The late afternoon sun cast a warm golden glow over the college courtyard as Candice sat with Hanna and Andy, recounting the events of the previous night. Concern flickered across their faces as she spoke, but when she mentioned staying with Nick until her parents arrived, they both exhaled in relief.
"Oh, thank God," Hanna said, squeezing Candice's hand. "At least you're safe. Nick and his family will take good care of you."
Andy nodded. "Yeah, we were really worried, Candice. But knowing you're with them makes us feel better."
Candice offered a small smile. "Thanks, guys. I just hope I'm not imposing too much."
Hanna rolled her eyes playfully. "Please, Candice. If anything, Nick is lucky to have you around."
Evening approached, and as Candice prepared to leave, she suddenly remembered the promise she had made to Nick's mother. Her stomach twisted in nervousness—she had completely forgotten! She reached for her phone to call Nick, but as soon as she remembered their heated exchange that morning, she hesitated. With a sigh, she decided to take a taxi instead, only to realize that she didn't even know Nick's home address.
She groaned, frustrated with herself. "Ugh, how can I be this forgetful?" She considered calling Hanna for help, but just as she was about to dial, a shadow fell across the doorway. She looked up—and there stood Nick, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, waiting.
Candice felt relief wash over her, but her stubbornness kicked in. She ignored him and gathered her things. But before she could move, Misty and her gang swarmed Nick, giggling and throwing flirtatious remarks his way. Candice's stomach tightened at the sight, and to her own irritation, she felt a pang of disappointment.
Nick, however, had his gaze fixed on Candice. When she walked past him, pretending not to notice, irritation flared in his eyes. Misty noticed his distraction and turned towards Candice with a sneer. "Oh look, the damsel in distress," she mocked.
Before Candice could respond, Nick stepped forward, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Misty, shut up," he said coldly.
Misty swallowed hard and stepped back, cowed by his glare. Candice, meanwhile, tried to maintain her indifference, but her heart raced when Nick took her belongings without a word and tried to help her walk. She refused his help, taking her things from him and hobbling away on her own.
Nick exhaled sharply, visibly annoyed. "Stubborn idiot," he muttered before walking ahead. But when he turned back, he saw her struggling to keep up, wincing slightly with each step.
Without a second thought, he strode back and, in one swift motion, scooped her into his arms.
"Nick! What are you doing? Put me down!" Candice gasped, struggling against his hold.
"Stop moving, Candice. You'll hurt yourself more," Nick said, his grip firm but gentle.
Her protests fell on deaf ears as he carried her to his car and placed her in the passenger seat. Candice crossed her arms, fuming. Nick slid into the driver's seat and glanced at her.
"Put on your seatbelt," he said.
She ignored him.
"Candice," he said, his voice lower this time. Still no response.
With an exasperated sigh, he leaned over her, reaching for the seatbelt. Candice stiffened as he came close, his breath warm against her ear. Then he murmured, "Play hard all you want, but it only makes me come closer."
Candice's breath hitched, and her face heated up. She clenched her jaw, refusing to react, but Nick smirked, satisfied with her flustered silence.
The ride was quiet until Nick finally broke it. "Why are you so silent?"
YOU ARE READING
Stole My Heart 💕
Short StoryNick raised an eyebrow, then pointed at her before jerking his head toward the door, a silent command. She hesitated, clearly unsure if he was addressing her. He gave a firm nod to confirm. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out...
