Chapter 4

Nicola Taylor

As I wrapped up my last class, I started packing up after the assistant teacher took the students out for drop-off. A knock on my classroom door made me look up to see James, one of my fellow teachers, standing there.

“Oh, hello! What are you doing here?” I greeted him happily as he entered the room.

“Wow, Nicola, you look nice. What's the occasion?” he asked, making me blush at the compliment.

“Just felt like it,” I answered shyly, remembering how I stopped dressing up two years ago after my last and final breakup. I had dated a man for seven years, supporting him through medical school on my kindergarten teacher’s salary, only for him to leave me once he got placed.

But even though I wasn’t going to marry Cole, I did feel the urge to get back out there. For the first time in years, I felt like dressing up and looking nice, and it did pay off.

James noticed.

I wore a long black bodycon dress with my winter boots, and I had done my makeup too. I let my hair down for the first time in years, even blow-dried it. I loved the way I looked today.

It made me happy.

“Whatever you’re doing, it suits you,” James complimented me, making my cheeks heat up.

“You’re so sweet!” I replied. “So, did you need anything?” I asked, curious because he rarely visited me. We exchanged glances and smiles, but we hardly ever spoke.

James hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to grab—”

“Nicola!” My eyes widened as I saw Cole entering the room with Arabella. He looked confused as he saw what I was wearing but his eyes shamelessly traveled down my body before he met my gaze.

“Mr. Harrington, what are you doing here?” I asked, glaring at him, almost sure of what he was up to.

“I came here to pick up my daughter,” he said as Arabella jumped happily.

“Don’t you have work?” I asked, and he shrugged.

“I thought I should surprise Bella today,” he replied, his eyes finally falling on James. “Sir, would you mind excusing us? I need to talk to Ms. Taylor about something concerning my daughter.” James shot me a look that said ‘talk to you later’ before obliging.

“Ms. Taylor, will you come to lunch with us?” Bella asked happily, making my heart melt.

Stay strong, Nicola.

“No, baby. I already have plans,” I told her, and her face fell.

“Honey, go play on the playground while I convince Ms. Taylor,” Cole said, making me glare at him again.

"Thank you, Daddy. You are the best," Arabella squealed happily before rushing out.

"Okay, what is the matter with you?" I asked angrily as soon as Bella hopped out of the class.

Cole took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "You look beautiful. Is it for James? God, are you dating him?"

"You can’t just show up unannounced and disrupt my day like this, Cole. It’s not fair to me. Go away," I snapped, trying hard not to blush at the compliment, but I failed.

He took another step closer, his voice low and sincere. "I know I’ve been pushy, and I’m sorry. But I am doing this for a noble reason."

"Noble reason? She already likes you a lot more. Just continue what you are doing," I answered, ignoring how close he was right now and wishing he couldn’t hear my heart pounding.

"Are you dating him?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch.

I swallowed hard, trying to stay strong. "Yes."

"Nope, he would have never agreed to leave you here alone with me if you were his. I know how possessive men can get. I was one of them," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

I hated to admit it, but I was curious. I wondered how his wife felt being loved by a man like him.

My resolve wavered as the tension between us became tangible. "Why are you asking questions if you already know the answer?" I murmured, more to myself than to him.

"Look at me," he ordered, making my eyes snap up to his. "How about I take you out for dinner? Just the two of us, and we can discuss how things would proceed after we get married. I will answer any questions you have. If you are not happy, I won’t ask again." His hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

I pulled back, trying to regain my composure. "Cole, I know you. You never stand by your words."

"Alright, I’ll come to your house at 7 today and I will make dinner," he said, stepping back to give me space. "I’ll see you in a few hours."

"Harrington, I am seconds away from beating you up with this duster," I told him, making him laugh as I tried not to swoon over his ridiculously attractive face.

Why does God make bad people so beautiful?

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "I’ll take my chances," he said with a smirk before walking out, leaving me standing there, a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

As I watched him leave, I couldn't help but feel the magnetic pull he had on me.

What was I supposed to do? The way he knows he's wearing me down is unnerving.

I can't deny that I'm less opposed to his proposal than I was 12 hours ago, and the rollercoaster of emotions is overwhelming. At thirty, my ex wasted seven years of my life, leaving me cautious about any new relationship. Cole's offer feels like a tempting safety net.

If I don’t take it and end up dating a man for love, what are the chances of me ending up wasting more precious years until I turn forty without a husband?

Despite not yearning for children, I do long for a partner. The prospect of dinner at my place with Cole tonight is nerve-wracking, and I'm starting to feel dangerously swayed towards accepting his marriage proposal.