Chapter 7
The first light of the morning peeked over the horizon, splashing it's light across the back porch of Nick's house. I opened my eyes and squinted as I looked out towards the water. "This is just beautiful, I could spend the rest of my life right here." I thought as I sighed. I could feel Nick's breath on my neck as he continued to sleep. Happiness washed over me as I laid there completely wrapped in his arms. I tried to get up, but decided against it, so as to not wake him. He just looked so peaceful and so happy. I dozed off again as I listened to the waves wash up onto the beach below us.
*****
"Heather, it's time to wake up sweetie." Nick said as he gently shook me awake. "Hey, beautiful, come on…I made us breakfast."
I opened my eyes and gazed into his eyes…what a wonderful way to be woken up. He leaned down and kissed me gently on the forehead. "Come on sleepy-head, I made French toast for breakfast, are you hungry?"
"French toast? Sounds wonderful, just let me go and wash up a bit, and then I will join you in the kitchen."
"Sure thing. If you need something to change into, you can borrow a t-shirt or something from my room. Look in the top drawer of my dresser, there are tons to choose from." he said as he smiled at me.
I wandered down the hall to his room and stepped up to his dresser. On the top, I noticed a picture of the guys all together in matching outfits. It looked kind of like a promotional picture. I just admired how handsome Nick looked and then my thoughts turned to finding a t-shirt. "Ah…this one will do." I quietly said as I pulled out an oversized Dodgers jersey.
I walked into the bathroom, and gazed at the HUGE tub that was at the far end. "Hmm, you don't think he will mind if I just sit in the tub for a bit?" I thought to myself. Closing the door behind me, I then decided that a nice hot bubble bath would be wonderful. I turned on the water, then looked around the counter and soon found a bottle of massage therapy bubble bath. The water was very relaxing, and I soon dozed off again. I remember just laying back and relaxing in the tub, and then suddenly, the soft touch of Nick's hands. He brushed my bangs out of my face as I very slowly opened my eyes.
In an instant, I realized what was happening. "Oh gosh!" I panicked. "Nick, what are you doing in here???" I was totally shocked that he was in the same room with me, naked. I got so embarrassed that I slid under the water…and stayed there until I needed to come back up for air. As my head emerged from the water, I looked up to see Nick just smiling uncontrollably. At that instant, I turn bright red.
"You know, French toast doesn't taste too good when it's cold." he tried to joke, but then turned serious. "I got worried, so I came to look for you. The door was shut, but when I tried the handle, it was unlocked. I knocked, but there was no answer, so I came in. I am so sorry for embarrassing you. But you needn't worry, I didn't see anything, considering you put half the bottle of bubble bath in there!" He laughed as I put my hands over my eyes.
"I am so embarrassed. I just wanted to clean up a bit, but then I saw the tub, and it looked so relaxing and well, I just couldn't resist. But, I didn't mean to invade your privacy…honest. I mean, I am a guest here and I should have asked." I turned away, noticeably upset at my decisions.
"Hon, you are always welcome here and you should feel right at home. You can do anything you please. If I didn't want you here…I wouldn't have held you in my arms all night long. I love you." he whispered softly into my ear.
My thoughts flashed back to the night before and the words I thought I had heard before falling asleep. "Nick, I love you too." I said with a smile.
I stood up out of the water, the bubbles flowing off my body. I didn't have a care in the world at that instant. Nick looked over me and blushed, as reality set in. He felt a bit embarrassed, grabbed a towel and wrapped it around me. He then picked me up in his arms and carried me off to his room. I could feel my heart beat faster and faster as he lowered me down onto his bed. Then, I felt his lips meet mine and my body trembled as we embraced.
He pulled back and then looked into my eyes, uncertain of what to do next. He spoke softly, "Heather, have you ever looked into the eyes of someone and known instantly that they were the one for you?"
My eyes wandered away, but no matter how hard I tried…they always came back to meet his. "Yes, I have had that feeling twice now. The first time was a big mistake…" my voice trailed off, my eyes filling up with tears.
"And the second time, was it a mistake too?" he asked with a worried expression across his face. "I mean, well, I don't know what I mean. I love you Heather, and I knew the minute I looked into your eyes that day at the beach…you were the one." he finished.
"Nick, listen sweetie, the second time was when I looked into your eyes after you rescued me. And no, it was not a mistake. It's just that I am scared. The first time I had that feeling…I thought it would never go away…but I pushed it away. I…I couldn't do it. I couldn't allow myself to be tied down…I just couldn't…I love you Nick, but I am not sure that this can be, this is more than I can handle right now…" I said as I got up and tried to walk away, tears pouring down my face.
Nick was completely shocked at my words. He couldn't comprehend what I was saying. He blurted out…"Heather, do you really love me? What is causing you so much pain? Did I do something?" He walked towards me and tried to wrap his arms around me…but I just pushed him away.
I grabbed my clothes…and ran to the bathroom. I quickly got dressed and ran to the front door. Nick followed me, not understanding what was happening. "Heather, please, please don't leave me. I don't understand what is so wrong. I don't want you to go." his heart pouring out to me.
I could see the pain in his eyes…the pain I inflicted, as I ran out
the door and down the street.