When Our Paths Crossed

Chapter 28

I slowly opened my eyes to sunlight spilling through the curtains, painting the room in soft gold. My body still felt good and sore from last night with Nick.

The sheets were tangled around us, and Nick’s arm was slung possessively over my waist, his chest pressed against my back. 

I shifted slightly, and his grip tightened, pulling me closer. “Mm. Too early, he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. His lips brushed the nape of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. 

I turned in his arms to face him. His dark hair was messy, a few strands falling over his forehead. His stubble grazing my forehead as he blinked awake.

The way he looked at me slow and happy now made my stomach flip. "Good morning." I whispered, tracing the lines of his bare chest. His skin was warm.

Nick caught my hand, kissing my fingertips. "Best morning I’ve had in years." His thumb brushed my lower lip, his eyes darkening. He closed the distance between us and kissed me so slow.

"I wish I didn't have to leave today." I said, placing my hand on his. Nick’s lips stilled against mine at my words. For a moment, he just looked at me, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.

Then he exhaled sharply and rolled out of bed, pulling me with him before I could protest. 

“Then we’re making every second count,” he said, voice rough. 

The kitchen smelled like coffee and cinnamon by the time I’d showered and pulled on one of Nick’s button-downs.

He stood at the stove, barefoot and bare-chested, flipping golden French toast in a pan. A plate of fresh fruit and a steaming mug waited on the counter for me. 

I leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. “You’re really going all out, huh? You have a whole chef.” 

Nick glanced over his shoulder, his smirk doing dangerous things to my pulse. “You’re really surprised?” 

I wasn’t. That was the problem. Nick had always been like this all in, relentless, too much. And now, when I had to go home, he was reminding me exactly what I’d be missing. 

I slid onto a stool as he set a plate in front of me, drizzling syrup in lazy spirals. “Eat,” he ordered, dropping a kiss on my head. 

The first bite was perfect crispy edges, soft center, just sweet enough. I closed my eyes. “Okay, this is unfair.” 

Nick’s low laugh curled around me. “Good.” 

We ate in comfortable silence, his knee pressed against mine under the counter. But with every passing minute, the weight of the day settled heavier on my chest. 

Nick’s phone buzzed his pilot, probably. His jaw tightened as he read the message, then he locked the screen and reached for my hand. “Ready?” 

I wasn’t. But I nodded anyway. 

I changed into a dress that belonged to Elena

When we got to my place, Elena was in the kitchen having some breakfast.

"Hey." I said, squeezing her into my arms. "I don’t want you to leave, can't you stay for another week Emily?" she asked, hugging me back.

"I wish I could, but I have to go report everything to my Dad. But I'll see you soon."

"Please take care of yourself." She looked behind me seeing her brother. "You two okay."

We went upstairs

Nick moved through the space with quiet efficiency, gathering my suitcases while I double-checked drawers. 

“That everything?” he asked, hefting the larger bag. 

I glanced around the empty bedroom. “Yeah.” 

"Elena, stay as long as you want. I'll see you soon."

"Thanks, Emily. I'm going back to sleep." She said, going upstairs.

Nick studied me for a long moment, then crossed the room in two strides, cupping my face. His kiss was fierce.

When he pulled back, his voice was raw. “Let’s go.”  

We pulled up beside his jet, He got out first and opened my door, taking my hand into his.

"So,” he said, voice barely audible over the hum, “When am I going to see you again?” I turned to find him watching me, his gaze burning.

"I'm not sure, Nick."

"Emily, you know how I feel about you." His fingers tightened around mine. "I want us to spend more time together."

"Yes, I know how you feel about me, I want to spend more time with you too."

"How about this? As soon as I'm finished with this new project, I'll come and visit you." He said, smiling.

"How long is this project going to take?"

"A few months, I'll let you know when I'm done with it."

"Okay." I said, smiling.

Nick wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "Don't be a stranger, okay?"

"Yeah." I said, smiling and looking down.
He tilted my face up to his, and then he kissed me.

The kiss started soft just a brush of his mouth over mine. Then his fingers slid into my hair, tilting my head back as he deepened it, slow and sure

I melted into him, my hands fisting in his shirt to keep him close.

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathless. He pressed his forehead to mine, his thumb brushing my cheekbone. “Text me when you land,” he ordered.

"Okay, I'll see you soon." I leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

Nicholas POV

Emily disappeared into the jet.

I’ve fallen so hard for her.

If it were up to me, I’d ask her to marry me right now. But after everything she’s been through, rushing into marriage isn't a good idea. But I'm never letting go of her.

Emily filled my thoughts the whole drive to the office.

I was knee-deep in merger paperwork when my phone buzzed. Reed's name flashed across the screen.

"Tell me you're not still at your desk," his voice crackled through the speaker. 

I leaned back, rolling the tension from my shoulders. "Depends. You buying lunch?" 

"Always. Luciano's in twenty." 

I glanced at my watch. Emily's flight would be touching down right about now. The thought sent an unexpected ache through my chest. 

"Fine," I said, shuffling papers into a folder. "But fair warning I've got things to say you won't believe." 

Reed's chuckle was all too familiar. "This about that girl who's had you acting weird for weeks?" 

I clenched my jaw. "Don't be late Reed." 

The line went dead. I stared at the signed contracts on my desk. Yeah, I need a break.

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