Page 30 of His To Unravel
Nathaniel brushes his thumb over my knuckles in a way that’s both casual and incredibly intimate. “I always have time for Olivia.” He shoots me a glance that makes my heart skip a beat.
Carolyn smirks while Sophie practically swoons at his words, and despite myself, I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “You’re certainly laying it on thick,” I murmur, casting a pointed look at him, my cheeks still warm.
Nathaniel gives me a small smile, unbothered. “Is it working?” Then, he presses a kiss to the side of my head, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Carolyn nudges Sophie with a grin. “Tyler could never.”
Sophie laughs, muttering, “Tell me about it.” She glances between Nathaniel and me, her eyes full of curiosity and maybe even a hint of envy. “Olivia, how are you not in a puddle at this man’s feet? I’d be a mess.”
I blink, caught off guard by the question, but Nathaniel doesn’t miss a beat. He passes me my tea and says, “Oh, I’m working on making her melt.”
Then, he reaches up and brushes his thumb across my cheek in a feather-light stroke, his grin pure sin and confidence. Heat coils low in my belly, and just like that, I’m back in thelibrary—his mouth at my throat, that same grin on his lips as I moved above him.
I take a sip of tea, mostly to hide my blush, and I catch Carolyn and Sophie exchanging an approving look.
“You’re making us jealous, Nathaniel,” Carolyn teases, raising her brows in exaggerated reproach. “Seriously. Do you offer lessons?”
He laughs. “Well, for Tyler I could certainly squeeze a few sessions into my schedule,” he says, casting a wink in Sophie’s direction.
Sophie giggles, covering her mouth. “Oh, he’d need more than a few.”
I shake my head, smiling at my friends’ reactions but also feeling a distinct surge of pride. This isNathaniel—the same Nathaniel who, just weeks ago, was a distant, almost unreachable figure on campus. Now he’s sitting here with my friends, charming them effortlessly while still keeping his attention focused on me. Somehow, it makes me feel…cherished.
When I check the time on my phone, I realize I have only a few minutes before my next class. “I’d better get going,” I say reluctantly, grabbing my bag and rising to my feet.
Nathaniel stands too, placing his hand on the small of my back. “I’ll walk you,” he says, offering a polite nod to Carolyn and Sophie. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Sophie breathes, her eyes still wide with admiration.
Carolyn gives me a wink, whispering, “Lucky girl,” as I walk past.
With Nathaniel guiding me toward the door, I glance back at my friends, who are still grinning and whispering to each other in excitement. I’m left both glowing from the encounter and marveling at how naturally he seems to fit into my world.
As we walk toward my next class, Nathaniel slips hishand in mine and I don’t bother hiding my smile. It should feel foreign, walking hand in hand across campus, as though we are officially together. But somehow, it feels right.
We stop just outside my classroom, and I hesitate, reluctant to let go of his hand. “Thanks for walking me,” I say, feeling a bit breathless. “I guess I’ll see you later?”
Nathaniel doesn’t respond. Instead, he simply opens the door wider and nods me inside. Confused, I walk in, glancing back over my shoulder—only to find him following me. Unsure of what he’s playing at, I take my usual seat and look up at him expectantly.
He just gives me a small, mischievous smirk and takes the seat right next to mine.
My heart begins thudding in my chest. Leaning over, I whisper, “What are you doing?”
His expression softens, his voice warm and low. “I transferred into all your classes.”
My jaw drops. “Youwhat?”
His smile widens, clearly enjoying my shock. “Part of that promise I made to you. I told you I’d prove I’m serious, Olivia. That means showing up.”
For a moment, I’m rendered speechless. I know I should be questioning it more, pushing back, asking him why.
But I don’t. Because deep down, some wild, breathless part of me loves it.
“How did you even manage this, Nathaniel? We’re halfway through the semester!” Halford doesn’t make these kinds of allowances—at least, not for regular students. But then again, Nathaniel is anything but regular.
“Let’s just say I have…resources,” he replies smoothly, brushing a thumb along the back of my hand under the desk. “And if I’m going to get the best education possible, it only makes sense to study with the smartest girl on campus.”
My blush rushes back with a vengeance. He’s changed hisentire schedule—upended everything—just to be near me. The magnitude of it, the sheer scale of this gesture, is overwhelming and thrilling all at once.
