Damaged Hearts

Chapter 16

Nicole

I'm sitting across from Zach in a large booth, the two of us tucked away in a corner of a nice restaurant. We drove out to Jim Thorpe for dinner, making this our first proper date night together. It's also the first evening we've had to ourselves in nearly three weeks. His work schedule has been insane, especially during the holiday season. With Christmas and New Year just behind us, the kids were off school for two weeks and only returned today, finally giving us a moment to breathe together.

"So, do you want your gift now or after dinner?" Zach asks, leaning back in his seat after the waitress leaves with our order.

"Gift?" I repeat, my heart skipping a beat. I thought we weren't doing gifts, I didn't get him anything.

"It's nothing big, just something small. And I don't expect anything in return," he says casually, waving a hand as if to brush away my concern.

I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes. "Zach..."

He holds up a hand, cutting me off before I can say more. "I'm serious. Please, just let me give you something without feeling like you owe me anything. Okay?" His voice is almost pleading, and I relent with a nod. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a long rectangular box, inside, a sparkly diamond bracelet.

"Oh, honey..." My voice is soft as I take in the simple but beautiful design.

"Do you like it?" he asks, his eyes searching mine.

"Of course I do, it's gorgeous, but I didn't—"

"Nicole," he interrupts, leaning forward with a tender smile. "Just put it on sweetheart. I wanted to get you something, so I did. That's it."

I hesitate for only a moment before slipping it onto my wrist, "thank you. I love it." I say and he squeezes my hand before leaning across the table for a quick kiss.

The rest of dinner goes great. He's a gentleman, like always. He walks me to my door when we get back to my apartment too. His chivalry not going unnoticed.

"Come in?" I flirt with hope. He laughs and agrees. I turn to face him once I get inside, he shuts and locks the door. Just as he turns back to face me I attack him with a kiss.

"Mhm, baby, stop. Hold on." He grabs my waist to hold me away from him. I wait to hear what he has to say. I thought we talked plenty all night I was anticipating a little dessert now is all.

"What?"

"I didn't know how to bring it up but I think we should figure out what we're doing. This secretive stuff is getting stressful don't you think?" He asks and my heart starts to race.

"You're ready to tell people? The kids? Brian?"

"Not if you don't want to I guess, I just thought it's been awhile here."

"It's been 2 months Zach."

"That's too soon?"

"I don't know." I shrug.

"Well it's up to you but just know I'm not going anywhere, I'm in it. Fully."

"Really?" I feel emotional at his words.

"I care about you so much Nicole, it's almost unbearable." He admits and I pout my lip. "Come here." He scoops me into a hug, leaving a kiss on my head. His muscular arms swallow me, he smells so damn good too.

I look up at him, he loosens his hold, "Stay tonight and we can figure out a game plan?"

"You sure?" He asks and I nod.

"Yeah. Besides, I feel safer sleeping next to you anyway." I admit.

"I don't have a bag though."

"I have more toothbrush's and you don't need to wear anything to bed." I smile and kiss him.