Page 56 of Drop Pass

“You probably want to shower or change. I’ll let you—”

“Will you come in?” He asked before I could finish my sentence.

I smiled and nodded. He opened his door and held it open for me before following me in. Even though it wasn’t my first time over here, I was suddenly nervous.

This was the first time we were together? A couple? I wasn’t sure what our title was yet. All I knew was that I’d never been happier to have someone back home. I’d never missed anyone like I missed him.

Not even the guy I dated for a few years in LA. He traveled all the time for work and I hardly noticed.

Three days without Nikolay and I was a distracted mess.

He returned from his room where he put away his bags and his eyes found mine. He crossed the room and I felt like prey being tracked by a predator. The corner of his lips curled and I took a step back, hitting the wall.

With no escape, he stopped in front of me. Inches away. And smiled.

This was new.

18

Nikolay

Kissing Elena came naturally. There was a magnetic pull between us and now that I was no longer fighting it, it was stronger than ever.

I pulled back and smiled as she blinked, looking surprised but pleased. Her cheeks reddened and I felt a small swell of pride for making it happen.

Her hands linked behind my waist and she smiled up at me. “I don’t think I’ll be able to come by very often and no more interviews.”

A part of me was relieved. We’d had some tense ones and I was glad boring Dean would be back. “Are you okay with that?”

Her smile dimmed for a moment before she nodded. “I was a little bummed when I realized I wouldn’t be able to sneak off to practices and claim I’m doing research, but I’m back doing what I’m passionate about.”

“Good.” I took her hands and separated them before turning and leading her to the kitchen. “Can I make you dinner?”

She giggled.

“What?” I wasn’t normally an insecure person, but I cared more about her and what she thought of me than anyone ever before.

“I never though Nikolay Kozlov would be cooking for me.”

I smirked. “I know how to cook.”

“It’s not that. It’s just...you’re this force. Like a dark, mysterious mythical creature--”

“Like a vampire?” I raised an eyebrow, earing me a laugh.

“No, just this unobtainable person. I never thought I’d get close to you, even as a friend, now here you are offering to cook for me. It’s just a bit to adjust to.”

I shook my head and pulled out some of the food my assistant had brought in while I was gone. We had all the ingredients for penne alla vodka. It wasn’t a particularly challenging recipe but it was something I knew I could make and it would taste good every time.

“What are you making?” She looked around the counter with a furrowed brow.

“It’s a surprise.”

She raised a brow. “How am I supposed to help if I don’t know what it is?”

“Who said anything about you helping?” I said as I pulled a saucepan out of the cabinets.

“I can’t just sit here and watch. Let me help.”