Nicola Taylor

“Where are we going?” I asked, following him through his gigantic house. “You know it's already 11 PM. Arabella shouldn’t be up so late.”

“She’s with Ms. Kinsley, who tucks her in bed and stays there till she falls asleep,” he replied. I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to ask why he didn’t do it himself. Who am I to judge a person’s parenting style?

“Are we in your bedroom? This is highly inappropriate. I need to leave,” I said, but he just shut the door behind us.

“Relax, I just need to talk to you,” he said, gesturing to the bed. I shook my head, my eyes falling on the pictures of his late wife. Her jewelry, clothes, all her belongings were still in the room.

This man is heartbroken.

“Alright,” I said, sitting on the bed. For some reason, I felt comfortable. I looked him in the eyes as he stood two feet away from me.

“Marry me.”

I choked on my spit, coughing as soon as I heard the words come out of his mouth. “Is this… (cough cough)… a joke?” I said as he patted my back to help me.

“No. My parents have been forcing me to get married again for Arabella’s sake, and I didn’t want to because what if I picked the wrong woman and she doesn’t treat Arabella well? For the first time, my daughter finished her food, spoke the way a child should, and had fun. You make her happy, and she might actually grow up to have a good childhood with you in the picture,” he explained. I stood up, staring at him with wide eyes as if he had gone crazy.

“Cole, I still hate you. I was being professional for the sake of my job and your daughter’s well-being. I would die before I marry the man who tormented me my whole life. Secondly, I want to get married for love, not because you need someone for your daughter,” I yelled at him angrily, expecting him to get angry too, but he remained calm.

“Married for love? You’re thirty years old. Are you dating anyone?” he asked, making my anger rise. “I’m asking you to consider it for Arabella’s sake. She needs someone like you in her life.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “Cole, this is insane. You can’t just propose marriage out of nowhere because of your daughter. There are other ways to support her without dragging me into your life.”

He nodded slowly, absorbing my words. “I know it’s a lot to ask, and I don’t expect you to say yes immediately. But please, think about it. I have never seen her so comfortable around someone.”

“What’s my first name? Do you remember?” I asked him. He closed his eyes, clearly knowing he was going to mess this up. “Cole, it’s sweet that you care so much about your daughter, but I refuse to marry a man who is still in love with his late wife. I feel for you, I really do. But you will find a good woman who will love Arabella. This isn’t the way,” I told him as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

“What do you want? I will do anything. I need you to marry me,” he said in despair, making me huff sadly as I rubbed his back, trying to make him feel better.

“Cole, I don’t think you are the person you used to be, but I still don’t want to marry you, and I am never going to say yes. If you need my help with Bella, I am here for you. But I can’t do anything more than that. Also, my name is Nicola,” I told him as I sat next to him, not knowing how to help a widower.

“I didn’t want a child, but I loved Courtney, and she really wanted children, so I agreed because why wouldn’t I love something that’s half her? But I told her I didn’t know how to raise a child, and she told me she would take care of everything. She was around for Arabella for barely a year before she passed away in an accident. Now I love Arabella more than life itself, but I don’t know how to raise her. She is always so unhappy. I don’t know what to do,” he said, his voice turning hoarse, making my heart clench.

This is so sad.

I sighed, feeling the weight of his words. “Cole, I can see you’re trying your best. And I can help with advice and guidance, but marriage isn’t the answer here.”

He looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of desperation and hope. “If it wasn’t for Arabella, I wouldn’t really have a reason to live you know.”

“Then start by spending more time with her. Show her that she matters to you. Let her see that she’s your priority,” I said gently. “You don’t need to be perfect, Cole. You just need to be there.”

He nodded, absorbing my words. “You’re right, and I need you to tell me where I go wrong. Please marry me.”

“Okay, you’ve gone insane,” I said with a huff, smacking his arm hard in anger.

“Nicola.” My heart stopped as I stared into his green eyes. “I am sorry for everything I ever did to you, and I will do anything to make up for it.” Electricity coursed through my veins as I felt him envelop my small hand in his big one on my lap.

The heat of his hand seeped into my thigh, making it hard to breathe. “Please take me home,” I said, my voice deep as I tried to shake off the lightheadedness I felt.

“Will you consider my offer?” he asked, and for some reason, I couldn’t say no.

I nodded, a huge grin spreading across his face. He stood up from the bed and pulled me up swiftly. His touch was firm yet gentle, sending shivers down my spine.

“Come on, I’ll drop you home,” he said, his hand resting on the small of my back, leading me out.

The drive home was filled with an electric silence. I could feel the tension between us, thick and undeniable. His hand occasionally brushed against mine, sending jolts of electricity through my body each time.

When we reached my place, he turned off the engine and looked at me. “Thank you for today. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said softly, his eyes locking with mine.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. “Goodnight, Cole,” I said, opening the door to step out.

“Goodnight, Nicola,” he replied, his voice a deep, husky whisper that sent another shiver down my spine.

As I walked to my front door, I could feel his eyes on me, the tension still palpable even with the distance between us. I closed the door behind me, leaning against it as I tried to steady my racing heart.

This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

Nicola Taylor

As I wrapped up my last class, I started packing up after the assistant teacher took the students out for drop-off. A knock on my classroom door made me look up to see James, one of my fellow teachers, standing there.

“Oh, hello! What are you doing here?” I greeted him happily as he entered the room.

“Wow, Nicola, you look nice. What's the occasion?” he asked, making me blush at the compliment.

“Just felt like it,” I answered shyly, remembering how I stopped dressing up two years ago after my last and final breakup. I had dated a man for seven years, supporting him through medical school on my kindergarten teacher’s salary, only for him to leave me once he got placed.

But even though I wasn’t going to marry Cole, I did feel the urge to get back out there. For the first time in years, I felt like dressing up and looking nice, and it did pay off.

James noticed.

I wore a long black bodycon dress with my winter boots, and I had done my makeup too. I let my hair down for the first time in years, even blow-dried it. I loved the way I looked today.

It made me happy.

“Whatever you’re doing, it suits you,” James complimented me, making my cheeks heat up.

“You’re so sweet!” I replied. “So, did you need anything?” I asked, curious because he rarely visited me. We exchanged glances and smiles, but we hardly ever spoke.

James hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to grab—”

“Nicola!” My eyes widened as I saw Cole entering the room with Arabella. He looked confused as he saw what I was wearing but his eyes shamelessly traveled down my body before he met my gaze.

“Mr. Harrington, what are you doing here?” I asked, glaring at him, almost sure of what he was up to.

“I came here to pick up my daughter,” he said as Arabella jumped happily.

“Don’t you have work?” I asked, and he shrugged.

“I thought I should surprise Bella today,” he replied, his eyes finally falling on James. “Sir, would you mind excusing us? I need to talk to Ms. Taylor about something concerning my daughter.” James shot me a look that said ‘talk to you later’ before obliging.

“Ms. Taylor, will you come to lunch with us?” Bella asked happily, making my heart melt.

Stay strong, Nicola.

“No, baby. I already have plans,” I told her, and her face fell.

“Honey, go play on the playground while I convince Ms. Taylor,” Cole said, making me glare at him again.

"Thank you, Daddy. You are the best," Arabella squealed happily before rushing out.

"Okay, what is the matter with you?" I asked angrily as soon as Bella hopped out of the class.

Cole took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "You look beautiful. Is it for James? God, are you dating him?"

"You can’t just show up unannounced and disrupt my day like this, Cole. It’s not fair to me. Go away," I snapped, trying hard not to blush at the compliment, but I failed.

He took another step closer, his voice low and sincere. "I know I’ve been pushy, and I’m sorry. But I am doing this for a noble reason."

"Noble reason? She already likes you a lot more. Just continue what you are doing," I answered, ignoring how close he was right now and wishing he couldn’t hear my heart pounding.

"Are you dating him?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch.

I swallowed hard, trying to stay strong. "Yes."

"Nope, he would have never agreed to leave you here alone with me if you were his. I know how possessive men can get. I was one of them," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

I hated to admit it, but I was curious. I wondered how his wife felt being loved by a man like him.

My resolve wavered as the tension between us became tangible. "Why are you asking questions if you already know the answer?" I murmured, more to myself than to him.

"Look at me," he ordered, making my eyes snap up to his. "How about I take you out for dinner? Just the two of us, and we can discuss how things would proceed after we get married. I will answer any questions you have. If you are not happy, I won’t ask again." His hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

I pulled back, trying to regain my composure. "Cole, I know you. You never stand by your words."

"Alright, I’ll come to your house at 7 today and I will make dinner," he said, stepping back to give me space. "I’ll see you in a few hours."

"Harrington, I am seconds away from beating you up with this duster," I told him, making him laugh as I tried not to swoon over his ridiculously attractive face.

Why does God make bad people so beautiful?

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "I’ll take my chances," he said with a smirk before walking out, leaving me standing there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

As I watched him leave, I couldn't help but feel the magnetic pull he had on me.

What was I supposed to do? The way he knows he's wearing me down is unnerving.

I can't deny that I'm less opposed to his proposal than I was 12 hours ago, and the rollercoaster of emotions is overwhelming. At thirty, my ex wasted seven years of my life, leaving me cautious about any new relationship. Cole's offer feels like a tempting safety net.

If I don’t take it and end up dating a man for love, what are the chances of me ending up wasting more precious years until I turn forty without a husband?

Despite not yearning for children, I do long for a partner. The prospect of dinner at my place with Cole tonight is nerve-wracking, and I'm starting to feel dangerously swayed towards accepting his marriage proposal.

Nicola Taylor

I slipped into the white ballerina dress for the fifth time, questioning if it was too much. Simple yet undeniably sexy, it revealed just enough cleavage and thigh to captivate a man's attention. Despite my attempts to deny it, I knew deep down I was dressing to impress Cole. I couldn't help but feel attracted to him, a fact that frustrated me to no end.

As I applied a touch of light lipstick, I glanced at myself in the mirror. Brown waves cascaded over my shoulders, my makeup was subtle yet enhancing, and the dress hugged my curves in all the right places.

"Oh god, this is too much," I muttered to myself, contemplating whether to change yet again.

Just then, the doorbell rang. I cursed under my breath. Heat rushed to my face as I headed to the door, hoping Cole would appreciate the effort and not think I was overdressed.

My breath caught in my chest as he stood there, the pink and red flowers contrasting beautifully against his navy suit. I smiled nervously, cheeks flushing as I took the flowers and invited him inside. The intimacy of my small house felt suddenly pronounced, but I pushed the thought aside.

As I retrieved a vase from the cabinet in the kitchen, I heard his footsteps approaching from behind. My heart raced as his hands found its place on my waist. I continued filling the vase with water, trying to focus, but his touch sent a thrill through me. His hands smoothed over my dress, his touch lingering on my hips and waist, igniting a fire within me.

"Thank you. They are very beautiful," I managed to say breathlessly, turning around to face him immediately causing my soft chest to collide with his hard one. Our bodies pressed together, and I couldn't ignore the magnetic pull between us.

"I thought you'd like them," he murmured, stepping closer until my back met the counter, effectively trapping me.

"So what are you going to make?" I asked, hoping to distract him, but his hands on either side of me prevented any escape. His presence was overwhelming, his closeness stirring a desire that I struggled to contain.

“Chicken Parmesan and Linguine.” He tells me as he steps away making me inwardly upset but I composed myself.

Don’t be a hoe, Nicola.

“That sounds delicious,” I said as he started unpacking the groceries he brought to cook. “Where are your wine glasses?”

“Wine? We’re drinking wine? I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I stuttered nervously, making him laugh as he found the wine glasses and poured us each a glass.

“Relax, I won’t take advantage of you,” he reassured me, but I could only muster a fake smile.

I was more concerned about my inner desires betraying me. I hadn’t had proper sex in four years. The last two years of my relationship with my ex were so bad that I felt like I had become more of a mother to him than a partner.

“I know. It’s just that we’re going to talk about something important. I don’t want to be inebriated for that,” I said, taking a cautious sip of the wine. Oh god, this is the most delicious wine ever. I couldn’t imagine how expensive it must be.

“Do you need help finding anything?” I asked as I watched him navigate through my kitchen with surprising ease. To be fair, it was fairly small, and where most of the stuff was pretty easy to guess.

“I’m good. You can sit back and relax. Also, feel free to start asking me questions if you have any,” he said as he took off his blazer and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt, making my throat run dry at the sight.

I couldn’t believe the man who every girl in my school thirsted over was in my kitchen, making food for me.

“What makes you think I can forget all the things you put me through in high school and marry my bully?” I asked, continuously sipping on my wine.

“I agree. What I did was unforgivable. I am sorry, and I know sorry isn’t enough, but I would like a chance to redeem myself,” he said, his voice steady as he began cooking.

His words hung in the air as I watched him work, the sincerity in his tone making it hard for me to hold onto my anger.

“I’m not the same person I was back then, Nicola. Life has changed me. Arabella has changed me. I want to be a better man, for my daughter ,” he continued, glancing up at me with those piercing green eyes.

I took another sip of wine, feeling the warmth spread through my body. “It’s not that simple, Cole. You can’t just undo the past with a few words and a nice dinner.”

“I know. But I’m willing to work at it. Give me a chance to show you,” he said, his gaze never leaving mine.

My heart raced as I considered his words. Could I really let go of the past and give him a chance? The tension between us was palpable, and despite everything, a part of me wanted to believe him.

“Fine,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “One chance. But don’t think for a second that it’s going to be easy.”

A slow smile spread across his face as he nodded. “That’s all I’m asking for.”

“So, hypothetically, if I were to say yes to your proposal, how would the arrangement be between us and between Arabella and me? Is she even okay with having a mother figure in her life?” I asked, watching him cut vegetables with the ease of a professionally trained chef.

Where did he learn to cook?

“Okay,” he started, pausing to think about the questions I had thrown at him. “Firstly, I think you’ve seen how desperately Arabella needs a woman in her life. She was a different kid around you. If you say yes, I’ll run it by her then because I don’t want to break her heart if you say no. Secondly, I think your relationship with Arabella will depend on how you two grow towards each other. I don’t want to interfere there. Lastly, between us, it will be whatever you want it to be.” He smiled, and it was a smile that melted my heart.

Why is he so handsome?

“What if she doesn’t want me in her life? What if she can’t accept me?”

“She already adores you,” he replied, his voice soft yet confident. “But sadly she doesn’t remember her mother so I don’t think she is that sensitive about me getting married again.”

His honesty caught me off guard. I had expected him to want me to make sure I didn’t take his late wife’s place, but it seemed like his primary concern was Arabella’s happiness. “I would love to help you out, I really would. But you’re asking for too much here. I cannot marry a man who is clearly still in love with his late wife,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Why do you think I’m still hung up on….her?” he asked, confusion evident in his voice.

“You still wear your wedding ring, her photos and belongings are in your bedroom,” I pointed out, seeing I had already hit a nerve. “I’m sorry, but you seem heartbroken.”

“I’m not—alright. It’s just, I met her in college and thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with her. I guess it still comes as a shock to me, even after five years. I’m lost. I don’t know what to do. I had a plan, but nothing went according to it. So I guess it just feels like I’m stuck in one place. There are moments when I’m happy because of my daughter and, honestly, even talking to you seems nice. But I don’t think I have it in me to fall in love again. I don’t want to go out on dates and do it all over again. What if she doesn’t like Arabella? What if she gets tired of having a kid around? I know it’s terribly selfish, but I’d rather just get married to someone my daughter likes,” he confessed, huffing like a huge weight was lifted off his head.

“I know what you mean. I understand. I dated a man for seven years, supported him through medical school only for him to leave me for a hot twenty-two-year-old grad student as soon as he became a doctor. I haven’t dated anyone for two years, and after wasting seven years of my life, I don’t see the point either. But I don’t think I can marry a man who will always be in love with his late wife. I know there is never going to be a place in your heart for me. Even if there is, it won’t be above her. I hope you understand,” I told him as he put the food in the oven, closing it slowly as my words sank in.

“I understand. There’s no reason we can’t enjoy a nice dinner,” he said with a sad smile, and I knew he was thinking of his daughter.

“I don’t mind coming by once a week for some time to help you out,” I offered, but he just shook his head.

“I think it would just break her heart when you eventually have to stop coming. It’s fine. It was very unrealistic anyway,” he said, trying to make me feel better.

But I felt horrible. I wished I could help him out somehow. I had never seen a sadder person. I could see how difficult it was for him to smile, yet he did it anyway. I couldn’t imagine finding the love of my life, only to have it taken away from me tragically.

As we sat down to eat, the tension between us remained. We made small talk, but my mind kept drifting back to the sadness in his eyes. The way he looked at me, as if I were the key to unlocking a happiness he thought he’d lost forever, made my heart ache.

I tried to lighten the mood, telling him funny stories about my students and my mishaps as a kindergarten teacher. He laughed but his heart wasn’t in it.