I pull her more firmly on to my lap and hesitate, “Uh, I really hate the whole birthday thing, babe. ”
She leans her forehead on my cheek and sighs, “I don’t want to force you to do something you don’t want. ” She pulls on my lapel. “What if I just make you some cupcakes and you take one home to Ceecee? That would work. ”
The thought of disappointing Cricket makes me ill. I love my niece with all my heart and soul. I would do anything to make her happy. It’s got nothing to do with what happened to her either, just the fact that she’s a good kid who loves her family.
It’s only a damn cake.
I breathe in Tina’s sweet scent and pull on a lock of her hair. I concede, “Tell you what. You make a cake and bring it over. We’ll sing happy birthday and she’ll be good for another year. ”
I feel Tina’s body still. She pulls back with wide eyes and whispers, “Really?”
I lean back in the chair, shrug and say nonchalantly, “Sure. I mean, it’s only a cake, right?”
Tina leans closer to me. She puts her hands on my cheeks and smiles sweetly, “No. It’s not just a cake. It’s a child’s happiness. You can’t buy things like this, Nik. You’re giving Ceecee a gift. ” She ends on a whisper.
Then she does something that surprises me.
She leans forward and tilts her head, places her lips on mine and kisses me.
A sweet, soft kiss which lasts for approximately thirty seconds, not that I was counting.
Just as I’m about to lose control and bend her over my desk, she slowly pulls back.
Her face is flushed and her eyes are hooded. She looks stunning. I like this look on her.
She smiles a shy smile and says softly, “You’re a good man, Nik. I’m so glad we’re friends. ”
Friend-zone level infinity.
I want to yell fuck friendship! Let’s get it on!
But instead I pull her close to me and hug her. I whisper to her, “Me too, sweetheart”
Chapter Sixteen
Go, Niki, It’s yo birthday
Last night when Nat and I came home, Ghost was waiting on us. Inside my apartment.
That doofus broke in again!
At least he brought Bear back with him.
He showed us how to use the new alarm and panic button. We caught on pretty easily.
He said firmly, “If you’re not sure, press the panic button. It’s better to tell the cops you made a mistake then for them to come pick up your bloody corpse. ”
Good advice, me thinks.
He left shortly after and I told Nat that we were going to Nik’s on Wednesday night for his birthday.
She was excited about that. Nat loves a good party.
I also had to tell her a bit of news I didn’t dare tell her today at work.
It was around three o’clock this afternoon and I was getting a life-saving fix of caramel latte at Winnie’s when I was stopped by a very good looking man. He asked me out.
And here’s the weird thing.