The Bachelor Contract(31)

Apparently Cole had pushed him into the pool. She wasn’t sure if she should be concerned for Cole’s job or give him a high five for knocking Brant down a few pegs.

This was for herself. The dress. The night.

And now, more than ever, the date. She was suddenly so thankful that Cole had basically demanded a date tonight that she could have cried. The last thing she wanted was to show up stag to a company party and have to constantly look over her shoulder and wonder if he was there, if he was staring, if he thought she looked pretty.

She bit down on her bottom lip, catching it between her teeth, piercing it until blessed pain took over. She had to remind herself that was what Brant represented. Pain. Loss. Bitterness.

Brant didn’t just run when things got hard—he’d hurt her in the process and she pushed him away in order to protect them—or at least what she thought was left of them.

“Normally when I give girls compliments they reward me with a kiss.” Cole’s rough voice jolted her from her thoughts, then his lips grazed her ear. “Maybe you’re just fishing for more compliments, so in case you didn’t hear, you look absolutely stunning.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re my best friend.” Why did her voice sound so pathetic?

“No. I shouldn’t say that because I’m your best friend,” he grumbled, jerking away from her, only to grip her hand and start the slow walk across the street and into the hotel.

Warm, dry air hit her in the face as they made their way down the sidewalk. “So what are you wearing?”

“Nothing,” Cole said quickly. “I’m completely naked—hope you don’t mind.”

“Rats. If only I could see! Quick, explain said nakedness.” She could always count on Cole to distract her. Smiling, she waited for his answer.

“Pretty much just golden skin and muscles…everywhere. Not to mention a huge cock. Wait, is that too much? Have I gone too far for your innocent ears?”

Nikki burst out laughing. “Not at all, I have a very vivid imagination. Do continue.”

“Huge cock.”

“You said that.”

“It bore mentioning again, just in case you didn’t hear me the first time.”

“My hearing’s amazing. You know, blindness does that.”

“Ah, and here I thought you just liked staring at me.”

“Well, that too. You’re a really nice, colorful blur.” She shrugged while he stopped them, probably to press the Walk signal button, then grabbed her arm again as the beeping sounded. “It’s a nice blur. I promise.”

“I’ve always wanted to be a blur.”

With a giggle, she swatted him in the chest. Soon the scent of lemons and sugar filled the air.

They were at the hotel. It always smelled fresh without giving off that bleach- or Lysol-sanitized feel. It smelled clean, like a new leaf. Fresh starts.

Classical music assaulted her ears. She made a face.

“You hate sushi and classical music. Are you even human?”

“Stop. I have a very good reason for hating classical music.”

“I’m waiting.” They moved toward the music.

She swallowed the tightness in her throat. Classical music had been playing that day on the way to the hospital. Brant was humming along—he’d been so excited.

So excited that they were going to have a baby.

Her heart slammed against her chest violently. It hurt. It still hurt so much.

“Whoa, whoa.” Cole held her by the shoulders. “Why does it look like you’re about to cry?”

“I really”—she sucked in a breath—“really hate classical music.”

“I’ll fix it.” He kissed her hand and released it. “Why don’t you make your way over to the bar? Oh, and before I forget.” He placed a mask over her face. “A mask made for a princess. You’re welcome.”

Nikki touched the mask as he finished tying it behind her head. “It covers my entire face.”

“It’s a masquerade party,” he said simply, like it was a valid reason. They walked hand in hand toward a noisy blur of people and movement.

“Right, usually people just put masks over their eyes.”

“Not you.” He gave her a soft shove. “Order a drink while I go beg for some Jay Z.”

“Twenty One Pilots works too!” she called out before fumbling around for a bar stool, only to have a warm hand graze her knuckles. Shivering, she jolted back.

“Your boyfriend pushed me in the pool today,” a sexy-as-hell voice said from her right.

Heat rushed to her face. That voice had a way of wrapping around her, making her want. “He’s not my boyfriend.”