Page 21 of One Kind Soul

“And how do you feel about cats?”

“Pro cat.”

“Good. I have five barn cats and they are positively the most affectionate creatures on Earth.”

“Aren’t cats usually aloof?”

“Not these ones. They are all over me. Actually fight with each other to get in my lap.” He nearly groaned aloud when Nicole’s gaze dropped to his lap for a second. Was she thinking about getting into his lap? He definitely wouldn’t mind if she wanted to.

She snapped her focus to her sandwich and took another bite, her cheeks pinking slightly.

They finished eating the sandwiches and snacks and after throwing away their trash, Nicole said, “I’ll let you rest.”

Christian didn’t want to rest. He wanted to invite her onto the bed, cuddle up with her, and watch something on TV. He was afraid such a request would scare her though.

“Sure. Don’t leave without me in the morning.”

She turned around as she walked toward the adjoining door. “I haven’t left you behind so far, have I?”

Something in the way her dark gaze landed on him almost made him issue the invite to stay and cuddle, but then she blinked, gave him a quick smile, and disappeared into her room.

Christian threw his head back and stared at the ceiling. The Christian he’d always known would not have let her go back to her room. He would have flirted and joked and teased until she agreed to stay. Why hadn’t he used his charms on her?

Because Nicole is different.

She didn’t quite fall into the category of women he usually interacted with. She was . . . more.

And she was in her room now so that was that.

Christian shut off the TV, figuring the sooner he got to sleep, the faster morning would come and then he could see Nicole again. Maybe once he got her to Vermont and on his home turf, he’d be able to be more direct in his flirting like he usually was. He used the bathroom, inspected his leg one more time, then got under the covers in bed. After shutting off the bedside lamp, he closed his eyes and shifted to a more comfortable position on his side.

Then that van flashed into his brain.

His eyes shot open.

His heart hammered.

A coating of sweat blossomed on his skin.

He sat up and raked his hands through his hair, staring into the darkness.

“I’m okay,” he said aloud, trying to convince himself.

He settled back down and closed his eyes, only to find that van barreling toward him again. This time it hit him.

And Nicole.

“Fuck.”

Christian snapped on the light, got out of bed, and paced around the small room. He was tired. He should have no trouble falling asleep. His leg hurt. Nothing overwhelming, but sleep would be restorative.

Or horrifying if he kept picturing that goddamn van.

He stared at the adjoining door and wondered if Nicole was having trouble sleeping too. He hated to think she was feeling as he was all alone in her room.

He knocked softly. “Nicole?”

A moment later, the door opened. “Yeah?”