A/N - SOO sorry guys - my daughter was sick, my sister had a baby - I didn't know where to go with the story...I am back now so sorry.
Nick was a man on a mission, yes indeed. His objective to get as far away from his current situation as possible. In fact, he was attempting to figure out if it was in fact possible to walk back to the airport in time for the next flight.
As he was trying to recall departure and arrival times at O'Hare, he was momentarily stunned by Jess' arm as she thrust it sideways in front of him, halting him in his tracks as a car screeched around the corner.
"Ommph" he muttered as the her palm came into contact with his chest.
"Nick! pay attention that guy almost hit you!"
"Sorry" he said still refusing to look anywhere in her general vicinity - they had been walking for 10 minutes already and other then the sorry, the last action that he took to indicate that he was even aware of her presence was when he bustled her out the front door - dropping his arm from the small of her back like his palm was on fire. The only thing stopping him from panic moonwalking away from her was the simple fact that he would feel terrible if she got lost.
So he soldiered on hurrying them along away from his home and nuthouse of a family.
Curiosity got the better of him though and he glanced down at her while trying to avoid meeting her eyes. Other then preventing him from being hit by that maniac driver, she hadn't uttered a syllable which was so unlike her that despite the utter mortification he was feeling at the moment he couldn't help but give in to the curiosity.
She was shivering, and she looked miserable. Her lips were showing trace signs of turning blue and he would have sworn that she had tears in those gorgeous blue eyes of hers.
Guilt overwhelmed him, in his haste to get them out the door he realized that the "coat" he had given her was his Aunt Ruthie's black button up cardigan.
"Oh Jess" forgetting his humiliation he reached out and drew her against his side tucking her securely under his arm "Your freezing, you have probably caught pneumonia I need to get you inside" he spied a little coffee shop to his left and quickly ducked in.
"2 hot chocolates please" he called to the bored looking student behind the counter, as he manuvered Jess into a secluded booth.
Grabbing both of her hands in his own he rubbed them gently.
Before he could utter a word she blurted out
"I am so so sorry Nick, I understand if you want me to go back home to LA - I can call a cab from here just bring my suitcase home" the look of despair she gave him was enough to break his heart.
"You're sorry?, why the hell are you sorry"
"Ever since I got here I've made one bad impression after another, all I wanted to do was help you and be there for you and I have made a complete mess of things. Please forgive me."
"Jess no. I am not going to forgive you because there is NOTHING to forgive" he was angry now.
"My family is NUTS, and I should have NEVER let you walk in there to that blind. But I was selfish, I am terrified of screwing this up and I needed you here to lean on. You have done nothing but be there and take care of me - just like you have been doing for 2 years now. Your amazing Jess and I don't deserve you. I haven't the slightest idea why you put up with me."
-"Thank You" he said as their hot chocolates were set down.
Meeting her gaze he took a deep breath and continued.
"Jess, I know I have NO RIGHT to ask you this, and if you want to go home I will take you to the airport right now. But...please stay. I cannot do this alone and I need you. Please."
"I'll stay, of course I will stay." she didn't even hesitate. "And I don't put up with you Nick, your one of my best friends, I love you and I will always be here for whatever you need." Her eyes winded at the realization of what she let slip.
Nick was gob smacked "What did you just say" he intoned quietly
"THERE YOU TWO ARE - THANK GOD" Winston shouted causing them both to leap out of their skins.
"Jess, girl your frozen! let's get you home you're going to need a hot shower" he extended her hand and pulled her to her feet. She shifted her nervous gaze to a still stunned Nick as Winston gently herded her out the door.