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.

Nicola Taylor

It had been a month since I last saw Cole. I was grateful he respected my wishes and didn’t keep pushing because, deep down, I knew I would have eventually said yes. Arabella had been wonderfully behaved but unusually quiet. Despite my attempts to engage her with games and conversation, her heart just didn’t seem in it.

Tonight was my college reunion, an event I dreaded. College wasn't as bad as high school, but I had been voted "most likely to be single," and here I was, still single. The rough predictions had turned out to be surprisingly accurate.

The worst thing was that my ex, Finn, was going to be there with his girlfriend I am guessing. But I had to go, I wanted to meet everyone, my teachers and my friends. I was curious as to what everyone is doing in their life.

As I got ready, an absurd idea entered my head. Without a second thought, I picked up my phone and called the number I would have avoided if I'd paused to reconsider.

“Hey, you said you wanted to make up for all the horrible things you did to me in high school, right? If you really meant it, and if you’re free, can you come by my house in a suit in an hour?” I blurted out as soon as the call was answered, nervous energy filling me.

There was a brief silence on the other end, then Cole's deep voice responded, “Nicola? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I replied quickly. “I just... I need a favor. Are you free?”

“I can be,” he said, a hint of curiosity in his tone. “I’ll be there in an hour.”

True to his word, an hour later, the doorbell rang. My breath caught in my chest as I opened the door to see Cole standing there in a perfectly tailored suit. He looked devastatingly handsome, and the sight of him made my heart race.

I smiled, my cheeks heating up as I invited him in. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“Of course,” he said, his eyes taking in my appearance. The little black dress that I had bought just for the occasion after ruffling through hundreds of shops with Steph was worth it. “You look beautiful. I should have brought flowers. I didn’t know what—”

“No, don’t worry about it. This is perfect,” I replied, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. “I... I need a date for my college reunion. I thought you could pretend to be my boyfriend for the night, and we could say we’ve been dating for a few years. I was voted ‘most likely to end up single,’ so I want to prove them wrong. And you owed me, so I thought, why not? Also, you are literally the most beautiful man I know. Everyone is going to lose it.” I blabbered as I started packing my small purse with things I might need but paused when I realized that I had just spoken my mind.

Cole looked at me amused as he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I’d be honored to be there for you. Also, does this mean you will forgive me for—”

“You’ll get closer to getting my forgiveness for sure,” I told him, trying to control the redness of my face. I hoped he wouldn’t bring up how I had called him the ‘most beautiful man ever.’ It was so embarrassing.

“Let’s go,” I said, my voice steady as I looked in the mirror one more time. “We’ve got a reunion to attend.”

I gulped as I contemplated whether I should really pretend to have a boyfriend or not outside the hall where my reunion was taking place. “Is everything okay?” Cole asked as I noticed women checking him out as they walked past us.

“If I get caught in this lie, it would be more embarrassing. Also, I didn’t tell you one thing which is very important. Finn, my ex, is here, and I think this is a bad idea. Let’s go home,” I said, trying to pull his strong bicep towards the entrance of the hotel so that we could leave, but he didn’t budge.

“You’ll be fine. No one is going to find out, and if you would have accepted my proposal, this would kind of be true. So don’t worry,” he said. I froze in place when his hand slipped around my waist with ease. “Let’s go.”

“Oh my God, Nickyyy Babbyyyyy!!!” I saw Amy running towards me as she enveloped me in a hug.

“Wow, I thought you weren’t going to come,” I said, already feeling better about coming after seeing Amy.

“I wasn’t, but Wesley made me,” she said as I saw Wesley approaching us.

“Oh right, Cole, this is my dorm roommate Amy and her husband, Wesley, who gifted me noise-canceling headphones so I couldn’t listen to them do it. PS: They didn’t help.” Everyone laughed as Cole shook hands with them. Amy shot me an excited look, teasing me with Cole and making me blush a little. “And guys, this is Cole. He is my… boyfriend,” I said shyly as I felt my face heating up.

Stop acting like a ten-year-old girl with a crush, Nicola.

“Oh, it’s great to meet you,” Amy said, looking genuinely happy for me. “What do you do?”

“I have a few businesses here and there,” he said, but Wesley’s eyes widened, and I knew he recognized Cole.

“Wait, dude, you’re the youngest billionaire guy.” Wesley said as Cole nodded his head, and I buried my head in his arm.

Amy’s eyes widened, and she mouthed “Wow” at me. I could feel the heat creeping up my neck as I tried to compose myself. This was going to be an interesting night.

As we mingled with more people, I was surprised to see how charming and entertaining Cole was while I could barely speak. I was getting a bit annoyed with the number of women flirting with him, even though he was clearly my ‘boyfriend,’ but somehow that didn’t seem to make a difference.

My heart shattered when I saw Finn roaming around the hall with the same woman on his arm. I excused myself, feeling the urge to cry out of nowhere.

I slipped away from the crowd, my vision blurring as tears threatened to spill. I found a isolated corner, leaning against the wall for support. The memories of Finn's betrayal crashed over me, and I struggled to catch my breath. How could he look so happy, so carefree, while I was still picking up the pieces of my heart?

“Is everything alright? I thought you were going to the bathroom? You’ve been gone for half an hour.” Cole asked me as he stood beside me near my barstool.

“I did, but I needed a drink. And talking is a sober person’s play or game or whatever the saying is,” I said as I drank more champagne.

“Are you drunk?” Cole asked, concerned, as he held me by my waist to pull me off the barstool. “I think we should take you home.”

“He is here, Cole. He is here, and he’s not even bothering to look at Nicola,” I told Cole as I fell into his arms while he steadied me by my waist.

“Wow, you are really drunk,” he said as he asked the bartender for some water. I sniffed his aromatic perfume that seemed to turn me on a little as I nuzzled further into the soft material of his suit. “It’s funny how you accuse me of not moving on, and here you are.”

“Nicola has moved on,” I murmured as he straightened me and made me drink some water.

“Clearly,” he said with the most drop-dead gorgeous teasing smile on his lips, making me wonder why he found my situation amusing.

“Cole, listen to me,” I said as I held his handsome face in my hands. “I am sad because he doesn’t regret losing me. He cheats on me, he does all the bad things, and what? Finn happy, Nicola sad? Why?” I whispered, making him smile wider.

“Wow, I don’t think I’ve smiled this much in years,” he said as he removed my hands from his face, making me pout.

“My misery seems amusing to you?” I asked him as I tried to drink from my glass, but he took it away.

“You are cut off. Come on, let’s get you home,” he said as he started leading me out of the room.

“Wait, Cole, you are so hot. I want to show him my hot boyfriend,” I whispered in his ear as he stopped in his steps. I looked up at him as his stature towered over me. I felt him tucking my hair behind my ear as he made me look into his alluring green eyes.

“God sure took his time making you,” I thought as I stared at his face, which seemed like he was about to laugh out loud.

“Darling, you are speaking your thoughts out loud,” he said as we stopped in a secluded part of the dimly lit hall.

“Cole, I wondered what it would be like to sleep with you if I had married you, but thinking about that makes me blush a lot. Also, I don’t want to be with a man who has been with the most perfect women I have ever seen, like Rita from high school. You remember her?” I asked him, and I saw him blink, trying to process all the information I was throwing at him.

“Yes, I remember her, but what does my past have to do with me sleeping with you?” he asked, confused.

“You’ve seen these Barbie dolls, and I look nothing like ‘your type,’ so I don’t want to get involved,” I told him as I leaned into his hard, muscular body that radiated heat and made me feel comfortable.

“Is that why you said no?” he asked me as his finger raised my chin up to make me look at him.

“Well, there are many reasons. Some I told you, and some I won’t tell you, like this sleeping one,” I said as I hushed him.

“But you told me,” he said, but I shook my head.

“No, don’t tell Cole,” I said as I shushed him again. The music in the room was now starting to annoy me, so I grabbed his hand to lead him out so we could sit somewhere quiet. I sighed happily when I saw a couch and gestured for him to sit down before I sat on his lap.

My eyes drifted to his sculpted, beautiful neck, and before I could stop myself, I placed a tender kiss upon it. I felt his breath hitch, spurring me to trail fiery kisses along his strong jawline, down to his neck, with fervent passion.

Each kiss was a testament to the longing that had simmered between us, igniting a wildfire of desire that I couldn’t resist.

His hands trembled as they found their way to my waist, pulling me closer, deepening the intoxicating dance of lips and skin.