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“Then why even mention it…?” Kai murmurs into his coffee cup.
“Sorry, what was that?” Nick glances at him with interest.
“It’s nothing,” Kai mumbles and takes a bite of his lunch.
Nick furrows his brow and turns back to me. “Anyway, I was going to say I’m not surprised you’re having trouble staying warm. You’re such a little thing. Those of us with Soviet heritage have been hardened by it. It’s in our blood.”
I shove a lifeless piece of lettuce into my mouth. “Well, it’s impressive. I don’t know how you stand it.”
He sits up tall and smiles. “Oh, there are a few tricks too. Keep the heart rate up, wear lots of wool...” He pauses. “And you know what else we Soviets swear by?”
I raise a brow.
He grins, and a playfulness creases his eyes. “Mutual body heat works wonders.”
Kai scoffs.
“Oh really?” I smirk at Nick, ignoring Kai.
“Yeah, it’s no fun being cold alone.” He wiggles a brow.
I chuckle and take another drink.
Kai has shifted in his seat and is beginning to stand up when someone calls Nick from across the room.
“Sorry, Sophie.” Nick gets up. “I’ll catch you later today?”
I nod. “See you later.”
Once he’s gone, Kai leans across the table, eyeing me with disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”
I sit back and frown. “What?”
“That guy? Really?” He shakes his head.
“Excuse me?” I stir my salad. “What are you talking about?”
Kai finishes the last bit of his coffee and laughs dryly. “Good luck.” He stands up. “Come on, we’re supposed to be back soon.”
I hesitate before standing too. “Seriously, what are you talking about, though?”
He glances at me and laughs again. “Never mind. Come on, bundle up, or else your only choice will be to use Nick’s body heat out there.”
I open my mouth to retort, but he’s already turning and making his way to the door.
I let out a huff in frustration as I follow him. He’s wrong if he thinks I’m interested in Nick, because I’m certainly not. And I certainly don’t have plans to fall for a coworker after the ordeal I experienced with Kai. Even if I did, what right does he have to tell me who I can and can’t have feelings for? It’s absolutely none of his business.
I grimace at my feet as I walk. Nick isn’t that bad anyway. Kai is being ridiculous. I pause my thoughts and scoff at my own use of the word ridiculous after Kai made fun of me for it. But Kai is being ridiculous. Nick is a perfect gentleman. He’s been quite professional with me so far. I can’t say the same about the way Kai has been acting with Maureen, leading her all over the place with his hand an inch north of her butt like he owns her already. That’s ridiculous.
TWELVE
Kai
Heather spins in circles in front of me, showing off her new white sundress as it billows feather-light around her.
“Do you like it?” she asks, tucking a strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear as she checks herself in the mirror.
“It’s beautiful.” I beam at her from my spot on the bed. Her smile brightens as she twirls again.
