Nick didn’t understand it.

You were just some girl Noah met at Saint Marie’s. Sure, he made fun of Noah the more frequently you came around but it was getting harder to keep the unbothered façade he put up.

He kept telling himself that he’d disregard your presence, to not spare you a glance but he couldn’t help himself. The times he realized his control was slipping, he’d mutter a swear or light a cigarette to distract his mind.

Then came the night where he had to play designated driver.

With you left behind by your friends, Nick immediately offered to take you home so you wouldn’t get stuck with an awful excuse of a guy. The ride went smoothly—for the most part.

He let his guard down just a smidge as you two spoke. With how empty the road was, it allowed his gaze to settle on your smile for more than just a mere second.

Nick, playing the role of a gentleman, got out of the driver's seat to open the passenger door for you. He even allowed you to take his hand upon exiting his car, his thumb caressed along the back of your hand—his mind imploring him to stop but he couldn't, leading him to kiss you.

The second he pulled back, he mentally swore at himself, considering his actions were one of a fool.

He already had his own issues and he didn't want to bring you into them, especially with Ronnie trying to give him a run for his money and trying to stay within his father's good graces. It’s hard adjusting to the presence of his new step-mother and step-sister.

A little self sabotage seeped in, making him think that someone with his reputation wouldn’t be worthy of you.

Yet, he couldn’t help himself.

The more time he spent with you, the more he let his defenses down. The mental shield he put up since his parent’s divorce seemed to ease.

You became his escape from his personal problems.

His dad nagging at him at the dinner table for not being attentive to the family dinner? A minute into it, he’s already opening your shared conversation to message you.

Sure, it wasn’t entirely healthy but those moments he had with you gave him a chance to breathe. He could be himself rather than tending to the bad boy persona he’s often placed under.

Spending time with you, learning about you made him realize he didn’t want to engage in fleeting romances anymore. He wanted to be with you.

One night, he invited you out on his dad's yacht, driving the boat out far enough to give a proper view of the horizon and putting it in park. The stars were quite the sight.

"You drive me crazy," Nick softly jokes, giving you a smile as he stood by your side at the handrailing.

He took your hand into his, then brought it up to his mouth to give your palm a gentle kiss.