Nicola TaylorI grunted silently, praying for the almighty to end my suffering as the students' loud chattering echoed in my throbbing head. What was I thinking getting drunk on a work night? The hangover was so bad it felt like someone was hammering a nail into my brain.“Oh, hello, I thought this might help.” Steph appeared with a bottle of Advil in her hand, making me sigh in relief as the children continued playing during break time.“Oh my god, you are an angel. I really needed this, you’ve no idea.” I quickly took two pills, knowing I had to teach in fifteen minutes.“Well, your eyes are red, and you look very tired, so I could tell. What happened? You don’t usually drink,” she asked, grabbing a chair and sitting beside me.“I saw Finn. He was there with that girl. They’re still going strong,” I mumbled sarcastically, and she gave me a look of pity.“It’s not going to work out. Bad people always suffer,” she tried to comfort me, but I shook my head.“No, somehow I help a man bec
Nicola TaylorI snuggled into my bed, pressing the pillow against my ears to drown out the incessant ringing of the alarm. I was exhausted, mentally and physically drained from constantly thinking about Cole and the confusing mix of emotions our recent encounters had stirred up. How did I go from hating this guy who bullied me throughout high school to feeling sorry for him and getting tangled up in his life?With a groan, I sat up and reached for my phone. Without a second thought, I called Steph. “Hey, Nicola, what’s up? You need a ride?” she asked in her usual cheery voice. How on earth could she be so peppy in the morning?“No, I was wondering if you could cover for me. I think I’m coming down with something,” I lied, my voice still thick with sleep. I could hear the concern in her silence before she spoke.“Wow, first day off in years? Of course, I’ll cover for you. Take care, honey! It’s Friday anyway, enjoy the three days off. But you better be back on Monday,” she teased, maki
Nicola TaylorI hummed softly as the hot water cascaded over my tired muscles, the steam enveloping me in a soothing embrace. The sweet scent of my strawberry body wash filled the air as I lathered it onto my skin, followed by the familiar fragrance of my strawberry shampoo. Yes, I was obsessed with strawberries. Quickly brushing my teeth and taking some Advil for my headache, I threw on a basic tee and shorts, added a touch of makeup to look somewhat human, and tidied up the house a bit. I wondered if he had left, considering how quiet it had been.“You’re still here,” I said, genuinely surprised to find him standing exactly where he was when I had slammed the door shut.“This is nothing. I’ve waited hours for people,” he bragged as he walked past me into the house.People? He means his wife.“Well, as you can see, I’m completely fine. Now you can leave. Thank you for checking up on me,” I said, standing near the door, holding it open.“Close the door, Nicola,” he said, making hims
Nicola TaylorWhen I returned to school on Monday, I was immensely grateful to my students for providing a welcome distraction from thoughts of Finn and his new fiancée. My good mood was further maintained by how incredibly well-behaved the kids were that day.As the final bell rang, Steph rushed over and enveloped me in a tight hug. “Oh my god, we missed you so much! Friday was a nightmare. Apparently, your students only behave for you. I told them if they want you back, they’d better be on their best behavior,” she said, making me laugh.“That explains why they were little angels today. I guess things will go back to normal soon,” I replied, packing my handbag.“So, how was your week off?” she asked, wandering around the classroom.“It had its moments,” I said, not eager to dive into the details.“Is something going on with you?” She tilted her head, scrutinizing my expression.“Finn got engaged,” I murmured, fidgeting with my bag's zipper.“Oh honey, it’s for the best that you didn
Nicola Taylor“Alright, your car is fixed. No need to take it to a mechanic.” I sigh in relief as soon as I hear Cole’s words, knowing the car repairman would have charged me a lot.I turn around to see Cole entering my house all sweaty and greasy, making my cheeks heat up as my gaze betrays me as it traces the grease stains on his arms and chest, then moves up to his handsome, rugged face. “Do you want to take a shower? I have some spare clothes that might fit you,” I offer, trying to keep my eyes from lingering on Cole’s white tank undershirt that reveals his sculpted biceps and chiseled back. God, kill me now.“I’m not wearing your ex’s clothes, Nicola,” he grumbles, clearly unhappy. “Why do you even have them?” He asks, pulling out his phone and texting someone.“Really? You’re asking me that question?” I snort, feeling the hypocrisy in his statement.“He cheated on you and left. I think my situation is a tad bit different,” he says sarcastically, and I instantly regret bringing
Nicola TaylorAfter dinner, as we cleared the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher, I couldn't help but feel a sense of companionship that was so rare for me. It was comforting having someone around, someone to talk to, share a meal with, and simply be present with. Cole's phone interrupted the calmness, pulling him to the living room to answer it, while I took a moment to drink some water and collect my thoughts about the unexpected turn of events tonight.I wasn't going to sleep with him, not tonight at least. I needed more preparation than a spontaneous decision could allow. I wondered about the women he had been with before, but for me, I needed at least a day's notice for something as significant as our first time together.Cole returned to the kitchen, a hint of worry in his eyes as he checked his watch and prepared to leave. "What's happening?" I asked, concern flickering across my face."My mother called me. Arabella... I think she's a bit emotional tonight, so she's...
Nicola Taylor"Miss Taylor," a small, timid voice broke through the quiet hum of conversation, prompting me to set my tea down. I smiled warmly as Arabella hurried over and enveloped me in a gentle hug. Her sweetness never failed to touch my heart, though I couldn't quite fathom why she held me in such high regard. Still, her affection was something I cherished deeply."Hello, honey. How are you holding up?" I asked gently, guiding her back to where we were sitting. She took my hand and pulled me down into my seat again before climbing onto my lap."Miss Taylor always has us sit on her lap and sings whenever we cry or get hurt," Arabella explained with a bright smile to her grandparents, who beamed in response. To be honest, I've known Arabella practically since she could remember. I first met her when she was three years old, and I've been her teacher ever since. She was a quite kid when I met her, often spending more time near my desk than at her own. Over the past couple of years
Nicola Taylor “No, no, no,” I yell, covering my eyes as I step out of the bathroom, only to see Cole Harrington standing beside the bed, shirtless in just his joggers. “You cannot sleep shirtless around me. Are you trying to seduce me? Do you think this is how you get me to marry you?” I ask, moving around the room with my eyes closed, holding onto the side of the bed to navigate.“I think it’s working,” he says, and I freeze when I feel his hands on my waist making my back straighten as I stand with my eyes closed.“It’s not. Even if I give in to my base urges, I’m still not marrying you,” I grunt, trying to move, but his hands slide down to my hips, holding me in place.“So you’ll use my body and then throw me away? Wow, you are heartless,” he murmurs, his breath hot against my neck. I feel his naked chest pressing against my back, the flimsy material of my dress doing little to protect me from the heat radiating from his body.“I will kill you, Cole,” I breathe harshly. “Stop tryi