Lethal Obsession

Promises

**Monday**

I feel like I'm in an alternate universe at this instant. The ring is breathtaking but the price that comes with it is what scares me the most. Nate can see that I'm quivering and at a loss for words. I don't know how to perceive his kind gesture and I know he can see it in my eyes. This night that was supposed to be relaxing has turned into something much more than I had imagined or anticipated on.

Nate takes my dainty hand with a compassionate look on his face. The closer he gets, the more nervous I become. "This is just a promise that I will always be here for you. Its beauty can never surmount yours. I want everyone to know that you are mine." He slips it onto my ring finger and to my surprise, it fits like a charm.

I look at Nate graciously and say, "thank you so much! It's gorgeous!! Actions speak louder than words and gifts though. I don't know if I can accept this."

He grabs my hand tighter. "I promise I have every intention of showing you that I will never leave you. Take it."

I look down at the luminous diamond. "I appreciate your generosity more than you know." I give him a kiss and then a long, warm hug. Right now, I never want to let go. It feels so good to be wanted, needed, and appreciated. Nate seems to know all the right things to say to make me feel special. Hopefully I'm not just intoxicated by his generosity. A part of me wonders if he is trying to buy my affection since I'm not like the other girls he has been interested in. Sorry if I'm not an easy win!

We turn on a movie but pay no attention to it. Instead, I rest my head on his shoulder as we lay on his couch and enjoy the bliss of being together. We both doze off, wrapped in each other's arms...

____________________

**Tuesday**

The alarm on my phone starts chiming and I give Nate a peck on the cheek. "Thank you for last night, Nate."

He grins at me and gushes, "of course. I would do anything for you."

I realize that we have to be at work in a couple of hours. "Nate, we have to act normal at the station. We can't tell anyone that we are together or show any signs. We have to act like co-workers because this could go really bad if anyone finds out."

He frowns and rubs his head. "I know, it's gonna be rough."

I give him another small kiss. "I have to go home and get my turnouts. I will see you at work."

I get in my Jeep and rush home to change my clothes and grab my bag. I look at my phone before leaving and see that I have a text from Kale. It reads 'We need to meet in person to talk about things regarding the picture you sent me.' Oh Jesus, what now?! Just when I think things are great between Nate and I, I get a text like this that makes me question and wonder if I am making the right decisions again. I decide to text Kale back, 'Hey. Going on shift right now. Will be off Thursday morning. Can we talk sometime after?' He quickly replies back, 'Give me a call Thursday and we will figure out a good time to meet. Be careful. Talk to you soon.' What is that about? I don't have time to text back so I head toward my door to leave. Just as I'm about to walk out, I remember to take off my new accessory. I run to my room, place the ring in its black box and put it in my nightstand. I run back towards the door, lock up and drive to the station. 

When I pull into the parking lot, Nate is already here. Oh the awkwardness! Nervousness is flowing through my body like a fucking waterfall! Hopefully he can control himself and put on a good act. I walk into the bay, then to the conference room where everyone is drinking their coffees and chatting. I give everyone a smile and head upstairs quickly to our living quarters to put my bag away. I hear footsteps following me up the stairs. Fucking shit! I glance back and, of course, it's Nate on my heels with a fiery look in his eyes.