God, he hoped so. He was already falling for her, and she’d be a tough nut to crack. But, like the Nutcracker, he would… No, that was a bad analogy. He knew the story too well, having danced it multiple times in his career—it was a boring gig, but paid well. Regardless, he was determined to bring this woman some Christmas cheer, like the Sugar Plum Fairy and her band of merry makers in the Land of Sweets.
Just like that, he knew what their second date would be.
* * *
After their last interview,Jess wanted nothing more than to go home and put on her pajamas. The day had been a whirlwind of invasive questions, repetitive dance instruction, and a lot of waiting around in green rooms. And Lorena hadn’t been kidding—in addition to the Heartflix offer, three TV sitcoms and a soap opera had reached out to inquire about guest spots. Jess knew she should be thrilled, but everything was happening so fast, it made her head spin.
Nik caught up to her as she was entering the elevator. She wouldn’t tell him so, but it had been nice having him with her. This was her first time doing the talk show circuit without the entire cast ofThe Dance Offalong for the ride, and it would have been overwhelming without Nik’s steady, soothing presence at her side.
When the doors swished behind them, he leaned against the side of the elevator car with his hands in his pockets and gazed down on her with a small smile on that sexy mouth of his. “Come over to Dimitri’s tomorrow,” he said, voice low. “I have our second date planned.”
Since his smooth rumble and A+ leaning skills were making her all fluttery inside, she tried to keep her tone teasing. “You mean today wasn’t our second date?”
He chuckled. “Today definitely doesn’t count. I had to spend the whole day trying to pretend I wasn’t into you. And we were dancing. Today was work.”
Riding high on the media stops and believing her own hype about how there wasn’t anything serious between them, she flirted more. “Technically we danced yesterday, too. Was thatwork?”
“If yesterday didn’t count, that means I have three more dates with you.”
She poked a finger into his chest. “Nuh-uh, dude. You have two. No wishing for more wishes.”
“Okay, fine. Two. But today didn’t count, and you’ll come to my place tomorrow. Deal?”
“You live to make deals, don’t you? Fine. You got it. What should I wear?”
“Something you don’t mind getting a little messy.”
“Messy?” Her mind supplied all sorts of messy things they could do together. “What kinda kinky shit do you have planned?”
He laughed, low and husky, and the sound tickled along her skin like the brush of a feather. The elevator doors opened, and they headed for the building exit together.
“It’s actually so wholesome, you’re going to laugh when you find out.”
“Hmm, I don’t know if wholesome is my jam.”
“Trust me. Come over at noon. And bring a bathing suit.”
“Excuse me? What were you just saying about wholesome?”
“It’s gonna be hot, and we have a pool. Just in case.”
She wasn’t buying his “wholesome” nonsense for a minute, but she’d pack a bathing suit anyway. Just in case. Dimitri’s poolwasreally nice. And he had a hot tub, too.
Maybe things would get a little kinky after all.
By the time Jess was back in her apartment, she had fifteen texts from Naomi. The last one read:Let me know when you get home. I’m coming over with margarita mix.
She typed back,I’m home. Drinks needed. And can you braid my hair?
When Naomi arrived, Jess opened the door clad in a shiny gold string bikini.
Naomi’s brown eyes went wide. “Whoa, what kind of party is this? I think I’m overdressed.”
Jess ushered her inside. “I’m going to Nik’s house tomorrow for our second date and he told me to bring a swimsuit. His brother has a pool and a hot tub.”
Bustling into the kitchen with her grocery bags clinking, Naomi shot Jess an accusatory look over her shoulder. “Second date? You didn’t even tell me about the first one!”
“I know, I know.” Jess fiddled with the straps on her top as Naomi unloaded bottles onto the kitchen counter. Two types of tequila, two types of margarita mix, and a bottle of seltzer. From a second bag she produced chips, cut veggies, salsa, guacamole, and margarita salt.
