I make a lunch out of the snacks in the break room and throw myself into programming. There's plenty to do. It holds my attention.

At seven on the dot, Nick arrives at my desk to check my work. We're the only people here. The lights are off.

He's calm and aloof. "Are you all right?"

"Nothing I won't get over." Eventually. I clear my throat. "Do you need me here for this?"

"Yes." His posture hardens. He turns to the screen and points out half a dozen errors. "This part is good. You can finish it tomorrow."

"Thank you. Have a great night." I find my coat hanging off the back of my chair and go to put it on.

Nick helps me into it. His eyes meet mine, but he doesn't say anything.

* * *

At home, I shove my furniture aside, roll out my yoga mat, and stream an extra fast vinyasa video. I push myself too hard. My back will pay for it soon. I can't help it. I need the release from my thoughts.

It hurts seeing Nick in pain.

Much more than it should.

There's a knock on my door. Must be a neighbor who needs something.

I wipe the sweat from my brow and make my way to the door. "Yes?"

"I'd like to speak with you."

Nick.

I pull the door open. "Why?"

His eyes go to my exposed stomach. They scan my body slowly.

Nerves build in my stomach. I love the way he's looking at me. I can't help it.

"Can I come in?" His voice is even.

"Sure." I motion for him to follow and plant on my bed.

Nick makes eye contact. "I'm sorry."

I swallow hard. "You are?"

"Yes. I appreciate that you want to help."

"Really?"

He nods. "But there's nothing anyone can do. I have a one-third stake in the company. The other owners don't need my permission to sell. I should have explained that."

I pat the spot on the bed next to me. "You really hate losing control, huh?"

"Yes." He sits next to me.

"Is that why you're into BDSM?"

"I'd rather not discuss it right now."

"I'm glad I'm not your girlfriend. I bet I'd hear those words every single day."

"Probably." He pulls me into his lap. "I'd like to make it up to you. To take you somewhere tomorrow night."

"Where?"

"It's a surprise."

"You have to give me a hint if you want me to agree."

"You'll get a chance to test your life philosophy."

"That's the worst hint I've ever heard."

He wraps his arms around my waist. "You'll have the chance to take a risk."

"That's ten percent better."

He smiles. "I should let you get on with your night."

But he doesn't leave. He pulls me closer. He presses his lips against my neck. My cheek. My lips.

God, he tastes good.

When the kiss breaks, I stare into his eyes. There's that same loneliness, like it hurt him that he couldn't talk to me.

It hits somewhere deep. I don't like seeing him lonely. It's too familiar. Too painful.

"Why don't you stay?" I ask. "We can have dinner and watch the second Terminator movie. It's better than the first one."

He looks around my room like he's afraid of intruding. Nick's never loved anyone. Is it possible he's never spent the night in a woman's apartment doing anything besides fucking?

"I have to shower," I say. "But otherwise, you're welcome."

"Okay."

"Okay." I smile much wider than I mean to. "Do you want to order dinner or do you want a cheese sandwich?"

"I'll order something spicy."

* * *

We feast on extra-spicy Chinese food on my floor. Hot and sour soup, Kung pao chicken, stir-fried green beans. It's authentic—just the right amount of oil and salt. Not like the rich people, healthy takeout food my sister likes.

After dinner, we watch Terminator 2: Judgment Day. There's nowhere to sit except my bed.

Nick places his body behind mine, his legs around my hips, his chest against my back.

There are way more car crashes in the movie than I remembered. I close my eyes and lean into his body. He pulls me closer. He strokes my hair.

He's so warm.

Soft and hard at once.

Even though he's in his suit, he's not stiff or awkward. He's comfortable. It's been so long since anything has felt this comfortable, this safe.

I keep my eyes closed as I melt into his arms. I shouldn't fall asleep like this, but I can't bring myself to resist it...

I wake up in the dark. There's a weight shifting on the bed. Nick. He's leaving. The TV is off.

"Did you finish the movie?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Wasn't it sweet, at the end?"

He nods.

"I'm sorry I called you a robot. You didn't deserve that."

"Yes, I did." He kisses me. "Good night, Lizzy."

"Good night, Nick."