Nick was absent when I woke up this morning. After the night we spent kissing and cuddling, I’ve got mixed feelings about this. On one hand there was a sense of relief because there was no morning awkwardness, but at the same time I was wishing I’d been able to slowly wake in his arms.

He left me a note that he was going to the gym to workout with my dad. I know he doesn’t get to train with him as often as he’d like. With the start of football practices, Sundays now have to be designated as MMA training days. My father eats, sleeps and drinks fighting, and Sundays are no exception. He’d train fighters twenty-four-seven if he could.

Taking advantage of another day off, I clean up and organize my apartment. Unpacking the remaining two boxes gives me a sense of accomplishment. Sweeping my eyes around, taking in the bright space, I smile. Seeing my possessions all around me and being able to enjoy my solitude is a big improvement over living with my parents. Not having to answer twenty questions every time I come home or go to leave is another benefit. I love my parents, but I’m twenty-six not eighteen. I don’t want to answer to anyone ever again. I had enough of that with Joseph and his disapproving glares whenever I conducted myself in a manner that wasn’t befitting an aspiring politician’s girlfriend. It’s such a relief to have that pressure off me. Now all I have to worry about is pleasing myself.

It took me a long time to get to this point, but now that I’m here I want to see where things with Nick can go. I’m still afraid to get hurt, but I don’t want to waste any more time than I already have. Fighting the way I feel about him is another way of indirectly letting Joseph still control me. Just because he tore my heart out, doesn’t mean I should expect Nick to do the same. I can’t let one asshole ruin my chance at happiness. Especially, when he’s done nothing to make me suspect he’s anything like Joseph.

Opening the oven, I check the pot roast and potatoes one more time. I peek beneath the lids of the pans with carrots and broccoli, warming on the stove and exhale a large sigh. Everything is ready.

Smoothing a hand over my long hair, still slightly damp from my shower, I glance down at the dark blue jeans that are molded to my legs like a second skin. Fingers plucking nervously along the bottom hem of my blue shirt, the doubts start to creep in and have me ready to climb out of my own skin.

Am I underdressed?

Should I have cooked something else?

What if he doesn’t like pot roast?

What if he wants sex?

Even worse, what if he doesn’t want to be more than friends?

Knuckles rap on the door interrupting the downward spiral of my thoughts. Placing my hand on the steel knob, I glance at the clock, and smile when I notice he’s ten minutes early.

Is he as anxious for my company as I am for his?

Tugging the door open, I grin goofily at him. I’m that excited to see him and I’m not going to hide it. I jump into his arms, without hesitating...or looking. I shriek when I’m pricked repeatedly by something needle sharp. My hand flies to my stomach, lifting up my shirt.

“Whoa, Candy,” he says, putting up a hand to create distance between us. “I brought you a present.” His expression is sheepish as he gestures to the cactus in his hand.

“You brought me a cactus?” I ask and then continue to inspect the red dots on the smooth skin above the waistband of my pants.

“Yep, it reminded me of you.”

“Really?” I ask, more than a little annoyed that something sharp and prickly reminds him of me.

“It’s a beautiful green underneath all the thorns. You just have to see past them because it doesn’t want you to get too close. But when it blooms the colors are so brilliant and beautiful it takes your breath away.”

Pressing my lips together, my eyes trek between his and the cactus and back to him. Shame washes over me as his words make me realize I’ve misjudged the reason. “That was oddly sweet, and the cactus is better than bringing me flowers.”

“Renaissance man, baby.” He winks.

“Yeah, so you’ve said more than once.” My lips curl up on one side as I raise an eyebrow. “I like that you gifted me my first plant for this place. Every time I see it, I’ll be reminded of how you pricked me,” I giggle, taking the black pot from him. “Come on in. Dinner’s ready.”

He rubs his hands together, greedily. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day. I can already taste it.”

“I didn’t even tell you what we’re having.”

“I know, but whatever it is, it will be delicious.”

“What if I suck at cooking?”

“Do you?”

“Nope.”

“Then why are we having this discussion? Feed me, woman.”

I snort. “You sound like my dad and that won’t earn you any brownie points.”

“What can I do to help?” he questions, earnestly.

“Now that might get you somewhere.” I gesture at the plates with my chin. “Help yourself.” Setting my cactus down on the windowsill above the sink, I smile. It’s the perfect spot and looks like it belongs there; kind of like Nick. He’s so easy to be around. Even when he’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, he makes me laugh.

“Are you sure I can’t do anything else for you?” He leans against the counter, watching me like I’m the best thing since chicken nuggets were created.

“Yep, I told you to help yourself.”

“I know you did, but my parents taught me that ladies go first.” He grips the large knife and fork from the counter, efficiently slicing enough meat for both of us, before choosing a portion to plate. When he moves on to dishing out the vegetables, I reach for the other plate.

“Whoa there, Candy. This plate is yours.” Handing it over to me, I stare down at the large amount of food. “Thank you,” I say, even though my appetite is next to nothing. I’m so nervous about this evening. Nick coming to dinner makes it all seem more serious. Maybe it’s my old-fashioned ideals, but for me to contemplate sleeping with someone, I have to care deeply for them. And as I’ve come to realize since the trip to New York, Nick is someone I could fall for - I already am falling for.

Who am I kidding?

I’m gone. He’s got me, but does he want me?

Am I a challenge he can’t resist or something more meaningful?

We settle side by side on bar stools at the island. My apartment is only a one bedroom and space constraints don’t allow for a separate dining area, but this works fine for the two of us.

“What’s going on inside that head of yours?” he questions, flicking a glance my way.

“Nothing good,” I mutter, disgusted with myself for being so transparent.

“Yeah, I can tell by the way you get that cute little crease between your eyebrows.”

My left hand moves up, fingertips smoothing the area he mentioned.

He chuckles. “Tell me what’s on your mind?”

“I’m just being me.” I shrug, forking a bite of meat between my lips.

“I happen to like everything about you. The more I learn the more my feelings for you grow.”

“Where do you see this going?” I question, bluntly. There it is. The monkey that’s been clinging to my back has been set free. No matter what his answer is, I’m already relieved I had the courage to ask. It’s been weighing heavily on me.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this talk? Once we have it, there’s no going back.”

Nodding my head, I lower my fork to my plate. Placing my hands on the cool granite counter, I give him my full focus.

“I already told you, I’m crazy about you, but I’m not sure you understand what my intentions are where you’re concerned, right?”

“Yes,” I sigh.

Turning to face me on the stool, his hand comes to rest on top of mine. His other palm cups my cheek, fingertips gently tracing the delicate skin in front of my ear. “Every minute I spend with you is better than the last. The days we’re together are the best ones.” His hand slides down, heat radiates through me as his thumb traces over the full curve of my bottom lip. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of being apart. I want all my days to be great.”

“What are you saying?” I whisper, anticipation racing through me. I know what I think he means, but I need to hear the words from him.

“Will you be my girlfriend? Can I take you on dates and see you each day? I want to sleep with you in my arms every night that I can.” He leans forward, fingers tangling in both sides of my hair. The warmth of his touch combined with his hazel eyes that are delving deep into mine, imploring me to say yes, has heat radiating through every single inch of my body, especially my heart. No longer the icy shell it was, he’s methodically chipped his way inside and lodged himself deeply. I never want him to leave.

“Yes.”