Page 18 of Paradise & Vodka

"Looks like we're eating,thentaking a nap."

We both took quick showers. I was trying not to think about seeing Douglas and Everleigh in a few minutes. The entire time I was in the shower, I kept telling myself that I could do it. I could walk into a room with a huge smile on my face andacthappy for the couple. It wasn't even because I still had feelings for Douglas. I didn't. I hadn't felt anything for him in years, but to this day, neither one of them had apologized to me, and I felt as though I needed it.

Fuck that.

Iwantedit.

"Ready?" I asked as I slipped on my strappy sandals.

"Are you?"

I took a deep breath. "I have to be, right?"

"Are you good with PDA?"

I'd never had any public display of affection besides holding hands, so I wasn't really sure if I was okay with it. I did know that I wanted this sexy man to be all over me, and if it was in front of my family, I wasn't going to push him away. "Yeah. We're in love, right?"

"Yeah, we are, Buttercup." Nick pulled me into his arms and placed a soft kiss on my lips. It felt nice and wasn't like the one before. He definitely knew what he was doing, so I was going to go with whatever he wanted to do.

"Buttercup … I'm liking that one the best so far."

He grabbed my hand, and we started for the door. "Not sure if that's the one or not."

"At this point, I'll respond to anything."

"Good to know, but it needs to be perfect."

"Why's that?" I questioned.

"Because you are."

Jesus, this guy.My face was on fire again as we headed toward the restaurant.

"I love it when you blush, baby, but you're gonna need to check that shit quick."

"I can't help it."

"And that's why I'm going to be all over you. So, get ready."

"I'm ready." I smiled.

He spun me so I was walking backward, kissing me at the same time. Even if it was for show, I was enjoying it. It was also keeping my mind off of what was going to happen in mere seconds.

"Thank you," I said as we pulled apart, still holding hands. I turned and started walking normally.

"For what?"

"The distraction."

"Honestly, I just wanted to kiss you," he admitted.

"Yeah?"

"I want to kiss you all the time."

"I wouldn't be opposed to that." I grinned.

"Good to know." He winked and opened the door to the building.