Page 29 of His To Unravel
Nathaniel settles into the seat beside me, and somehow his presence takes up far more space than just the chair he occupies. As Professor Reynolds begins the lecture, Nathaniel’s attention remains fixed on me. I can feel him studying me with an intensity that simmers just beneath his calm exterior. When I glance his way, he meets my eyes, and a small, knowing smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
Then, beneath the desk, he reaches over and slips his fingers between mine. I’m hyper-aware of the spark that seems to ignite wherever we touch.
Whispers drift through the room, and curious glances slide in our direction—from classmates who probably didn’t even know I existed before today. Now they’re probably speculating about what a guy like Nathaniel could see in someone like me. Someone soordinary.
As if reading my thoughts, Nathaniel gives my hand a firm squeeze. It isn’t just comfort—it’s a message.You’re mine.
His commanding presence, the way he stakes his claim with such quiet certainty—it steadies something inside me. With him by my side, the whispers fade to nothing.
When the class finally ends, I let go of his hand to pack my things, my mind reeling with questions about this mystery of a man.
Right on cue, my stomach rumbles again—loud enough to betray me.Traitor, I think, heat creeping up my neck.
Nathaniel’s voice, low and teasing, pulls me back. “I’ll take a wild guess that you skipped breakfast again.”
I hesitate, biting back a guilty smile. “I’ve had a busy morning. I was going to grab something after class.”
He raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “You said that yesterday.” Slipping his hand beneath the strap of my bag, he takes it from me, lifting it onto his shoulder with ease. “Come on. Let’s fix that.”
Despite my objections, he steers me out of the lecture hall and toward the campus café. His hold is gentle but insistent, his quiet determination leaving no room for argument. By the time we reach the café, I’m a little breathless and—despite myself—a little grateful. It’s nice to have someone thinking about my needs for once.
The café is bustling, but Nathaniel spots an open table by the window and nods for me to take it. “Sit. I’ll get you something.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he’s already gone. A few minutes later, he returns with a breakfast sandwich and a cup of tea.
He slides into the seat beside me, not across, and the proximity sends a flutter through my chest.
As he sets the cup down in front of me, his eyes meet mine—warm, steady, and full of unmistakable affection. It leaves me momentarily speechless.
“There’s a pattern here,” he says, tone gentle but firm. “You shouldn’t have to choose between your studies and taking care of yourself.”
I smile, sheepish. “Guess I’ve always been better at one than the other.”
He doesn’t argue—just gives me a look that says he plans tochange that. Then, beneath the table, his hand finds my knee, a silent gesture that says he’s got me.
An unexpected warmth spreads through me. It’s been so long since anyone’s bothered to notice, since someone’s looked out for me.
We’ve barely had time to get settled when I spot Carolyn and Sophie heading straight toward us. Carolyn’s eyes light up as she recognizes Nathaniel, and she nudges Sophie, who’s practically vibrating with excitement. My stomach does a flip. I hadn’t exactly prepared for an audience.
“Oh, hey!” Carolyn calls, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Mind if we join you guys?” She doesn’t wait for a response before dropping her bag to the ground and sliding into an empty chair across from us.
Sophie follows suit, taking the seat next to Carolyn. Her eyes flicker between me and Nathaniel, her awe written plainly across her face.
Carolyn folds her hands on the table and leans forward with an exaggerated sense of importance. “TheNathaniel Caldwell, at our humble little campus café… What an unexpected surprise.”
Nathaniel chuckles, unruffled, and extends a hand toward her. “Good to see you again, Carolyn,” he says smoothly before turning his attention to Sophie. “And you must be Sophie?”
She practically melts under the weight of his gaze as she shakes his hand, her cheeks flushing a bright pink. “It’s nice to meet you. I mean…properly meet you,” she says.
I stifle a laugh, though my heart flutters at how effortlessly Nathaniel handles the attention, engaging in Carolyn’s playful banter and putting Sophie at ease with just the right balance of charm and warmth. But what really gets me—what makes my pulse quicken and my cheeks warm—is that his hand still rests lightly on my knee beneath the table, as if anchoring himself to me alone.
“So, Nathaniel,” Carolyn says, her tone light but probing, “What brings you to our neck of the woods?” She arches a brow, throwing me a teasing grin that sends a flush to my cheeks.
Unfazed, Nathaniel threads his fingers through mine beneath the table. “Let’s just say I’m developing new interests,” he replies smoothly, his gaze settling on me.
Carolyn smirks knowingly, giving Sophie a nudge. “Oh, got it. His new hobby is watching Olivia drink tea.”
Sophie chuckles, still looking starstruck. “Wow. I didn’t think a Caldwell would have time for something as simple as a coffee break.”
