Page 28 of One Kind Soul

“Yeah, we grabbed something in the hotel before going to the mechanic,” Christian said. “But if you guys are hungry, we can wait for you.” He arched an eyebrow at Nicole as if to say, I’m doing my best to get rid of them.

She looked away again before she got all heated up.

“No, we’re fine.” Donovan pointed across the street to a small café. “Maybe some coffee?” He angled his head at Tessa.

“That would be great,” Tessa said.

“You guys too?” Donovan asked Nicole and Christian.

“Sure,” Nicole said.

“Yes, please,” Christian said.

“Be right back.” Donovan dropped a peck on Tessa’s lips and Nicole couldn’t help looking at Christian who was laser-focused on her, a small grin tugging at his lips.

She widened her eyes and mouthed, Knock it off, but he kept on grinning. He was totally going to give them away.

Tessa turned to face Nicole after Donovan stepped off the sidewalk. “So you guys are okay, right?” She looked down at Christian’s torn jeans he’d put back on for the drive home, but he’d chosen to wear the black T-shirt Nicole had bought him. Even in mangled jeans and a convenience store T-shirt, the man was hot.

“We’re fine,” Nicole said, trying to convince herself.

“Barely a scratch.” Christian lifted his leg. “Nothing to worry about, Tessa. Seriously.”

“Okay. Good. We can focus on wedding stuff then?”

“Absolutely.” Nicole opened the bag she had slung on her shoulder. “In fact . . .” She plunged her hand inside and pulled out a purple and white lei which she draped around Tessa’s neck. “For the bride.”

Tessa fingered the fake flowers with reverence. “Oh, I miss leis.”

“I would have gotten you a real one. I know you love the smell of the flowers, but it never would have survived the trip in my suitcase, especially this trip.”

“I love this one. Thank you.” She pulled Nicole into another hug. “Can you believe I’m getting married?”

“Of course I can believe it. You met a wonderful man and you guys are going to be so happy.” Nicole purposely kept her gaze on her friend. If she looked at Christian right now, he’d surely know she wanted a wonderful man and to be so happy too. It wouldn’t be fair to set those expectations out there, though, or to insinuate Christian might be that wonderful man. So far, she and Christian weren’t much more than a one-night stand.

Except they’d be seeing each other over the next two weeks and potentially sneaking off together. That wasn’t a one-night stand situation. Nicole wasn’t sure what that was or if she could handle it.

“How bad was seeing your truck?” Tessa asked Christian.

“Pretty rough. I loved that truck, but I’ll replace it with the same model and love that one too.”

“Trucks are replaceable.” She rubbed his arm. “Brothers-in-law-to-be and best friends, not so much. Thank you so much for keeping my girl safe, Christian. I owe you one. A big one.”

“You’ll let me wear the bright green suit to the wedding then?” His eyebrows rose hopefully and Nicole couldn’t help but laugh at him.

Tessa swatted his chest. “Absolutely not. No bright green suits. We’ve discussed this, Christian.”

“What about bright green maid of honor dresses?” Nicole risked another glance at Christian, delighted when he smiled back at her.

“Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Tessa said, “and helping me keep this nut under control.” She arrowed a thumb at Christian whose blue gaze was on Nicole’s lips now.

“If you don’t let me wear the bright green suit, you know I’ll do something else outrageous.” Christian shifted his weight from one leg to the other and Nicole worried that his leg hurt.

“No,” Tessa said. “No, you will not. Everyone behaves at this wedding.”

That word behave spiraled around in Nicole’s head. She was going to have to remind herself of that word. Often.

Donovan returned with four coffees which he doled out. “Okay, let’s head north, shall we?” He opened the passenger door of the SUV and ushered Tessa into the vehicle. “My turn to drive, my love.” He kissed her and closed the door before walking to the driver’s side.