chapter 21 (uncut)

\\This chapter contain sexual mature content. Not a recommended read for under age 18\\

Queue Ariana Grande's 'Safety Net'

After Zara's piano lesson Nickolas mom takes her for the weekend. She has come to the decision to end things with Miles. Her heart is not in it. She can't continue the charade of having feelings for him. She flips the phone in her hands a few times before making the call. First an apology for wasting his time. Telling him there is no growing connection on her end. Assuring him she is the problem not him. Wishing him the best on his business endeavors. It feels like a weight off her shoulders.

Pulling a book off of the case she attempts to read. Rereading the same page twice, she returns the book to the shelf. Staring at the blank television she pulls up Herrings number on her phone. She sighs. Setting the phone on the couch she decides to make popcorn. Two spoonful's of oil into the pot. One heaping handful of kernels. Giving the pot a shake to coat the kernels. She turns the heat on medium high. With crossed arms she looks at the phone lying on the couch. The sound of popping fills the kitchen as the kernels change texture. Once done a dash of salt on top before she throws a few pieces into her mouth.

Failing to restrain herself any longer she takes the phone and pulls up his number again.

Nickola: Can we talk?

Nickola: In person.

Nickola: Tonight?

Patiently hoping for a rapid response she scoops out a handful of popcorn from the pot. Moments later a ding from the phone.

Herring: Your place or mine?

Her face lights up.

Nickola: Yours. 7:00

Herring: See you then.

She smiles holding the phone under her chin.

******

Herring opens the door wearing a white robe. His hair is dripping wet. Nickola has a curious look on her face.

"I was having a shower," he dries his hair with the towel. Water beads show on his exposed chest.

Nickola enters and closes the door behind her. The sound of music coming from the back of the apartment. He walks to his room.

"I want to apologize for yesterday," hanging her jacket on the dining room chair.

"What?" he questions from his room and turns the music low.

"I said. I want to apologize for my attitude last night," a little louder. She slowly walks to his room.

"No worries." He pulls on a pair of grey sweatpants. "The night ended a bit unpleasant for all of us," drying his hair again.

**play Safety Net**

Nickola stands in the doorway. It's the first time she's sees him shirtless. He's perfectly toned.

"I've been thinking about the age gap between us and," she moves into the room.

"And," he hangs the towel on the doorknob and sits at the foot of the bed.

"I'm over it."

"When did you arrive to this conclusion?"

"I've been thinking about it for a few weeks." She takes a deep breath. "I never stopped having feelings for you." She sits next to him and turns her body toward his.

"What about that guy from last night?" His damp hair adding to his attractiveness.

"We broke up."

Herring's eyes are on the floor.

"I know my feelings are- were all over the place. If you don't want to be with me I get it. I just wanted to get this off my chest."

She attempts to leave. He grabs her by the hand and stands up.

Taking her face in his hands, "Nickola. I am absolutely mad for you."

Her hands holding his wrists. His lips slowly make their way to hers. They kiss passionately.

"I've missed you," she says between kisses. Her hands fall to his waist. One hand finding its way inside his boxers and travels over the length of his bulge. The kissing intensifies. She breaks away. Removing her black t-shirt and black leggings before plopping onto the bed. He bends down over her stopping to view the panther crawling down her thigh.

"Number four," he says before locking lips with her again.

Bodies synced they move toward the head of the bed. His tongue makes a wet line from her earlobe to her collar bone. A deep exhale escapes her. He playfully brushes his nose against hers. Kisses trace a swirl over her chest to her areola. Taking her breast in his mouth his tongue circles her nipple as he softly sucks. He unhooks her bra tossing it to the floor. She removes her panties and tosses them by her bra. Finger tips skim her abdomen until detained at her pearl. Biting his bottom lip at the site of her woman hood. Her back arches as he gently teases her clit. She moans gently. His lips press hard upon hers. She pulls delicately on his rock hard length.

"I want it," she whispers.

Briefly he gazes into her eyes. Then grabs a condom from the top drawer. Removing his sweatpants and boxers he rolls the condom on. Lifted up on her elbows she observes his handsome physique. His eyes admire her body before climbing into bed. He slides inside her while simultaneously kissing her. Their lips finding it hard to connect as he thrust in and out. The movement of his hips slow and gentle. Pressing into his back with her fingers as she pants lightly.

"Nikki you feel so good," he whispers.

She wraps her legs around his body. Her panting increases as she reaches ecstasy. Seconds later he falls to her side after reaching his. He throws the condom into the trash and wipes himself clean with the towel. They lie silently for a while. She reaches for her bra and panties.

"Stay," he demands softly. "Please," pleading with his eyes.

"I don't have anything to sleep in."

"You can sleep in one of my shirts," he offers.

"Okay," she smiles. "I'm gonna go freshen up."

He puts on a clean pair of boxers and olive green pajama pants. When she returns there is a grey Superdry t-shirt for her to wear.

"Alexa stop the music." The music stops. "Are you hungry? I'm going to order take away," he turns on the television.

"No thanks," she pulls the shirt over her heard.

After eating his burger he rejoins Nickola in the bed. She curls up beside him resting her head on his chest. They watch 'How to get away with Murder' until she falls asleep.