Page 17 of One Kind Soul

“Why no escalators?” He leaned against the back of the elevator and Nicole wondered if his leg hurt more than he was saying. Just like a true hero to brush off his pain.

“I once got my shoelace caught in between the steps of an escalator,” Nicole said. “At the top and therefore got dragged down the entire set of steps.” She pointed to her cheek. “Smashed my face on the railing and had a nice shiner for weeks. Right before the prom.”

Christian cringed. “Must have made interesting pictures.”

Nicole shook her head. “I didn’t go to the prom.”

“You let a bruise keep you from that teenage milestone?”

“More like the guy who was going to take me took one look at my face and rescinded his offer to escort me.” His name had been Phillip and she’d been heartbroken. The entire event had given Lynda ammunition for teasing for months.

Poor Princess Uggers couldn’t even get a frog to take her to the ball.

Christian was quiet long enough that Nicole looked over at him. He was studying her, an expression of annoyance crossing his features before he met her gaze. “His loss.”

Two simple words, but they touched Nicole.

“Thanks.”

“Seriously, Nicki. I don’t see how a bruise would change my mind. You’re beautiful.”

She puffed out a breath and rolled her eyes. “Tessa warned me about you, Chrissy.”

“Warned you? About what?”

“About the flirting.”

“I flirt,” he said. “I do. But I don’t lie. Saying you’re beautiful is a pure fact.” He waved a hand at her. “I’m looking at the evidence right here.”

She turned away, feigning interest in the numbered buttons for the floors of the hotel. The doors of this elevator needed to open right now before she did something foolish.

Like throw herself at Christian.

Nicole pulled out her phone. “I’m going to text Tessa with the name of this hotel so she knows where to get us tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Fortunately Christian didn’t move from where he still leaned against the back wall of the elevator.

She fired off a quick text to which Tessa replied, See you tomorrow XOXO. Nicole sent a few XOXOs back to her bestie then the doors opened.

Christian strode off first, grabbing the handle of her rolling suitcase as he passed, and Nicole hustled to follow him.

“I can take that.” She wasn’t the one who’d been impaled by glass after all.

“I got it.” He took long strides, but Nicole could clearly see the line of black stitches coursing over his left calf. The line wasn’t large—maybe about two and a half inches long—but the skin around it was red and puffy.

She fingered her head where it had whacked against the brick wall of the building Christian had tossed her against. A crusty line met her fingertip and she was grateful that was the only injury she’d sustained.

Thanks to Christian.

They arrived at the adjoining rooms and Christian put his hand out for the keycard.

“Which do you want?” Nicole held up the two cards. One for Room 513 and one for Room 515.

“Five fifteen,” he said, but he took the 513 card instead. “Let’s get you settled first though so you can get cheese curls and licorice.”

“You’re like a little kid about those snacks.”

“Truth.” He pushed the keycard into the 513 door and opened it. He entered, rolling her suitcase behind him and leaving it by a closet. “Cozy.”