Chapter 16
"Do you want to go to my place? It's already late," said James hesitantly, as he avoided her gaze.
Nima's cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she looked at James. She could feel her heart racing and her palms growing slightly sweaty. "If you're fine with it," she responded softly, her eyes darting to the ground in her shyness, unable to meet his gaze.
James stuttering as he speaks, his nerves evident. "I just thought it might be more comfortable than staying out here, and we can continue talking," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "But only if you're okay with it."
Nima nodded slowly, her heart fluttering. "I'd like that," she whispered, a small smile forming on her lips despite her shyness. "It sounds nice."
James and Nima decided to head to James's house. As they walked, James squeezed Nima's hand gently. "How about I cook us dinner tonight?" he suggested looking at Nima with a soft smile.
Nima's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'd love that. What's on the menu?"
"Me", James replied with a wink, enjoying the playful banter that came so naturally between them.
Nima cheeks turned red after hearing what James had said. She fanned herself lightly with her hand, "What do you mean 'Me'?" asked Nima her eyes wide nervously looking up at James as they both were holding hands and walking together.
James looked down at Nima, a playful smile spreading across his face as he enjoyed her reaction to his words. His eyes sparkled with affection, clearly delighted by the effect he had on her.
At James's house, he guided Nima into the cozy living room. "Make yourself at home. I'll wash up and make us dinner.
Nima settled onto the sofa, feeling at ease in James's home. She glanced around, taking in the warm, inviting atmosphere.
James was dressed in casual home attire, wearing an apron as he entered the kitchen to prepare dinner. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular, veiny arms. His hair was tied back, exposing his strong neck and broad shoulders, with a few strands falling loosely from behind his ear. Nima couldn't help but admire his rugged beauty, captivated by his effortlessly sexy appearance.
"Tonight's special is spaghetti carbonara, accompanied by a fresh garden salad," he announced with a flourish, looking at Nima with a smile.
Nima laughed, charmed by his theatrics. "That sounds delicious. Do you need any help?"
"Nope, just sit back and relax. I've got this," James assured her.
As he cooked, Nima watched him with admiration. The aroma of garlic and bacon filled the air, making her mouth water. James moved with the ease and confidence of a professional chef, his actions smooth and deliberate. Occasionally, he glanced playfully toward Nima, their eyes meeting in fleeting but charged moments that made her heart flutter.
Dinner was ready in no time. James brought the plates to the table with a proud smile, and they sat down together to enjoy their meal at the dining table.
"This is amazing, James," Nima said after taking a bite. "I didn't know you were such a great cook." Her eyes brightened up as she was surprised by his cooking.
James grinned. "There's a lot you don't know about me," he teased, winking.
Nima leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "Oh really? Like what?"
"Well," James said, adopting a mock-serious tone, "I'm also an excellent dancer. Maybe I'll show you my moves after dinner."
Nima giggled. "I'll hold you to that."
After dinner, James set the mood with soft music, just as he'd promised. He pulled Nima into a gentle dance, their bodies swaying together to the rhythm. Nima, though a bit inexperienced with dancing, did her best to keep up. As James spun her lightly, she stumbled over her own feet and tumbled to the floor with a soft thud.
James couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement and affection. "Careful there," he said, extending a hand to help her up. "I promise, I'm not trying to make you fall for me—though it seems you're doing a pretty good job of it on your own."
With a tender smile, James lifted her effortlessly, as if she were as light as a feather, and gently settled Nima onto the sofa. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Nima's heart raced as she felt the warmth of his touch.
Nima nodding her head in embarrassment, "I'm fine."
"It's getting late; we should go to bed," James said softly. He gently lifted Nima and carried her to his room, carefully settling her in his bed. "You stay here, and I'll take the couch," he offered.
As he turned to leave, Nima grasped his hand firmly, her touch delicate and warm. She gazed up at him with earnest eyes. "Stay with me," she pleaded, her voice a tender whisper.
James looked down at her with a loving smile. He gently stroked her hair and bent down to place a soft kiss on her forehead. "As you wish," he murmured, tucking her in lovingly before joining her in the bed.
He wrapped his arms around Nima, his touch tender and reassuring. As he stroked her hair, she relaxed into his embrace, her breathing becoming steady and calm. The comfort of each other's presence lulled them both into a peaceful slumber.
In the middle of the night, a strange noise woke her up, she looked at the side of the bed to find it empty, she looked around for James-