Chapter 13 #3
“Last night was amazing, but I got the impression that you were really tense when you came over,” I say, holding him close and meeting his gaze. “You needed me more than before, it felt like you were almost angry.” My voice is soft.
He rests his forehead against mine and gently rubs my lower back.
“Nothing escapes you, does it, Nora?”
“I’m afraid not. Do you want to tell me what’s wrong?”
“I was up late with Eric dealing with those stupid vandals, and then I stayed up too long afterward and couldn’t sleep. I was wound up and frustrated.”
I feel him tense up again at the memory.
“And then you thought: I’ll just fuck Nora and get the frustration out?” I tease. My words blunter than usual.
I meant it innocently, but Andreas is anything but amused. He takes a step back and looks at me sharply.
“I didn’t just use you, Nora. I wanted… I…”
He struggles to find the words, and I know exactly why. If we’re not a couple, if he doesn’t have feelings for me, then technically all he’s doing is “using me.” Not that I mind, or don’t want it, but it is what it is.
“Andreas, I get it, I didn’t mean it as an attack. I agreed to our ‘arrangement’ without a label.” I use my fingers to make air quotes. “I think that means you’re allowed to shamelessly use me.”
I force a seductive look and try to salvage the situation, but I can see Andreas isn’t pleased with what I’m saying. I’m not either, but it’s the reality.
“I don’t want to just use you, but I don’t deserve you either, Nora.”
“You keep saying that, but I don’t understand why.”
“That’s probably for the best.” He kisses me briefly before I can say anything. “I’ll see you this week before I leave. If anything comes up, call or text me, okay?”
“Okay, see you soon.”
I already feel lonely.
The next few days, I miss Andreas more than I’d like to admit, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
I try to keep busy, focusing on work to distract myself.
I just closed another sale on a villa, and I’m thrilled.
This one might not be on Andreas’s level, but it’s still a big deal.
Smiling, I’m reviewing the offer on my computer when Ella bounces into my office with my salad.
“So cheerful today, Nora? Sold another house?”
“Yep! I just read that the offer was accepted, so I can start drafting the paperwork again. I’m super happy!”
“Wow, this is going to be a good month for you, I think.”
“I certainly can’t complain,” I grin from ear to ear.
“I was hoping we could eat lunch together? It’s already two, so my lunch shift is over. I need to eat something too, or are you too busy now?”
Once again, I got so caught up in my work that I forgot what time it was and only ordered my salad at the last minute.
“Sure! There’s always work, but I can’t forget to eat either! I’m starving, and your company is always nice, Ella!”
Ella and I aren’t super close yet, but I feel our bond growing stronger every day.
She’s a fun, attractive girl with big ambitions.
She has a great sense of humor and is always in a good mood.
For the next half hour, we chat and enjoy our delicious meals.
I was just about to pry her secret recipe for that amazing vinaigrette out of her when the doorbell makes us both jump.
I was so engrossed in our conversation that I hadn’t noticed the delivery guy arrive.
“Package for Ms. Nora Dewolf.”
“That’s me.”
“Please sign here.”
I sign for it and wonder what’s inside the package. As far as I can remember, I haven’t ordered anything this week.
“Ladies, have a nice afternoon.”
The delivery guy winks at Ella and is gone as quickly as he arrived.
“Hmmm, maybe I should order more packages.”
Ella gazes longingly at the young, handsome delivery guy as he walks back to his van.
I realize I don’t know much about Ella’s love life.
Aside from the fact that she’s currently single, I know almost nothing.
I really need to change that soon. Meanwhile, I open the package and find a rich assortment of delicious Neuhaus chocolates, including all my favorite triangles, les Irrésistibles.
Fitting. How does he know these things? The note inside confirms my suspicion.
To the president of the fan club.
Always delicious.
A.
I blush immediately and can hardly hide my excitement. How he knew these were my favorite chocolates, I don’t even want to know.
“Okay, girl, spill it, do you have a secret admirer?” Ella peers curiously into the package and whistles meaningfully when she sees all the treats. “So, yes?”
“Maybe, yes, but it's not what you probably think.”
“Uh, what exactly do I think?”
“I know how it might look, but we’re not really a couple or anything. We’re kind of taking it day by day, you know?”
I blush again. Aside from Anna, I haven’t talked to anyone about Andreas. Even Dennis has no idea.
“A man who sends you chocolates?” Ella raises her eyebrows. “That’s a man who wants more than just ‘day by day’, Nora.”
I quickly push down the hopeful butterflies trying to take flight in my stomach.
“I’m afraid I have to disappoint you, Ella. Although I wish you were right,” I admit honestly.
“Who knows, girl, I’m hopeful for you.”
Ella doesn’t even know who it is, but she’s as optimistic as ever. She says it’s time for her to go again and gives me a tight hug before leaving. I take my phone and send Andreas a message.
Nora
The president thanks you!
Within a minute, I get a reply.
Andreas
You’re welcome, gorgeous.
It’s a good thing no one sees me here now, completely absorbed in my phone.
Andreas
I’ll come by tomorrow night? Around 8 p.m.?
Nora
Sure, shall we have dinner together?
Andreas
Gladly. Shall we go out to eat?
Nora
Perfect. X
Andreas
I’m already looking forward to it. X
The next day at 7:30 p.m., I’m busy getting ready for our evening out. Sexy lingerie set, check. I opt for a blue, satin, summery wrap skirt and a white, soft T-shirt. Simple, airy, playful, yet classy. I’m still doing my hair and makeup when the doorbell rings.
“Anna! What are you doing here? No longer bedridden?” I hug her immediately. “You look good, much better than two days ago! Come in.”
I’m glad I still visited Anna on Sunday evening, but I feel a little guilty because I’ve kept her at a bit of a distance as a friend lately. Maybe a very small distance, but still, since Andreas came into my life, I suddenly have secrets from her and a lot less time.
“I was finally allowed out of bed and just had to get out of the house. Melvin is driving me crazy.”
“So you’re feeling good and all the risk is gone? Water?” I take two glasses and start filling them.
“Please. There was never really a risk, but I just had to take it easy. I’m afraid Melvin is already an overprotective dad!” She rolls her eyes.
“Better that than the opposite.” I would know.
“Yeah, that’s true.” She gives my hand a meaningful squeeze. She knows I’d do anything to have two overprotective parents. “So, tell me, where are you off to? You look amazing!” she says enthusiastically.
“Out with Andreas. I’m afraid that he could show up any minute now.”
“Oh, Andreas? So, that's still going on? I really wanted to grill you on Sunday, but with Melvin there, I didn’t dare.” Thank goodness.
“It’s complicated,” I say with a faint laugh, “sometimes it drives me completely crazy. I still don’t know what to make of it, but it’s so much fun when we’re together, and I miss him when he’s gone.”
“Is it worth me telling you to watch out for a broken heart?” Anna can already sense the storm brewing.
“I’m afraid it’s already too late. Not that he’s broken my heart, but I’ve already given it to him.”
I take a big gulp of water and stare at the bottom of my glass.
“Are you in love?” Anna asks seriously.
“I’m afraid so,” I sigh. I’m glad I can be honest with Anna, but sad because of how things are. To protect myself I should be the one to end the game Andreas and I are playing. But I already know I can’t do it. “I’m afraid that if I bring it up, it’ll be over,” I admit.
“I understand, but at some point, you have to be honest with him and with yourself. It can’t go on like this, right? If you’re not on the same page, it’s only going to cause problems.”
“Yeah, I know.” I sigh. “Tomorrow morning, he’s leaving for Berlin for three days, and after that, we’re going to Zeebrugge for the weekend. Maybe that’s a good time to talk about where this is going.”
“That sounds like a good idea. You deserve someone who’s all in for you, Nora.”
He deserves that too. Too bad he doesn’t seem to realize it.
“I’m trying not to think about it for a few more days, and then we’ll see.”
Just not tonight. Not yet.
For the first time in my life, I’m procrastinating with pleasure.
Although Andreas is perfectly capable of breaking in, he has the decency to ring the doorbell tonight.
My heart skips a beat, and for a moment, I panic because Anna is still here, but then I realize it’s not a bad thing at all.
On the contrary, it’s about time those two met.
I open the door and kiss Andreas. He growls and pulls me close.
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment all day,” he says.
Reluctantly, I wriggle out of his grip.
“We have company, Andreas.”
Anna clears her throat in the background. Andreas notices her and smiles warmly.
“You must be Anna?” he says enthusiastically.
Is Anna blushing, or am I dreaming? Even with a baby on the way, she’s clearly not immune to Andreas’s charms.
“That’s me,” she says, giving him a scrutinizing look.
“Congratulations on the baby. Nora’s told me a lot about you,” Andreas continues.
“Thank you. About you too, actually,” she says seriously.
She smiles, but she’s clearly a little less charmed now. Her response isn’t just a statement but also a subtle warning.
“Okay, Anna, thanks for stopping by. I’ll drop by in the next few days, alright?” I say.
Anna gets the hint immediately, grabs her things, and comes over to me.