Page 51 of Nicky

For the first time in forever, I wasn’t running.

I was home.

CHAPTER 25

Markus

Carols spilled softly from the speakers as I stepped into the garden on Christmas night. The air was crisp, but the warmth of the fairy lights above wrapped everything in a golden glow, making the space feel like a scene from a holiday dream. The staff had outdone themselves—again. Blankets and pillows were scattered in clusters across the lawn for those who could sit comfortably, while nearby, rows of cushioned chairs and wheelchair-accessible seating offered a cozy spot for those needing more support. For the bedridden residents, a separate area indoors had been set up with small screens, each one positioned for easy viewing from a reclining chair or bed. Staff had gone out of their way to make sure everyone could join in the celebration, ensuring no one was left out of the magic of the evening.

I wandered closer, taking in the details. Someone had labeled the cookies “Diabetic-Friendly: Sweetened with Apple Purée,” and the popcorn was marked “Low Sodium, Low Fat.” Even the hot chocolate came with a card noting its use of unsweetened cocoa and skim milk. Thoughtful touches, every last one of them. This was what Christmas should feel like—care, community, connection.

I turned, searching the crowd instinctively. Nicholas wasn’t here yet.

I’d grown so used to his presence over the past couple of weeks, the dynamic between us shifting and deepening in ways I hadn’t expected. His smile, the way he lit up when he teased me, how his eyes softened when he looked at me—it was all new, yet it felt like I’d known it forever. He was my boy now, and I was his Daddy.

I spotted a couple of staff members chatting, a few of the elderly residents settling in with blankets, but still no sign of him. A knot of impatience formed in my chest; I was eager to see my boy. I let out a soft breath, willing myself to be patient and to relax into the festive cheer around me. He’d be here soon. And when he was, everything would feel complete.

Carl caught my eye first, his smile wide as he gestured to Mrs. Thompson. “Look at her! Told you she was spry enough to snag the best spot. That woman will elbow anyone out of her way for a good view.”

Mrs. Thompson cackled from her seat, knitting needles in hand. “Don’t you start, Carl. You’re just mad I beat you to it.”

Terri appeared at my side, handing me a cup of hot chocolate. “You’d think they were on a game show, not setting up for a movie night.”

“Competitive spirit keeps them young.” I sipped, the warmth cutting through the evening chill. My gaze drifted toward the entrance again.

Terri’s voice turned sly. “He’s coming. Relax, Doctor Daddy.”

Nearly choked on my drink. “Terri…”

She winked and walked off before I could recover.

A sudden shift in the air caught my attention, and my heart leapt before I could stop it. There, walking in through the garden entrance, was Nicholas.

His hair looked so perfect, exactly like the first day we met when he came huffing and puffing into my office, my—his—hoodie pulled low over his head, and those damn jeans that fit him just right. The glow of the fairy lights caught the sharp edge of his cheekbones as he looked around, catching sight of me. He smiled—a small thing, but it hit me straight in the chest, as if he’d just thrown me a lifeline.

I swallowed hard and forced myself to breathe. He was late—again. But damn, if he didn’t make every single second of waiting worth it.

Still, this was a work event, and while we had the freedom to be together, we couldn’t forget the professional lines we still had to walk. As much as I wanted to pull him into me, claim him in front of everyone like I’d done in the privacy of my home... I couldn’t. Not here.

I saw the glint in his eyes as he spotted me, a little challenge, a little mischief. Typical.

“Late again, huh?” I muttered under my breath, loud enough for him to hear but not so much that anyone else would catch it.

His smirk turned a shade more devious as he strode toward me, casually, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, all too aware of the power he had over me. He slowed his pace when he was near, looking around, aware of the eyes on us, the staff and the residents still gathered in their cozy spots.

But then, he did it.

He winked.

And damn it, my heart almost stopped. My hand twitched, and I had to clench it into a fist to keep myself from reaching for him. That look—he was daring me to cross a line I knew we couldn’t, not here.

I leaned in close enough that only he would hear, my voice dropping to a low growl. “You’re lucky we’re at work, Nicky. You’re testing my patience.”

He didn’t flinch. Instead, he tilted his head and, with that bratty little smirk I loved so much, he said, “You know I can’t help myself. I’m just too cute for my own good.”

“Careful, brat,” I warned, my voice still quiet but the possessive edge to it unmistakable. “I might have to remind you who’s in charge if you keep making me wait.”

His lips parted as if he was going to say something, but instead, he just rolled his eyes. “Oh, please. I know you love it when I keep you on your toes.”

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