Page 37 of His To Unravel
Good girl.
The words send a shiver down my spine, warmth spreading to my core.
I run my fingers over the pendant again, feeling the weight of its meaning. It’s more than just a gift—it’s his way of staking a claim. And maybe I should be more concerned that it doesn’t bother me in the least.
My phone buzzes again.
NATHANIEL
You look beautiful, by the way.
A small, surprised smile creeps onto my face. I glance back at my reflection, seeing myself through his eyes.
I’ve chosen a simple outfit: dark jeans that hug me perfectly, paired with a cropped burgundy sweater that reveals just a hint of skin at my waist. It is a little more daring than my usual style, but tonight feels like a night to let loose, to be a little bold.
And knowing he’s noticed too adds an excitement that wasn’t there before. I’m not used to letting someone see me this way, or to feelingthis muchfrom something so simple. But here I am, eager for his praise. It makes me feel more confident, more certain.
I type my response carefully.
Thank you, Nate. I dressed with you in mind.
NATHANIEL
Good. Though I’d still rather be the one by your side tonight.
His words wrap around me, and I fight the tug of temptation to abandon my plans and run straight into his arms.
You’ll survive one night without me.
NATHANIEL
Will I? I guess we’ll see. Be safe, text me, and think of me.
I reread his last text twice. Three times.
This, I remind myself, is why I need to be out with my friends tonight. I need space from the pull of him—even though I know I’ll carry him with me anyway. Wrapped around my neck. Pressed into my thoughts.
A nightat The Lantern is exactly what I need: a warm, intimate bubble of dim lights and soft music, set apart from the constant demands of campus.
Low-hanging lanterns cast a golden glow over the mismatched wooden tables and booths, where groups of people lean close over their drinks, their laughter softened by the bar’s gentle ambiance. Framed black-and-white photos of Boston in its heyday line the exposed brick walls, adding a nostalgic charm. In the corner, the bar is lined with reclaimed stools, and the bartender is already expertly pouring craft beers and mixing literary-inspired cocktails.
Everything about The Lantern feels like an escape from the outside world, a place where the weight of academia melts away, if only for a night.
I spot Sophie and Carolyn tucked into a cozy booth near the back, waving me over with wide smiles. Landon and Tyler are wedged in on the other side, drinks in hand. Tyler gives me a quicknod, while Landon barely looks up—just enough to acknowledge me before going back to nursing his beer.
“Liv!” Sophie greets me enthusiastically as I slide into the seat beside her. “Finally we can have some girl talk!” Her eyes widen as they land on my necklace, the diamond twinkling in the candlelight. “Excuse me, but what is that sparkler hanging around your neck?” She shares a knowing look with Carolyn, who grins.
Carolyn, ever the observant one, leans in with a playful smile. “Well, well, well… Let me guess—the enigmatic Mr. Caldwell has something to do with that?”
Heat rises to my cheeks, but I nod, trying to downplay the rush of emotion that pulses through me just thinking about the huge gesture.
“Yeah,” I admit softly. “It was a gift.”
“A gift,” Sophie repeats, her brow arching. “Subtle. Low-key. Practically a slap bracelet.”
Carolyn barks out a laugh. “You know what that is? That’s a statement piece… In more ways than one.”
The approval in their voices reassures me. Gone is the skepticism I’d heard before, the concern. Just genuine excitement—like they’re happy to see me being treated so well.
