After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 255

Nexus Dynamics.

Catherine was working late that evening, and as she glanced around her office, a thought popped into her head.

She picked up the phone and dialed Nicol’s extension.

“Hello? Who’s this?” Nicol’s voice came through, sounding a little curious.

“Nicol, it’s Catherine. I was wondering if you could help me out with something tonight.”

“Oh, Catherine, sure. What do you need?” Nicol replied, and Catherine could almost hear a hint of excitement in his tone.

“I have to stay at work until nine tonight. Would you mind taking Nettie out for dinner?” Catherine asked. She was testing the waters, not entirely sure how things stood between Nicol and Nettie, but she had her suspicions.

Nicol let out a cheerful laugh. “No problem at all. I’ll take care of Nettie’s dinner. You just focus on your work.” He paused, then added, “But don’t stay too late. Lawrence will be worried about you.”

“Thank you, I know,” Catherine answered with a smile and hung up.

At six-thirty, Nettie was staring at her phone, debating what to eat, when the doorbell rang. She wasn’t expecting anyone, so she peeked through the peephole, and her cheeks instantly warmed. Nicol again?

She opened the door, trying to sound casual. “Nicol, can I help you with something?”

“Nettie, since Catherine’s working late tonight, I’m officially in charge of your dinner,” Nicol said, grinning.

Nettie’s face went bright red. Catherine wasn’t even trying to hide her intentions anymore. She’d promised that morning not to work overtime and to have dinner together, but here they were.

“Um, are you sure? I hope it’s not too much trouble. I can just—”

“I already made a reservation at the restaurant across the street. Really, it’s no trouble,” Nicol said, looking hopeful. “Will you join me?”

Nettie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling shy but not wanting to refuse. “Alright, thank you, Nicol.”

Nicol smiled. “I hope I didn’t cross any boundaries.”

“No, not at all.” Nettie shook her head quickly.

They stepped into the elevator, just the two of them. The small space made Nettie hyper-aware of Nicol’s woodsy cologne and the quiet confidence he gave off. She clutched her purse a little tighter, heart pounding.

At the restaurant, Nicol handed her the menu, letting her decide first.

“I’m good with anything. I’m not picky,” Nettie said softly.

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony either. Is it alright if I call you Nettie?” Nicol asked, his voice low and gentle.

Nettie blinked, caught off guard by the way her nickname sounded coming from him. Only the people she was closest to ever called her that.