After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 247

Catherine glanced at Nettie and saw how clear-headed she was. Maybe she really had acted on impulse. She just wanted to play matchmaker, but forgot how sometimes, real life can get in the way and make things feel impossible.

“Nettie, don’t say that. No one can predict how feelings go. What if Nicol actually likes you?” Catherine squeezed Nettie’s hand, trying to cheer her up. Then she sighed, “Okay, maybe I got carried away.”

Nettie nudged her shoulder. “Come on, don’t blame yourself. It’s not about you. Let’s just call what happened earlier a happy accident and move on.”

Right then, the doorbell rang.

Catherine and Nettie looked at each other. Who would show up at this hour?

Catherine went to the door and peeked through the peephole, then jumped back in surprise and waved Nettie over in a hurry.

Nettie, totally confused, came over. Catherine motioned for her to check the peephole. Nettie took one look and her face instantly turned bright red.

Oh god. Nicol was standing right outside.

Was he coming to ask her about what happened earlier?

Nettie panicked and shoved Catherine toward the door. No way she had the guts to open it herself.

Catherine took a deep breath, opened the door, and greeted Nicol with a smile. “Hi, Nicol. It’s pretty late. What’s up?”

Nicol stood there in casual clothes, holding a fancy-looking takeout box.

“I thought you two might not have eaten dinner yet, so I brought you something,” Nicol said, his voice warm as he looked past Catherine, like he was searching for someone else inside.

Catherine caught that look immediately. She reached behind her, grabbed Nettie, and pulled her out front. Nettie stumbled a little, suddenly face to face with Nicol’s gentle smile. Her cheeks burned red, even the tips of her ears were hot.

Nettie closed the door and dragged Catherine over to the couch. She groaned, “You’re really trying to embarrass me, aren’t you? If this keeps up, I’m just going to leave.”

Catherine grinned. “No way, you’re my lucky star. Ever since you showed up, I haven’t missed a single good meal.”

She hugged Nettie tight. “Don’t leave, please. Stay here and let’s see what Nicol brought us.”

Nettie’s heart was still pounding. She told herself Nicol had probably brought the food for Catherine, since he and Lawrence were such good friends. He was just looking out for her, that’s all.

“But I totally saw the way Nicol looked at you,” Catherine said, sounding certain. “He’s definitely into you. I’d bet on it.”

Nettie started opening the containers. “If you say one more word, I’m going to shove food in your mouth.”

Catherine peeked inside and her eyes went wide. “Wow, he brought us Japanese food! It looks so fresh and pretty. Even the bowls and plates are porcelain. Nicol really went all out.”