Page 16 of His To Unravel
My friends have many talents, but…charm just isn’t one of them.
My fingers hover over the keyboard for a moment before I add, with a hint of boldness:
They’re asking about you, by the way.
Before I can put my phone away, Carolyn’s sharp gaze lands on the screen.
“Olivia!” Carolyn’s voice jolts me from my phone. She’s peering over, eyes lighting up with delight as she spots Nathaniel’s name on the screen. “Are you texting him rightnow?”
Heat prickles my cheeks as I fumble to lock my phone screen, tucking it face down on the table. “He just wanted to check in about the project.”
Carolyn rolls her eyes, but her tone is amused. “Uh-huh. Checking in at eight in the morning?Right.” She draws out the last word in exaggerated disbelief.
Sophie leans in, her elbows resting on the table, barely containing her glee. “Oh, come on, Liv. Don’t act like you’re not secretly thrilled about this. You’ve avoided anything remotely romantic for years, and suddenly you’re catching the eye of Halford’s most desirable guy.”
Before I can respond, my phone lights up again. Their gazes flick to it, and I can feel the weight of their anticipation, even though I’m trying my best to play it cool. I pick it up, letting my fingers hover for a second before reading his message.
NATHANIEL
I’m only interested in impressing one person at that table. How am I doing?
My breath catches slightly, and I fight back a smile, hoping they don’t notice. My fingers type quickly.
I’ll let you know if I survive this breakfast interrogation.
Landon’s voice breaks the moment, his tone unexpectedly serious. “Olivia, how much time are you spending with him, exactly?”
Carolyn exchanges a curious glance with me, as if to ask,are you hearing this?
“A few hours here and there…” I say, shrugging.
Sophie laughs, nudging me. “Good! It’s about time you had let loose. You’re allowed to, Liv.”
Tyler, quiet until now, exchanges a glance with Sophie before leaning forward, his voice low. “Just…be careful, Olivia. Caldwell’s background…it’s different.”
Sophie nods, adding with a playful but pointed grin, “Yeah, there’s rich, and then there’sCaldwell rich.His family isn’t just wealthy, they’re old money. The kind of people who practically own Manhattan. A guy like that doesn’t usually end up with a girl who’s…well, ordinary, you know? Have fun, but just don’t expect more to come from it.”
I try to laugh it off, but her words hit harder than I’d like to admit. The glimmer of excitement I felt just moments ago dims, replaced by a quiet sting.Ordinary. That’s all they see, and perhaps it’s all he sees too.
My phone buzzes again.
NATHANIEL
I’ll hold you to that.
I feel a pulse of warmth, his words a small reassurance, like he’s anchoring me in the middle of this uncertainty.
Landon cuts in, his gaze still on me, with a sense of frustration that I can’t quite place. “Olivia, are you sure you want this…distraction? You’ve never shown interest in anyone before, and suddenly…it’shim?”
I meet his gaze, forcing a smile. “Maybe I’ve changed, Landon. Maybe I’m just…letting myself experience something for once.”
There’s another buzz and I peek down.
NATHANIEL
I have to admit… I can’t stop thinking about that kiss.
My heart skips as I read his words. I can feel my friends’ eyes on me, a mix of excitement, worry, and maybe a hint of jealousy. I take a steadying breath, typing back.
