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“Not quite yet. I do have one last surprise.”
“You do?”
“We haven’t had dinner yet and the night is still early.”
“Oh.”
“I think you’ll like it,” I tell her when she goes quiet.
“I’m sure I will.” She gives me a small smile and turns to look out of the passenger window.
I watch her closely, while she’s not paying attention. There are many layers to this woman. She’s unlike anyone I’ve met. She basically described what I’d prefer to do every night. I was trying so hard to impress her and make sure she knew I fit into her world despite being an outsider for the most part. Now, I find that Emilia might be the first person I’ve met who could like the real me. The kid in the system who only had Callan and just wanted to make sure the two of us had a good life. Maxwell knows how I began, but I’m certain no one else does. For the first time, I’m tempted to freely share that story.
It doesn’t help that I feel like I’ve disappointed Emilia tonight. I get the distinct feeling she didn’t enjoy the orchestra. That probably means this is Maxwell’s ideal night, not his daughter’s. I really need to learn more about the woman who is going to be my wife.
“The beach?” she questions, turning to look at me.
It’s then I realize that the car is coming to a stop. “I told you I had a surprise.” I pull her to me, lifting her chin so that I can look into her eyes. “We don’t know each other well enough yet, but I need you to know that despite how this marriage came about. I will do everything I can to make sure you’re happy.”
“Will you be happy?” she asks, her forehead wrinkled.
Her question surprises the hell out of me.Is she really worried about if I’m happy or not?
“Of course. I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I weren’t sure about it.”
She studies my face. I get the feeling that I answered wrongly. Fuck, why does it feel like I’m being measured in her eyes tonight and coming up short?
My driver opens the door and I get out and help Emilia. I lead her down the boardwalk to the private cabana that I had reserved. I hear her gasp as we get there. It’s a wooden framed structure in dark oak. There are lights with a bluish tint that shines over the flat floor and built-in double lounger. The lounger is truly like a bed that has soft, white pillows that match the flowing curtains that are flapping with the ocean breeze. Along the side is a large tray with two meals covered with cloches, and an ice bucket with champagne and two glasses.
“Wow,” she whispers.
“Finally,” I respond.
“What?”
“I’ve managed to somehow impress you. I was afraid tonight was just a big exercise in disappointing you.”
“That’s silly. It has been a great date. Besides, you’re Niko Petrova. I doubt you’ve ever disappointed a woman in your life,” she jokes, but she avoids looking at me the entire time she’s talking.
I help her to settle down on the lounger and then I join her. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever actively tried to impress. I seem to be messing that up.”
“I’ve had a good night. Although, I don’t suppose you have a change of clothes hidden somewhere? This dress isn’t quite made for dining like this,” she giggles.
“Well, shit.”
Her giggles turn into a laugh. “I think that’s the first time,” she says strangely.
“The first time?”
“That you seemed like just a regular guy instead of scary Niko.”
Her response shocks me. “Scary Niko?”
“Oh, yeah. You’re very intimidating. When you’re at one of the dinner parties men take a wide path to avoid you. Women, on the other hand, seem to flock to you.”
“I think you’re exaggerating.”
“I’m really not,” she denies, shaking her head. “So, I take it there’s no clothes magically appearing?”
