Page 33

God.

“Nick?” I run into his arms without thinking twice. Not even once, if I’m being honest. Closing my eyes, I breathe him, savoring the energy flowing through my veins. It’s as if my body’s been dormant, and Nick’s the catalyst. “God, I missed you so much,” I whisper under my breath, unintentionally vocalizing my confession but not caring. I hate how we ended.Is it wrong to want an actual chance with him?

I instantly recognized his deep tone as if my insides had been wired to pick up on the frequency. And I could never forget those eyes and how they drank me in the first time we met. But it’s those arms, the same ones wrapped so tight around me now, that I’ll always remember most. Like in Avalon, he holds me like he doesn’t want to lose me, quenching not only his thirst for this connection but also mine.

When I look at him, his smile is better than I remember and he whispers, “What?”

I’m not going to admit that I missed him twice, though, when he hasn’t said it once. I mean, that would be embarrassing. We barely know each other. “I asked what you’re doing here?”

His warmth disappears with his arms as he lowers them and takes a step back. “Business.” He takes his time giving me a once-over, owning every lingering second. Goose bumps arise like a long-awaited wave covering my body. “Wow.” He stares at me as though he expects to see a glitch in the system to prove I’m not real. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

Holding my arms out, I say, “Here I am.”

“Yes, you are.”

I’ve missed the dulcet tones that warmed my insides. His voice makes me weak in the knees as memories of Catalina flood back.

A throat is cleared, and Chad adds, “And so am I.”

Oh, right.I’d forgotten about him. I take a step back to include him in this exchange, though I’d rather just tell him good night. “Chad, this is Nick. I mean,The?—”

“It’s almost been five months,” Nick says, with his eyes set on mine and ignoring my date altogether.

“Four months, three weeks,” I reply with a shrug. “But who’s counting?”

“I have been. Every day. God, it’s good to see you, Natalie.”

Suddenly, I wish I would have worn something instead of these jeans and a simple blouse that ties at my waist. If I’d know that destiny was going to play her hand tonight, I would have worn a dress, a dress with pockets, or one that’s fitted. I’m not sure which dress or the style, but I would have worn something different, a dress just for Nick, is all I’m saying. “You too.Sogood.”

Clearly Team Natalie, Nick comes closer, ignoring the invisible line of personal space. I can’t say I mind. “I’m not here long, but we should catch up.”

I’m startled by a loud clap. When I turn toward the sound, Chad says, “This has been fun, but Natalie and The Chad have plans.”

Nick’s face remains impartial for about point two seconds. Then he loses it. “The Chad?”

I’m right there with him on this one, but I refuse to get caught up in Nick, more than I am already, and force my eyes back to Chad. “We do?”

“Yes.”

Nice enough to move on, Nick asks, “What do you think,” as if it’s just the two of us, “about going on a date?”

Although my gaze shifts to the man standing next to me, I can feel the heat of Nick’s proximity melting me on the inside. Damn him and that, that, that electricity or chemistry. Whatever it is that feels like a fire heating a winter’s night that flows between us. Cracking a small smile, I keep my voice low as if Chad might hear me if I don’t, and reply, “I’m already on a date, Nick.”

“Yeah,Nick,” Chad adds loudly, awkwardly causing a scene by the wide berth people are leaving around when they walk by. “She’s on a date with The Chad, so fuck off, dude.”

I’ve had it with the third person reference. I was patient all through dinner listening toThe Chad, but I’ve had enough. Just when I’m about to say something, I notice the warmth of Nick’s brown eyes turn cold when he levels Chad with a glare. Stepping closer, he leaves enough room to fill the space with a new, unrecognizable emotion—the playfulness gone the moment Chad opened his mouth. “Listen . . .”

I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself when Nick glances at me. I assist. “TheChad.” Okay, maybe I’m not the most helpful, but it is funny.

“Listen,Chad,” Nick continues, not missing a beat. “I understand you thought this was going well, but I can tell you from firsthand experience that you don’t stand a chance of getting a good-night kiss, much less a second date.”

Chad steps closer and scoffs. “Oh, yeah? What makes you think that?”

“Ask her.” Nick’s eyes only find mine a second, but it’s long enough for me to see that sexy confidence I remember so well from Catalina filling his irises.

Chad turns to me, putting his back to Nick. Tilting down, he whispers, “This was going well, you and I, before he showed up, right?” When I hesitate, he adds, “Tell him. We’re going back to my place uptown. We can have a nightcap?—”

“Well . . .” Throwing my hand up, I place a wall between us. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Chad. It’s beenokay, at best—first person or third person—but not worth a nightcap.” I was feeling generous with the okay rating on the date. If this were an online survey, it would rate a one star, at best.