Finding My Muse - Nicholas Galitzine

Chapter Twenty: tree lighting

Vote. Comment. Enjoy!

-

-

-

--Esmerelda's POV--
I've never felt more humiliated in my life. Nick was gone before I woke up. I'm thankful we finished with the internship job until the new year, because the thought of seeing his face makes me want to puke. My phone starts ringing making my head pound as I blindly reach for it, "Morning sunshine," Kylie says as she hears me groan.

"Why are you calling so early?" I ask looking at the clock before letting my head fall back down.

"I wanted to check in and see how yesterday went. Did Nick end up driving you home?" She asks. My voice gets caught in my throat as I look at my clothes thrown around the room.

"Yeah, he went to his apartment the rest of the night," I tell her.

"Umm...okay?" She asks confused why I said that. There's a knock at the door and I jump as Kylie continues talking.

"Someone's at the door. I'll call you back later," I tell her hanging up before she can say anything. When I get out of bed I slip on some pajama pants and the shirt I wore yesterday.

I stand there stunned when I see Nick holding a carrier of coffee and a bag, "Morning," he says pushing past me. I watch as he lays the stuff on the counter and sits down, "I didn't know what kind of breakfast sandwich person you were. So I went with a classic bacon, egg, and cheese," he says taking the delicious smelling food out of the bag. I silently walk over as he eyes me up and down, "You alright?" He asks.

I rub my eyes as I sit down, "I thought you just left," I tell him honestly.

"Why would I leave?" He asks as he passes me a coffee, "I know you all think I'm an asshole but I'm not that much of an asshole," he says with a small laugh.

"Sorry"

"Don't be sorry just eat," he says. I can't help but laugh as I open up the sandwich wrapper. I'm happy dancing the way most girls do when they get food that looks good. I think I misjudged him a little too quickly. I don't think it's fair he's British, attractive, and good in bed...but I'm not complaining.

"There's this tree lighting ceremony on campus tonight. Like thirty people shoved the flyers down my throat," he says taking one out of his pocket.

"Kylie and I went to one freshman year. It's cute. There's free snacks and drinks," I tell him as he nods his head, "Is this your way of asking me to go?" I ask.

"Don't make me say it," he says making me laugh.

"Fine, but only if you promise to do the photo booth with me," I tell him. I don't expect him to laugh as he sips on his coffee. I love the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles. His smile lines are so prominent when he laughs. Oh god, we have sex and now I'm noticing his smile. What's wrong with me?

"I have to do some things for classes. I'll meet you down here at 7?" He asks. I give him a thumbs up since my mouth is full of eggs. Nothing about the last 24 hours seems real. I really wish Kylie was here so I could rant to her. She will just have to wait until after Christmas.

The rest of the day is spent cleaning up. I change my sheets, clean out my purse, and do like thirty loads of laundry. It's around 6:30 when I start getting ready. I decided on jeans and a white sweater. I never wear it but I don't know if this is a date or just two friends going out.

I scream when I turn my head from the closet and see him walking over. My hand is on my heart as he widens his eyes, "What the fuck was that?" He asks looking behind him.