I take several steps away from him and he follows, until my back hits the counter and I’m caged in on either side by his arms. “Don’t do that,” he says, voice low and gruff.
“Do what?” I say, looking into his eyes with a challenge I’m praying he accepts.
I’m not sure I’ve blinked in the past minute.
“Pretend we didn’t have a moment.” He leans in until our lips are mere inches from each other. “I want to, Alyssa. God, do I want to.” His eyes close and his features pinch. “But not like this. Not now.”
I swallow, unable to react, let alone form words. I’m completely content to allow him to run the show.
“Say something,” he commands, forcing me to join the conversation.
I take a deep breath. “What do you want me to say? That I want it? That I don’t want you to be chivalrous?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I want you to say.”
A small smile spreads across my face. “I want you to kiss me. But you’re right. Now isn’t the time.”
The second the words leave my mouth, I’m internally kicking my own ass.
Nick’s expression morphs from desire to disappointment, and I want to melt into the floor.
He pushes off the table, putting far too much space between us, leaving me cold and needy. “Good night, Alyssa.”
He leans in and places a chaste kiss on my cheek before turning around and leaving. I stand still for a minute, palm pressed to my cheek where his lips touched my skin. My body aches for more, but my mind screams for me to be content with where things are.
There’s so much more for Nick to discover, and it wouldn’t be good to mix personal and business before he knows all the facts. He gave me a reprieve tonight, but the tough conversations are coming.
I rush to the door just before he’s about to shut it. My foot kicks out, stopping it from closing.
“Thank you, Nick.” The words rush out because I’m desperate for the night not to end like this. Not after what just almost happened.
His head tilts. “What for?”
“Everything? Humoring me the other night. Not making me feel like too much of a crazy person.” I lean against the doorframe, arms crossed over my chest, attempting to keep out the chill from the night air.
“It was a good night.” He looks uncomfortable, eyes darting off to the side.
I take a step forward, reach out, and lay my hand on his shoulder. He glances at where I’m touching him but doesn’t move away or say a word.
“It was. Thank you.”
He clears his throat, taking a step back. “Get some rest.”
My hand drops away and for reasons I have no intention of analyzing, I regret the moment is over.
I go to shut the door to find Billy waiting there. “Why are you letting him leave? He’s the only one who can help us. Get out there and tell him the rest.” He points, stomping his foot.
“No,” I whisper. “I’m tired.”
I don’t want to ruin things by bringing up morbid topics again.
“Move it, or I’ll bring friends to haunt your ass all night. You thinkI’mannoying.” He whistles. “Just you wait.”
I don’t know if he’s bluffing, but I’m not willing to chance it. One aggravating ghost is more than enough.
I rush through the door, running down the steps and after Nick. “Wait.”
He turns around, eyes wide in question. “You okay?”
