As Nick drove through the quiet streets, he reached over and took Jane's left hand, gently placing it on the gear shift. He positioned his hand above hers, an intimate gesture that made her heart race. The warmth of his touch spread through her, sending a flutter of emotions she wasn't ready to face.
When they arrived at Jane's home, he followed her inside without a word. A comfortable silence hung between them until her friend rushed forward, her face full of worry and relief.
"Thank God you're okay! I was worried sick!" she exclaimed, pulling Jane into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry for taking off like that," Jane murmured, stealing a quick glance at Nick.
Her friend's eyes darted between them, concern still visible on her face. "Is everything okay between you two?"
"Yes," Nick answered firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. The sincerity in his voice settled Jane's nerves.
Her friend studied them for a moment before nodding. "Get some rest. I have work, but we'll catch up tonight, okay?"
She gave Jane one last squeeze before heading out. As the door clicked shut behind her, the house fell into stillness. Jane turned to Nick, uncertainty tightening in her chest. "Why are you still here?"
"Do you want me to go?" he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
She hesitated, unsure of what she wanted. Instead of answering, she watched as he placed a small bag of medicine on the coffee table and gestured for her to sit on the sofa.
"Look at me," he said softly, his voice steady but vulnerable. "I know I made a terrible mistake, and I apologize again. I was insecure and scared to lose you. But I meant every word I said today. I love you, Jane."
Her heart clenched at his words, emotions swirling inside her.
"I didn't fall for you just because you rescued me," he continued. "I fell for you every single day we spent together. It was hard pretending to be just your friend when I wanted more. And I won't do that anymore."
He took a breath, his eyes full of sincerity. "You deserve the best, and I want to be the one to give it to you. I want you to live your life exactly how you want, and I'll be right beside you. You're meant to be mine, Jane, and I'll cherish you."
A heavy silence filled the room as his words settled between them.
"Think about it and give me an answer," he said, standing up. "Take your time, okay?"
Jane nodded, her heart pounding as he walked to the door. But before stepping out, he turned back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You can tell me by this evening or tomorrow—either is fine."
She scoffed, unable to hide the small smile forming on her lips. "So by 'take your time,' you actually mean just a few hours?"
Nick grinned. "I'd say a few minutes."
With a playful wink, he slipped out the door, leaving Jane staring after him. The second he was gone, warmth spread across her cheeks. She collapsed onto the sofa, pressing a hand against her racing heart.
That night, Jane poured her thoughts out to her friend, who listened with sparkling eyes and an amused grin.
"I never thought Nick could be that romantic," her friend said. "He kissed you right after confessing? What did you do?"
Jane groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I panicked and ran to my room."
Her friend gasped. "What? Are you insane?"
"What was I supposed to do? I was startled!" Jane huffed, rolling her eyes.
Her friend laughed. "Jane, everyone knew you loved him—except you."
Jane's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes! Love isn't just about grand gestures. It's in the little things. You want him to be part of your life, and he wants the same."
Jane thought back to all the times Nick had been there for her.
"When you get drunk, he always brings you home and tucks you in," her friend continued. "He even stays for a while to make sure you're okay. He's a good guy, Jane."
"I know," she whispered, her chest tightening with warmth. "He just lost it for a moment yesterday because of a misunderstanding. I don't want to punish him for that."
"Then don't waste any more time. Go after him."
Jane hesitated. "Now?"
"Yes! You can't let him get away."
Her friend's excitement was contagious. As Jane let the words sink in, determination flooded through her. She couldn't deny her feelings any longer.
Jane's heart raced as her friend helped her get ready, carefully sliding the peach-colored dress over her head. The fabric hugged her curves, the mid-thigh length and backless design leaving her feeling exposed yet undeniably beautiful. "Don't you think this is too much?" she asked, eyeing herself in the mirror.
Her friend grinned teasingly. "You're meeting your lover, not just a friend."
Jane wasn't so sure. "I think it's too soon for something like this."
"It's not. Go now!" Her friend urged, giving her a playful shove toward the door.
With one last look in the mirror, Jane grabbed her keys and headed out. Her mind was a whirl of anticipation and nerves as she drove to Nick's office. But when she got there, her stomach dropped. She saw him leaving, getting into his car.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over her phone. Should she call him? But then, an idea popped into her head. What if she surprised him? She decided to follow him, curiosity pushing her forward.
Nick parked outside a fancy building and put on a mask as he stepped out of the car. Jane's brow furrowed in confusion. Why was he here after hours?
She quietly parked her car and followed him, her heart beating faster with every step. The receptionist greeted him with a slight bow and opened the door like he was royalty. Jane's mind raced—who was this guy?
"Excuse me," she called to the receptionist. "Can you tell me about the guy who just entered?"
"That's our boss," the receptionist replied casually, and Jane's world flipped upside down.
Her heart thudded in her chest as she stepped back, trying to make sense of everything. So, Nick was the boss? She stood there, unsure of what to do, her mind a mix of confusion and growing anxiety.
An hour later, Nick walked out of the building and froze when he saw her waiting outside. "Jane?" he asked, his voice full of surprise.
"What are you doing here?" she tried to ask, sounding steadier than she felt.
"I went to your office to surprise you," Nick said, his smile sheepish. "But it looks like I got surprised instead."
"I can explain," he added quickly, motioning for her to get in his car.
Jane hesitated, glancing at her own vehicle. "But my car—"
"I'll have it sent to your home by morning," he promised.
The drive to the restaurant was quiet, a thick tension hanging between them. Jane finally broke the silence, her voice low. "Who are you really?"
Nick looked at her with a small grin. "Do you know who Mr. Nicholas is?"
"Yeah, he's a business tycoon. Famous in real estate," Jane said, sipping her water.
Nick's eyes twinkled. "I'm his son."
Jane choked on her water. "What?"
"See? There you go again," Nick laughed, taking a bite of his food.
"But you run a gaming company!" Jane exclaimed, still trying to wrap her head around the shock.
"I didn't want to do real estate. So, I followed my own dream," he explained, telling her the story of how his father had tried to get him into the family business.
By the time dinner was over, Jane found herself looking at him with a new kind of respect. His honesty made her feel warm inside. They walked through a park after dinner, the night air cool and filled with the scent of flowers.
"Why didn't you tell me before?" she asked, glancing up at him.
"I've kept it a secret. Nobody knows about me yet," he said, his expression serious.
"Why?" she asked again, puzzled.
"There's a threat to my family. My dad asked me to keep it hidden."
Jane's heart sank. "So, the day I met you… was that because of your dad's enemies?"
"I think so," Nick said, his tone uncertain.
She paused, absorbing what he said. Then, with a hint of amusement, Nick asked, "By the way, why are you dressed like that?"
Jane shifted awkwardly, feeling shy suddenly. "It was my friend's idea. I didn't want to dress up, but she insisted."
Nick smirked, teasing her. "Why?"
"Well, about that surprise…" she started, walking faster, trying to avoid the question.
Nick followed her, playfully closing the distance. "Tell me."
"Nick, I think we should just be friends," Jane blurted out, feeling her heart twist as the words left her mouth.
His face fell, confusion written all over him. "What?"
"I didn't know who you were before. But now that I do, I don't think it's right," she said, the words tumbling out.
"I don't understand, Jane," Nick said, his voice hurt and full of disbelief.
Jane's heart raced, torn between being honest and the pain in his eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew what she had said could change everything between them.