Page 59 of The Story of Us
Eloise breathed out a shaky “Sure”, her eyes tearing up automatically.This was such a ridiculous fear to have.
“I had a chat with Callum about the case study.” Nate changed the subject deftly and even though it was obvious what he was doing, Eloise appreciated it. There was a click, a few rustling sounds as he opened the sewing kit. Her gaze returned to the ceiling.
“What did he say?”
“He’ll do it. Pretty sure he thinks this is his in with Bianca.”
There was a prick of pain, and Eloise squeezed her eyes closed. “God love fourteen-year-old boys. And his dad?” She pushed the words out through clenched teeth.
“He’s keen. Might think this is his in with Bianca, too. Who knows.”
Eloise shook her head, a soft laugh falling from her lips at Nate’s joke. “There’s a chance she might not be as bad as I first thought.”
“Possibly. Man, I hate being wrong.” A trace of teasing lingered in Nate’s voice like the joke was at both their expenses, not just hers. “Bianca’s going to come along to the Wednesday sessions next week. Start observing. Get some pictures, etc.”
“Ouch!” Eloise sucked in a deep breath.
“This one’s a bit fiddly. I’m sorry.”
Maybe she was imagining it, but it sounded like Nate was in pain, too. Like hurting her was the very worst thing he could ever do. Looking down was a mistake for two reasons. The first being that there was no escaping the visual of Nate cradling her hand in his, her palm so small and his expression so earnest and caring searing itself into her mind. But also … needle. Dots danced in Eloise’s vision and she focused on breathing in through her nose, out through her mouth. “Can you keep talking, please? How’s your secret project going?”
“It’s different from anything I’ve written before, but I’m learning that sometimes that’s a good thing.”
There was another small prick of pain, and Eloise bit the insides of her cheeks. “Different is scary,” she whispered. See? She wasn’t even brave enough to say the words at normal volume.
Nate’s gaze found hers, and Eloise had to forcibly try not to get lost in them.
“Scary can be good. It makes you step outside your comfort zone and try new things.”
“But what if it doesn’t work?”
The half smile he gave her added to Eloise’s lightheadedness.
“Then you try again.” His voice had gone all velvety and smooth. If it was possible, Eloise would climb into it, wrap herself up and hide from the rest of the world. The air between them changed. Heating up like the shower was on and the room was filling with steam. Nate cleared his throat.
“How did you do it?” Eloise asked softly as his fingers ghosted over her palm. “Tell me that stuff the other night even though it was scary?” All the nuances of what made him so special were on display right now. His calm demeanour and easy charm distracting her from the needles. The way his touch was so gentle while still being firm enough to ensure she didn’t panic. He had her, and he wouldn’t lie to her. Eloise didn’t doubt it for a second.
Nate shifted, his chest pressing closer to hers as he reached across to grab something off the vanity. Eloise tracked his movements.
“I realised I was more scared of having regrets.”
“I thought you said you didn’t have any?”
“Not about going overseas. But in other parts of my life? I’ve got so many.” There was another pinch, and a quiet curse fell from Nate’s lips when she whimpered. Nate lifted her palm towards the light to inspect his work. “You know firsthand how bad I am at letting people know I care about them. I’m going to try to be better. For both of us.”
It was like her heart stopped. If the wall wasn’t holding her up, she might’ve keeled clean over. “Nate,” was all she said.
He wouldn’t look at her. “You’re all done.”
Eloise relaxed against the mirrored cabinet behind her, all the residual tension flowing out of her body and leaving her with heavy limbs. “I know this isn’t easy for you. I’m proud of you for trying,” she said.
Nate guided her hand under the tap, his hand caressing hers as he cleaned the scratches.
“Good as new,” he said, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on her palm.
Eloise jerked with surprise, taken aback by the current that zapped around her body the second his lips touched her skin.
Nate straightened, dragged his hands through his hair before shoving them into his pockets. “Sorry. Shit. Sorry. Mum always used to do that when we were kids, and I was on autopilot. I don’t want you to think I didn’t take what you said seriously. About not kissing you anymore. Although, that was different. I think? Wasn’t it? It was barely a kiss. But it was still a kiss.Shit.You don’t have to answer. I’m going to go warm up the dinner.” Nate strode out of the room, knocking his shoulder into the door frame, and all Eloise could do was watch, her mouth hanging open.
