softly and broke the spell.
She gave him an ‘are you absurd look’ and he laughed. Who were they kidding? “Um, no,” she replied just as softly. Her heart rate picked up.
“No?” he questioned lifting one eyebrow and looking at her sideways before returning his eyes to the road. The look on her face set his heart to beating faster. His mouth suddenly went dry. Where did she want to go?
A slow smile spread across her face. “No, Nikko. Let’s just go to your hotel, and do what we have both wanted to do for a long time.” Honesty was refreshing. She didn’t want to play these games any longer.
He looked at her suddenly, and she saw the fire in his eyes. His nostrils flared. His grip on her hand got tighter, and his foot hit the accelerator. He spoke no words, just searched her eyes for a moment, saying nothing.
He saw the need in her eyes mirrored his own. It thrilled him. Pure passion. Wanton desire. He couldn’t wait to sink into this woman, claim her as his. He wanted nothing more than to possess this tough as nails ice princess and make her melt. Not saying anything, he released her hand; he needed two hands now so he could drive faster. The hotel wasn’t far, not far at all.
***
The Quality Inn Nikko pulled into was close to Lou’s place, and was the newest hotel in the county. The sun was just dipping below the tree-line, as Ronnie followed Nikko through the lobby, her hand in his as he crossed directly to the elevators. He handed her his key card and told her to go to room four hundred and twenty-five. He would join her shortly. He wanted to get something from the bar.
He pressed a kiss to her lips. It was chaste, but firm and she felt the heat behind it. The promise.
***
Ronnie walked into the mirror and oak paneled elevator, and by the time she turned she could already see Nikko’s retreating figure half way to the entrance to the hotel lounge. She hit the button for the fourth floor, and the doors slid shut as she watched him rush toward the bar, not looking back once. He appeared to be a man on a mission.
She felt the elevator lurch and begin its ascent. It didn’t help her already queasy stomach. She just hoped her hunch about Nikko was right.
When the elevator stopped and the doors slid open, she didn’t have far to go. Nikko’s room was directly across the hall indicated by the brass plate showing room four hundred and twenty-five. Two large double doors of deep mahogany gleamed directly in front of her. It must be a suite, she assumed. She slid the key into the electronic box and it flashed green. Pulling the card out, she quickly opened the door, and stepped inside onto a very plush chocolate colored carpet.