Upon returning the house, Nadine retired to her room for a late morning nap. Nikolas invaded her dreams, which replayed the events of earlier in the day. His deep, sultry voice…..the passionate kiss shared between two willing souls….his hand feeling up her body…..
Nadine awoke rested, but anxious. While excited about the occurrences of that day and the possibilities for that evening, she could not help but question the events leading up to that very moment.
Nikolas had always been noble, chivalrous, both of which were endearing to Nadine. She thought there had been a connection prior to the clinic fire. However, the man she had grown to care for so greatly often turned his feelings on and off quicker than a light switch. Just as Nadine would become more self assured about their relationship, something always happened that would make the prince standoffish. EMILY. The love of his life. Nadine admired and resented the sainted woman in the same thought. She wondered if Emily felt the same way of Nikolas. Had her devotion been so deep? Would she be pining away for him for as long as Nikolas? Would Nikolas turn his thoughts toward Emily again this evening, once again nudging Nadine to the sidelines?
Despite her reservations, Nadine could not help thinking that something was different. Nikolas had taken the lead in their morning embrace. She had never heard him sound so fervent. She could feel the heat of his body at their embrace. It was completely different from their previous interludes.
Nadine decided to be open minded about tonight. Perhaps Nikolas was a changed man after rescuing her from the clinic. It was possible that he saw her in a different light. Perhaps he emerged from the clinic with Nadine in his arms a new man, just as a phoenix is reborn from its own ashes.
….
Nikolas' thoughts were far different from the one's Nadine was simultaneously experiencing. He was concentrating on making arrangements for an evening he was determined to be perfect. From rearranging the drawing room to accommodate a romantically set dining table to a cozy seating area adjacent to the fireplace, he wanted to ensure that tonight would be one to remember.
He started by meeting with his personal chef to discuss the evening's menu. The couple would dine on lobster bisque, followed by fillet mignon and roasted potatoes. The meal would be paired with a vintage bottle of a spicy Chianti, one of his favorite wines. For dessert, tiramisu would accompany a bottle of Dom Pérignon. The table was set with white china, starkly contrasting the black linens. A centerpiece of vibrant fall flowers would complete the ensemble.
Nikolas carefully picked out several CD's of classical music accompany the meal. He ensured there was plenty of wood to maintain a raging fire for hours. Then, the Cassadine nobleman summoned the boat launch to take him into town so he could personally procure the finishing touch for the evening.
….
Nadine's thoughts turned quite horrifying when she realized she had absolutely nothing to wear. Nikolas promised her an evening for the history books. Was she just going to wear one of her jogging suits or her ratty jeans to his dinner table? Just as she was about to call Leyla to ask her to bring over a dress, there was a knock on Nadine's door.
"Hi, Alfred." Nadine politely said as she opened the door, eyeing a large box in the butler's arms.
"Good afternoon, Miss Nadine," replied Nikolas' kind servant. "Master Nikolas requested I deliver this gift to you."
"Why thank you, Alfred."
"My pleasure, Miss Nadine."
Alfred left the package on Nadine's bed. She quickly opened the box, revealing an exquisite black cocktail dress. Nadine reflected that the dress was elegant and beautiful, while at the same time ravishingly sexy.
Cassadine, I know what your thinking.
Nadine knew that her call to Leyla would not need to be made. She pulled the dress out of its package. The box revealed a pair of designer shoes and matching undergarments.
Scratch that, Nikolas….now I know what you want.
Good thing Nadine was hoping for the same thing.
