After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 354

Nicol’s heartbeat was steady and strong, a soothing rhythm right next to Nettie’s ear. She could have stayed there forever, held close, wrapped up in that little pocket of warmth.

Pudding, their mischievous kitten, circled their feet, meowing as if she wanted to be part of the moment too.

Nicol loosened his hold just a bit. Nettie thought he was about to let her go, and she started to look up, but suddenly his lips were on hers.

Everything inside her turned into a flurry. Nettie’s eyes fluttered shut as she felt the gentle pressure of Nicol’s kiss—her very first one. She barely had time to think before it was over, and he was pulling her back into his arms. Her cheeks were burning, but she couldn’t help smiling.

“Sorry,” Nicol whispered, his voice low and a little shy. “I couldn't help myself.”

Nettie let out a happy hum, her face still warm.

“What do you want for dinner tonight?” Nicol asked.

“I’m good with anything. You decide,” Nettie said, a shy grin spreading across her lips.

They stood there for a while, holding each other, just listening to the sound of their hearts beating together. Everything else felt a million miles away, until Nicol’s phone started to ring.

He glanced at the screen, but he didn’t answer right away. Instead, he looked at Nettie. “They’re probably calling me back for a meeting. I’ll come pick you up later.”

“Okay. Go on,” Nettie nodded.

Nicol looked like he didn’t want to leave. He leaned in, kissed the top of her head, and smiled. “I’ll see you soon.”

Nettie walked him to the door, managing to stay calm until it closed behind him. Then all the feelings rushed in at once. She pressed her hand to her chest, her heart practically jumping out of her body. She scooped up Pudding from the floor and spun around.

“I said yes! I have a boyfriend now!” she told the kitten, breathless with excitement.

“Pudding, I really like him. I like him so much,” Nettie confessed, nuzzling the fluffy kitten, happiness bubbling up inside her. “And he likes me too. Isn’t that amazing?”

“No matter what Shirley tries, my only requirement is that The James Group withdraw their patent application for Resonance AI,” Catherine said firmly.

Lawrence gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. They can try whatever they want. There’s no way they’re getting out of this.”

Just then, an assistant came over. “Lawrence, Nicol is back. The meeting’s about to start.”

Lawrence nodded, then turned to Catherine. “I’ll head up for the meeting.”

“Go ahead,” Catherine said with a small smile.

Lawrence and Nicol were about to sit down with the rest of the team to plan their next moves against The James Group.

For Shirley and Waldo, there was no way out now. Their fate was already sealed.