Page 68 of Until Now

“I feel like I already know you.”

“I wish I could say the same, but Nick hasn’t told me much about his trip out West.”

I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear suddenly feeling uncomfortable. I try to excuse myself, but Kai wraps his arm around my waist. “No? Well, he and Nin had a great time. You could never tell from the way they’ve been avoiding each other today, but—”

“Kai,” I warn.

“I should thank you, Nina,” Jimmy draws my attention away from my brother. “Taking him with you…it was good for Nick. Best thing that could’ve happened, really. He would run that garage for the rest of his life, but I know that’s not what he wants. Not really. You brought a spark back I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Kai gives me a knowing look.

“And, I don’t know what happened while you were gone, but I can see that—”

“There you are!” Alex joins us — apparently, everyone has been looking for me. He extends his hand out to me in a small bow, a twinkle in his cerulean eyes. “May I have this dance?”

“You’ll have to excuse me,” I say to Jimmy. “I promised Alex we’d share a dance before the night ends.”

“Be my guest, I know he’s been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Jimmy smirks at his son. Jimmy laughs when Alex groans in annoyance and winks at me before I’m pulled back inside to the dance floor.

“Your dad is sweet,” I say as Alex pulls me close. He’s slightly taller than Nick, maybe two inches? Bright blue eyes, like his father, but dark brown hair like his brother — shorter, but I’m sure he’d have the same curls if he grew it out.

“He’s embarrassing.”

“You know, I do remember you.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I should be asking you that question. Not only did I almost run you over, but I was a mess after fighting with my ex.”

“Yeah, but I learned who you were that night. I mean, not everyone would have helped that girl who spilled red icee down her shirt.”

“It was her pants, actually.”

“Just checking to see if you really remembered,” Alex winks.

“How could I forget?” He twirls me under his arm and pulls me back in, but he looks past me. I know what caught his attention without having to look. I’d seen his brother standing with Elijah and Daniel the second we walked back inside. Felt his gaze on us the entire time. “Alex,” I bring his attention back to me.

“Sorry,” Alex smiles.

“Michaela told me...about Sheyenne.” Alex visibly swallows. “I want you to know, I’d never do anything to jeopardize your brother’s happiness. I’ve had my heart broken, had someone betray my trust… If this is what makes him happy, then I’m happy.”

“She’s just a friend, Nina.”

“Sure about that?” But, he doesn’t answer. “That’s what I thought.”

“I’m sorry, Nina,” he whispers, pulling me closer and I rest my head on his chest. We stay like that until the song ends. He bows kissing the back of my hand and I curtsy briefly.

Alex leads me towards the table Kai and Jimmy have claimed where it’s obvious Kai has been spilling secrets. He looks like a toddler caught red-handed with a Sharpie next to doodles on the wall. I roll my eyes and take a sip of champagne. I don’t have it in me to bring an end to his meddling.

As the evening begins to wind down, I order another champagne from the bartender who smiles in thanks when I stuff a twenty dollar bill into the tip jar. Rule number one at any event with an open bar: make nice with the bartender. I’m about to leave when a man approaches — I’m pretty sure he is one of Josh’s co-workers, but I honestly can’t remember. I’ve met so many people in the last two days, they’re all starting to blur together. I don’t know what he’s talking about, I stopped listening two minutes ago, but I smile as if I'm interested. My smile falls behind my glass when I scan the room for anyone to save me.

Don’t get me wrong, this guy — what’s his name? — is sweet and all, but I don’t want to have to deal with this. I wonder if Elijah will pretend to be my boyfriend so I can get away from him. Without warning, his hand lands on top of mine and I’m well aware of the stark contrast between his hand and the ones I’ve been dreaming of every night.

Wait…no. I am not supposed to be thinking about the difference between Nick and other guys. That is over. Dead and gone. He’s with Sheyenne now…but, it’s hard not to think about it when every time he touches me, a fire ignites under my skin.

Okay, seriously. Where are the guys? Elijah…Alex…Daniel…Anyone.

“Would you like to dance?” Homeboy asks extending his hand towards me. Shit, what is his name?