Worth the fight

from friend to businessman and greets Nico in the way I’ve watched him schmooze a hundred clients before.  Nico nods his head curtly and I hear him say, “William,” but he doesn’t turn to acknowledge him and his eyes never release mine.  The awkwardness that was missing with William, suddenly hangs thick in the air.  Nico’s face gives nothing away, but I can feel the tension emanating from his body. 
    His eyes squint ever so slightly as he studies me, looking for an answer to some unasked question.  I’m still as Nico extends his arm toward me, his big hand gently hooking around my neck and pulling me slightly toward him as his head comes down to meet mine.  His mouth covers mine and he plants a quick, dry kiss on my lips.  His head pulls back slightly and he nods and speaks before he releases me.  “Babe.”
    The look in his eyes is something I’m not used to, but there’s no mistaking it’s there.  Jealousy, possessiveness.  He’s just marked his territory with one small move.  The hint of a smile I see threatening in the corner of his mouth tells me he knew exactly what he was doing.  The independent woman inside of me tells me I should be pissed, finding his territorial action appalling, but my body refuses to listen.  Instead, I’m aroused, finding his possessive gesture incredibly sexy and exciting.
    Regina breaks me out of my daze with her words and I find the three people we are with staring at me.   I forgot there was anyone else in the room.  “Do I get a greeting like that too?”  Her sarcastic comment seems to break the awkward silence, and Nico responds sweetly by giving her a kiss on the cheek and treating her to his sexy grin.  “Hey, Regina.”  She giggles like a schoolgirl at his touch.  My friend definitely has a new crush.
    William looks confused, almost shell shocked for a minute.  His reaction surprises me, not that he reacts, but that he allows me to see it on his face.  I’ve watched him bluff in negotiations and cover his surprise to testimony on the witness stand, without ever a hint of reveal on the outside.  He’s a master at maintaining a poker face, but I think Nico’s kiss must have caught him very off guard.
    Nico extends his hand to me.  “Ready?” 
    I smile hesitantly at William and say my goodbyes to everyone before putting my hand in Nico’s and rising to leave. 
    ***
    The restaurant is in the back of the bar and it’s quieter and more intimate.  Nico pulls out my chair before sitting and the waitress takes our drink order as soon as we’re both seated.  We’re finally alone and Nico is looking at me questioningly.  He seems to be expecting me to say something, but I don’t.  I wait, I want to know what’s on his mind. 
    “Drinks with William?”  His voice is low and he sounds angry.  I can tell he’s doing his best to appear controlled.
    “It wasn’t a planned thing, if that’s what you’re asking.”  I raise an eyebrow in question.  But I know exactly what he’s asking.
    Nico studies me for a second and then nods, accepting my answer . 
    Dinner is good, although I think Nico’s cooking is better.  We move past whatever issue he had with William and Nico has me laughing through most of dinner, telling me more stories about growing up with his three brothers.  His childhood memories are beautiful, filled with laughter and fighting and a roller coaster of emotions that always seem to land on love.  It’s so different than the memories I’ve spent half my life trying to keep at bay. 
    The sprawling lawn that lead to our stately home looked beautiful, like something from a tender storybook.  Yet inside was anything but, instead filled with anger and violence.  It should have been easy for us.   We were a family.  Two parents and none of the financial stresses that many have to face daily.  Yet Nico’s single mom, who struggled raising four boys, seems to have been able to give them so much more.  I’ll never understand why we lived the way we did.
    The waitress arrives with our check and she looks at Nico shyly.  “Umm…can I bother you for your autograph? I’m a huge fan.”  She’s nervously swaying back and forth as she speaks and it’s sweet, almost coquettish.  I hadn’t really noticed her before.  She’s a pretty girl, something about her has a girl-next-door quality. 
    N ico smiles and tells her he’s happy to sign an autograph and the two of them spend a few minutes talking