“I feel the same way.” I laugh along with him and lean back, propping my head on my free hand.
&nb
sp; I don’t know how long we sit like this, talking about nothing important, just trading stories of our families and growing up with older brothers. He mentioned his brothers earlier at dinner, explaining one was a lawyer and one was in medical school. He goes on to tell me about his best friend, a girl named Bizzy, whom he met when he was a freshman in high school. The way he talks about her is like she’s more than a friend. She’s his family.
He has no problem sharing openly, and I find myself hanging on to his every word. He may not realize it, but he’s a great storyteller. More than once, I’m on the verge of tears with laughter at his reminiscing. Somehow, we move back to the subject of over-zealous brothers and his plans for the future, with his oldest brother, Shaw, leading the way.
“Mine are constantly in my business, and I’m beginning to think I’m insane for allowing Shaw to be my agent. But, then again, he’s the only person in the world who I’d want handling my career.”
Apparently, being the baby of the three boys comes with its own set of challenges.
“Well, my brother isn’t exactly going to manage my career like yours. You’re going to be a household name. The football world is about to be taken by storm. Sounds like Shaw Bennett has his work cut out for him.”
Nick’s smile dies a bit, and he squeezes my hand, making me wonder if I’ve said something wrong.
“I didn’t mean—”
“No, it’s okay. But sometimes it’s nice to forget all that and chill, just knowing that I’m still a regular person, the same Nick Bennett. One thing about my family and Bizzy, they don’t treat me like anything special. I’m still me.”
“I didn’t mean—” I try again but don’t get to finish when he reaches up and runs his fingers over my cheek, leaving a tingling trail. He tucks a piece of stray hair behind my ear then cups my jaw tenderly.
“You didn’t, and that’s one reason tonight is so awesome. You treat me the same way. I’m just Nick.”
There are no words, so I nod quietly.
The air around us heats as we gaze at each other, his eyes roaming over my face. I wait in anticipation, hoping he’ll lean in and kiss me. He parts his mouth slightly, his tongue rolling over his bottom lip. This simple action starts a slow burn in the pit of my stomach.
He slides forward, gently urging me to do the same. When our mouths are inches apart, and I can feel the warmth from his breath coating my lips, his phone starts ringing.
The trance is broken. He cusses under his breath, dropping his hand and reaching into his pocket.
“I’m sorry, Grace. I need to answer this.”
“Of course.” I try to scoot away, but he doesn’t let my hand go, forcing me to stay.
“What’s up?” He answers so coolly, I wonder if he’s nearly as affected as I am. My heart is now beating in overtime, but he seems calm and collected.
The sound of a male voice travels through the line, but I can’t make out what he’s saying.
“Okay, I’ll be home in a bit and we can talk about it then,” he tells whoever is on the phone.
More rumbling.
“No, I’m not out drinking. I’m actually on a date.”
More rumbling.
“Fuck, Shaw, don’t you ever quit working? I said I’d be home soon and call you back.”
He doesn’t give Shaw time to reply before hanging up and letting out a loud sigh. I watch as his eyes drift closed, not knowing what to say. The thought of him kissing me is long gone.
His eyes come back to me, and he gives me an apologetic grin. “I’m sorry, but I probably should get home.”
“It’s okay.” I try to hide my disappointment.
He stands, bringing me with him, one arm wrapping tightly around my waist.
“Tell me you’re free tomorrow night.”