NO STRINGS ATTACHED

TWENTY THREE

                      Nick got in his car and sped over to James Boulevard. He glanced at his watch, perfect timing. He didn't like being deceitful, he didn't mind being a little manipulative, but it was all for a good cause.

He hoped so, at least.

That woman had a mind of her own, she probably wouldn't even get into the car. Or much less agree to see him. But he was going to use his business strategies and charming was to persuade her. He had never lost a challenge, nor backed down from one. Abby was the hardest one he'd ever faced.

He didn't believe what she had said, he just couldn't. She was just afraid. Of what? He would never hurt her, he wasn't that type of man. He was gonna make whoever had hurt her pay. His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter.

He loved her. Or was he one of those people that just couldn't accept the word no?  Sure she had wounded his pride more than once, but he couldn't give up. He just couldn't.

He knew she had been lieing about seeing someone else and that she didn't have any plans, well with Carey and his fiancé, but this wouldn't have been possible without the two of them.

He was just on time.

The backdoor swung open and a woman in faded blue jeans, white Tee's and nude heels stepped out. She locked the door and started walking again.

Abby saw him instantly, stopping dead in her tracks. He was leaned casually against the hood of his Bentley, hands in pocket. There was a quick flash of joy then it was just as quickly gone.

"Hello, Abbigail." He greeted her. "I was just coming from the office."

"You work in this area?" She asked suspiciously.

"For now, yes." There was a pause. It wasn't a complete lie, neither was it the complete truth. "I tried calling you yesterday. I left a couple messages."

"Beauty of answering machines." It had taken every bit of her self control to make it through the day without listening them.

I wanted to hear your voice." He said solemnly.

"Was heading in the same direction, saw the lights on in your upstairs office and figured you must be working late. Took a chance. On my way I can drop you off." He knew she didn't have her own car and it was a while before the bus came by.

She chewed on her bottom lip. She just stood there staring at him for a while. "I am tired, Nick. I just want to go straight home." She finally admitted, then walked towards his car.

He walked over casually opening that passenger door for her. She got in, closed the door, did her seat belt.

He pulled away, asking a few questions about her work, pleased when she  began about the new recipes she was putting together.

By the park, instead of continuing straight, he turned left. Only five minutes later did she looked around.

"This isn't the way downtown!"

                 ☀️☀️☀️

Nick wanted to laugh at the look on her face when he locked her side of the car. "I know geography, I'm kidnapping you."

"This isn't funny, Nick. I don't ___" She shrieked.

"Listen Abby, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way." His tone took on a hard edge that made her pulse quicken. "Either way, you'll hear what I have to say."

Defeated, she shut her eyes pressing the back of her head into the head rest. She knew it was a bad idea getting in.

"Thank you." He exhaled audibly. "I called your assistant to confirm the rest of your night was clear, the rest of your weekend activity. So is mines. There's a wonderful bed and breakfast inn just south of here."

"I have my own life outside of work Nick," Now she was furious. "And I'm not gonna be playing house with you."

"Yep." He said, popping the P

"Take me home now." She demanded.

"Abbigail, relax. Live a little." He glanced over at her.

"Don't tell me what to do. The next stop I am out of here." Abby folded her arms, leaned back and shut her eyes. She exhaled.

Nick hadn't thought about that. In fact he had no idea of what to do if she reacted this way. "If you really want to, I'll drive you home right--"

"Like I'd believe you." She interrupted shaking her head.

He glanced over at her. Her voice had a slight quiver to it. "If you really can't change one small thing about yourself, then yes, I'd drive you home this instant and you'll never hear from me again."

Abby remained silent.
"I did change something." Abby retorted angrily, hurt. "I fell in love with you and it scared the hell out of me."

He glanced over at her at the red light and saw tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Abbigail."
When she didn't respond he continued. "Abby, I'm the man you're in bed with. You think I didn't learn a whole lot about you while we were making love?"

"Making love?" She fiddled with her thumb.

"You trusted me to be intimate with your body knowing you've had scars. Then you showed me the door faster than you can say the word bed."

"You scare me sometimes, Nick." She says barely above a whisper.

"You think I'm not scared? I've haven't felt this alive in years, I haven't spoken about my father in years. You're not the only one who's leaping on faith here."

"You? You were practically seen with a new woman each month." Abby blurted out then quickly regretted it.

"And told me to leave." He says and realised that it was the truth. "Those were business associates."

Abby frowned but didn't say a word.

He realised that she'd made no motion to leave.

"I don't know why we are so drawn to each other, but I love you." He said roughly. "Don't push me away."

She stared straight ahead of her, into the distance.

"Juvi was a piece of cake compared to this." She wiped at a fallen tear. She was quiet again. "I don't have anything to wear."

"I bought you some things." He grinned widely at her. "And I've got to hear that juvi story."

"How do you know my size?"

"I have sisters, Abby." He said solemnly. "And a damn good photographic memory. Most of your time spent together my hands have been gripping, feeling, sliding all ___"

"I get it, Nick." She blushed in the moonlight.

"A couple dresses, sandals, a swim suit and let me warn you, there's not much to the night gown I bought."

"A night gown ... Hmm."

He was scared, but he was going to take things one day at a time. Starting with tomorrow.