Page 168 of Holidating
Nicolette opens her mouth to argue but then closes it again.That kiss. “Even so,” she says slowly. “It’s been a long time since I slept with anyone new. I’m going to have to get used to this idea.”
“Do you, though?” Cici asks. “Nobody is more thoughtful than you are, Nic. But maybe this isn’t a moment for deep reflection. It’s fine to seduce that man just because you both want each other. It doesn’t have to be a big deal.”
“I think we used to have this same conversation when I was nineteen,” she grumbles.
“You trust this guy, right?” Cici asks.
She doesn’t even have to think about it. “Of course.”
“That means something,” her friend says firmly. “When people tell you not to jump into a new relationship, they mean that you shouldn’t lunge at the first man you see because you’re afraid to be alone.”
“Yeah, no. I think being alone might be good for me.”
“It could,” Cici agrees. “But how many years did you waste making moon eyes at Damien?”
“Oof,” Nicolette grunts. “A few.”A lot.
“That man knows you just got a divorce. He asked you out to dinner. He didn’t ask you to set a wedding date.”
She chuckles. “Fair.”
“So shave your legs and have dinner with the man. Go to bed with him if you feel like it. Don’t overthink it.”
“But that’s what I do best.”
“How’s that working for you so far?”
“Oof,” she says again.
“You really like him,” her friend says softly. “When he was in the army, you used to listen to the news about Afghanistan like there’d be a quiz later.”
This isn’t wrong.
“Trust him. Trust yourself. And wax your hoo-ha.”
“Cici!”
They both laugh.
CHAPTER 14
SOUNDTRACK: THE NERVOUS THUMP OF HIS OWN HEART
He makes himself wait until the next morning to text her.
Hey! I heard my first Christmas carol on the radio, so now I’m thinking about you. I always think of you at Christmas.
Can I take you out one night this week?
After he hits send, he worries that it’s too much enthusiasm. God, it’s hard to keep a lid on the way he feels about her.
But she answers only a few minutes later.
I’d love to. Wednesday?
Sweet! I’m going to find us a nice restaurant reservation. Any spots to avoid? Likes and dislikes?
No, I’m easy.
