That was all he needed to say.
Sometimes even Jarrod was unsure of what he wanted, but his intentions were clear as day this time.
He wanted to fully embrace this pregnancy with Nicole, perhaps to make amends for his absence during her pregnancy with Austin.
The Life growing within Nicoleâs belly was theirs, and he was committed to it, no matter the obstacles.
Nicole stood up, her face etched with fatigue, saying, âI need to think it over before I give you an answer.
â
Although Nicoleâs stance had softened somewhat, it wasnât enough to put Jarrod at ease.
âIâll have Conor drive you back,â he offered.
Jarrod knew Nicole harbored a certain disdain for him, so he refrained from suggesting he drive her himself, despite his intense concern and his wish to be by her side.
Still, he understood her reluctance to accept his help.
Nicoleâs hesitation was clear.
She yearned for a moment alone to sort out her thoughts.
âIâll make my own way back,â she asserted firmly.
Jarrod paused but ultimately nodded, respecting her decision.
Nicole rose from her seat, ready to make her exit.
As Nicole approached the door, Jarrod trailed behind her.
âNicole,â he called out.
She stopped, feeling his presence behind her.
Jarrodâs voice lowered to a whisper.
âThink it over carefully.
Austin misses you terribly.
â
âs BunnyBookery His words carried a double-edged message, blending a subtle plea with an implicit warning.
Despite knowing how much Austin longed for her, Nicole felt powerless to change the situation.
âI will,â she replied, her voice tinged with resignation and sorrow.
As Nicole disappeared into the elevator, Jarrodâs gaze lingered on the descending lift, his heart sinking with each passing moment.
Conor approached Jarrod, intending to ask a question, but Jarrod stayed silent for what felt like an eternity.
A heavy silence settled between them until Conor, bracing himself, finally spoke.
âMr.
Schultzâ¦â
After what felt like an eternity, Jarrod finally broke his silence.
âFind someone trustworthy to protect her.
â
Feeling the distance in Jarrodâs demeanor, Conor couldnât shake off the sense of helplessness.
It was clear that his words had fallen on deaf ears.
Conor nodded respectfully and replied, âUnderstood.
â
âYou can leave now,â Jarrod commanded, his brow furrowing with intensity.
âRight away, sir.
â Conor nodded.
As Jarrod watched Conor leave, he added, âAnd remind them to be discreet.
We canât afford any slip-ups.
She must remain unaware.
â
Jarrod was wary of inadvertently causing Nicole to resent him with his protective measures.
Nicole was a force to be reckoned with.
When she declared she was done loving, she meant every word.
While she effortlessly moved forward, Jarrod found himself anchored to the past.
Jarrod found himself utterly captivated by Nicoleâs presence.
Every time she crossed his path or her name floated into conversation, it sparked a rush of awareness in him, like electricity coursing through his veins.
He realized he had fallen completely under her spell.