C2 I can't stop thinking about you

With careful movements, he slowly began to remove his suit jacket, with one hand holding it tightly.

“This will keep you warmer. My shirt is already dry underneath, so…"

“T-thank you, sir.” Her teeth chattered as she draped the warm cloth over her shoulders.

Soon, she snuggled into the folds of the cloth, surrounding herself with his scent.

And as he did so, there was a strange sense of satisfaction within him.

How long had it been since she allowed herself to feel such a basic human connection? Such intimacy? He kept thinking about it.

Not since Elora… Not since…

“Mr. Nicholson?” Her shy voice broke his reverie. “Would it be all right if… if we waited out the storm together? Downstairs maybe? There's usually a TV ?”

“How about on my couch? Less chance of us disturbing anyone else.” He offered, not releasing her from his embrace.

In fact, he found himself holding her tighter, reluctant to lose the warmth of her slender body against his.

“Okay,” he agreed softly, no hesitation in his voice despite its obvious inappropriateness.

Without further ado, he guided her towards the plush leather sofa nestled in the corner of his spacious study.

Every step she takes reveals a new temptation, the barely visible sway of her hips due to the sheer material of her skirt, the way his jacket sags seductively from one of her shoulders…

Once seated, she pulled her jacket tighter around her, but not before she caught a glimpse of soft cleavage peeking out from the top button of her blouse.

Swallowing hard, he fought the urge of lust that drove him to reach into the narrow space between them and grab her mouth. To peel away the moist layer that protected her skin from his sight, from his touch.

Instead, he clasped her hands tightly in his lap, trying to be professional.

After all, this was sweet, innocent Brianne who trusted him implicitly, so he kept reminding himself to remain professional even though he couldn't resist the temptation to kiss her soft lips.

“I'll take you home.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I can go home by myself, Mr. Nicholson.”

“Please, call me Nate. And are you sure you won't reconsider? It's getting dark at this time of night.”

“Yes, I'll be fine.”

Suddenly, he grabbed her hand, startling her and opening the car door for her.

“Get in the car, I'll drive you home.”

Brianne was hesitant at first with the offer, but she was afraid that if she refused his kindness, she would rather not disappoint him.

She finally got into his car, they remained silent on the way, but he kept stealing glances at her.

“My house used to be near there.” He was about to open the car door.

“I'll accompany you.”

“No, it's okay, I can do it myself, you've helped me a lot.”

“I insist.” He flashed the most charming smile in the gloom, leaning forward slightly in his seat. “Humor me.”

Water ran down the passenger window beside her as she turned towards him.

“We've finally arrived, alright then… Nate.” There was hesitation in her voice as she agreed, tucking a wet strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you.”

“I'll walk you then.” Before she could protest further, he swung the door open and stepped out into the rain.

The rain instantly soaks through the shirt he's wearing, clinging to his broad chest as he circles the car to open the door.

She looks up at him from under the hood of her jacket, her eyes wide with shock. “Mr. Nic!” She catches herself. “What are you doing?”

His knightly appearance seems to have completely taken her by surprise. Or maybe it was because his shirt was now clinging to his every muscle, leaving little room for imagination for her. Either way, she made no move to get out of the car.

“I'll walk you to your door,” he replied simply, his hand extended through the open car door towards her.

“Alright…" She placed her soft palm over his, allowing him to help her out of the car.

As soon as her hands touched his, the sparks struck him. It was like nothing he had felt in years.

“Oh!” she gasped, obviously experiencing it too.

“Here, let me drape my coat over both of our bodies.” He took the coat despite the cold rain.

Quickly, he spread the coat over her shoulders, pulling her close while sharing the warmth underneath.

“T-thank you,” she murmured gratefully, her breath tickling his neck as she guided him through the parking lot.

“No problem at all,” he assured her gently, his arms tightening slightly around her waist.

Even through her soaked clothes, her heat radiated from his body, mixing with his own.

“We're here.” Her voice sounded strained, hoarse. Without realizing it, he had stopped right in front of her apartment building, only inches separating their bodies.

“I had a wonderful time tonight, Brianne.” His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes.

“Me too,” she admitted softly, inching closer to him.

Her cheeks flushed with a pinkish color, visible even in the weak lighting.

“I know this might seem sudden, but will you have lunch with me tomorrow?”

She blinked rapidly a few times, clearly surprised by his invitation. With a gentle tug, she pulled away to look at him questioningly.

“Why? I mean…" She bites her lip. “Never mind. Yes, I'd love to.”

“Really?” His lips curved into a smile. “How about I pick you up during the day?”

“Sounds good,” she stammered adorably, shivering slightly under his coat.

“Good night, beautiful,” he murmured softly before reluctantly releasing her from his arms.

With one dreamy look, she turns and disappears into her apartment, leaving him alone in the rain once again.

The journey back to his home passes quickly, his mind filled with images of her. Arriving home, he heads straight to his study, seeking solace with a glass of scotch.

But he can't wait to be with her.

As Brianne begins to sleep, suddenly her cell phone buzzes on the table. She sighed, hoping it wasn't one of the debt collectors who kept terrorizing her or something else.

Instead, she found a message from her boss: I had a wonderful time tonight. See you tomorrow! From Nate.

“Me too, can't wait until tomorrow. Sweet dreams,” she texted back.

Smiling to herself, she pocketed her phone and went back to her old bed.

On the other hand, for the first time in years for Nate, he could feel peace enveloping him as he began to sleep.

Images of innocent Brianne danced across his eyelids, merging with memories of Elora. It was clear that his heart was ready to heal and love again.