Page 18 of Wild For You

“Everything with Nico feels so... intense, but right,” I whispered, tracing the rim of my coffee cup, thoughts swirling like the steam rising up. “It’s like waking up to find the last piece of a puzzle that you didn’t even know was missing.”

Molly reached across the table, tapping my hand in a rhythm that matched the jukebox's soft hum. “Girl, it sounds like you're falling for him—hard. And honestly?” Her blue eyes sparkled, mirroring the conviction in her voice. “I think it's about time.”

I smiled, cheeks flushing a rosy hue that rivaled the neon 'Open' sign flickering outside. “I am. Falling, I mean.” I exhaled, a weight lifting as the words took flight. “But after everything with Michael, taking it slow with Nico seems like the only way I can trust this... whatever this is.”

“Josie, listen to me.” Molly's voice was firm yet gentle. “You've always been the one to see the beauty in every moment, to capture it behind your lens. Now, I want you to do the same with your heart.”

I traced the rim of my mug with my finger, watching the steam rise and dissipate into the air. Molly's words, though simple, carried the weight of a thousand unspoken dreams.

“Be honest with yourself,” Molly continued, leaning forward, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that demanded attention. “What is it that you truly want?”

The question hovered between us, a challenge and an invitation all at once. I took a deep breath, chest rising as I felt the tethers of my past loosening their grip. My heart, for so long guarded behind a fortress of caution, now beat with a rhythm that beckoned me towards honesty—towards Nico.

“I want…” I began, the words catching in my throat like autumn leaves in a gentle stream. “I want to let myself feel everything with Nico. The fear, the joy, the uncertainty—all of it.”

Molly's hand reached out, enveloping mine in a squeeze that spoke volumes. “Then that's what you'll do. Embrace it. Let those feelings in.”

My mind raced with the clarity of a photographer who had just found the perfect shot.

12

Josie

I squinted against the brilliance as I approached the playground where Nico stood, his daughter Haley at his side, her laughter cutting through the distance like a melody.

“Hey, Josie!” Haley called out, her voice a chipper chirp that drew a smile from my lips.

“Hi there, Haley-Bear,” I greeted, my heart warming at the sight of the eight-year-old bouncing with excitement. I turned to Nico, taking in his casual stance, his black hair ruffled by an errant breeze. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Thought it'd be nice, you know,” Nico said, his voice a low timbre that somehow deepened the color of the day. “To hang out a little.” His eyes, dark and fathomless, glanced away, betraying a vulnerability that belied his solid frame.

I felt the guarded walls around my heart soften just a touch. “I’m glad you did.”

“Come push me on the swings, Josie!” Haley tugged at my hand, pulling me toward the set of swings that swayed gently in the wind.

“Okay, okay,” I chuckled, caught up in the child's infectious energy. I positioned myself behind Haley and gave a gentle push,sending the little girl soaring into the air, her curls catching the sunlight.

“Higher!” Haley squealed, and I obliged, her own spirit lifting with each push.

Nico joined us, standing beside me with an ease that felt new yet familiar. He watched them, a softness touching his features. Then, without a word, he reached down and scooped up a ball that lay forgotten in the grass.

“Think fast!” he called out, tossing the ball to Josie with a playful arc.

My photographer's reflexes kicked in, and I caught it, laughing. “Is this how you treat all your picnic guests?” I teased, throwing the ball back.

“Only the ones I like,” Nico replied, a smirk dancing on his lips.

Haley ran towards us, joining in the game of catch, her giggles punctuating each successful toss. It was rare for me to let my guard down, but with Nico and Haley, it was natural.

The ball flew between us, a tangible connection that seemed to pull me closer to this father-daughter duo who had unwittingly become a part of my world. Each time my fingers brushed against Nico's in a passing exchange, a spark flickered, igniting something within me that I dared not name.

As we played, I caught glimpses of Nico—the tender way he looked at Haley, the unguarded smiles he shared with her—and I recognized the longing in myself for the kind of love that was fearless and pure.

“Your turn to push me, Daddy!” Haley declared.

“Alright,” Nico said, stepping up to the swing set, placing his hands on the chains, and pushing Haley toward the sky, her delighted shrieks filling the air.

“Look at me, Josie! I'm flying!”

---