Stand Of Redemption(23)

Ria felt her heart start to pound during the moment of silence. He was so charming it overwhelmed her. Her plan to stay strong was already falling apart.

“I do want to apologize. I shouldn’t have said those cruel words.” She thought back to the night they’d met.

“Don’t apologize; I was an ass. I’m sorry for my behavior.” Nicholas changed the subject. “How did you and Lacey become friends?”

“We met in high school. She was the popular girl and I was the loser. Her family has money. Her father is an entrepreneur who’s had many successful ventures. Because of that, she always had kids trying to be her friend and kiss up to her—the students knew who had the most money. She couldn’t stand their fakeness, though.

“We had chemistry class together, and she spilled a beaker of fluid and told me to clean it up. I told her to clean it up herself. We’ve been friends ever since. She knows I don’t care about her money, that I’ve always just appreciated her friendship.”

“She seems like an upfront kind of person.”

“She is; believe me. She’s been giving me hell because I got fired. If I failed the exam today, she’ll let me have it.”

“I’m sure you passed. Have some confidence in yourself. You’re a beautiful, young woman who’s going after what she wants.”

Ria laughed. “Oh, my gosh! You’re full of all the right lines, aren’t you?”

Nicholas shook his head. “It’s true. You’ll see. I’m never wrong.”

“Well, I hope you’re right.” Not only was her future riding on her passing, but her mother’s. If she passed, she would be able to get a job out of town, away from Emiliano.

The rest of the meal went well as they continued to learn more about one another. She could feel the sexual tension growing between them.

After dinner, Nicholas asked her if she’d like to take a walk along the river. It was a beautiful night.

“How’s your arm?” Ria asked.

“It’s okay. I’m hoping to be out of the sling within a week or two,” Nicholas replied. “Then the doctor will let me know if he thinks it’s healthy enough to start training again.”

“Have you missed it?”

Nicholas hesitated before answering. “I haven’t admitted this out loud, but no. I haven’t missed training exclusively with my dad. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, and didn’t realize how much I would enjoy working with someone else.”

They continued the walk, settling into a comfortable silence. Ria debated on if now was the time to tell him she would be busy with her mother. She didn’t want to pull him into the mess of her life. She decided she wanted to enjoy the night, as planned. If he asked her out again, she would explain then.

They finished the walk and Nicholas drove her home.

She knew her apartment was a dump and hadn’t wanted to see the pity in his eyes at the start of their evening, so she had met him outside when his car had pulled up.

As he parked the car in front of her apartment, he got out and opened her door. He was being such a gentleman; not many men took the time for chivalry these days. Ria did appreciate his efforts, but she was embarrassed of her living conditions.

“I’m fine. You don’t have to walk me—”

“No,” he said firmly, cutting her off. “You didn’t let me come to the door before, which I didn’t care for. I’m walking you to your front door, Ria.”

Ria sighed. “Fine.”

They walked to her front door and she pulled her keys out. She fiddled with them for a minute, unwilling for the night to end. She looked up at Nicholas and caught him staring intently at her.

“Ria, that was one of the best evenings I’ve had in a long time. Thank you for agreeing to dinner.” He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.

Ria groaned. She wanted a real kiss. He was behaving completely appropriate, and it sucked.

Nicholas laughed. “What was that for?”

Ria gasped. She hadn’t realized that she had groaned out loud.

“I don’t know,” she mumbled to the ground. She felt the sinking disappointment deep in her gut.

“Ria, you were physically assaulted less than a week ago. If you think I don’t want to throw you against the door and touch every inch of you, you’re wrong,” Nicholas said, his face hardening. “But I don’t want to scare you away, either.”

Ria stared into his eyes and could see the desire he was no longer trying to hide from her. She caught her breath then quickly put the key in the door to unlock it.

“Does it seem like I scare easily?”