↳ ❝𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝙄𝙓;❞

❝𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩,
𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙚.❞

𝘔𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘌𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺  𝘋𝘶𝘩é

「𝑰𝑺𝑨𝑩𝑬𝑳𝑳𝑨」

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑵𝑬𝑿𝑻 𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑰 𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑫𝑳𝒀 𝑮𝑶𝑻 𝑶𝑼𝑻 of bed. I didn't really want to get up. I had the night shift tonight but the doorbell had disturbed my beauty sleep. If it's Irina I swear I'll just go off. She likes waking me up bright and early when I worked at night.

I opened the door and instead of Irina I saw the hall covered in flowers. Roses, tulips, daises, sunflowers, chrysanthemums.. all kind of flowers. I smiled softly and a guy walked my way. "Isabella Ricci?" He asked. "Yeah that's me." I said. "Please sign here." He said and I signed.

He then placed all the flowers in my apartment and I found a card. I grabbed it and sat on the ground opening it.

𝑮𝒐 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆?

𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂

I smiled like an idiot. At the back of the card Nicola had wrote his phone number so I grabbed my phone and saved his number before calling him.

"Hello?" His voice was heard from the other line causing me to smile. "Hey it's me Bella." I said.

"Hey Issie. Good morning how are you?" He asked. "I'm good... I called to answer your question.. yes." I said.

"Yes what?" He asked and I'm sure he's smirking. He just wanted to hear it from me. "Yes I'll go on a date with you you idiot." I said causing him to laugh softly. "I guess you got the flowers." He said. "Nico you didn't have to thank you. But like my whole living room is filled with flowers." I chuckled.

"That was the point. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 8." He said. "Okay." I whispered a smile playing on my lips. "Bye." I said. "I'll see you soon." He said and with that we ended our call.

Who would have thought a month ago that I would allow a man in my life after everything I've been through.

I was scared opening up to a man again. But Nicola is showing that he cares and wants to know me. Why I must overthink every damn situation?

I got up and after I took a shower I got dressed and had breakfast. The weather was getting colder each day. That made me wanna stay in all day. I can't even drag my legs outside. I did the house chores. Cleaned around every corner of my apartment.

Yes I'm a freaking clean freak so what?

I've got OCD, Irina calls me a maniac clean freak but I just want my apartment clean and everything at it's place. Is that a crime?

I don't know how fast the time went by but when I finished it was time to get ready for work.

I looked through my clothes and sighed. I want something warm but also good enough for the hospital. When I finally found the perfect fit I got dressed.

I grabbed my coat and made my way downstairs. I was too lazy for makeup so I just didn't put on any. I let my hair down but as fast as I walked out of the apartment I regretted that decision since it was too windy.

I started walking towards the coffee store near my apartment to grab a tea but a car that stopped next to me made me turn my head and smile softly. Nico walked out and made his way towards me.

"Hey." He smiled. "Hi.. I thought you weren't coming today." I said tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear. "It's too cold come on let me drive you at work." He said and I smiled softly nodding. He opened the car door for me and closed it after I thanked him.

I put on my seatbelt and noticed a cup causing me to smile once again. "That's for you. It will warm you up." He said before driving. "Thank you." I said and held the cup taking a sip.

"How come you don't have a car if you don't mind me asking." He said and I looked down at the cup I was holding. "I just don't like driving." I shrugged. "How come?" He asked.

"I don't know it's just I get anxious and stuff so." I shrugged once again. Nico didn't push the conversation further and I'm glad about that. He pulled over once we arrived and opened the car door for me.

"You know you don't have to open the doors for me always." I smiled. "You deserve being treated like a Queen." He said causing my heart to skip a beat.

What is he doing to my heart? Easy there heart.

"Thank you." I smiled and started walking towards the entrance. "See you around doctor." He joked and I chuckled. "See you around." I said without turning my head his way.

I walked in the hospital and greeted everyone that I saw. I walked in my office and got ready for work. "Bella the medical director wants to see you." Irina said causing me to frown. "About what?" I asked confused. "I don't know girl. He just told me to inform you." She shrugged.

I was pissed at him. Okay I get it it was dangerous to take Elsa out but it would be for a few hours. She needs the fresh air and deserves to go out. It's been a long time since she got here.

"Okay thanks Iri." I said patting her shoulder before walking towards Thomas's office and knocked on the door. I heard a come in so I walked in closing the door behind. "You wanted to see me." I said. "Yeah I wanted to talk to you about the Elsa situation." He said causing me to nod. "Okay what's wrong?" I asked putting my hands on my coats pockets.

"I decided that it would be good for Kayla to spend some time out. You can take her at the weekend." He said causing me to smile. "W—what? Are you serious?" I asked covering my mouth. Thomas nodded and I smiled. "Thank you thank you so much." I said.

"You're welcome. You can go back to your work." He said smiling softly and I nodded. I left his office and walked towards Kayla's room. I can't wait to tell her we're spending the weekend together.

I knocked on the door before walking in. "Heyy." I said. "Bella." Elsa smiled. "Hi princess." I said hugging her. "Hi mamma bear." I said to Cindy causing her to chuckle.

"Guess what?" I smirked. "What?" Elsa asked excited. "We are spending the weekend together." I grinned causing her to gasp. "What? Oh my God yes." She pulled me in a hug and I smiled rubbing her back softly.

𓆩⟡𓆪

My day at work went by fast. I walked out and Nicola was there waiting for me. This time he wasn't smoking. He was looking up at the sky.

I smiled softly and walked towards him. "Hey." I smiled. "Hey." He smiled looking at me. "Ready to go?" He asked. "Yep." I said and got in the car. It was like a routine now.

We walked together at my work. Then drove back at my place.

The car ride back to my apartment was quick. I've realised that time went by fast when I was with Nico. And enjoyed his company and everything. "Where are we going tomorrow?" I asked looking at him.

"It's a surprise." He grinned. "Ugh no. I hate surprises." I groaned. "Too bad." He said poking my nose causing me to scrunch it up. "That's cute." He chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow then." I said and he nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow." He whispered and leaned in kissing my cheek.

I closed my eyes for a second. His soft lips on my skin. Damn him for having the whole package.

"Goodnight Nico." I said softly. "Goodnight Issie." He whispered and with that I walked in the building.

When I reached at my apartment and walked in I saw Irina. As fast as she saw me she rushed my way. "Who was the hottie that drove you home?" She smirked. "Irina were you spying on me?" I asked. "What? No. I just oh shut up answer. I make the questions here lady." She said pointing at me.

"What do you wanna know?" I sighed. "Who was that and who brought you all these flowers?" She asked pointing at the flowers. "Nicola and Nicola." I said making my way in the kitchen to drink some water.

"Nicola as in the guy you saved?" She asked following me around. "Yes. He asked me on a date too." I said biting my bottom lip softly. "A DATE?? What did you say?" She asked. ''Please tell me you said yes.''

"I said yes." I smiled and she squealed. "I'm so happy for you. Finally." She said hugging me. "Chill I'm not getting married I'm just going on a date." I chuckled. "That's just as exciting. It's about time you finally allow a man in your life." She said and I nodded feeling her sympathetic smile as she looked at me.

"When's the date?" She asked. "Tomorrow and I've no idea what I'm going to wear." I stressed pulling my hair in frustration. "Ohh I see. Let's go start looking." She said grabbing my hand dragging me upstairs.

We walked in my closet and both started looking for a dress. "Why should I wear a dress?" I groaned since I couldn't find any fitable dress to wear. "Go with your pajamas then." Irina said rolling her eyes. "Whatever." I muttered.

𓆩⟡𓆪

It was the first time I was feeling so nervous. I was going on a date. Oh dear God. I looked at myself through the mirror and looked down at my dress. I looked good.

I felt good. Maybe it was too much for a date though. Ugh..

Irina was off to work but she said when I come back she wants to know EVERYTHING. And sadly she means it.

I heard the doorbell and took a deep breath before walking downstairs. I opened the door and saw Nicola holding a single red rose. He looked at me up and down and opened his mouth to say something.

"Wow. You look Splendido." He said in Italian causing me to smile. "Grazie." I smiled. "This is for you." He said handing me the rose. "Why thank you." I grinned and walked towards the kitchen. I placed the rose in a glass of water then walked back at Nico.

"Shall we go?" He asked sticking his hand out for me to take. "We shall." I smiled taking his hand.

Nico of course opened the car door for me and after we put our seat belts on he started driving. He then turned the radio on and music played softly in the car.

I wasn't sure what should I be waiting for this date. But for some reason I know that I feel comfortable around him.

We talked a few until he pulled over and opened the car door for me. I took his hand and got out of the car. I looked at the beach and smiled. "Wow." I whispered. "You've seen nothing." Nico grinned and started walking towards the restaurant.

He opened the door and allowed me in first. The restaurant was empty. There was a single table in the middle of the room. Candles and roses petals were covering the place. Soft music playing the food was smelling amazingly.

I think I'm dreaming. This can't be real.

"Wow." I whispered again and opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. "You did all this for me?" I asked looking at Nico getting emotional.

For once I felt special.

"Of course I prepared everything for you. I even cooked so we better start eating or else the food will get cold." He said causing me to chuckle and nod.

He pulled the chair for me and I took a seat. He also took a seat across from me and smiled. "Thanks for giving me a chance." He said grabbing his glass of wine. "Thank you for making me feel... special." I smiled.

"You are special." He smiled and I blushed. We started eating and I moaned. "This is the best pasta I've ever had." I said. "Of course it is." Nico said with a smirk causing me to roll my eyes playfully. "I mean that's the advantage of me being Italian." He said.

"Definitely." I laughed softly. "I guess your father is from Italy too? I mean your last name is Ricci right?" He asked before taking a sip of his wine. "Hmm yes. Your dad is Italian or your mum?" I asked. "My dad is 100% Italian. My mum is half Italian." He explained and I nodded.

"How would you book a whole restaurant for our first date? Like for real if this is the first date then what will you do for our second, third fourth date?" I asked causing him to smirk. "So you're thinking of a second, third, fourth date huh? That's good." He grinned and I bite my lip.

Way to go Bella. Stupid!

"You know what I mean." I said causing him to chuckle and nod. "Hmm. But it's easy doing so when you own the restaurant." He said and I remembered when he told me about owning restaurants, hotels and clubs.

"Right I forgot you're a whole businessman." I chuckled before taking a sip of my wine. "Not to sound cocky but I'm the best one." He said. "That didn't sound cocky at all trust me." I said and he laughed causing me to laugh as well.

"Are you real?" I asked softly. "You look too good to be true." I whispered. Nico placed his hand on my cheek and smiled. "I'm real. As real as you." He whispered causing me to smile.

"So how come you studied business?" I asked and Nico pulled his hand away and hummed. "I didn't have much of a choice. I grew up in a house full of business. My dad wants of course his sons to take over his companies one day." He said and I hummed.

I placed my chin on my palm looking at Nico. "What?" I smiled when he stood up. "May I have this dance?" He asked and I giggled. "You may sir." I said taking his hand. We started dancing slowly our lips inches away. Nico's hands wrapped around my waist mine around his neck while The Way You Look Tonight by Tony Bennett played in the whole restaurant.

Someday, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow
Just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight

Oh, but you're lovely
With your smile so warm
And your cheek so soft
There is nothing for me
But to love you
Just the way you look tonight

"I love this song." I smiled softly. "Me too." Nico smiled.

With each word your tenderness grows
Tearing my fears apart
And that laugh
That wrinkles your nose
Touches my foolish heart

He hummed softly causing my smile to widen.

Lovely
Never, ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it
'Cause I, I love you
Just the way you look tonight
Just the way you look tonight...

He sang the last lyric and I blushed looking away. "You sure know how to make a woman melt De Luca." I said when he pulled me close to him. I crashed on his chest and he smiled. "And you sure as hell know how to drive a man crazy Ricci." He said leaning his forehead against mine.

"I don't kiss on first dates." I said softly mostly joking causing Nico to chuckle. "Hmm. Is that so?" He asked. "But I may make an exception this time." I whispered closing my eyes when I felt his soft lips on mine.

I rubbed the back of his neck softly smiling through the kiss. Our lips moving in perfect sync.

We pulled away in what felt like hours and I bite my lip looking down. "Why are you shy?" He asked grabbing my chin softly making me look up at him. "I've never dated a patient of mine." I said making him laugh. "There's always a first thing at everything now isn't it?" He grinned.

"I guess." I joked.

We talked for a while about random stuff then Nico drove me back at my place. We were now standing in front of the door of my apartment.

"I had so much fun tonight. Thank you so much Nico. It was amazing." I smiled. "I'm glad you had fun. I had fun too. I haven't had so much fun in years." He smiled. "I thought you would get bored and regret asking me out." I said. "Never. You're the most interesting person I've met." He smiled.

"Thank you... goodnight Nico." I said softly. He leaned in and kissed me softly. I kissed him back. I mean how could I not?

He pulled away smiling. "Goodnight Issie." He whispered kissing my cheek before he walked towards the elevator. I waved at him then walked in my apartment smiling like an idiot.

"Someone looks happy." Irina grinned and I smiled widely. "Iri it was the best fucking date I've ever been." I said and she squealed. "Girl I need to know EVERYTHING." She said grabbing my hand dragging me towards the couch.

"Can't I change first?" I groaned. "No shush no time for that." She said causing me to chuckle and shake my head.

"Okay then." I smiled.