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“We’re deducting points for that,” Stasia announces as she grabs a pad of paper and makes a checkmark. “How many more should I give him? I feel like showing up without flowers is worth at least three.”
“He brought ice cream last night, so let’s call it a wash.”
“Are you sure?” She gives him a slow once-over. “I’ll deduct a point just to be safe.”
I hear Yuri breathe deeply and know he’s probably never been so uncomfortable in his life. “Why did you stop by?”
“We have things to discuss.”
“If you’re going to propose again, let me film it,” Stasia says as she opens her purse.
“He didn’t propose the first time. He told me that he would marry me.”
“It doesn’t sound better hearing it a second time.” Stasia shoots me a loaded gaze and takes my hand. “Luka is a much better option.”
“Over my dead, cold body,” Yuri states with deadly intent.
“Don’t add one more thing to her to-do list, Mr. Novikov. She’s already got a lot on her plate and can’t add getting rid of your corpse to her list.”
“Lina, can I speak with you alone?”
His eyes plead with mine, and I feel a little of the anger seep away. “Stasia has been my best friend since childhood. You can say anything in front of her.”
“Not anything.” She pushes herself to her feet. “If you two end up with a crazy sex life, I’ll only be interested in the highlights.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
She hooks her thumb over her shoulder. “Even I can’t stand to see the bear suffer.”
“Thank you,” Yuri says quietly.
Standing, I hug my friend. “I’ll call you later.”
“Please do.” She tucks a curl behind my ear. “Kiss him again since the first one could’ve been a fluke. The last thing you need is to be legally bound to a man who sucks at making out.”
“I will keep that in mind.” I watch her blow me a kiss before walking out of the apartment.
“Our first kiss wasn’t a fluke, Lina.”
Returning my attention to the man radiating discomfort, I press my mouth together. “It doesn’t matter to me.”
“It will after we’re married.”
“Repeating something doesn’t make it true.”
Standing abruptly, he joins me on the couch and takes my hands. “What are you doing.?”
“Reminding you that we have a connection. It happened the first time we met at the drycleaners and the dozen and dozens of times after that. And it will make us stronger as we deal with your inheritance.”
“Why do you want to deal with it all?”
“Because I am your best bet.” He dips his head. “Can I show you something?”
His intense gaze skates over every inch of me, and I’m pulled into his vortex once again. “Will there be food?”
“How does Chinese takeout sound?”
“If eggrolls are included, it sounds perfect.”
