Something definitely happened.
What could have possibly happened while I was in the bathroom for a few minutes?
I threw my palms up in confusion. “I don’t understand what’s going on here. Everyone including you is acting weird all of a sudden.”
“Come here for a second.” Nick slid his hand around my waist to my lower back and guided me around to the other side of the cocktail table next to the tree.
We were almost completely out of view.
Did he want to sneak me a kiss?
I was all for it, but this was not the time nor the place.
Nick suddenly yanked the side of my dress. “There you go. All good.”
I glanced down to my side, confused. “What just happened?”
“Your dress was stuck in your panties. You were flashing a good portion of your leg to everyone. I really didn’t mind the show, but I’m guessing you didn’t do that on purpose.”
Now I knew what all the snickering and whispering was about.
I blew out a frustrated breath and covered my face with my hands. “Why does every possible embarrassing moment of my adult life happen when I’m with you?”
“I guess I’m here to keep you humble.”
“Mortified is more like it.”
Nick chuckled. “I’ve seen you at your worst.”
“There’s no doubt about that. What’s your point?”
“I’m still here.”
I let out an audible sigh.
My heart is going to melt.
I reached up, kissing him on the cheek.
“Careful, you’re going to get in trouble.”
“Screw them.”
“Can I tell you something else?”
“Of course.”
“It pisses me off that I had to witness ten or twelve of your coworkers, all watching you walk across the terrace with your dress stuck that way, and not one single person had the decency to stop you and let you know. They just watched! I don’t know how you can work with these people.”
I glanced around the courtyard and shrugged. “I can handle them.”
“I have no doubt about that, but you’re different when you’re around them. Too serious. Uptight. Cranky, even.”
I sighed. “Behind every cranky woman is a sweet girl who’s a little tired of everyone’s bullshit.”
“Well, I love seeing that sweet girl when she makes her irregular appearance.” Nick thought about it. “And don’t get me wrong, being in this toxic environment is making me feel uptight, as well. Your coworkers leave a bad taste in my mouth. Can we go?”
I stared at him for a beat.
