Page 43 of One Kind Soul

At least he didn’t think there were.

“Okay, yeah. I see that. I don’t want to see that, especially on my security cameras,” Donovan said, “but she’s not fighting you off.”

Christian reminded himself that smiling over that fact would not be the right thing to do. He also shouldn’t be reliving those moments he’d had with Nicole in the guest room today. Not if he had any shot of making Donovan understand.

“Okay, listen. I’ll be honest with you,” he said.

Donovan folded his arms across his chest. “I’d appreciate that.”

“After Nicole and I survived the van accident in Boston, we both had some trouble sleeping. Adrenaline and all that. One thing led to another and we ended up sleeping together at the hotel.”

Donovan groaned. “Tessa is going to kill you.”

“I know. Nicole knows that too. That’s why we were keeping it on the down low, but c’mon, man. You know Nicole. She’s . . . she’s amazing. I wanted to see her again. She wanted that too so when you and Tessa were having dinner at Albero’s, Nicole came to my farm and we did it again.”

Donovan pinched the bridge of his nose and sifted out a slow breath.

“Then,” Christian continued while he was on a roll, “I got Marco to call Tessa requesting that meeting so Nicole and I could do it again.” He pointed out the windshield. “Here.”

“Albero’s and Marco were both set-ups?”

“Dude, I’m hooked on her,” Christian said. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help myself.”

Donovan opened his mouth and Christian braced himself for a Big Brother Lecture, but instead his brother studied his face. “You like her.”

“Of course I do.”

“No. I mean you feel something for her. More than hooking up.”

Christian gripped the steering wheel, turning Donovan’s accusation around in his mind. This thing with Nicole was certainly unlike any other thing he’d had with a woman. He’d never snuck around before, but it was more than that. Hell, he’d seen her more times than he’d seen most women. He’d had more sex with her too, and if the way they’d left each other panting was any indication, she wanted more opportunities to see him again.

He definitely wanted that too.

“Okay, yeah. I do feel something for her.” He angled to face his brother. “Did Tessa see that video?”

Donovan shook his head. “No. I saw it about twenty minutes ago. I didn’t have my phone on me until I grabbed it after getting ready for tonight. I figured I’d chew you out first before telling her, but maybe you don’t need a chewing out.”

“Do you think Tessa will be mad? Nicole is freaked Tessa will flip.”

“Initially, she might want to seriously hurt you, but . . .”

“But what?”

“Well, if she sees how you talk about Nicole like I just witnessed, she might get that it’s more than hooking up. She might be mad that you guys kept it from her though.”

“Damned either way then?”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter because I have to tell her.” Donovan wiggled his phone. “I can’t keep this from her.”

Christian was afraid this was where this conversation was headed. “Are Nicole and Tessa still inside?”

“Yeah, they were finishing up getting ready for the bachelorette party.”

“Okay. C’mon.” Christian opened the driver side door.

“Wait a minute.” Donovan clamped a hand on his arm. “You’re going to march in there and blow this thing wide open?”

“Sure. I don’t want to put you in a weird spot with your fiancée. I want to be able to see Nicole without sneaking around. I . . . I want Tessa’s blessing.”