“It’s late,” Monique said, looking at the face of a watch that she couldn’t even see. “I really should be going.” She took two steps away from him.
“Not like you to run away from a challenge.”
She whirled around and took two steps back. “I’m not running away from anything.”
“Oh, yeah?” He paused. “You think I don’t feel the same thing that you’re feeling, the undeniable attraction that’s happening between us? Perhaps it’s purely physical. Perhaps it’s because we’re adversaries. Perhaps it’s just because we’re in close proximity. I don’t know. But I felt it last night, when we hugged goodbye. And I felt it just now, when I took your hand.” She remained silent. “Are you saying I’m crazy, that you don’t feel the energy between us?” He reached for her hand. She jerked it back. “Yes,” he said, with a knowing, self-assured grin. “You feel it.”
“We’re two young, healthy, robust adults,” Monique answered, still reeling that Niko had addressed so directly a truth that she’d tried to hide from herself. “It makes sense that we’d be attracted to each other. It happens all the time.”
It had never happened before. Not to Monique. Not like this. But she was sure it had happened to other people. That she spoke generally and not specifically was a point she felt didn’t need to be shared.
“So you are attracted to me.” Monique gave him a look. “Ha! I’m just messing with you, Mo. Are you always so serious?” She didn’t answer. “We’re not in the courtroom, Counselor. You should lighten up a bit.” A deep breath but otherwise…nothing. “Shall we walk while talking? I’m headed back to the house, as well.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
They began walking. “You’re a beautiful woman who I’m sure has her share of suitors. Heck, after the way you just reacted upon hearing my brother, maybe stalkers, too. On top of that, you’re smart, confident and at the top of your game. I’m sure I’m not the first man who’s reacted to what you’re working with—a total package.”
Actually, he wasn’t the first who’d offered her a similar compliment. Rob had said pretty much the same before they’d begun dating. Funny, though, how much sexier it sounded coming from a man like Niko. She found herself wanting to giggle and twirl her hair again.
“I’m sure it’s the same for you,” she said instead. “In fact, I know it is.”
“Oh, really? And how’s that?”
“Joy DeWitt. She was more than willing to tell me all about you.”
“I’m sure she was.”
“I’ve heard her side. What’s your story?”
“I dated her daughter, Ashley. It didn’t work out. Then Joy had the nerve to hit on me. I had a few choice words for her about that move.”
“Wow. No wonder she detests you.”
“I’ve lost no love for her, either. But Ashley and I are cool. It’s a small town. We’ve got to get along.”
“The debate at the salon was rather fun. Unlike the last result, this time you almost won.”
“Are you going to keep bringing that up? You know it took me weeks to get over it.”
“I understand. It was for the national championship.”
“And lifetime bragging rights.”
“That, too.” They laughed. “I could tell you were upset.”
“I’m not used to losing.” He looked at her in a way that suggested he was no longer talking about a past meeting.
“Neither am I.” The tone in her voice made it clear what she was talking about: the mayoral race.
They continued the short distance to the opening in the community that led to the path, mostly enjoying a companionable silence. Niko was dealing with the surprise of how intriguing he found the woman walking beside him and how attracted he was to her.
Monique was naughtily wondering about Niko’s nether anatomy and realizing that never in life had she enjoyed the sexual escapades that others bragged about. Her love life had been fairly constant but average, no bells and whistles or chandelier swinging of which to speak. She felt that given a chance with Niko, the experience would be quite different.