Free Resilient (2) by Nikki Mathis Thompson Page B

heart skipped. As comfortable as the afternoon had been, like old times really, there was a slight undercurrent of something. Was it sexual tension? She wasn’t quite sure, but whatever it was, it was delicious and she hoped it would last. She found it interesting that he hadn’t mentioned Amber all day. Interesting meaning awesome. She was glad she didn’t have to fake enthusiasm at their blossoming relationship.
    “Do you want to come in and hang out for a bit?” Her voice sounded a little shy. She was nervous about what might happen once they were alone in her apartment.  
    He’s seeing someone, so stop it.
    “Let me go let Ruby out and then I’ll be back.”
    “Okay, sounds good. I’ll see you in a few.” She waved and ran up the stairs to the entrance of her building. She kicked her shoes into the closet and ripped off her clothes. They smelled of wind and a little like beans, since she had spilt a few on her shirt. She brushed her hair, teeth, and fixed her raccoon eyes that were a result of the breezy drive. She had just enough time for a quick phone call.
    “Hey, Mads, good luck on your date.”
    “It’s not a date, it’s an interview to assess future dating potential.”
    “Well, interview, hot sex, whatever occurs. Good luck and have fun.”
    “I will. Did you and Ian have fun today?”
    “Yes, I ate way too much, but it was fun. He went home to take care of Ruby and then he’s coming back to hang.”
    “Uh huh, hang, riiiiigggght,” Maddie said in her spot on Dr. Evil voice.
    “He has a girlfriend, Maddie.”
    “Like that matters, Katrine.”
    “Ian is a man of integrity. He would never do that to Amber.”
    “Don’t play dumb. He would corn-hole integrity if it meant having a chance with you.”
    “That worries me, I don’t want to him to ruin his chance at happiness just because I want to stick my tongue down his throat.”
    “As usual you’re over-thinking it and not giving him enough credit. Don’t you think you’re worth the risk?”
    “No.”
    “Even if you don’t, I know he does. Just relax, please. Oh, gotta go! My sweet hot chocolate just pulled up.” She sounded really excited.
    “Okay, love you!”  
    Sweet hot chocolate, really? Interview my ass, she likes him.  
    Placing her phone on the table, Katrine sighed. She would always worry about her little sis, but she had to let it go. Katrine couldn’t guess the outcome when it came to Maddie’s love life, any more than she could her own.

    Chapter 9
    “I like a man who comes bearing wine,” Katrine said as Ian walked into her place.
    “I thought it would increase my chances,” he said in a flirty voice.
    “Chances of what, may I ask?”
    You don’t need wine, buddy.
    “Of getting to pick out the movie. If I have to watch one more period piece starring a pensive Keira Knightly, I’m going to throw up or grow boobs, whichever comes first,” he teased as he opened her kitchen drawers in search of a cork screw.
    “Excuse me, your masculineship. I had no idea I was making your body emit estrogen from my movie choices. Please feel free to select whatever poorly scripted action flick you’d like. Trust me, I’m in no danger of sprouting balls.” She grabbed her glass of wine and he grabbed a beer. She liked that he always opened the bottles of wine for her, he knew she had an aversion to pulling corks. She also liked that he had a beer stash in the back of her fridge.
      They watched a predictable yet entertaining shoot em’ up, which they made fun of the entire time. It was great. After their semi-awkward interactions at the party, Katrine wasn’t sure if she could go back to their usual routine. But after the day they’d had and movie night, it seemed normal. Well, almost.
      “It’s getting late—I better head out,” Ian said as he pulled Katrine off the couch. “Thank you for spending the day with me. I haven’t laughed that much in a long time.”
    “What, Amber isn’t entertaining?”