The way she giggled as the words left her lips was intoxicating. It was like cupid’s arrow had struck my heart. “I’m Chase.” I reached out my hand and she took it, and the simple touch sent fire through my body.
“Nicolette, but everyone calls me Nikki. Nice to meet you, Chase.” Her smile ripped across her face and crashed into my heart. “You’re a Christie fan, I take it?”
I leaned back in the chair, trying to look relaxed even though I craved to scoop her up into my arms and never let her go ever again. “You are holding my favorite book.” I reached into the duffle bag I had packed, ready for practice later on that afternoon, and pulled out my very own copy, which was being held together with scotch tape.
Her eyes softened a bit. “Isn’t it nice when a book recommends a person?” She had a slow drawl to her words that I couldn’t quite place, but it almost matched mine.
“That it is. Not from around here, Nikki?”
Her pale lips puckered as her gaze narrowed. “What could have ever given it away?”
I let my accent coat my words. “Ma’am, I think we’re both out of our element.”
“So, cowboy, what brings a southern gent like you to the Big Apple?” Blush danced over her cheeks as they perked up a bit.
“Hockey.” The simple word hung heavy in the air for a moment. “And what about you, darlin’?”
“Ballet.” The cute, excited smirk that came as the unassuming statement left her lips was invigorating. I wanted to catch it with my mouth so I could feel the passion illuminating her being.
“Well, thank god for our careers,” I stated, getting up and holding my hand out for her.
A questioning eyebrow raise was all I got in response as I stood next to her like an idiot.
“Don’t worry, I won’t bite,” I added and she took the bait, gripping my hand firmly in hers. I helped her to her feet and started to lead her out of the coffee shop.
“Where are we going?” she practically sang out, finishing with the most adorable giggle I had ever heard.
“Exploring—isn’t that what people do in new cities?”
Chapter 4
Nikki
Ihad probably lostmy mind, following a complete stranger into the lively city, but it was thrilling.
“I have practice in a few hours, but until then let’s have some fun. Shall we?” Chase had something about him that drew me in instantly. He was tall, muscular, and had a little bit of scruff on his jawline; he was handsome, but that wasn’t what it was. He was so confident and articulate, and I was a moth to the flame as he escorted me around by my hand.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked as he hailed a cab.
“You’ll see.” He looked down at me with a quick wink as he helped me into the car.
“99 Margaret Corbin Drive,” he stated to the cabbie quickly before tucking me into his side.
I couldn’t understand how I was so comfortable with him already, but I felt like I was hanging out with a friend I had known for years. I let my head fall into the crook of his shoulder as the cab driver quickly whisked us off to our adventure, weaving through the busy city streets. This was all so new and thrilling. I had only been in the city for about a day, and I was already throwing out my personal rulebook of not trusting men. Since my father was a deadbeat and never around, I had decided long ago that I would focus on school, books, and dance, and I swore off guys. It seemed to work for my mother, so I figured it would work for me, too.
The car pulled up to the front of a gorgeous old stone building with signs for The Met.
I climbed out of the cab, never letting go of Chase’s hand. “What is this place?” I asked as bewilderment struck me.
“Somewhere I have always wanted to visit, the Cloisters.” He had a smirk that made me weak in the knees.
I was struck with its castle-like beauty. “This is magnificent.”
“Just wait until we get inside.” We made our way through the entrance, passing medieval artwork and architecture enclosed in serene gardens made for roaming. It was captivating. I couldn’t believe I’d never known something so beautiful existed in New York.
I stopped to take in a splendid piece of stained glass; it was bright and colorful as the sunlight beamed through every shard. Chase wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me close into his rock-hard chest. He was a good foot taller than me, and his large frame enveloped my body as he rested his head atop mine. It was a simple moment, but I melted straightaway.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” I remarked after enjoying the embrace in silence for a few seconds.