After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 353

Nettie lifted her head, cheeks flushed pink. She already knew what Nicol was about to say, and honestly, she wasn’t any more ready for it now than she had been the last time.

Nicol took her hand and led her over to the sofa. He sat beside her, his eyes warm and serious. “Nettie, I like you. I liked you from the very first moment I saw you.”

She tried to lighten the mood, a small laugh escaping her. “But I crashed into your car. You must have been so mad at me.”

Nicol smiled, a real one that reached his eyes. “Actually, I’m glad you did. If you hadn’t run into my car, how else would I have ever met you?”

That made Nettie laugh for real. She was still smiling when she caught the deep, sincere look in his eyes. Suddenly her heart was racing so fast it almost scared her.

“But… we’re so different.” Nettie dropped her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re the CEO of Nexus Dynamics. I’m just a pretty average designer. I’m worried…”

Nicol leaned in, his voice gentle. “Worried about what?” He reached out, tilting her chin up so she had to meet his eyes. “Are you scared this is just a phase for me? That I’m only playing around? Or maybe that my family wouldn’t accept you?”

Nettie bit her lip. She didn’t say anything, but he was right. All of that had been weighing on her mind.

Nicol’s voice dropped, softer than before. “I grew up in an orphanage, you know. I like you for who you are, not because of your background or your family. I like you, Nettie. Just you.”

Nettie’s breath caught. “You grew up in an orphanage?”

Why should she let the world’s labels hold her back? She was done being afraid. Giving each other a chance… that sounded perfect.

Her heart was pounding so hard she could barely breathe. A brand new kind of courage bubbled up inside her, mixing with a fluttery excitement she’d never felt before. She met Nicol’s eyes, and for a moment she held his gaze before looking down again, cheeks burning with shyness.

Nicol’s eyes shone with happiness. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, his chin resting gently on the top of her head. He held her like he’d never let go, like she was something precious he’d been searching for.

“Thank you, Nettie.” His voice was rough, thick with emotion, and he hugged her even tighter, as if he’d been waiting for this moment forever.

Nettie closed her eyes. As he held her, she found herself smiling, remembering that first, fateful meeting that changed everything.