After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 245

"This place is unreal... A luxury penthouse, just for me?" Catherine could hardly believe it as she stepped onto the balcony. The whole city skyline was laid out in front of her, lights twinkling in the Central Business District like stars.

"Trust your own worth. You deserve every bit of this," Lawrence said from behind her, his arms circling her waist. She could hear the warmth in his voice as he smiled.

This apartment had been Lawrence’s before, empty for a while until he’d had it cleaned up for Catherine to stay in. It was perfect, really. Nicol lived next door, so Catherine would be safe. She wouldn’t even have to leave the complex to get to work. Security at Nexus Dynamics was the best there was, so she could relax.

"Nicol's right next door. If you need anything while I’m gone, just knock on his door," Lawrence said, ruffling her hair.

Catherine’s eyes lit up. Wasn’t this the perfect chance to set Nettie up with Nicol?

"Can I invite Nettie to stay with me?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

"Of course," Lawrence laughed, his voice low and reassuring.

She blinked. "Do I need to get official permission or something?"

"No need to stress. I’ll ask Nicol to let security know," he said.

That settled it. With Nicol’s help, Nettie could easily stay for a few days.

By four o’clock, Lawrence had left. Catherine settled onto the sofa and called Nettie.

"I don’t know... Isn’t it weird for someone like me to move into your company’s housing?" Nettie sounded unsure.

Catherine had no intention of mentioning Nicol lived next door. She had to get Nettie here first.

"Come on, please! This place is way too big and empty. My husband’s away and I’m honestly a little freaked out. You’re the only one I want to hang out with," Catherine said, laying it on thick.

Nettie caved, her voice softening. "Alright, I’ll come stay with you for a couple of days."

"You’re the best," Catherine grinned, already imagining how great it would be if Nettie and Nicol hit it off. Nicol really was a catch.

Nicol looked just as surprised. He’d been expecting his assistant to drop off some files, so he hadn’t bothered getting dressed, just wrapped a towel around his waist before opening the door.

He never imagined Nettie would be standing there.

Nettie’s cheeks turned bright red, heat rushing to her ears. She had no idea where to look, the scent of soap and something warm and masculine filling the hallway.

"I’m sorry, I think I knocked on the wrong door. I’m looking for Catherine," she mumbled, biting her lip and wishing she could disappear.

Nicol smiled, amused by how flustered she was. He pointed across the hall. "Catherine’s right over there."

Nettie’s brain stalled as she met his eyes. She swallowed, her heart thumping. The way he looked, fresh from the shower, was honestly unfair.

Nicol noticed her staring and, though a faint blush colored his cheeks, he couldn’t resist teasing her. "Careful. If you keep staring, I might have to start charging."