Daniel stooped Nikki, grabbing her upper arm but the woman moved away from him, crossing her arms over her chest and looking at him sternly. He sighed.

„Look..." he didn't know how to start. „I'm so sorry for the way I treated you."

„You're a jerk!" she interrupted him angrily, not allowing him to apologize. „Why should I forgive you?"

Daniel rubbed the back of his neck.

„I'm not. I just...act like one. When I found out, I was really upset and instinctively wanted to get away from you. I know it was a wrong move because you've always been a good and loyal friend. I'm really sorry. Please, forgive me."

She swallowed a lump in her throat for a thousandth time. It was really hard to stay mad at him while he was looking at her with his big, blue eyes, trying to find the best way to apologize for his behavior.

„I never asked you to return my feelings. Everything I said was because I wanted you to wake up."

„I know. I'm aware of it and trust me, you don't know how sorry I am. Nikki...I need you as a friend. I trust you and I'll do everything for you to trust me again. I'll take you surfing as many time as you want but, please, I really need my friend back."

His words stuck straight into her heart. Being friends with Daniel is the last thing she wanted but she knew she would forgive him anyway. This time, Daniel was honest and said he needed her as a friend. After a moment of silence and tension, the woman finally nodded.

„Okay," she said and he smiled, offering his hand.

They shook hands in reconciliation and then headed back to the others. Daniel was walking with his hands crossed behind his back, while Nikki was looking at the open sea, not knowing what to say.

„I forgot to mention how sorry I am for involving Isaiah. I crossed a line and I really hope you haven't told him because I don't want to have a blue eye next time I met him."

Her head snapped in his direction. She was wondering if she should tell him the truth but, in the end, she decided to be honest. Hiding hadn't led her to anything good.

„I'm not seeing him anymore," she replied as Daniel's eyes widened. Nikki was hoping for some sort of reaction but after receiving only silence, she decided to clarify things.

„I don't think it'd be fair to him. He needs to find someone, who will feel the same about him."

Daniel simply couldn't look up from the ground. He knew there was a great possibility that Nikki couldn't return the feelings back because of him. He felt bad. To speak the truth, he would really like Nikki had stayed within the limits of friendship. Everything would be much easier.

-

„You're kidding me, right?" Patricia asked shocked after Daniel and Nikki's friends told her everything that happened in the last few days. The Latina almost dropped the juice bottle she was holding in her hand. Brian shook his head, confirming that Nikki was indeed falling for her former brother in law. „Destiny really has its way to play with people."

Marina and Brian exchanged brief glances.

„Listen...don't mention any of this in front of them. Nikki and Daniel are practically a ticking time bombs. We don't want to trigger negative reactions again, okay?" Brian asked while the others approved his choice of words. Patricia had to agree with them.

The duo soon returned to them, so all of them returned to their spot on the beach. Nikki was most of the time by Aline and Diego's side, while Daniel was talking to Patricia.

„I talked to your dad. He insists on divorcing Zamira," the man said.

„Yeah, I know. He told me. I'm worried about mom. It'd be the best to take her with me to Mexico City in the fall."

He was a little surprised.

„Why?"

„Because she needs a chance," Patricia explained. „Everything in this city reminds her of Sofia. You should understand it better. She doesn't allow me to clean her room and she is still acting as if Sofia would come home any moment."

In some way, Daniel understood Zamira. He was the same but he also could see that Patricia didn't approve of her mother's behavior.

„It's hard for her...try to understand her."

„I can't understand her anymore," she replied quickly. „So I'm going to simply inform her she's coming with me, no questions asked. I'll probably go back down there these days to make arrangements with my cousins. I want everything to be ready for the fall."

The man sighed and then paid his attention to the noise, coming from the loungers near him and Patricia. Nikki and Aline were laughing loudly, while Diego seemed to be saying some kind of a joke. Daniel's gaze stopped at the dark-skinned woman, his lips unconsciously curled up in a smile. Nikki really was beautiful and attractive, especially while laughing...he couldn't deny it.

Patricia watched him staring at Nikki in trance. Yes...Daniel could say whatever he wanted but she was certain that his feelings toward Nikki weren't so indifferent. If it was true, Daniel would never look at her in such a way.

Nikki, on the other hand, was completely unaware of Daniel's gaze on her. The tall man thought it was better this way. Confusing feelings are the last thing he needed right now.

„She really is beautiful, isn't she?" Patricia asked curiously.

„Yeah," Daniel replied automatically, making the Latina gasp. At that moment, he realized what she asked and started to stir. „Umm...I haven't immediately realized what you're asking. I mean...she's my friend and I care about her but that's it."

„Hmm...okay."

Daniel knew that Patricia wasn't buying it. Every look at Nikki's direction was confusing to him, let alone to somebody from aside. But Daniel ordered himself to get it together. Just a few minutes ago, they solved their problems and he didn't want to think in that direction again.

July was passing and the summer drifted through the warm city of Florida. Nikki and Daniel were slowly bringing their relationship back to friendship. Besides, Daniel resigned in Brian's Shop in agreement with his friend and in hopes to find something he was really interested in. His father promised to help him. Nikki struggled not to come too close to him again, trying to protect her already tormented heart. He, on the other hand, had a lot of problems with trying to hide his new discovered attractiveness toward her. Almost every night he was lying in his bed, thinking and breaking his head over all the reasons for and against developing something more than friendship between them. Sofia's picture was still omnipresent and Daniel's feelings were going in that direction as much as they were going in Nikki's direction. It was all so confusing. He never forgot about the dream in which Sofia was so real. He couldn't because those images were constantly racing through his head.

One night, he became so burdened with his thoughts, his feelings were overwhelming and he was on the verge of a panic attack. His stomach clenched into a ball. Daniel was sure he would throw up and hurried to the bathroom but nausea disappeared in the same second he leaned over the toilet.

„Oh, God, this has to stop. Help me," he said, going through his hair and breathing heavily. „You've made your choice...you've decided. Stop mixing things up."

He somehow managed to go back to bed and fall asleep. For the next few days, he wasn't feeling any better. In the same time, Daniel wanted to move away from Nikki but he also didn't want to lose her again. There seemed to be no escape from this impossible situation but the man wasn't aware how much things will complicate in the future.

One warm evening, at the end of July, the entire squad, including Javier and Patricia gathered in their usual bar. They took the biggest booth and immediately started to drink. The atmosphere was very cheerful and playful, as a few of them withdrew to the dance floor. Nikki, Daniel, Aline, and David remained at the table. They continued to joke and hang out. At one point, Aline fell silent.

„Hey, is everything okay?" David asked.

Aline gritted her teeth, pointing with her head toward the bar. Daniel, Nikki, and David looked in that direction. The tall man recognized one of the women.

„Is that Maia?" he asked curiously and Aline just nodded, emptying her glass. „Who's the girl with her? They look pretty close."

„That's exactly what I want to know," the Latina answered, staring at the Australian and her companion. She got up and wanted to go to them but Daniel immediately stopped her, pulling her back to her seat. There was too much alcohol in the game and everything could end up ugly.

„Woah, what are you doing? Sit down. The scandal is the last thing you need now."

Aline moved away from him.

„Let me go. I want answers."

„Let her go. You know Maia doesn't take anybody's shit and maybe she needs to talk to her," David said quietly, while Nikki was just watching with interest. „C'mon, let go get more drinks."

Aline stood but, heading to Maia and demanding answers, while the other went to get booze. David ordered a new round.

Suddenly, Nikki felt somebody's hand on her shoulder and faced an unknown person.

Opposite her was standing Isaiah, smiling broadly to her. Nikki was a little surprised by his approach.

„Hey!" he greeted briefly.

The woman exchanged brief glances with both of her friends. David just winked at her, while Daniel was somewhat stiff, firm. I Nikki didn't know better, she would have thought Isaiah was bothering him.

„Hey. I haven't seen you for a long time. How are you doing?" the dark-skinned man asked, ignoring Daniel's weird attitude. Isaiah hasn't stopped smiling.

„I'm good. You?"

Nikki squinted her eyes, not wanting to discuss her feelings in front of a person she felt for.

„Okay...I'm fine," he replied briefly.

Isaiah shifted, not knowing where to lead the conversation, so he asked her the first question that came to his mind.

„Are you up for a dance with me?"

Nikki raised her eyebrows in new surprise. She wasn't expecting such a direct approach, while Isaiah patiently waited for her answer.

„Umm...yeah...sure. Why not?" she finally replied. The waiter extended his hand, as Nikki accepted her, smiling softly. She turned her head once more in the direction of two men at the bar.

As Nikki and Isaiah started to dance in the rhythm of some latin song, Daniel was staring at them, not blinking once. He wanted to rip off Isaiah's arms. David was looking at him with interest and noticed Daniel tightening the bottle in his hands until his fingers were white. He put his hand over Daniel's.

„If you grip it a bit more, the bottle will shoot and you'll cut yourself," he said. Daniel moved his gaze from the couple on the dance floor to his friend's face. He realized he was caught in action. „You could've invited her to dance too. God knows she wouldn't say no."

„Shut up!" he replied automatically, turning to the bar and throwing daggers at neatly arranged bottles of hard drink. He wanted to hit something, not being sure what exactly. David was smiling, figuring out what was going on. Daniel was slowly falling down.

-

„Maia, please, can we talk?" Aline asked for a tenth time, following the Australian around the club like a lost puppy. Maia was already losing her patience.

„No. I don't want to talk to you. We said all, didn't we?"

„I didn't!" the Latina answered immediately. „It wasn't what it looked like and everything you're doing is based on your own conclusions, without letting me explain."

Maia was frustrated.

„Look...it doesn't matter what I saw that night. The thing is, you're unpredictable, Aline. I never know how you're going to react in certain situations and I no longer want to be your second choice. I've already told you that. Regardless of my feelings, I'm done here and please, leave me alone," she said firmly, heading to her companion again. She was already halfway to her when she turned around once again. „And stop scaring Jess with your staring. It won't help you."

Aline sighed, letting her arms to fall down her body in defeat. Then, she headed back to Daniel and David.

-

Isaiah spun Nikki, who laughed loudly.

„I didn't know you're such a good dancer," she said, continuing to follow the rhythm.

„I'm good in a lot of things," he replied softly but seemed not to understand how his words could be interpreted until the woman had spread her eyes wide in shock at such an obvious statement. „Oh, my God, Nikki. I didn't mean it like that."

Nikki burst out laughing, enjoying his misery. Isaiah pushed her away slightly.

„Stop...you know I didn't mean it like that," he said, suddenly becoming shy.

„Yeah, I know you didn't but it's fun to watch you so flustered."

„Hey...I know we haven't seen each other for long but I'm really enjoying your company," Isaiah started, changing that uncomfortable topic. „Would you like to go snorkeling with me, my brother and some other friends? I could show you another interesting thing you can do while you're in Naples. Without any obligations, of course."

She looked up into his eyes and got lost in greenery. Isaiah was really handsome. He was patiently waiting for her response.

„Sure...why not? I could be fun. When are you going?"

The man was about to jump in happiness but he managed to refrain from embarrassing himself in front of Nikki.

„Monday, around 4:00 p.m. I would like to go sooner but I'm working," he replied.

Nikki nodded, confirming she would come and then told him she needed a break. Isaiah kissed her cheek in greeting and returned to his friends. Nikki did the same. They were all now gathered next to the bar and she was welcomed by a few whistles.

„So...Isaiah again?" Marina asked, elbowing Nikki. She pushed her away, took someone's drink from the bar and drank nearly half a bottle. Patricia was looking at her with great interest.

„Oh, you're good," Diego teased.

„Yeah, it's hot."

„I bet my ass it is. Isaiah heated the podium, didn't he?" someone said. It seemed like that was the last straw because in the same second Nikki felt fingers grabbing her around the wrist. Daniel stood in front of her, anger written in his eyes. He didn't say anything. Instead, he just pulled her toward the exit. Nikki staggered from sudden force.

„What the hell?" Patricia asked shocked. The others jaws were on the floor because of his sudden outburst.

During that time, Daniel was pulling her angrily away from people and music.

„Hey...wait. Dan...I can't follow you," she said breathily, trying to get rid of his clutch. As they approached the sea, he finally let her go, facing her. She saw fire in his eyes.

„What the hell was that?" he wrangled with anger, pointing out at the club as she was looking at him confusedly.

„What?"

„Don't pretend like you don't know. What was that...with Isaiah? Since when you two are together again?"

Nikki was still confused by the tall man's actions, not understanding his reaction.

„We aren't together. I didn't even know he is in the club tonight. We just danced and he invited me to snorkel with his friends. Nothing special," she explained defensively, even a little bit angry but Daniel was now even more upset and he no longer had control over his actions. He grabbed her firmly by the upper arm.

„You're not going anywhere with him!"

Nikki raised her eyebrows questionably, snatching from his grip.

„I'm sorry...what?!" she almost shouted. Now, she was definitely furious at him. „You don't have a right to forbid me anything.."

Daniel didn't answer nor removed his firm eyes from her. Nikki wasn't even aware when did he come so close to her. He grabbed her upper arms again, holding her in place. She was unable to move away.

„Dan..."

Before she had managed to say anything else, his lips found hers. In the first few moments, Nikki's eyes widened in complete surprise but she quickly closed them again, kissing him back. Everything around her exploded in million different colors...she felt that way. Daniel was moving his lips very slowly, so every kiss lasted a few seconds and made the moment even more intimate. Nikki was losing herself in it and suddenly, nothing was more important than kissing him.

Daniel's feelings weren't much different. It seemed like everything in him was coming back to life. This few kisses they exchanged were shaking the ground around them. Daniel couldn't get enough of it.

But...after a few moments of bliss, he felt Nikki's hand on his chest and suddenly, she pushed him hard. The balloon of pleasure, created around them collapsed and Daniel returned to reality. His gaze fell on raging Nikki, who, by all means, was ready to physically attack him.

„What the fuck are you doing?!" she shouted. „I'm not your toy or experiment. Don't you dare to do it again."

Nikki began to furiously move in an unknown direction but Daniel was in such a trance that he didn't go after her. Instead, he was just watching her figure disappearing in the dark. He was standing motionless on the sand, shaking his head in disbelief.

„What the hell was that?" he asked himself, not believing he had just kissed Nikki.Or...not believing that he actually liked the kiss.    

-

Author's note:

So...the kiss finally happened. Took them long enough, don't you think? LOL. After two very bumpy chapters, it's time for the storm to finally settle down a little bit (but not completely). Nikki and Daniel are developing their relationship more and more from chapter to chapter.

If you liked it, please, give it a vote or comment. I would reply.

Next update: Tuesday!

Stay true to yourself and have a nice day!