Chapter: 812

She didn't want to give him any reason to keep pestering her.

Nikolas handed Aimee a white T-shirt, saying, "Keep it, you don't have to give it back. I've got plenty more."

"Okay." Aimee slipped into the shirt, grabbed her phone, and headed for the door.

Nikolas followed her, pausing as she reached to open the door.

“You're leaving just like that?"

"What else do you want?" she replied, her mind racing with the complications he had thrust upon her.

Jayson had already sensed something was amiss during their brief phone call. While it was easier to distract her parents, Jayson was a different story-clever and not easily deceived.

"Give me your phone number," Nikolas said, not keen on waiting outside her parents’ place again.

“There's no need. I've already told you, we're not a good match."

“And what would make me a good match for you?" he asked, grabbing her arm and looking intently into her eyes.

"Nothing," Aimee said, struggling to free herself without losing her cool. She feared angering Nikolas, who might pull her back into a situation she was desperate to escape. "Listen, a lot has happened lately, and I need some space to think things through. Let me go home, sort out my thoughts, and I'll give you a reply when I'm ready."

Nikolas could tell that Aimee wasn't sincere.

"Reply? How will you give me a reply?" he asked.

They didn't even have each other's phone numbers. Was he expecting her to just show up here to respond?

Aimee bit her lip, then offered, “Fine, save my number..."

As she recited the digits and turned to leave, Nikolas caught hold of her sleeve and dialed the number.

However, the number didn't exist.

Aimee didn't know he would call right away.

The air hung heavy with awkwardness.

Nikolas stared at her, wordless.

Rubbing her forehead, Aimee sighed. “Maybe I got a number wrong? Try again."

She rattled off the numbers once more; he dialed, and this time, her phone rang.

"Is it okay now? Then I'm off now."

Her eyes flicked to his hand, still clutching her sleeve.