Page 9 of His To Unravel
Landon cuts in. “He’s probably just interested in your ideas, Olivia. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’re one of the smartest people at Halford.” His voice is steady, but there’s something underneath it—something I haven’t noticed before… Or maybe I just haven’t allowed myself to.
I smile at him gratefully, hoping to brush past the moment. “Thanks, Landon. You’re right. We’re just trying to get a good grade on this project.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince them or myself more.
The group eventually moves on to other topics, and I join in, grateful for the shift. But as we laugh and share stories, a nagging thought stays with me.
What if there was something more behind Nathaniel’s intensity?
What if Carolyn is right, and I’m not as immune as I want to believe?
Eventually, we part ways, and I find myself walking with Landon as I head toward my next class.
His pace is relaxed, a contrast to the bustle of students moving between lectures. There’s something steady about Landon that’s always been a comfort to me. Yet today, something seems off. His gaze lingers on me, and there’s tension beneath his usual calm.
“So,” he starts, glancing down at me as we turn toward the lecture halls, “Nathaniel Caldwell, huh? That’s…something.”
I laugh, shaking my head in exasperation. “Not this again. Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with my project partner?”
He gives a small chuckle, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s just that… He doesn’t really do projects with people, does he? Or anything with people, actually. From what I’ve seen, he keeps to himself, and people stay out of his way.”
I shrug. “I mean, he might not be the friendliest person on campus, but he seems driven and he takes the work seriously. We both just want to do well on this project.”
Landon nods and I hope that’s the end of it. But he presses on. “Right, but we don’t know much about him and…” He trails off, clearing his throat. “Just…be careful, all right?”
He’s always been straightforward, but there’s something almost vulnerable in his tone.
“Landon,” I say gently, “it’s just a project.”
We reach the lecture hall, and Landon gives me a quick smile and a wave as he turns toward his class. There’s a hesitation in his eyes as he walks away, like he’s leaving something unsaid.
As I watch him walk off, a strange pang of guilt settles in. And as I step into my next class, his words trail behind me like a shadow.Be careful.
Why should I be worried about Nathaniel? It’s just a project. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.
But I feel something inside me shifting…and maybe that’s the part that should scare me.
I settleinto the quiet of my dorm room, the desk lamp casting a soft, warm glow over the scattered notes and textbooks I barely made a dent in.
The day’s conversations echo in my mind—Carolyn’s teasing about Nathaniel, Landon’s concerned glances. I try to brush it off, to focus on the pages in front of me, but it’s futile. My thoughts keep returning to him.
Nathaniel.I sigh, leaning back in my chair.
Yes, he is undeniably attractive, and different from the other guys I’ve met at Halford. Not just in the way he looks, but in the way hesees. One minute, he’s discussing a case study; the next, he’s asking if I’ve had a long day. Like he’s actually…paying attention.
My phone vibrates, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. I glance at the screen and see a text from Nathaniel.
Of course.
NATHANIEL
Hey Olivia, I just wanted to double-check our proposal outline. Does the market segment analysis look good to you?
I release a small breath, grateful for the anchor back to our project.
Yes, I looked over it earlier. Seems solid to me. Thanks for double-checking
I add the smiley face automatically, then pause, feeling the tiniest flicker of vulnerability over such a small thing. Rolling my eyes, I hit send.
A few seconds pass before his response lights up the screen.
