CHAPTER 170: WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS (2)

Georgia’s POV

We ended up actually eating inside the fast-food chain instead of just grabbing takeout.

Nick told me to grab us a table while he went to order. I picked a spot by the window, watching him as he joined the line at the counter. The sight made me smile without meaning to.

This man, tall, striking, and so out of place in the harsh fluorescent lights of a fast-food joint, was waiting patiently like everyone else. Unlike in his office, where he orders everyone else around.

He didn’t belong there. And maybe that’s exactly why my chest felt warm. Because he chose to be here—with me. A man who could have taken me anywhere, yet he was standing there ordering burgers just because I said I wanted one. The thought made me feel... special. Treasured.

When he finally returned, balancing the tray in his hands, my heart did a little flip. I couldn’t help but watch him closely as he carefully set everything on the table. He even unwrapped my burger before unwrapping his own, like I was a child who couldn’t do anything on her own.

"Is this a date?" I teased, raising a brow just as he lifted his burger for the first bite.

He paused midair and smirked. "No," he said after a beat, voice low and playful. "This is just two people in a romantic relationship, eating at a fast-food chain because they’re too busy with work to have a proper dinner."

I burst out laughing, covering my mouth as I tried not to draw attention. He grinned, amused, watching me fall apart in giggles until he couldn’t hold back and chuckled along with me.

"What’s so funny?" he asked, shaking his head, though his eyes were warm and soft. Then he leaned closer, dropping his voice like he was letting me in on a secret. "And please don’t count this as a date. I wouldn’t make you eat fast food on our second date. This is just us, eating your comfort food."

The way he said ’our second date, made my stomach flutter harder than the burger could ever fill it.

"I was just teasing you, and look at you getting all defensive," I said, grinning as his ears actually turned pink. "But it’s sweet that you remembered we’ve only had one date. Makes me wonder... when’s the next?" I leaned in, deliberately teasing again.

His gaze burned into mine, earnest and raw. "I would, every single day—if you didn’t keep turning me down whenever I asked. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you."

My heart twisted at the sincerity in his voice, so I pouted playfully to cover up how much it struck me. "I’m sorry. I promise I’ll make it up to you. Ollie said Irene and Frank have finally been found, so once the office calms down, I’ll give you all of my time. I promise."

His expression lit up instantly—like a boy told he’s finally going to the carnival. His eyes sparkled, wide with excitement. "Really? You promise?"

I laughed, shaking my head at how adorable he looked. "Yes. I promise."

He leaned closer, dropping his voice low but making sure I caught every word. "Well... you can start paying some of that debt tonight. You can scream as loud as you want in my penthouse. We’ll break in every corner of the house if you’d like." He finished with a wicked grin, wiggling his brows for emphasis.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head. "Nick!" I gasped, darting quick glances around us. Sure enough, the people at the nearby tables were trying and failing not to stare. My cheeks flamed so hot I could’ve sworn steam was coming out of my ears.

"Shut up and eat faster!" I hissed, mortified.

He just threw his head back and laughed, clearly proud of himself. That man knew exactly what he was doing.

When we finally arrived at his place, the driver was already by the door with my stuff. Nick didn’t waste a second; he dismissed him quickly, almost impatiently, like he couldn’t wait to have me to himself... I know how his mind works by now.

My chest fluttered as he punched in the code at the door. I didn’t know why my heart was racing so fast, but the mix of nerves and excitement made it hard to breathe. I was about to step into his world, see the space where he lived, where he was most himself.

The door clicked open, and Nick turned to me with that boyish grin that always made my knees weak. "Welcome to my house," he said in a playful tone before tugging me gently inside.

The moment I stepped in, I froze—taking it all in. The first thing that hit me was the warmth of the colors: the soft, wood-like floors in light brown, cream-colored walls that made the place feel airy, paired with dark brown cabinets and shelves that gave it depth.

Moving further in, my eyes widened at the open-concept living and dining area. It was this perfect balance between modern industrial and rustic charm, effortlessly masculine yet inviting.

"Wow..." I whispered, turning slowly as I admired the space. "You have good taste. I like the interior of this place."

"I’m glad you do," he said, watching me more than the house itself. "Wine?"

I nodded, still distracted, my gaze wandering. As he disappeared into the kitchen, I walked toward the white leather sofa, but something on the console table made me stop. A collection of picture frames.

I leaned closer and my lips curved at the sight—Nick with Oliver, Nick with Liam and Vicky in her graduation robe, Nick as a boy. Then my eyes fell on one photo that made me pause: Vicky, his father, and a woman I didn’t recognize.

Nick came back just then, two glasses of wine in hand. He followed my gaze, and before I could ask, he spoke with casual honesty. "That’s my mom. My biological mom and Vicky’s." He handed me the glass, his eyes soft. "I told her about you. She wants to meet you so badly."

I nearly dropped the glass. My heart skipped a beat, leaving me staring at him in shock. So Violet is not his real mother... And he told his mother about me?

I am getting dizzy... and I haven’t drank yet... I am not sure if I am shocked over Violet or the fact that his real mom already knows about me.