Page 70 of Before I Loved You

She smiles, appearing relieved by my answer.

After I get out of the shower and slip into a pair of grey sweatpants and a black T-shirt, I head downstairs, finding the three of them on the couch, so I take the love seat. Quickly, I hide a small shopping bag on the other side of the chair before anyone sees it.

“So, what are we watching?” I ask.

“The new Halloween movie,” Nate responds, handing me a slice of pizza on a plate.

“I love scary movies,” Sarah notes.

“I don’t.” Natalie frowns. “You told me we were watching a romantic movie.”

“It will be romantic, baby.” He lifts his arm, and she instantly cuddles into his side. “Because I’ll be here to keep you safe.” He kisses the top of her forehead, and she giggles, swatting his chest.

The two of them couldn’t be more in love.

“I hope you have the ice cream I like,” she murmurs.

Nate laughs as he stands up. “Let me go get everything.”

“And the whipped cream and toppings!” Natalie calls out to him.

That boy is whipped. I chuckle to myself, knowing I would do anything to be just as whipped if it meant being with someone I love.

“I can’t believe Thanksgiving break is coming up,” Natalie mentions, positioning pillows around her. “Are you heading home for Thanksgiving, Sarah?”

Sarah’s lips part. “I…umm…” She quickly looks down at her lap and then back at Natalie. “I have so much to do for my art show, so I think I’m just going to stay here.”

“Really?” The corners of Natalie’s lips turn down. “You can’t take a tiny break to spend Thanksgiving with your family?”

Sarah subtly shakes her head. “No.” She tries to give a tiny smile, but it looks forced and unnatural.

“What about you, TB?” Natalie asks, cocking her head to the side.

I chuckle at the nickname Natalie has bestowed upon me.

“TB?” Sarah’s brows furrow together as she repeats the letters out loud.

“Teddy Bear,” Natalie clarifies, sounding proud of herself. “He’s a big guy with a soft center. It fits him perfectly. Don’t you think?”

Sarah’s lips curve up. “It sure does.”

“I hope everyone wants ice cream,” Nate says, walking in with several flavors, bowls, spoons, and all the toppings you could imagine.

“So, Paul, do you like scary movies?” Sarah asks.

“Like them? I love them,” I say matter-of-factly, trying to impress her as I take a scoop from the chocolate ice cream container.

But thirty minutes into the movie, I remember that I, in fact, do not love scary movies. Not one bit.

My eyes flicker to the couch to see if anyone else feels the same way, but I find Natalie sleeping against Nate, who looks to be having difficulty keeping his eyes open. And Sarah, who’s watching the movie with wide eyes, shoving popcorn in her mouth. Nate glances at me, then at Sarah, and then back at me with a mischievous grin.

“Well,” Nate starts. “I’m going to bring this one to bed. See you guys later.” He lifts Natalie in his arms and winks at me as he passes me to go up the stairs.

This is probably the time to say something, but I’m coming up blank. My whole mind is a fucking blank canvas when I’m around her.

“Is there a blanket I could use?” Sarah asks, wrapping her arms around herself.

I reach for the one on my lap, knowing it’s the only one down here. “Here. You can use this one.”

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