Page 45 of One Kind Soul

“I know,” he said, “but think about how great Nicole is. How is a guy supposed to turn that away?”

“And how am I supposed to say no thanks to a guy who is willing to use his own body to protect me, Tessa? You might think he’s a flirt, but Christian is a lot more than that.” Nicole turned to look at him now. “He’s kind and smart and nice to animals.” She walked over to stand in front of him. “He’s talented and sweet and though he sucks at checkers, I like him.”

Christian couldn’t stop himself from resting his hands on her hips and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I like you too. I will, however, beat your ass in checkers.”

“You can’t beat her,” Tessa said. “I’ve tried.” She puffed out a breath. “You can’t tell her who not to like either.” She waved a hand at the two of them. “Obviously.”

“I’m sorry, Tessa. We should have told you right away, but I was afraid you’d be mad and I didn’t want you to be mad right before your wedding, so we’ve been sneaking around to see each other,” Nicole said. “Albero’s and Marco were meant to otherwise occupy you and Donovan so Christian and I could be together. Are you mad?”

“Am I mad?” Tessa walked around in a circle with her hands on her hips. “Let’s see. I got a free dinner with my fiancé and an improved ceremony from Marco out of all this so . . .” She grabbed a hand from Christian then Nicole. “No, I’m not mad. I created a situation in which you didn’t think you could come to me with this.” She wiggled their arms. “I apologize for that. Just . . . don’t hurt each other, okay? That’s all I care about.”

Nicole hugged Tessa. “Thank you.”

Christian took a turn hugging Tessa then she looked at Donovan. “You’re quiet about all this.”

“Hey, Nicole is a significant upgrade to the types of women normally interested in my goofball brother. You’ll get no complaints from me.”

Tessa poked Christian in the chest with her index finger. “Yeah, well, this goofball brother better realize he’s lucky Nicole will even look in his direction.” A warning flared behind her gaze as she stared up at him. A warning he heard loud and clear.

He put his hands up. “I will treat Nicole like the treasure she is.”

“You willing to sign documents stating that?” Tessa gave him a little shove.

“That won’t be necessary.” Nicole got between them. “C’mon, we have parties to get to.” She turned to face Christian. “Kiss me goodbye because I guess that’s allowed now.”

Donovan grabbed Tessa’s hand. “Let’s say our goodbyes outside.”

A moment later, Christian was alone with Nicole in the living room, only Remi lounging on the couch as a chaperone.

“I’m sorry, Nixen. I didn’t want to outright lie to my brother,” he said.

“I didn’t want you to outright lie to your brother either.” She rested her hands on his chest. “Tessa didn’t react like I’d anticipated.”

“I’m not so sure. You didn’t see the way she looked at me when she told me I was lucky. She might still kill me. Maybe she’s waiting for a time when there are less witnesses.”

Nicole reached up on her toes and nipped at his lips. “She’s going to have difficulty locating a time like that because now that it’s out and after we get past these parties tonight, I’m gluing myself to you.”

“Permission to glue granted. I picked up construction adhesive. It’s in the truck. Use that. Creates a tight bond.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Let’s make the best use of your time here, okay?” Because the rest of this week and next week would fly by and then what?

“Okay.”

They kissed again then Christian led Nicole outside and to Tessa’s waiting SUV where he opened the door for her. After closing her door and giving the ladies a wave, he got into his truck where Donovan was in the passenger seat.

“I think I need to thank you,” he said to his brother as he started the engine.

“Why?”

“Your security cameras exposed me and Nicole. Now I can treat her as more than a booty call.”

Whether he could actually have more than a booty call remained to be seen.

Chapter Eight

Tessa and Donovan lit the dance floor on fire at their wedding reception with a sexy salsa number that surprised everyone except Nicole.

“I didn’t know my brother could move like that.” Christian stood behind her, looking absolutely delicious in a black suit with a sage green tie that matched her maid of honor dress.

“I’ve seen Tessa get the most uncoordinated resort guests to dance like stars at The Nalu. She’s so talented and a great teacher.” Nicole was so happy for her best friend who looked thrilled to have wed her detective today. The ceremony had been perfect, the vows touching, and the best man was delightful eye candy. Nicole seriously missed some of the ceremony because she’d been staring at Christian.