Page 36 of Everything She Wanted

Nick flicks on the seat heat for me. I lean back, letting it comfort me even though it isn’t cold. It’s like he wants to make sure I’m comfortable, which is weird, right? I’m just a colleague. For a moment, I allow my mind to drift. What if this isn’t just him being polite? I know no good can come of it, but I find myself wishing he wanted to spend more time with me. Maybe in an alternate reality, he does. Or maybe in this one...

We pass a 24/7 diner and I realize I’m starving. I only had a few appetizers at the reception. I watch it until it’s out of sight.

“I know it’s late, but if you’re hungry, there’s this great 24/7 diner. We just passed it,” he says, knowing just what I need.

“I am,” I answer. I really am hungry, that’s all. It isn’t as if I’m purposely extending my time with him.

He turns the car around.

Despite it being almost 4 a.m., the diner isn’t empty. We get a booth, and the waitress quickly takes our order. The other people seem drunk, which is usually the case with patrons out at this hour, and I remember the times I have been too, in places like this.

I order a burger and milkshake, realizing too late that I should have ordered something less messy. Nick orders the same, and it makes me like him even more. In a professional context, of course.

My phone buzzes. I thought I put it on silent when I got to the office, but I must have left it on. I glance at it quickly and see a text from Eshaan.

Are you still at work?!

Nick raises his eyebrows.

“You can get that if you need to.”

“No, it’s fine.”

My phone buzzes repeatedly, and I turn it off.

He has a little grin on his face, and heat rushes to my face. Texts this late only really mean one thing, and I don’t want Nick to think some guy is messaging me for a hook-up.

“Just my friend checking in to make sure everything’s okay,” I say, wanting to justify the texts.

His eyes sparkle as if he senses how he makes me feel, but he says nothing.

Our food arrives, and I praise the universe for this tiny miracle.

“I saw you saving those releases you created. Do you mind my asking why?”

I’m grateful for the subject change.

“We don’t have a crisis communications plan that covers all these updated scenarios, and I thought I could help create one. That way, if anything happens again, we’ll be more prepared.”

“That’s such a good idea. Most orgs don’t plan for anything, and then they’re left scrambling,” he shares in between bites. “They are lucky to have you, you know.”

I brush it off. “I’m sure anyone would have thought of it.”

“But they didn’t.” He takes a sip of his shake, and I do the same.

“Make sure you mention it next week.”

“I will,” I lie. I want to, but I’m too nervous. His confidence in me gives me a little boost though, and makes me think that maybe I can.

After our meal, the car is warm and the music is low and relaxing. My eyes are so heavy, and I think to myself, I’ll just close them for a second. The full week, followed by the wedding festivities, and now this all-nighter is finally taking its toll.

Light shines behind my eyelids. When I open my eyes, the sky is light, and the sun is starting to rise in a medley of soft pink and orange hues like a watercolour painting. It takes another moment for me to realize I’m not in my bed—I’m still in Nick’s car.

Shit.

I must have fallen asleep on the way home, and Nick didn’t wake me. I look over and he’s facing me with his eyes closed. He must have fallen asleep, too, after parking in front of my condo. I take in his gorgeous face: the arched brows, dark eyelashes, stubble forming after a day of not shaving, his hair in disarray but in a way that suited him, almost like he was intentionally going for this sexy, scruffy look. My hand reaches out to touch him, even though I know I shouldn’t. I comb his hair back and gently drag my fingers down his face. He suddenly opens his eyes, and my fingers freeze.

My heart starts thumping wildly, but he doesn’t seem to notice or react to the fact that I’m touching him like a weirdo.