Twisted MC-Devin & Nicole

Chapter Forty-Nicole

My nerves are a hot mess, so I think it's best to work from home today. Honestly, I probably won't get anything done, but I'll try. I head down to the kitchen and turn the Keurig on to make some coffee. As I'm waiting for it to brew, I glance out the sliding glass door. It's a beautiful day and I'm going to take that as a good sign. Today will be a good day. All-day.

Once my coffee is ready, I pull the caramel creamer out of the fridge, add it to my mug and grab an apple. The sunshine calls out to me to spend the day doing my work on the deck.

Plugging along, I make a ton of phone calls, send correspondence, and then I start to zone. My brain is all over the place. I can't wait to see him.

My phone rings, bringing me out of my Devin dream space. It's Mario.

"Good afternoon Mario. How are you?"

"I'm well Nicole. Listen, I'm not going to hold you for long. I wanted you to know that I heard what you said the other day about our relationship, and I plan to keep it professional from now on."

"Huh. Ok well, I really appreciate that." Ok, so what made him turn around like this? He's never listened to me before. Hmmm?

Then he continues. "Now, don't get me wrong, my feelings for you haven't changed at all, but I will keep it work-related. We have an excellent business relationship. In fact, you are the best attorney our family has had in years, and I want you to stay with me...with us. So, trust me when is say I won't do anything to jeopardize that."

"Thank you, Mario. I love working for your family." I think I'm stunned, actually. This is so un-Mario.

Hanging up from him, I glance around my yard and smile to myself. It REALLY is going to be a good day.

I slip into a new pink lace thong and matching strapless bra and then my new outfit. Purple dressy floral print shorts with pink flowers and have accents of cream and green. I add a cream silk camisole, cropped denim jacket, and pink strappy sandals. They make my legs look long and luscious. Next, I grab my signature gold hoop earrings and slip a bracelet on my wrist. Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I see someone looking back at me that I haven't seen in a while and I feel fabulous! I grab my purse and phone and make my way downstairs. The clock tells me I'm right on time. It's 5:55. The doorbell rings.

Taking a deep breath, I open the front door. And there he is. My breath catches in my throat, my heart starts to race, and my legs feel weak. I cannot believe he is standing in front of me. God, how I've missed this man.

"Hi, Devin."

Did I say he looks amazing? Dark denim hugs his thick thighs, and a light blue button-down shirt shows the outline of chest muscles. He's rolled up the cuffs, showing off his strong arms and tattoos. Holy guacamole!

"Hi, Beautiful." His smile is gentle as his eyes glide slowly down my body, as if he's trying to drink me in. Warmth floods my insides, while I watch his eyes make their way back up to meet mine.

"You ready to go?"

I reach for my purse on the nearby table and lock the door. His hand rests on the small of my back as he leads us to his car. He opens the passenger side door for me, but before I can get in, he grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. Placing the softest kiss on the back of my hand, causing a shiver to slide down my spine. Devin then throws a smile at me that melts my insides, helps me into the car, and shuts the door.

Oh, it's going to be a good night.

Once behind the wheel, he starts the car but doesn't take off. Instead, inhaling and exhaling deeply, he stares out of the front window and says, "I have missed you, Nicole, so fucking much."

Turning to look at me, he studies my eyes and shakes his head. "I am so so sorry. Sorry for everything I put you through. I didn't want to start our date like this, but I feel like I need to start with an apology. I have a lot to tell you, and I hope you can find a way to forgive me. I don't want to lose you, Nicole."

His eyes start to water, and he looks away. Devin closes his eyes for a bit and then sighs. Then, opening them, he glances at me again with a sweet smile. "Let's go eat."

Pulling out of the parking space, he reaches for my hand, kisses it, and never lets it go until we arrive at the restaurant.