The evening was terrible. After his talk with Patrick Nikolas was even more distracted. Finally he realized how unfair he was being and took her home early.

On his way home he tried to call Carly and once again got her voicemail. This time he just hung up. She wasn't going to call him back and he had to accept that. Maybe she would never talk to him again. The thought made him feel a little bit ill.

Once he was back at home he took a walk trying to clear his mind. Was it possible? Could Carly be in love with him? And if she was- what did that mean exactly?

He went back inside without the answers he was looking for. Her went over to his desk and he saw an envelope addressed to him. He opened it and found a letter written by Carly.

Dear Nikolas,

I want to tell you how much the last three years have meant to me. You and little John have really been a lifesaver for me.

You have been an amazing friend. You have actually made an effort to understand me and you have been patient. Thank you so much.

But I ruined it. I couldn't just leave it at that. I had to make it more. I fell in love Nikolas and it changed things.

Maybe one day I can look at you and not see rejection and maybe one day we can be close again. But for now Nikolas-I need to be alone.

I love you

Carly

Nikolas put the letter down and threw himself into the chair. It was true. Carly loved him. For a minute he processed that. Carly loved him.

"Dad" John called and ran into the room. Nikolas smiled at his son and lifted onto his lap.

"What are you doing awake little man?" Nikolas asked.

"Where is aunt Carly?" John asked. "I haven't seen her in a while"

"Only a couple of days" Nikolas argued. "Why?"

"I miss her" John whined. "I love Aunt Carly"

"Yeah. Me too" Nikolas replied. Then he looked back down at the letter. "Me too. I love Carly too" It hit him quickly. He was in love with Carly and had to do something about it. "Come on Mister you are going to bed" He took John back to bed and tucked him in. He made sure the nanny was there to watch him and then he headed back to town.

When Nikolas got to Carly's he saw the lights were still on which meant she was still awake. He ran to the door and tried to think of what to say. He knocked and prayed he wasn't too late.

Patrick Drake opened the door wearing nothing but a towel. "Hello Nikolas" Patrick greeted him. "How are you?"

Nikolas backed away from the door. All he could see in his head was Carly with Patrick and made him sick. "I-" Nikolas stuttered but no words came out.

"Want me to tell Carly you came by?" Patrick asked with a smirk. "She is in the shower right now"

Nikolas didn't reply he just walked away.