Stole My Heart 💕

27 - A Date

Nick's pulse raced as he walked alongside Candice. The tension between Nick and Candice had always been palpable, an invisible thread tying them together even when they tried to resist it. That day, as they walked side by side, the air between them crackled with an unspoken energy. Every brush of their hands sent jolts of electricity through Nick, making his pulse race. He stole glances at Candice, watching the way she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, how she bit her lip ever so slightly when deep in thought. Something about her made it impossible for him to look away.

Summoning his courage, Nick reached out and took her hand. It was a bold move, one he hadn't planned, but once her fingers intertwined with his, the world around them faded. She looked up at him, eyes wide with surprise, but she didn't pull away. That was enough.

But then, reality crashed down around them. The hateful words scrawled across the whiteboard sent a wave of rage through Nick. Seeing Candice's face drain of color, her body frozen in silent shock, ignited something fierce in him. He stormed forward, demanding answers, his voice sharp with barely contained fury. The room was silent, students exchanging wary glances, but no one dared to confess. His anger flared uncontrollably, leading him to punch the nearest chair, sending it skidding across the floor.

Candice flinched at the sudden outburst, her hands instinctively gripping his arm.

"Nick, stop! Please calm down," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

His breathing was ragged, his fists still clenched, but the raw fear in her eyes made his rage dissipate in an instant. He exhaled, forcing himself to steady his emotions, and without another word, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the classroom.

The corridor was empty, the echo of their hurried footsteps bouncing off the walls. Candice struggled to keep up with his pace, trying to free herself from his grip.

"Nick! Why are you always like this? Why do you act like this?" she demanded, her voice shaking with frustration.

He stopped abruptly, turning to face her. "Like what?" he shot back, his frustration still evident.

"You're hurting me."

Her quiet words hit him harder than any punch ever could. His eyes darted to her wrist, where faint red marks had begun to form from his tight grip. Regret washed over him instantly.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice softer now. "I didn't mean to."

Candice sighed, her anger fading. She stepped closer, her eyes scanning him carefully. "Nick, your hand is bleeding."

He followed her gaze and finally noticed the raw scrapes on his knuckles. He hadn't even felt the pain before, too consumed by his emotions.

"It's nothing," he dismissed, trying to pull his hand away, but Candice held on firmly, her touch unexpectedly tender.

"Come with me," she said, leaving no room for argument.

She led him to the medical room, making him sit while she cleaned his wound with gentle hands. He watched her intently, captivated by the quiet focus on her face. She was careful, her fingers delicate against his skin. The memory of her doing the same for him in the past came rushing back, making his heart clench with something unexplainable.

"Hey, Nick... Are you sleeping?" she asked teasingly, her voice breaking through his thoughts.

He smirked. "No, baby doll... just thinking."

Candice's cheeks flushed at the nickname, and Nick found himself mesmerized by the way she looked when she was flustered.

"All done," she announced with a small, satisfied smile, holding up his bandaged hand as if showing off her work.

Nick tilted his head toward the door. "Shall we go?"

"Where?" she asked, curiosity lacing her voice.

"Somewhere... alone?" he suggested, letting a playful smirk creep onto his lips.

She hesitated for just a moment before surprising him with her answer. "Okay, let's go."

That night, they drove aimlessly through the city, the air filled with lighthearted conversation and laughter. Nick stole glances at Candice as she looked out the window, the streetlights casting a golden glow on her face. He wanted to reach out, to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, to feel the warmth of her skin—but he restrained himself.

They eventually stopped at a small seafood restaurant by the waterfront. The place was quiet, intimate, with soft music playing in the background. The candlelight flickered between them as they sat across from each other, their hands occasionally grazing the table's surface. Every time it happened, Candice's fingers would twitch slightly, as if debating whether to pull away. But she never did.

Nick watched her as she spoke, her voice filled with excitement when she talked about things she loved. He found himself leaning in, drawn to the way her lips curved when she smiled, the way her eyes sparkled under the dim lights.

At one point, a comfortable silence settled between them. Nick reached for his drink, and Candice did the same. Their hands brushed—this time, neither of them pulled away. His fingers lingered against hers, his touch hesitant but intentional. Candice's breath hitched slightly, her gaze lifting to meet his. In that moment, time seemed to slow.

Nick exhaled deeply, his fingers tracing absent patterns on the table before he finally spoke. "Candice... I need you to know something."

She looked at him, the anticipation in her eyes making his heart hammer against his ribs.

"I've been fighting this... fighting how I feel about you. But I can't anymore." His voice was steady, but his hands clenched slightly as if bracing himself. "I don't want to rush you or pressure you, but I need you to know—I care about you. A lot. More than I should, maybe. And I will wait for you, as long as it takes."

Candice's breath caught in her throat. Her fingers curled around the edge of her napkin, her heart pounding in response. "Nick..."

He leaned in slightly, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable. "But don't make me wait too long, baby doll." A teasing smirk ghosted his lips, but the sincerity in his eyes remained unwavering.

Candice felt warmth flood through her, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her—uncertainty, excitement, fear, and something dangerously close to hope.

As they walked through the quiet streets afterward, Nick's hand brushed against hers again, and this time, she didn't hesitate. She slipped her fingers into his, and he held on, as if silently telling her he meant every word.

The next morning, Candice woke up feeling different—lighter, happier. As she walked into college, Hanny and Andy noticed immediately, teasing her endlessly.

But Candice barely heard them. Her mind was still replaying the night before—the way Nick had looked at her, the way his hand felt in hers, the way his words had sent shivers down her spine.

And she knew one thing for sure.

She was falling for Nick. Falling hard.