Chapter 2944

"Go ahead and open it," Jared encouraged gently. Nicole bit her lip slightly. "Maybe you should handle this one." She already had the Fire Crest, and while another wouldn't be too much, she somehow felt the Water Crest might be safer with Jared. Jared looked at her tenderly. "It doesn't really matter who does it," he reassured her. Then, with a click on the 'enter' key and a pat on Nicole's shoulder, he said, "After all, I'm all yours." "Hey..." Nicole watched him walk away, a mix of humor and slight annoyance in her heart. 'He always leaves just like that,' she mused. "I'm off to shower," Jared shouted over his shoulder, disappearing into the bathroom. Nicole let out a small sigh, her face growing serious as she focused on the task in front of her. By the time Jared was done showering, she had managed to get it done. "It's open," she informed him as he walked back into the room. Jared, with a gentle smile, asked softly, "Did you claim it yet?" "Not yet," Nicole admitted, un