chapter 5
1618 Words
Later that evening…
Alexi sat alone at her small dining table, quietly eating, when her phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the screen before answering.
“Hello?”
“It’s me.”
Nico’s voice came through the line, calm and familiar. Her heart lifted instantly.
“And why are you calling?” she asked, trying to sound indifferent.
“Well,” he said lightly, “to tell you we’re leaving on Monday.”
“What?” She jumped up from her chair.
“Monday? Isn’t that too soon?”
“I don’t think so,” he replied calmly. “My business in San Diego wraps up Monday morning. I’m flying straight to New York—and you’re coming with me.”
“What? But my job—”
“Already taken care of.”
“And my family? I haven’t told them anything.”
“You have tomorrow,” he said gently. “That should be enough time to say whatever you want.”
“Nico, you’re crazy,” she muttered.
She could hear his quiet laugh. “Am I? I don’t think so. Monday, then. Get ready.”
“Wait,” she said quickly. “There’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
“And what’s that?”
“Don’t ever kiss me again.”
“Why?” His voice stayed cool, unreadable.
“Because we didn’t make a deal for kisses.”
“Oh, Lexi,” he murmured, amused. “Do you want me to?”
“Well… I would’ve loved to,” she said. “But you’re a lousy kisser.”
She hung up immediately.
A grin spread across her face. She could still feel the softness of his lips, the way her breath always caught whenever he stood too close. Calling him a lousy kisser was the only way she knew how to stop herself from wanting more—more than she should.
Later that night, she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Soon, they’d be living under the same roof. What would happen then?
Her phone buzzed.
Dream about me, sweetheart.
She shook her head, smiling at how cheesy he was.
Sunday Afternoon
Alexi went to her mother’s house to tell them about her trip to New York.
“Hello? Is anyone home?” she called as she stepped inside.
Suddenly, Mike and Dora came running down the stairs.
“Alexi!” Mike exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. “How have you been?”
“I’m good,” she said, smiling.
“Guess what!” Dora said excitedly.
“What?” Alexi asked.
Before Dora could answer, their mother walked into the living room.
“Mom, tell her!” Dora insisted.
“Well,” her mother began, smiling, “Nico came by yesterday.”
Alexi froze. “He did what? Why?”
“He told us about your trip to New York,” her mother said calmly.
“And guess what!” Mike added. “He bought me a car. I’m getting my license on Monday.”
Alexi suddenly remembered the new car outside—the one she’d assumed belonged to a neighbor.
“And me too!” Dora chimed in. “He bought me a bicycle. It’s in the backyard!”
“Alright, you two—upstairs,” their mother said.
Mike shook his head, impressed. “That guy is loaded,” he muttered as he dragged Dora away.
“Come, honey,” her mother said gently.
“Let’s sit.”
They settled onto the couch.
“When exactly did Nico come here?” Alexi asked.
“Yesterday. He said you’d both be in New York for a while. And he gave me ten thousand dollars—to help with the flower shop while you’re away.”
“What?” Alexi frowned. “Why would he do that?”
“Because he’s your man,” her mother said proudly. “He’s sweet—and very handsome. Seeing him in person? My goodness.”
“Mom, please,” Alexi groaned. “He gave you gifts without even telling me?”
“What were we supposed to do—refuse?” her mother scoffed lightly. “He is your man for Christ sake.” She took a deep breath . You should be with him, Alexi. He is rich and very sweet, he played with Dora all over the house, and played basketball with Mike. We even cheered,” she added with a laugh. “
“That’s… surprising,” Alexi said quietly. She’d never imagined Nico as the playful type.
“I should get going,” she added. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Stay a little longer,” her mother said softly. “This is your home too.”
“Alright,” Alexi agreed, standing up. “But please make something to eat—I’m starving.”
That evening, Alexi returned to her apartment. She changed into a simple nightgown and sat on the couch. After a moment, she picked up her phone and called Nico.
“What were you doing at my mother’s house?” she demanded.
“I love your family,” he said lightly. “They’re warm. Kind.”
“That’s not the question.”
“I just wanted to know them.”
“We’re not really dating, Nico. Why would you give them money?”
“That was nothing.”
“It’s not nothing to me,” she said firmly.
“You’re giving them the wrong idea.”
“Alexi, you’re overreacting.”
“Don’t you think you’re being too nice?”
“So… I’m nice?” he teased.
“That’s not the point.”
“Can we stop arguing?” he asked softly. “Let’s go out. Just take a walk. Get to know each other better.”
She smiled. “Hmm…”
“Go get dressed baby girl,” he said. “I won’t bite.”
“Okay. When will you get here?”
“I’m already outside.”
She rushed to the window—and there he was, waving.
She laughed softly. He’s crazy.
Moments later, she stepped outside in jeans and a blouse.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Even with the glasses?” she teased.
“Even with the glasses,” he replied, his smile widening.
Her chest tightened. I feel like kissing him right now.
Every time he spoke, every time he smiled, something warm spread through her. When she was with him, she felt safe… happy. I wish this were all real, she thought.
Okay. Snap out of it.
“Shall we?” he said
“Sure.”
They started walking down the quiet road. At first, neither of them spoke. Alexi wasn’t sure what to say, and for once, Nico—so confident and composed—seemed lost for words too.
Does he actually have feelings for her, he thought ? Or does he want her so badly that he doesn’t know what to say?
She broke the silence. “Let’s start with food. What do you like best?”
“I like all kinds of food,” he said, “but I prefer fruits. I don’t really eat much.”
“Really?” she laughed. “That’s too bad—because I eat a lot.”
“I like women who eat a lot,” he said with a grin.
She glanced at his smiling face and rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I know you’re mocking me.”
“I’m not,” he said. “So tell me—what kind of man do you like?”
She thought for a moment. “Someone kind. Loving. Generous. Truthful. Someone who would love me for who I am.”
“Someone like me?” he asked.
She stopped walking and stared at him.
“You wish.”
They both laughed, and she shook her head before continuing down the road.
“Have you ever loved a woman before?” she asked softly.
He hesitated. “Yes. Once. A very long time ago.”
They stopped by a small ice-cream stand. Nico bought two and handed one to her.
“So…” she said gently, “aren’t you going to tell me about her?”
“No,” he replied quietly. “I don’t want to.”
“I respect that,” she said. “Then tell me about your parents. You have to tell me this one.”
“Well,” he began, “my mom died when I was young—around ten. My dad died later in a car accident. I was twenty-three. I'd just finished college.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said.
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago,” he replied. “What about your dad?”
“He was a firefighter,” she said. “He died rescuing a baby. My mom was pregnant with Dora then—my younger sister.”
“That’s terrible,” Nico said quietly. “She never got to know him.”
“No,” Alexi said softly. “But she was loved. By all of us. I’d do anything for my family. It can be tiring sometimes—but I love them so much.”
He looked at her with open admiration.
“You have a beautiful family.”
“You could say that,” she smiled.
“ It's getting late,” he said. “We should head back.”
“Alright.” they got to Alexi apartment
“ Good night.” She said
he walked up to her and kissed her cheeks
“Good night baby girl.” He said as he got to his car she just watched him as he drove off.
- Writer
