Stepping out of the bathroom, I feel highly alleviated. It seems like an enormous burden has been lifted off my chest. I try to recollect whatever happened. I don't even have the slightest idea about how I ended up in the living room while I was crying. Hell! I didn't even realize when I started crying and why I was crying? But I can say it was definitely one of the major mental crack-ups that I have ever experienced. I don't know what led me to such a horrible breakdown, but I am glad that it became a reason to let out all the pent-up emotions within me. I think I was emotionally exhausted with whatever was happening. I was frustrated because everything happened in a rush last night that I didn't get a proper shot at expressing my feelings to Christopher.

I sigh in content, feeling relieved as I recall the conversation that I had with Christopher. I poured out everything that was in my heart at that time, and I am glad that I did. I am happy about voicing my thoughts out loud to Christopher because I couldn't keep it with me anymore. I wanted him to know what I was going through. I guess it has mentally affected me to such an extent that I lashed out at him like that. But I feel a little bad now, realizing how and what I spoke to Christopher. I went too far with my words. I realize now how wrong I was. My perception about Christopher turned to be completely false. I have failed in doing true judgment. I have failed in understanding his actual personality. I always thought that I was good at analyzing people. Then how the hell that happened? I thought Christopher was using me, playing games with me, but it wasn't the case. I realize now that I was so freaking wrong!

Christopher's charming face flashes in front of me as I remember everything that he said to me. The sincerity with which Christopher confessed everything to me brings a wide smile to my face. I clearly remember the concerned look that shadowed his face when he saw me crying. How desperate he was to know the reason which led me to sob like that. And I really appreciate the immense patience he showed while dealing with my crying ass. I remember how his eyes glimmered with a tinge of hurt when I blamed him for everything. Despite me being so insolent with him, he didn't ever try to interrupt me. Why the hell he has to be so sweet?

The truthfulness in his tone was clearly reflecting in his eyes too. It looked like he was genuinely speaking his heart out, showing me his vulnerable side. The way he opened the bits of his soul to me melted me from inside. My heart fills with an overwhelming sensation, thinking about how he didn't hold back from showing me this side of his personality, which was exactly the opposite of what I had portrayed him in my mind. Can you believe that Christopher told me that he has feelings for me? It feels surreal to think that he confessed to me that he likes me too. I repeat the words that cascaded out of his mouth again and smile. Fuck! I feel like I could listen to his sweet voice again and again.

Just having thought about his sexy voice ringing in my ears sends an icy chill through my spine. Fuck! Stay focused, Nicole. I close my eyes and remember his words again. He said he wants me to give him a chance. He said he wants to make this work; it means he wants me to give a try to our relationship. Does he want to be my boyfriend then? Fuck! That sounds so weird coming out of my mouth because I haven't been in a relationship for ages. Do I want to give this relationship a try? Do I want Christopher to be my boyfriend? Of course, I like Christopher and my heart would agree with the decision of giving him a chance any moment. But I am scared. I am scared of committing to something serious. I do want to give an opportunity to this relationship, but my mind is occupied with too many terrible what-ifs. What if I am getting myself into some kind of danger? What if I am wrong about estimating people? What if I am not doing the right thing? I know what Christopher does and how his life is. He is a gangster or even worse, you can say a criminal. What if I'll regret my decision later? What if I'll fall in...No..no....I am not even thinking of going down that path. Stop overthinking, Nicole! Just stop it!

As I step out with a towel wrapped around me, I see Christopher standing in front of the mirror dressed in a fresh pair of clothes. There is no doubt in saying that his side profile is just as sexy as his front his. His muscles flex lusciously through his shirt as he runs his fingers through his wet hair, looking at the mirror. And my mouth hangs wide open as I gaze at his handsome face. He looks so fucking hot! And suddenly the memories of last night swim in front of my eyes, forcing me to lock my legs tightly. I blush thinking about what happened in front of this mirror.

"Why are you standing there, Cole?" Christopher asks, tossing me back in reality from my dirty imagination. His grey eyes twinkle at me, making my insides flutter. I think I could just let myself drown into those dreamy grey pools.

I clear my throat, gathering myself, and walk towards him, pretending to be normal. "Nothing. Are you going out somewhere?"

"Yes, Nicole. Going out for work. Have to take care of some business." His eyes turn a darker shade of grey as he says that.

"Ohhh..." I drawl. I don't ask him anything more because I know he wouldn't be comfortable talking about his work and I don't want to press him with it. As if sensing my hesitation, Christopher moves forward and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

"But I'll be back by evening." His arms rest on my back as he gazes down at me with a captivating smile. "You better be ready. Remember, we are going out for dinner?" His intoxicating scent hits my nostrils as he leans forward, gaping at me with his deep-set eyes.

"Yes." I breathe, being bothered by the close vicinity of our bodies. Fuck! What would happen if I tore off his clothes right now? What the fuck are you talking about, Nicole? Keep your sanity in check. I don't know what the hell happens to me whenever I am near him?

I drift my attention from his face to the clock behind his back, trying to get a distraction from thinking of jumping his bones right now. I see that it's half-past eleven. Fuck! It means I am so fucking late.

"I am already late for the clinic," I say, looking back at him. "I think I have to skip work today."

"Oh, shit!" He pulls back and looks at his wristwatch with a frown on his face. He mutters a curse under his breath and says. "I am sorry, Nicole. It's all my fault." He peeks at me with a look of guilt in his eyes.

"No, It's not." I clear before he could say anything. "It's not your fault, Christopher. And it's okay if I skip work for one day. I've done that before too and besides, I don't feel like going to the clinic." He looks at me intently as I speak. "I guess I am a bit tired. It would be good if I stay and chill at home."

"Are you sure you would be okay?" His eyes flicker over my face with concern. "Do you want me to stay?"

"No, it's okay, Christopher. I'll be fine." I give him a reassuring smile.

"Okay." He lets out in an unsure tone. " But I'll make sure to be back soon." He asserts moving towards me. His eyes gleam at me with a surprisingly tempting intensity as he put his fingers under my chin and lifts it to meet my gaze. His eyes then slowly shift towards my lips. His gaze darts between my lips and my eyes unsteadily, making me feel like he is being hesitant thinking about kissing me. After struggling with his inner self, he finally settles with planting a light kiss on my forehead. I guess he is scared that I would push him if he would try to kiss me. But I am going to prove his thoughts wrong by clearing his doubt.

With that, he begins to make his way towards the door, but I catch hold of his hand and pull him back. He looks at me in confusion and before he could ask anything; I raise on my tiptoe and connect our lips. I kiss him slowly, telling him that he doesn't have to keep himself from kissing me. I wrap my arms around his neck as I deepen the kiss, and I feel him relaxing under my touch. He pulls me closer to him as his tongue collides with mine. I moan softly as his lips do their magic. After some time, we pull away to catch our breaths.

"You are making it hard for me not to change my mind." He says looking breathless as he eyes me up and down. I realize that while kissing him, my towel has gone slightly out of place, catching Christopher's attention instantly.

"Go now....I'll be waiting for you," I tell him securing my towel tugging at its end.

"So eager to get rid of me, Cole?" He smirks, looking down at the exposed skin of my chest.

"Shut up and go." I give a gentle shove on his chest and he laughs.

He throws a cocky wink at me before walking out of the door.

After Christopher heads out, the house begins to feel utterly empty. I don't know how did I get so attached to him in such a short time. And after what we had last night, I feel I want to be with Christopher every second. Oh god! This is so bad! What the hell is wrong with me? But I know I can't lose my shit like this. I can't keep thinking about him all day, especially while working. Nicole, just get a grip!

My work is an important part of my life, and I really enjoy doing it. I hate that I couldn't go to work today. I never really miss going to my clinic and when I do, I feel awful. It's not like I am under some kind of obligation to not open my clinic at this time, I could have still gone to my clinic but I am just too exhausted. So it's better for me to stay at home and go to work with a fresh mind tomorrow. However, I feel like I could still get some work done from home. I could look at the alternative medicines that are needed in my clinic. Yes, that's something I have wanted to do for a long time. Now I've got some time, I should better utilize it. As I begin to proceed towards my study table, my tummy growls loudly, making me gasp. Shit! First, I need to fill my stomach because I realize I am so damn hungry.

I immediately go down to the kitchen and make my breakfast. After having the satisfaction of stuffing myself fully, I head to the couch in the hall. When I get there, I search for my phone. I haven't seen it since yesterday. I look at it and see around 30 missed calls and 50 messages from Peter. Fuck! How the hell did I forget about Peter? I quickly dial his number to call him, but then I stop midway. No! I don't think it's the right time to talk with him. I need to be in the right mind for having this discussion with him. I don't want to ruin our friendship, neither do I want to create trouble in his life at this moment. I just want to clear things between us and I want to do it in my sane mind. So I decide to just send him a text apologizing to him and telling him that I'll call him later. I feel terrible for doing this to him. But I want to be straightforward about everything when I talk to him. If I want to be with Christopher, then I have to tell that to Peter. I can't keep things from him.

Once I send the text, I throw it back on the couch and go back to my room. I then plop onto the chair and open my laptop to search through the medicines. I don't know how quickly time flies, but when I look back at the clock, it's ticking at quarter to 2 in the afternoon. I feel terribly exhausted with my eyes stinging, so I take a break and go down to the kitchen to make some sandwiches and to have my dose of coffee. I blow over my coffee and take a sip from it. Fuck! I let out a satisfactory moan, closing my eyes. No matter how horrible your day might be, but a hot mug of coffee always has the ability to make it better. I get to the living room and jump onto the couch, deciding to watch some movie on the tv. What? Why are you looking at me like that? That's what you do to kill the time when you are too lazy to move your ass back to your room to get your laptop. I switch on the tv and lean back comfortably. Fuck! this feels so amazing! I don't realize when my eyes close involuntarily and before I know I fall asleep.

I open my eyes when a cruel mosquito pierces its needle through my skin. Fuck! Why the hell it has to bite me? I don't know what is it with their obsession with me. It seems like they always find a way to get to my skin. I look at the clock and see it's already six in the evening. Holy shit! It's freaking six in the evening? I can't believe I slept for four hours however it just feels like I only had a quick nap. If I am not wrong, I remember Christopher telling me in the morning that we are going out for dinner?

Fuck! It means I need to get ready. Christopher would be here anytime to pick me up. I hurry back to my room, stumbling on the steps. I search through the closet, tossing all my clothes on the bed. After spending a good amount of time deciding what to wear, I end up with a black tube top and my favorite faded jeans. And I put on a similar shade of denim jacket, complementing it. I know the weather would be chilly out, so it would be pretty fine. I pull my hair into a high pony and apply some gloss. I am so fucking ready now. Thank god! I am glad that I am done before 7 pm.

I grab my purse and get down, and by 7:30 I hear Christopher's car honking in front of the house. The main door clicks open as I see him getting in.

"Fuck!" He mutters as his eyes fall on me. He scans my outfit with one good look and makes his way towards me.

"You look so wonderful, Cole." He whispers and I blush looking down.

"Thank you," I tell him slowly when I look back at him.

He flashes me a breathtaking smile, evoking wild butterflies in my stomach, and sprints in the direction of the stairs. "Just wait for a second. I'll freshen up and then we'll go." He states skipping up the stairs.

In no time he gets back changed into a white shirt and jeans with a black leather jacket. I feel like he could set me on fire with just one steely look. Fuck! The temperature appears to raise with every step he takes towards me as I shamelessly keep looking at him. He looks so handsome that I feel like I am losing my breathing. When he gets close to me, he puts his hand in the small of my back and leads me outside.

I am so freaking excited to go out on dinner with Christopher. I've dreamt of this moment for so long and now when I am finally having it, I feel like I am going to freak out. Fuck! I am so happy.

We get into the car as he pulls off the curb. Christopher gets on the road and I curiously turn towards him to ask.

"Where are we going?" I gape at him expectantly.

"You'll get to see it soon." He answers, shooting a sexy wink at me. Fuck! Why does he have to do that? What if I'd jump into his lap and kiss him right now. Shut up, Nicole! That would probably cause an accident leading us to lose both our lives. Do you want to lose your life in a stupid accident? Do you want to end everything before even getting started? Hell no!

I shake my head, pushing that thought away. "At least, you can just give me a little hint about the place."

"Have some patience, Cole." He responds calmly and I roll my eyes.

"Are you sure you are not kidnapping me again?" I tease him, taking a look out of the window.

"I was expecting that from you." He grins as he turns to look at me. "Do you want me to?" He arches an eyebrow at me, saying it in a mischievous tone.

"Are you serious, Christopher?" I ask him, with my eyes growing big. "But why would you try to kidnap me when I am already living with you? That would sound stupid if you ask me." I state smirking at him.

"Ahh...You never know, babe. After all, you should never really trust a sexy gangster." He again winks at me, making my heart skip a beat. Fuck! Did he just call me babe? That sounded so fucking sexy! What am I supposed to do to get him to say that again?

"Oh, really? You are more like a cocky bastard." I mumble under my breath, looking out of the window.

"Did you say anything, baby?" He pretends as if he didn't hear what I said. He calls me baby again and my crazy heart does a somersault. Why do I feel so?

"I said how lovely the weather is." I grin and reply, trying to hide my flustered expression.

After some time we reach the destination. I look out and see that we have reached the ocean side. The cool breeze of the sea hits my skin, making me feel delighted. It's just so weird to think that even after living for an entire year, I still haven't visited any of the beaches here. My heart warms up when I think about going near the water. I remember visiting beaches with my family when I was a kid, those were the memorable days when we spent time together. Suddenly I feel sad thinking about being away from my family. I wish everything was normal back at home. I wish I was on good terms with my parents. Oh, god! I miss my brother and sister so much!

Christopher parks the car, and we step out. The buildings glow with sparkling lights, enhancing the night view of the city as we stroll on the sideway. Christopher leads me in the direction of a fancy restaurant on the side of the road. But I stop in mid-track as my eyes shift to the fast-food center on the opposite beach corner.

"Christopher, can we eat there?" I tug at his hand, stopping him from going further.

He turns towards me and looks back to the place where I am pointing. "Fast-food center?" He furrows his eyebrows in confusion.

"I thought you would want to have a proper dinner. Like in a restaurant?" He asks.

"I'd prefer eating in the open. Besides, I am craving to have a burger. Please, can we go there? If you don't have any problem." I make puppy dog eyes to convince him.

"Why would I have any problem? We can go where ever you want and have whatever you'll say." He smiles looking at me making my heart melt. I don't know if I am imagining it or is he really being super sweet?

"Come. let's go." He says intertwining our fingers. My heart beating literally goes wild as he holds my hand.

I smile at him as we cross the road, making our way towards the corner. The tables are set on the sand, giving us a pleasant view of the sea. We take a seat at the farthest corner, away from the rest of the people. When the server approaches us I end up ordering an extra cheeseburger with lots of French fries whereas Christopher opts for Mexican pasta. I even insisted him to have a burger too but he straight away refused. I guess he doesn't want to break his diet. After all, that's how you get to maintain that godlike physique. Anyway, I don't give a shit about anything when it comes to junk food. That's my way of maintaining my fat ass.

"I am sorry, Cole. You had to miss your work today because of me." Christopher says as we wait for our order to arrive.

"Stop apologizing, Christopher. It isn't a big deal." I roll my eyes at him. Why can't he understand that it wasn't his fault? "It's my clinic, I can compensate by doing overtime. Trust me, I do that a lot of times."

He nods at me and leans forward. "So you always wanted to be a vet?" He asks with curiosity glinting over his face.