3

In the sanctuary of my room, I flipped on the lights, taking a deep breath before turning to face him.

He looked even more captivating than my memory dared to hold. Lean and lithe, his long neck and chiseled face sculpted perfection.

Reaching out, my hand rested against his chest, solid and reassuring. My throat felt dry with the contact as the air crackled with a charged anticipation, and the warmth of his presence in my apartment felt surreal. The joy within me surged at the sheer disbelief of Nicolas Gray being here, now.

I tipped up my face to look at him and brushed her lips across his jaw. With all the confidence I never had before, then I asked, quietly, “You want me?”

His breath hitched, hands flexing before finding their place on my hips. “I do."

My core turned to liquid fire, an intense heat pulsing through me. My touch grazed his cheek, urging him closer. Our mouths met in a gentle, probing kiss, tender yet seeking. Parting my lips, I ventured deeper, eliciting a low groan from him as he pulled me closer, the contrast of our bodies igniting an electric connection. His taste was warm, hinting of desire and intimacy, as he kissed me back.

The shrilling of my phone startled me out of my sleep. I was having another sexy dream about Nicolas. I groaned as I woke up and picked up the call.

“Hello, Stella," I said, my voice husky with sleep.

A brief pause, and then Stella chuckled, “You're still in bed?"

“Yes, shouldn't I be?" I replied, sneaking a peek at the clock on the wall, and then I yelped.

"You're going to miss your flight if you don't get up now," Stella teased, laughter dancing in her voice.

"Apologies. I'll get ready right away." I hurriedly jumped out of bed.

"Alright, dear. See you soon," Stella chimed before ending the call.

Stepping out of the airport with my suitcase in hand, the heat and humidity embraced me. Sweat formed on my forehead as the sun beat down. Scanning the crowd, I spotted Stella waving by a car. Rushing over, we embraced, her warmth dispelling the exhaustion of travel. She took my suitcase and guided me into the car.

As we drove away from the airport, I leaned back in my seat and took a deep breath. Anticipation filled me—I was here and soon, I'd see Nicolas.

“How was your trip?" Stella's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"It was good. Glad I made my flight." We chuckled.

"It's so good to see you. I've missed you!" Stella beamed.

"Likewise. I'm excited about your plans," I smiled back.

"Get ready for fun, but let's freshen up at home first." Stella winked mischievously.

“A lot has changed here". I said after a while as we drove through the bustling streets. Stella pointed out landmarks and shared stories, the city transformed since my last visit.

Arriving at her bustling neighborhood, we settled in before heading for a late lunch. Stella leads the way to a cozy restaurant, where we share a delicious meal and catch up on all the while they've been apart.

"So, tell me about Chris," Stella teased.

I blush. “Chris is a good man. We've been together for five months now". I tell her.

“I bet he is drop-dead gorgeous, just as you like them". She probes.

"And you. Going back to your ex," I ventured, curious about her decision.

“I know you're skeptical". Stella says with a sigh.

“It's your life Stella, and your decision to make who to spend the rest of your life with. I just want to know how it happened".

“I still loved him, and when I saw him again I couldn't deny what my heart desired. And he said he felt the same, so we gave it another try". She explains, obviously wanting so badly for me to understand her.

“So, you trust him now?" I cynically questioned.

“Everyone deserves a second chance". She answered solemnly.

“Does he know about my visit?" I inquired after a brief moment of silence.

“No, I want to surprise him". She replies, a glint of happiness returning to her eyes. “Will Chris be attending the wedding? I would love to meet him". She asks eagerly.

“He would love to, but work is making it uncertain".

“I pray he comes, it will be so nice to have him attend the wedding".

I nodded in agreement.

As we got back to Stella's apartment, all I could think about was to retire to bed and get some rest. Suddenly I heard a screeching noise from Stella as soon as we walked inside. I looked up and saw her in Nicolas's arms, both of them already kissing passionately. My blood boiled.

“I have been home for a while, where have you been?" He says once they stopped kissing. His voice was still as musky and sexy as I remembered.

“I have a surprise for you". Stella tells him instead, and gestures towards where I stood, transfixed.

“Melissa..." He calls my name with surprise.

“Hello Nicolas". I responded, holding his gaze, and immediately recognized we were thinking about the same thing at that moment. Our night of passion.

“It's been a while". He says, a slight frown forming on his face.

I nod.

“She came around for our wedding". Stella chipped in happily.

“Babe, our wedding is in two months". He tells her.

“We've some catching up to do, so she'll be staying with us till then". She says smiling at me.

“You live together?" I quickly asked.

“Yes, I moved in with Nicolas after our engagement". She says smiling at him.

“You're welcome to our home Melissa". Nicolas says dryly to me.

“Thank you". I answered, a bit bothered by his coldness.

Stella yawns and excuses herself as she heads to the bedroom, leaving us alone.

“So you both found your way back to each other". I said to him once we were alone.

“Some things are just meant to be, while some aren't". He says coldly and turns to leave.

“Good night Nicolas". I say quietly.