Chapter Sixty-Nine

~ Nikki ~

I ignore my own internal query and add, “Much as I’d enjoy dinner with you, I do have a full itinerary.”

I pray this is diplomatic and tactfully delivered.

Marco tips his glass to me and easily contends, “Next time.”

No one is nonplussed. They polish off their cheesecake, wine and espresso. I force myself to do the same. We all share departing pleasantries, and Jameson and I are returned to the main entrance and building, alongside the olive orchard. I excuse myself to go to the ladies’ room.

I’m admittedly tipsy as I meet up with him at the car.

He, on the other hand, is a tad stoic. And rigid again.

I take my own wild gander at what has him on edge. Leaning into him, I murmur, “You didn’t really consider I’d accept Marco’s invitation, did you?”

“You enjoyed flirting with him,” he simply counters.

“Because I can’t flirt with you,” I whisper. “Not in public.”

His jaw sets.

There is clearly something on his mind. Something serious.

I’ll have to take a stab at drawing it out o