The snow was falling harder now, thick flakes blanketing the world in a pristine white. You stood by the window, the frost tracing delicate patterns on the glass, watching as the streetlights cast a warm golden glow over the quiet neighborhood. Inside, the fire crackled in the hearth, the warmth seeping through the cozy living room where you and Nicholas had spent the evening together.
You hadn't planned on staying this long. In fact, when you'd stopped by earlier with a batch of Christmas cookies, you'd promised yourself it would be a quick visit. But Nicholas had a way of making time disappear.
Now, hours later, you found yourself curled up on the couch, a soft blanket draped over your legs, as he sat across from you, his smile as warm as the firelight.
"I really should get going," you said, your voice reluctant as you glanced out at the swirling snow.
Nicholas raised a brow, leaning back in his chair. "Have you looked outside lately? It's a full-blown snowstorm out there."
"I can handle it," you replied, though even you weren't sure you believed yourself.
He grinned, shaking his head. "Oh, no. You're not going anywhere in this weather. You'll freeze before you even make it to the car."
You laughed softly, standing up and stretching. "You're very dramatic, you know that?"
"I'm serious," he said, standing as well and crossing the room to block your path. He was taller than you, his presence steady and grounding as he looked down at you with a mix of playfulness and concern. "It's not safe. Stay here. Just for tonight."
You hesitated, your eyes flicking to the window again. The wind howled, rattling the panes, and you could already imagine how slippery the roads must be. But staying the night? That was... something else entirely.
"Nicholas," you began, your voice soft, "I really shouldn't."
He smirked, taking a step closer. "Why not? You're already here. The couch is comfortable, the fire's warm, and—" he paused, his tone dropping into something teasing, "I make great company."
You rolled your eyes, though you couldn't help the smile that tugged at your lips. "You're impossible."
"And you're stubborn," he shot back, his grin widening. "But I'm not letting you leave in this. What if your car gets stuck? Or worse, what if you slip on the ice?"
He was close now, close enough that you could see the firelight reflected in his dark eyes, feel the warmth radiating from him. You looked away, your cheeks heating. "I don't want to impose."
"You're not," he said simply, his voice sincere.
You sighed, crossing your arms. "You're really not going to let me leave, are you?"
"Nope," he said, popping the "p" with a playful smirk. "So you might as well make yourself comfortable."
The tension eased slightly as you laughed, shaking your head. "Fine. But only because it really is cold outside."
"Trust me, I know," he said, grabbing the blanket from the couch and draping it over your shoulders. "Now, how about some cocoa to seal the deal?"
You couldn't help but smile as he disappeared into the kitchen, leaving you alone with your thoughts. It wasn't just the weather that had kept you here, you realized. There was something about Nicholas—his easy charm, his warmth, the way he made you feel like the only person in the room.
When he returned, two steaming mugs in hand, you were curled up on the couch again, the blanket wrapped snugly around you. He handed you a mug, sitting beside you and stretching his long legs out in front of him.
"See?" he said, clinking his mug lightly against yours. "Not so bad, right?"
You smiled, taking a sip. "Not bad at all."
The snow continued to fall outside, the storm wrapping the world in silence. Inside, the warmth of the fire and the steady presence of Nicholas made everything feel safe, almost magical.
He turned to you after a while, his voice soft. "I'm glad you stayed."
Your breath caught, and you glanced over at him. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," he said, his gaze holding yours. "It's not every day I get to have a cozy night like this with someone who makes everything feel... better."
Your cheeks flushed, and you looked away, unsure how to respond. But Nicholas reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.
"Baby, it's cold outside," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, though there was a vulnerability in his eyes that made your heart skip.
You laughed softly, shaking your head. "You're ridiculous."
"Maybe," he said, leaning closer, his breath warm against your cheek. "But you're still here."
And before you could overthink it, his lips brushed yours—soft, tentative, but full of promise. The kiss was enough to chase away the chill of the storm, leaving only the warmth of him and the glow of the moment.
When he pulled back, he smiled, his forehead resting lightly against yours. "Now you really can't leave."
You laughed, wrapping the blanket tighter around both of you as the snow fell steadily outside as you rested your head on his shoulder. Maybe the storm wasn't so bad after all.
