Chapter 8. A Safe Place
I ended up staying at Nick’s place. I was actually reluctant. And I should have been. But I had no choice.
Matt was a sneaky guy. He could do anything to get in touch with me again, and Nick was very worried that Matt might do something reckless.R
*I’ll sleep here. You rest–it’s too late,” I said to Nick after taking a sip of his hot tea.
Nick frowned. As soon as I lay down on the elongated sofa, he immediately pulled my hand.&
“No, no, no! Do you really think I’d let you sleep here? Come on, I wouldn’t treat you that badly,” Nick said.
I smiled in amusement. His face looked so shocked, as if the thought had never even crossed his mind. He then pulled me into the room, pointing to the soft bed that was already prepared for me.
“You should sleep here. Your body will hurt if you sleep on the sofa,” Nick said as he opened the closet, pulling out a blanket and a T–shirt.
“So, you’re going to sleep there?” I asked, and Nick nodded.%
I squinted at him. “Then what’s the difference? Your body will ache too, Nick. You’re big, and the couch is small.“}
“So, do you want us to sleep together here?” Nick plopped down onto the mattress, raising his eyebrows up and down like a tease.
“N–no!” I denied quickly. My cheeks felt like they were crawling with ants, making me ticklish. “I mean, let me sleep on the sofa. I don’t mind at all.”%
Nick smiled sweetly as he suddenly pulled my arm, making me sit beside him. “I don’t mind if we sleep in the same bed either.”
Oh my!!
Why did that sweet smile–adorned with eyes as warm as the morning sun and eyelashes that gleamed under the light–seem to hypnotize me?
We were too close, making it hard for me to breathe properly. My heartbeat was out of control. I quickly moved away, afraid Nick might hear it.
“Nick, no. i… still have boundaries.” I finally pulled away, realizing that we were crossing a line.!
I wasn’t ready to open my heart. I didn’t want to give Nick false hope. I didn’t want to hurt him.
“I’m kidding.” Nick ruffled my hair gently. “I’m not going to mess with you. We can just sleep together here instead of arguing. And you have to believe that I won’t do anything.“%
Nick was so sincere–I could see it clearly. I couldn’t even find the words to doubt him.
“I respect you. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I just want you to feel safe. Now, go to sleep!”
Nick lay down first, leaving space next to him for me.%
I hesitated. Nick kept smiling reassuringly so I wouldn’t feel awkward. When I finally lay down, he immediately placed a pillow between us.
“As a barrier, so you don’t get anxious. If I cross it, you can punish me however you want, Nick said.
I chuckled in amusement. Why was he so funny? God, I was going to lose my mind over this man!!
I shifted slightly, adjusting myself. It felt strange to share a bed with another man–especially with my heart still healing.
Sensing that I wasn’t falling asleep, Nick started talking about all sorts of things. About his family far away in New York, his job as a veterinarian, and how he spent his days.
“You know, Kate, before I met you, I had no idea how to spend my time after work. I just slept a lot, Nick admitted.
“Oh yeah?”
Nick nodded. “And if I got too bored at home, I’d go out and rescue stray cats or dogs. That little Nick‘–I found him on the street a few weeks ago. He’s so healthy now.”
I looked at his calm face. His eyes occasionally fluttered closed, as if sleep was tugging at him. I liked how he always spoke with a smile.
“Thank you, Nick.“%
“For what?” Nick turned to me, actually shifting his whole body just to look at me. His face, dusted with fine stubble, was ridiculously handsome.%
“You’re handsome–uh… I mean, you–you’re really nice to me.“?
“Huh?” Nick raised an eyebrow, his mischievous smile making my nerves spike.
Oh my! My brain and lips were out of sync, and I ended up misspeaking. This was so embarrassing.
“I’m really handsome, huh? Do you have a crush on me now?” Nick teased, tweaking my nose.!!
So annoying!%
! quickly pushed his hand away. “Nick, it’s late. Go to sleep, or you’ll be late for work.“>
‘I’ll stay awake a little longer, just in case he gives up. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
That sincerity again. Should I accept Nick’s kindness? Should I let myself fall for him?
I was scared. Scared that I was just using him to move on.
“You’re being unprofessional. Those animals need you,” I said, looking away. If I kept looking at him, my cheeks would turn as red as
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“There are plenty of other vets who can take care of them. But you? I’m the only one who can protect you right now. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Nick stroked my hair gently. It was a touch that made me feel so incredibly loved.
And then I thought back–when was the last time Matt treated me like this?
Never mind. I shook off the thought and met Nick’s eyes. The tall man then grinned and said,
“Go to sleep. I have a surprise for you tomorrow.”
(To be continued)
