Dallas Demons producer.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Niko says, extending his hand to her.
“Likewise,” Kenley says, smiling at him while she shakes his hand.
Then I watch for what always happens when guys meet Kenley for the first time. Their eyes linger over her, the smile broadens, and they start talking her up. Of course, Niko knows she’s dating Nate, so that last part won’t happen, but it will be hard for him not to stare because she’s stunning. All guys do it. I mean, they can’t help it, she’s like a model and all a—
Niko releases her hand and immediately shifts his blue eyes to me. “What can I get you to drink?”
Niko didn’t even bat an eyelash at her. He greeted her. Period.
Those gorgeous Mediterranean eyes are now locked elsewhere.
On me .
“I’m sorry to have to run,” Kenley says, sliding down off the tall barstool chair and interrupting my thoughts. “But I’m going to meet some of the girls down in the lounge before Nate gets out.”
I smile at her. “Okay. Tell Nate great game for me.”
“I will. Be careful going home,” Kenley says.
“I will. See you tomorrow.”
Kenley then says goodbye to both of us, leaving us alone at the table.
And as soon as Kenley leaves, I turn back to Niko. Whose gaze is still on my face.
“So what can I get you?” he asks again.
“Um, a red wine,” I say, finding my voice. Which I can barely hear over the excited beating of my heart.
Niko grins. “That leaves the door open for lots of interpretation.”
“Maybe I’m curious as to how you fulfill my request.”
His eyes flicker. “I see. I’m going to be judged on the kind of wine I bring back to the table?”
Heat sears through me from our banter.
“You’re a producer,” I say smartly. “Let’s see if you can produce a wine I like.”
Niko laughs, and I join him. His eyes are shining back at me now, and I love that expression in his eyes.
“This producer doesn’t back down from a challenge,” Niko says sexily. “Your throwdown is accepted. I’ll be back.”
I watch him head off toward the bar, my confidence swelling inside me. That was flirting. He flirted back with me. And he didn’t even care that Kenley—the most beautiful girl in the room—was right in front of him.
Niko only had eyes for me, I think in amazement.
Niko returns to the table with two glasses of red wine. He sets one in front of me and moves to the stool directly across the table. Niko slips out of his suit jacket, tossing it over the back of his seat, and sits down.
“Before you drink it,” Niko says, “a toast. To a job well done on that open.”
He lifts his glass, and I happily tap mine against his. “And to your first Dallas Demons production. With no major meltdowns, I presume?”
Niko laughs. “Your presumption is correct. Cheers.”
“Cheers,” I say.
I swirl the wine in my glass and inhale the rich perfumed scent it has. Then I take a sip. Wow. This wine is rich and smooth. Sumptuous.
And Niko scored a whole bunch of points with this selection.
“This is perfect,” I say, putting my wineglass down. “The details, please. And the thought process behind the selection.”
“You are drinking a malbec,” Niko explains, pausing to take a sip of his wine.
I arch an eyebrow at him as he sets his glass down. “Bold choice.”
“It suits you.”
“What? Why?”
“As a producer,” Niko says, his eyes locked on mine, “I’m trained to make quick assessments of situations. To anticipate things in the truck. So from what I know of you, you’re smart. Stylish. Bold. You don’t do the usual thing. So that’s why I chose malbec.”
Butterflies shift in my stomach in response to his words.
“You see me as bold?” I ask in disbelief. I’ve been described as many things—organized, funny, smart—but never bold.”
“I think it’s pretty bold to step into a workplace you’ve never been before and pretty much guarantee me a kick-ass open when
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