(Complete) Nick has suffered sorrow and loss. He has relied on his family to help him survive. Can Nick ever find happiness and a love?
Sara has spent the better part of her twenties caring for the sickest people of the world. Realizing that her dre...
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Christine told Nick to help Sara get home safely. She couldn't drive. Sara attempted to protest, but they both insisted, and Nick led her to his car. He parked down the street from her house and walked her up the stairs into her apartment. Taking her key, he opened the door and followed her in. The minute the door shut behind them, they had their lips on one another. Breaking apart, he made her drink some water.
Settling on the sofa together, he said, "I think that was a setup."
"Uh, huh. She been hinting 'bout you." She slurred.
"I think it would make Christine happy to know we're together."
"I'm happy." She nuzzled up against his neck.
Nick had no intention of having sex with her, even if he didn't know about her past. She settled against him with her head on his chest. Her breathing deepened. She was falling asleep. As he rubbed her back, he heard her mumbling. He wondered if she knew she had spoken. In her mumbling, she said, "I love you." Then she sighed and started breathing deeply.
He sat with her resting against him and continued to rub her back. He contemplated her words. First, he considered if she meant them or if the wine talking. The wine may have helped the words cross her lips, but the sentiment was hers.
In his marriage, he spoke the words first. Sara loved him without him asking her too. If he allowed it, she would love him in a way he'd never been loved before.
Did he truly love her? He loved being with her and talking to her. He felt like they had only scratched the surface in getting to know each other. They had never walked hand in hand or gone to a restaurant as a couple, other than the food court at the mall. They had never watched a movie or cooked a meal together. She had never seen one of his children have a meltdown or him sick.
How could he know if it was not just love, but the real love like his parents shared?
He lifted her off his lap and covered her with a blanket. He left a note before leaving.
You're beautiful when you're asleep. I'll come by for you after my rounds.
He didn't know if she had an alarm set or how she would feel in the morning. It was midnight when he arrived at home and he had to be at the hospital early. Thankfully Louise was asleep.
When he arrived in front of her house, he sent her a text. It was best to wait for her to come down. Unfortunately, the bastard came out the door before she did.
"Nick, why are you parked outside of my house?"
"I'm just picking up Sara. She's without her car this morning."
"Why are you so hostile to me?"
"How about because you were with my wife the last night of her life and enjoy reminding me every chance you get."
"I can't help it if you're insecure and jealous."
"Or that you're a bastard and..." Nick stopped when Sara appeared. She looked disappointed.
"Good morning, Sara," Miles said sweetly.
"Hi Miles, have a nice day!"
Nick didn't like her talking to him. He waited for her to climb into the car, and asked, "How do you feel?"
"Foolish. I never want to do that again."
"But you promised you would drink wine with me."
"Did I? What else did I say?"
"You fell asleep. I think Christine was filling your glass, it wasn't your fault. You're not hungover?"
"Just a headache. Why don't you like Miles?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Because I'm not blind, I also know that you get upset anytime I talk to him or even mention him."
"I'd rather not talk about it." He parked his car. "Come on, we'll have patients in a minute."
That was not how he wanted to start the day. He hoped to at least hold her hand and talk dirty to her on the ride - well at least hold her hand. Now she was angry with him.
After everyone left, he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Just a headache and I'm tired. I'm not going for a run today."
"Eat something." His phone chimed.
"Yes, doctor." She sounded cooler than he liked.
Did she remember her words before she fell asleep? He hadn't forgotten. He felt his chest tighten when he thought of her loving him.
He looked at his phone. "They're looking for me at home." He took her in his arms to kiss. He could tell she was thawing when she pressed herself against him and responded to what started as a gentle kiss. Nick liked the feel of her body against his. After a few moments, he pulled away.
"You're killing me."
"What?" She followed his gaze down to his obvious desire. "Oh! Sorry."
"I just wish we could do something about it." He gave her a chaste kiss. "Time to go vixen."
As he drove her to Christine's to get her car, he held her hand.
Nick asked, "Will you consider talking to your uncle?"
"Do you think I could still work with you?"
"Maybe. Tim might know, but if I asked him."
"No, don't. I'm not ready. We're not ready." She jumped out of his car.
What did Nick need to do, so Sara would be ready to tell others? Was she looking for him to say he loved her? Did she want him to confide in her about the bastard? Or did she need both?
