“Two apologies in one day?” I narrow my eyes at him. “Have you been body-snatched?”
“What?” His brow wrinkles in confusion, but he shakes the question off. “No, I have not been body-snatched. I spent the weekend thinking about what you said, and I don’t want to be that guy anymore.”
I want to believe him, but… “What’s the point of all this?”
“I want to change, Scarlett. I’m tired of being Hartless. Of being the cold-hearted bastard who’s afraid to let anyone in. I couldn’t see what a mess I was making before, but I see it now. Thanks to you.”
The confession is bittersweet. Four days ago, I would’ve given anything to hear those words, but now…now I don’t know what to think. Don’t know how to feel.
My chest tightens as Nick once again addresses the audience.
“And because we recognize that the best ideas come from our associates and because we want to foster an environment of innovation where creative solutions and work-life balance are celebrated, any employee whose suggestions are implemented will receive an additional day of PTO, though of course anonymous suggestions will still be accepted.”
A quiet buzz fills the room, and when Nick speaks, his words are soft, meant for my ears only.
“You were right about so many things. My need for control. My desire to isolate myself. The fact that I pushed you away. I just wasn’t ready to hear it. Not then, anyway.”
“Nick, I—”
He presses a finger to my lips. “I’m not finished. Because you were wrong about one thing.” He takes another step forward, eliminating the gap between us. “I have experienced true happiness. The last four weeks have been some of the best of my life.”
Hope sparks anew and my heart rate accelerates, my pulse thrumming in my veins.
“You’ve shown me that the imperfections in life are what make it so damn beautiful. Proven that some of the best things in life come from missteps and mistakes. That unplanned and unexpected aren’t inherently bad. And that if I don’t deal with my need for control, I’ll be closing myself off from new opportunities, like falling in love.”
My mouth is drier than the Chihuahuan Desert and I couldn’t form words even if I wanted to.
“No one is perfect, Scarlett, least of all me. But I’ve been thinking…” He pauses, collecting his thoughts. Because for the first time since I’ve met him, Nick is speaking from the heart. When he continues, his voice is thick with emotion. “You know how they say opposites attract?” I nod, unsure where he’s going, but eager to hear him out. “Well, maybe it’s our flaws that make us work so well together. Neither of us is perfect, but we’re perfect together. With you at my side, I can face whatever life throws at me. The ups, the downs, the chaos.”
God, I want to believe that’s true. Because if Nick can face his demons, we could have an incredible life together. One filled with love, laughter, and family.
Not to mention toe-curling orgasms.
“Speaking of chaos.” I awkwardly tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Fear nips at my insides, telling me to shut the hell up, but if we’re to have any chance of getting past this, Nick needs to know everything. It’s time for a clean slate. “There’s something I have to tell you. I was the one messing with your office. Rearranging your desk, turning your books around, covering your monitor in Post-it notes.” I pause, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “It seemed like you could use a little chaos in your world.”
His eyes drift shut and he shakes his head, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I should have known.”
“You really should have,” I say, remembering the last time I’d said those very same words to him. Remembering the last time he’d made the mistake of underestimating me.
Something tells me he won’t make that mistake again.
But he’s not the only one who’s made mistakes, and it’s time I put on my big girl pants and own up to mine.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my capstone project.” He opens his mouth to respond, but I hold up a hand. If he cuts me off now, I might never get the words out. “I knew there was a chance you’d shut it down and I let my fear of confrontation—of making waves—mess with my head. I convinced myself it was okay because the project would benefit Triada, and I knew that if you challenged me on it, I’d crack like Texas clay.” I huff out a breath. “I was a coward and I didn’t know how to assert myself.”
Nick smirks. “I think it’s safe to say you’ve turned a corner.”
He’s right. This conversation is proof enough. Pride wells in my chest, warming me from the inside out. “There’s no going back now.”
“Good.” He cups my chin and when his eyes meet mine, they’re blazing with determination. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You say that now, but—”
“No buts.” He sighs and his breath is hot against my cheek. “What you and I need is a fresh start. And if you give me a second chance—one opportunity to prove to you I can change—I swear I’ll buy you all the tacos you can eat for the rest of your life.”
A tear leaks from the corner of my eye, but I don’t wipe it away. There are more where that came from. And honestly? I don’t need a perfect moment, one free of tears or messy emotions. I just need Nick. This Nick, who’s open to compromise and who wants to focus on the future instead of clinging to the demons of his past. I can give him this chance—give myself this chance—at finding happiness, because we deserve it.
Finally, I nod, more tears spilling down my cheeks, and whisper, “You had me at tacos.”
