Best Mistake ★ Nicholas Chavez

Thirty seven | the proposal

The next morning, the group ventured into town again, eager to explore more of its charming streets and quirky shops. Amara took a moment to pull Jordan aside while the others browsed a nearby store.

"So, Jordan," she began with a mischievous grin, "anything you'd like to share about a certain someone whose name starts with Madelyn?"

Jordan's face immediately turned red. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Amara raised an eyebrow. "Mhm, sure you don't. Look, she's my best friend, so don't mess this up, okay?"

Jordan's expression softened. "I like her, Amara. I'd never hurt her."

Before Amara could respond, Nicholas appeared, leaning casually against the wall. "Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all," Amara replied, smirking. "We were just talking about Jordan's... extracurricular activities."

Nicholas chuckled, clapping Jordan on the shoulder. "Good luck, man. But, uh, just remember—Madelyn's got all of us watching her back."

Jordan groaned, muttering, "Great, more pressure." Amara and Nicholas laughed.

Lunch that day was lively, with everyone chatting and joking around, but Nicholas could barely touch his food. He kept glancing at Amara, who was blissfully unaware of his nerves. The plan was coming together, but now it all hinged on timing.

"Man, you good?" Drew asked, nudging Nicholas.

"Yeah," Nicholas replied, faking a yawn. "Just tired. Think I'll head back to the cabin."

Amara's fork paused mid-air. "Are you okay? Do you want me to come with you?"

Nicholas shrugged, playing it cool. "If you want."

"Of course, I'm coming." She turned to the others. "We'll catch you guys later."

Madelyn gave Nicholas a subtle thumbs-up as they left. The others suppressed their grins, knowing the real reason behind Nicholas's sudden fatigue.

As they walked back, Nicholas kept glancing at Amara, her oblivious smile making his heart race. Everything was falling into place, and now, all he had to do was not mess it up.

—••—

Nicholas leaned against the doorframe, his broken arm resting awkwardly in its cast while he used his free hand to keep his balance after he subtly locked the door to their room. Amara sprawled out on the bed, scrolling her phone and occasionally shooting him suspicious glances.

"You're being shifty," she said, setting her phone aside.

Nicholas tilted his head, feigning confusion. "Me? Shifty? Never. This is just my natural charm."

She smirked. "Natural charm doesn't involve you sweating like you ran a marathon."

He winced playfully, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine, maybe I'm just overwhelmed by how pretty you look today."

Amara laughed, sitting up. "Oh, please. I wore this hoodie yesterday."

"And yet, somehow, you still manage to look beautiful. It's a gift." He eased down carefully onto the bed, groaning as he shifted his arm to avoid bumping it.