Boyfriend for Hire(6)
Just as I’m about to ask Nic more about his college years, Jeremy walks toward us.
“Fuck,” I whisper, turning toward Nic.
“Is something wrong?” he asks as the bartender sets down our drinks.
“My ex is walking this way right now,” I say, wishing I could disappear. I glance at Nic. “We had a rough breakup, in case Christine didn’t mention anything to you.”
Nic nods, furrowing his brow. I hope that seeing me react like this to my ex isn’t scaring him off. It’s not exactly a turn-on to have your date freak out over another guy.
“Sorry—” I say, but Nic cuts me off.
“Just follow my lead,” he says and starts laughing loudly.
Startled, I just stare for a second.
“Laugh,” he whispers to me.
Finally, I get the hint and start to laugh along with him just as Jeremy walks up to the bar. I can see him out of the corner of my eye look over at us.
Nic sets his drink down and lifts his hand to smooth a stray strand of hair away from my face. When he touches me, it’s like the whole world stops. As Nic tucks my hair behind my ear, I forget all about Jeremy and take a deep, shaky breath, feeling like I’ve been sucker punched in the stomach.
As Nic stares deeply into my eyes, my knees start to feel shaky. With him standing so close, I catch a hint of his scent, something earthy and masculine, totally intoxicating. His full lips curve into a smile, and I’m totally lost in the moment when Nic breaks eye contact to glance at where Jeremy was standing. He’s gone, and Nic turns back to me, grinning. I didn’t even noticed he left.
“I think we pulled that off,” Nic says with a grin.
I smile back weakly. He probably has no idea how much he’s affecting me right now, or that I couldn’t care less what Jeremy thought of that moment, only that I want it to happen again.
“Thanks,” I say, shocked at how sweet Nic is. Usually, guys as hot as he is don’t try this hard because they know they can get any girl they want. Briefly, I wonder if he has some horrible flaw that’s going to rear its ugly head later. It would be just my luck. I overlooked so many things about Jeremy, and I won’t make that same mistake again.
“Cheers to meeting new people—and avoiding ones we know.” Nic holds up his whiskey, and we clink glasses.
“Sorry this is kind of awkward with my ex here,” I say, afraid Nic’s going to decide this is too much drama. After what I just felt, I don’t think I could stand it if he bailed on the weekend. “Christine probably didn’t warn you about that part.”
“She didn’t mention it, but it’s not a problem. I know how shitty breakups can be,” he says, leaning back against the bar. “Just consider me your personal bodyguard. Who is also your drinking buddy for the weekend.”
“A man of many talents.” Relieved, I grin. “Lucky me.”
“You have no idea.” He smirks, taking a sip of his whiskey.
I can think of a couple other talents you might have.
Looking him up and down again, I take a breath, trying to keep my thoughts focused on the conversation and not on what he could do for me in the bedroom.
“I also dance,” he says, saving me from my wayward thoughts.
“You might be on your own for that one.” I smile politely, finishing my champagne. “I’m a horrible dancer.”
“Oh, I didn’t say I was good. And if I’m going to make a fool of myself on the dance floor, you’re definitely coming with me.”
We laugh, and as he runs a hand through his dark hair again, I notice for the first time how big his hands are. I bite my lip, trying not to let my mind wander to all the places I want him to put those hands.
His laugh is deep and sexy, almost like a growl. Everything about him is sinful, and I feel like I’m riding on a high. Maybe the champagne is going to my head, but I don’t think so. Something about Nic is different from any other guy I’ve ever met. He’s so confident and at ease, both with himself and with me, and it’s a huge turn-on.
A server comes around and tells us it’s time to head in for dinner. After we’re seated at our table, the speeches begin, and everyone toasts with champagne to the bride and groom. I lock eyes with Christine and she gives me a huge smile, obviously pleased to see Nic and me together.
As the server sets down my meal, I suddenly feel ravenous. I was so nervous about seeing Jeremy tonight, and with my anxiety over this blind date, I couldn’t eat anything all day, and believe me, I never skip meals. I take a big bite of chicken and let out a groan, but when I realize Nic is watching me, I’m so embarrassed, I stop.
“I didn’t eat much today,” I say, feeling the need to apologize. Jeremy always used to comment on what I ate, and it made me self-conscious about eating in front of guys.
“You should never apologize for that,” Nic says earnestly, and I’m totally spellbound by how understanding and sweet he is. Then he grins. “Besides, I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
“I’m sure you do,” I say, smirking at him.
Nic tilts his head as he studies me, then chuckles. “You’re something else, you know that?”
“But, seriously, I don’t normally eat like I’ve been starved for two days,” I say, hoping to get back to a topic with less sexual subtext. “I’ve just been a little anxious today. I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this night. No offense,” I add quickly.