The kiss was unexpected, but Nicholas quickly reciprocated, his arms encircling her waist, pulling her closer. Kimberly felt a surge of triumph as she felt Ken's gaze burning into her back. When she finally pulled away, Nicholas looked at her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
"Not that I'm complaining," he said softly, "but what was that for?"
Kimberly smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and defiance. "Just proving a point," she replied, her voice low and intimate.
Nicholas's eyes flicked briefly to where Ken stood, understanding dawning in them. "I see," he said, his tone matching hers. "Well, I'm always here to help with that.
She felt a rush of gratitude and something more, something warmer and deeper, for this man who seemed to understand her without needing many words. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. Want to prove it some more?" He joked, and Kimberly laughed as she pushed him away playfully.
