Updated Feb 25, 2026 • ~4 min read
POV: Gabi
Three weeks of dating Nix.
Three perfect weeks.
Dinner dates. Coffee dates. Movie nights.
Walks in Discovery Park.
Kisses that make my toes curl.
We’re taking it slow.
No sleepovers yet.
No rushing into anything.
But I’m ready for more.
We’re at his apartment.
First time he’s invited me over.
“It’s not much,” he says, opening the door.
It’s masculine. Clean. Organized.
Books everywhere.
A piano in the corner.
“You have a piano!”
“I told you I played.”
“Play something for me.”
“I’m rusty.”
“I don’t care.”
He sits.
Pats the bench beside him.
I sit.
His fingers find the keys.
And he plays.
Something beautiful.
Melancholy but hopeful.
I watch his hands.
The concentration on his face.
When he finishes, I’m crying.
“That bad?” he teases.
“That beautiful.”
He wipes my tears.
Kisses me softly.
“I wrote it for you.”
“What?”
“The night after your divorce was finalized. I couldn’t sleep. So I played. And this came out.”
My heart swells.
“Nix…”
“I’m falling for you, Gabi. Hard.”
“I’m already fallen.”
He pulls me closer.
Deepens the kiss.
I thread my fingers through his hair.
He groans.
“We should stop,” he breathes.
“Why?”
“Because if we don’t, I’m going to ask you to stay. And we agreed to take it slow.”
“What if I don’t want slow anymore?”
He pulls back.
Looks at me.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Gabi, I don’t want to rush you—”
“You’re not. I’m ready. I promise.”
“Okay. But not tonight.”
“Why not?”
“Because when we take that step, I want it to be special. Planned. Not impulsive on my couch.”
I laugh.
“You’re such a romantic.”
“Only for you.”
NIX
The next day, I plan.
Flowers. Candles. Wine.
Clean my entire apartment.
New sheets on the bed.
I’m nervous.
Like a teenager on prom night.
Tate stops by.
“Whoa. What’s all this?”
“Gabi’s coming over tonight.”
“And?”
I don’t answer.
“Oh. OH. It’s happening.”
“Don’t make it weird.”
“Too late. It’s already weird. You’re in love with your client.”
“Ex-client.”
“Semantics.”
“She’s amazing, Tate.”
“I know. I’ve seen you two together. You’re disgustingly happy.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“No. It’s great. Just… don’t screw it up.”
“Helpful. Thanks.”
He leaves.
I finish setting up.
Gabi arrives at 7.
Wearing a dress I haven’t seen before.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
She looks around.
“This is… wow.”
“Too much?”
“It’s perfect.”
I pour wine.
We sit on the couch.
“I made dinner,” I say.
“You cook?”
“I try.”
Pasta. Garlic bread. Salad.
Nothing fancy.
But she loves it.
“This is delicious.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
We eat. Talk. Laugh.
After dinner, we move back to the couch.
“Nix?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m nervous.”
“Me too.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. It’s been a while. And I care about you. I don’t want to mess this up.”
“You won’t.”
I cup her face.
Kiss her slowly.
“You’re sure about this?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything.”
GABI
He carries me to his bedroom.
Sets me down gently.
“Still okay?”
“Still okay.”
He kisses me.
Slow. Reverent.
Like I’m precious.
This is different than with Brandon.
Brandon was performative.
Going through the motions.
This is real.
Present.
Two people choosing each other.
Afterward, we lie tangled together.
His fingers tracing patterns on my skin.
“That was…”
“Yeah.”
I rest my head on his chest.
Listen to his heartbeat.
“Nix?”
“Mm?”
“I love you.”
His arms tighten around me.
“I love you too.”
“Is it too soon to say that?”
“No. It’s exactly the right time.”
I smile.
Close my eyes.
For the first time in years, I feel safe.
Cherished.
Loved.
Really loved.
The next morning, I wake up in Nix’s arms.
Sunlight streaming through the windows.
He’s already awake.
Watching me.
“Creepy,” I tease.
“Sorry. You’re just… really beautiful when you sleep.”
“I probably drool.”
“You do. It’s cute.”
I hit him with a pillow.
He catches it.
Pulls me on top of him.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
We kiss.
“I could get used to this,” I say.
“Waking up together?”
“Yeah.”
“Me too.”
My phone buzzes.
I ignore it.
It buzzes again.
“You should check that.”
I reach for my phone.
Marissa: Brandon’s sentencing is today. Thought you’d want to know.
My stomach drops.
“What’s wrong?” Nix asks.
“Brandon’s sentencing is today.”
“Do you want to go?”
I think about it.
“No. I don’t need closure from him. I have everything I need right here.”
He smiles.
Kisses my forehead.
“Want to stay in bed all day instead?”
“That sounds perfect.”
So we do.
And for once, Brandon Vale is the furthest thing from my mind.
END OF CHAPTER 21
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