Page 44 of Until Now

“So, the surprise is…what exactly? I’m eating alone?”

Kai points behind me to the entrance of the hotel.

Nick walks out the open door — a brief smile in thanks to the doorman. His smile widens when he sees me. A small wave brings a smile to my lips and I return the gesture. A light brush against my arm tears my attention from him, Eileen is suddenly beside me.

“Do me a favor, just have fun tonight.” Eileen squeezes my hand gently before her expression turns serious. “But, not too much fun and make sure you’re home before midnight.”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Mom.”

“Have fun kids!” Kai shouts from the car and Eileen climbs back into the passenger seat. As they drive off, a sinking feeling washes over me. Does Kai know the truth? Eileen promised she wouldn’t say anything, she would let me tell my brother when I’m ready.

The feeling disappears when I see Nick again. Hands shoved deep in his pockets, he rocks back on his heels, a shy smile ghosting his lips. Screw it. I can worry about it tomorrow. Right now, nothing else matters except us.

“Hey,” he says, his voice smooth like silk wraps around me.

“Hi,” my voice soft. He takes a step forward, his eyes unwavering under the lights. “Nick, what’s all this about? I thought—”

“I’m sorry,” Nick interjects. Fingers sift through curls nervously. “I know I haven’t been the easiest to deal with since we got here. Hell, even before. And, there is a lot for us to figure out, and to learn about each other, but I thought we could start with a date.”

“A date?” A smile on my pink-stained lips. “Like, a real date?”

“Yeah, a real date.”

“Nicholas Davis is a romantic, who knew?”

“Don’t tell anyone, it might ruin my reputation.” His soft words danced across my skin as he whispers in my ear. “Shall we?”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The inside ofthe Grand Oak was renovated two years ago to give it a more modern atmosphere, while still keeping classic ski lodge vibes. The lobby includes a large picture window looking over the mountainside, a double-sided fireplace, and a library with ample seating perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes. The renovations carry over into the rooms which were renovated at the same time, however they were given a slightly less modern feel maintaining that cozy mountain vibe.

Turning down the last hallway, Nick’s hand moves from my back to take my hand in his. Our fingers immediately intertwine. We approach the restaurant, The Little Bird, and the hostess perks up. “Oh my gosh, Nina! I didn’t know you were coming tonight. I would have prepared your normal table. I didn’t—”

“It’s okay, Adriana. That’s what happens with surprises, right?” A sincere smile as I reassure her.

“We can totally move you—”

“No, it’s fine. I’m sure wherever we’re set up is perfect.”

“You sure?” Nick asks.

“Positive.” I squeeze his hand following Adriana to a table in the far corner. We slide into the round booth, leaving a small space between us — enough room to be comfortable, with the ability to move closer depending how the night progresses.

“I’ll let Steve know you’re here,” Adriana says with a knowing smirk before she disappears.

“Kai said this was your favorite restaurant. So, I thought it would be a good choice. If I had known you had a certain table, I would’ve given your name.”

“Nick, it’s perfect.” I kiss his cheek. “So, you enlisted the help of my brother?”

“Don’t worry, Eileen supervised.”

Steve interrupts us, “Nina, so good to see you! I didn’t know you were joining us this evening.”

“How are you, Steve?”

“You just know everyone, don’t you?” Nick jokes.

“We all know Nina around here, but we haven’t seen much of her this summer.”

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