Page 39 of One Kind Soul

Nicole followed his gaze and, noting the man-sized hand outlines on the paint, she used her sweater to buff them off. “Don’t worry,” she said. “You’ve left your mark in other ways.”

“I could give you a hickey if you’d like.” He leaned toward her, but she put her hand on his chest, stopping him.

“Don’t you dare.”

“Aww, c’mon.”

“We’re not teenagers.”

But they were sneaking around like some.

“When will I see you again?”

“Well, we’ve got bachelorette and bachelor parties on Thursday night, the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, and the wedding on Saturday,” Nicole said.

He shook his head. “I mean when will I see only you again?”

“I’m not sure. Sending Tessa and Donovan out to eat was my one brilliant plan.”

“Okay, so the next time is up to me.” He chewed on his bottom lip. “I’ll figure something out.”

Nicole angled her head and gave him a smile.

“What’s that smile for?” He ran his index finger along her lips, loving when she kissed the tip of it.

“I like that you want to see me enough to devise a plan.”

“Nixen, I like you enough to want to pay thugs to kidnap Tessa and Donovan and lock them up somewhere so I can see you again.”

Her laugh filled him.

“Or maybe I’ll find some crazy scientists who can toy with Tessa’s and Donovan’s memories so they will forget if they see us together.” He snapped his fingers. “No, wait, I’ve got it. Alien abductions.”

Now Nicole was nearly bent over with laughter. “Let me know when you come up with a plan we can actually use, Chrissy.” She reached up on her toes and gave him a kiss he’d replay in his mind all night long. “Bye.”

“Good night.” He opened the door for her then closed it when she’d settled in the driver’s seat.

After starting the engine, she lowered the window and crooked her finger so he’d come closer.

“Another kiss?” she asked. “For the road?”

He didn’t need to be asked twice. This kiss left them both breathless, and stepping back so she could leave was one of the hardest things he’d done. Was it because he didn’t know when he’d be able to see her again? Was it because she actually wanted to see him more?

All Christian knew for sure was he’d need a damn good plan if he wanted his lips on hers again.

Chapter Seven

“You tried on your dress?” Tessa asked as she poured coffee in the kitchen on Thursday morning.

“I did. It fits wonderfully.” And Nicole couldn’t wait for Christian to see it on her. His beautiful blue eyes were going to bug out. What was crazy was she’d picked the dress out of a catalog from Kauai. Fortunately, the bridal shop Tessa had gone to for her wedding gown had been able to tailor the dress from measurements Nicole had emailed. The seamstress had done amazing work.

“Good.” Tessa pulled out her phone as she sat across from Nicole at the kitchen table. Remi was under the table, sprawled over Nicole’s feet. “That’s another thing off the list and we’ll be able to focus on having fun tonight at the bachelorette party.”

“I wish I could have helped more with the plans and stuff.” Nicole sipped her own coffee. “I haven’t been a good maid of honor.”

Tessa reached across the table and rested her hand on Nicole’s. “Who let Donovan stay at our beach house while he was in Hawaii when I first met him?”

Nicole waved a hand. “That wasn’t a big deal.”