“Hannah…”
The gleam in his eye tells me he knows full well the effect he has on me when he says my name like that. And my resistance is crumbling fast.
I get to my feet, ready to take care of business. “Nick, I’m sorry I went behind your back to talk to your parents. But honestly, I’m not sorry.”
“I know.” His smile is soft…tender.
Wait. What does he mean, he knows? And why is he smiling at me? For some reason, this just fuels my frustration.
I put my hands on my hips. “I was only trying to help the turtles.”
He’s on the move again, getting closer to me. “The turtles thank you.”
“And I wanted your parents to understand what you do matters. That being a lifeguard is important.” I lift my hand for emphasis.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Another step closer.
My heart is beating on overdrive. With just a foot between us, he stops and tilts his head, studying me. Or is he toying with me? Cats do that. Play with their kill before consuming it. At least in the wild. And Nick’s gaze has a bit of a wild look to it right now.
Here, kitty kitty. Come get your prey…
However, I’m in no mood to be toyed with. Is he going to ask me out on that date? Or better yet, kiss me? “Well, you should. Because your mother can be very intimidating.”
One side of his mouth lifts higher, finishing me off with that sexy smile of his. Who knew I could be seduced by a crooked grin and a set of smoldering deep blue eyes?
“Then why did you do it, Hannah?” His tone is curious. Or prodding, as if he’s trying to stir up trouble.
My fuse pops.
“Because I love you, you stupid idiot!” I gasp, then cover my mouth. Please tell me I didn’t just say what I think I did.
“I appreciate what you did, but— Wait, did you just say you love me?”
I drop my hand and square my shoulders. “Yeah, I did. What are you going to do about it?”
Nick yanks me against him, then lands a kiss that makes me weak in the knees, messes with my senses, and captures my heart in the best way possible. His exploration of my lips moves across my cheek until his lips tickle my ear. “Hannah, I’m in love with you, too.”
He had me at Hannah.
“You are?” I squeak out.
He lifts his head. One side of his mouth lifts in that oh, so sexy grin of his. “Very much. Are you surprised?”
“Maybe a little. You did tell me I was bossy once.”
“No, I just agreed with your brothers.”
“Same difference.”
His flirtatious expression stutters into concern. “I want you to understand something.”
Uh oh. I’m having flashbacks of Bryan breaking up with me. Is this going to be one of those speeches about how he’s not ready to be serious about anyone? I thought Bryan was the real deal. You know, The One. But over time, I remembered all the red flags I’d ignored.
But this…what I’m feeling for Nick…this feels different from what I felt for Bryan. He may have been a somewhat famous hockey player with a body to match, but in the end, he had all the wrong moves.
Nick glides his hands down my arms, sending all kinds of shivers through me, then threads his fingers through mine. “I would never toy with you, Hannah. I’m not that guy anymore. Haven’t been for a while. For one, your brother would make mincemeat out of me.”
I giggle softly. “And two?”
