Friendships between a man and a woman were never the same as friendships between to men or two women. She didn't even need to see Carly and Jason's co-dependent love fest to tell her that. No matter how platonic the relationship there was always something—just there—under the surface.
Nikolas and her had more than a "something" between them. From the moment she went to Wyndemere there had been a vibe between them. Something that told her that he could be more than just a good friend.
And even know, years later, after he'd fallen for Emily and Courtney and lost them both. After she'd lost Jason there was the knowledge that, in another time, or in another place, or, even if one single moment had been even slightly changed there could have been a Robin and Nikolas.
She forgets that most days. On most days she just sees the loving, caring, compassionate friend. One who never judges always listens and never wants her to be anything but herself.
However, when he pulls her into his body and lowers his mouth to hers the very last thing she is thinking about is friendship. This Nikolas is the amazingly sexy and romantic man that she always pretended she didn't see. The kiss is meant to make another man jealous, but all she can think of is this man. The man who has pulled her so tightly against her body. The one who puts one hand on her waist and one hand on the back of her head, cradling her, making her feel to safe and so cherished. Although his body is sweet against hers, his mouth is hot and possessive. His tongue demands entrance into her mouth and she doesn't even consider denying him. Yet, he doesn't rush her. There is no sense that the kiss is meant to usher her into a quick bout of sex. The kiss itself is the only thing he concentrates on. He tongue moves so slowly, as if he is trying to discover every inch of her mouth, but it's also firm, and gives her a delicious feeling of being dominated and freed all at the same time.
When he finally pulls back she sees the look of lust in his eyes. She's seen it directed at her before, but always ignored it. And why is that? Sure, sex with Patrick was good and so was the banter. He interested her, stimulated her.
And Nikolas did all of those things. And more. He respected her, he liked her, just as she was, and clearly, he wanted her.
And suddenly she realized how ridiculous it was. She was trying to get the attention of an egomaniacal jerk when she already had the attention of prince charming.
"Nikolas."
"Yeah?" he answered, clearly as winded by the kiss as she was.
"Let's get out of here."
"But what about Patrick. I thought…."
"Yeah, I thought too, but it turns out I was wrong. So," she drew out the world and smiled brightly at him, "Want to get out of here."
His smile was just as big, "After you Ms. Scorpio," he said, throwing some money on the table and moving quickly out of the restaurant.
At the door, Robin stopped him and turned moved back towards Patrick's table, "Oh, just so you know, we're through. Have fun with Carly," she called as she sailed out the door, arm and arm with one of her best friends friend and hopefully soon, her best lover.