Best Mistake | Nicholas Chavez

Twenty one | gym partner

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Nicholas picks up Amara to head back to his apartment, where Jordan, who's visiting, is staying. Fresh from the gym, his shirt clings to his biceps, a hint of cologne lingering in the car. The ride is filled with comfortable silence and occasional chats, punctuated by shared glances that say more than words.

Amara finds herself stealing glances at Nicholas, noticing the way his post-workout look highlights his toned physique. He's gotten so fit, and the snug shirt leaves little to the imagination, drawing her attention in a way she can't quite ignore.

As they approach his apartment, the atmosphere feels both charged and calm, a balance between ease and unspoken tension. Nicholas glances over, catching Amara looking at him, and they share a soft smile—one that neither fully acknowledges but lingers in the quiet.

Arriving at his place, Nicholas opens the door to reveal Jordan sprawled on the couch, already making himself at home. He greets them with a lazy grin, pulling Amara into a lighthearted hug, " No way I'm in the same room as the Amara De Luca," he teases.

She laughs, nudging him back. "I could say the same about Lawyer Jordan Jackson."

Jordan leans back with a smirk. "Well, get used to it. I'm planning to take the bar here. If all goes well, I might just move to LA."

"Oh my God, that's amazing news!" Amara exclaims, beaming.

Nicholas watches them with a quiet smile, feeling content as two of the most important people in his life chat easily, just as they always have.

"Alright, you two," he says, standing up. "I'm going to shower real quick. Go ahead and pick something to eat while I'm gone—it's on me." With a grin, he heads off to freshen up, leaving Amara and Jordan to browse menus and continue catching up.

As Nicholas disappears into the bathroom, Amara's gaze lingers, taking in the way his back muscles shift beneath his shirt. She's caught off guard by the view, her cheeks warming slightly.

Jordan catches her staring and grins knowingly. "You know, if you're gonna drool, you might wanna grab a napkin first," he teases, raising an eyebrow.

Amara laughs, trying to brush it off. "Oh, shut up," she retorts, nudging him playfully, though her expression betrays her. Jordan just chuckles, clearly amused.

Amara's laughter fades as she exchanges a playful look with Jordan, but her mind drifts back to Nicholas, her gaze flickering toward the closed bathroom door. She tries to focus on the menu in front of her, but Jordan's teasing grin makes it hard to keep a straight face.

"Fine," she finally concedes, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "Maybe I was just... appreciating the view."

Jordan chuckles, leaning back on the couch. "Hey, no judgment. You two have always had... a spark."

"How is it, by the way? Your relationship now?" Jordan asks, feigning innocence, knowing full well that Nicholas had filled him in on their situation.

Amara hesitates, caught off guard by the question. "It's...I don't know, we're friends but being friends with an ex is just so... complicated ," she admits, her heart racing at the thought of their unspoken feelings. "We're figuring things out."

Jordan raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his face. "Figuring things out, huh? Sounds like classic you two." She shoots him a playful glare, but inside, she knows there's truth to his words.