Page 14 of His To Unravel
NATHANIEL
You make it easy to feel that way, Olivia.
The three dots indicating he’s typing appear. I can almost picture him, his expression thoughtful.
NATHANIEL
Let me know if I ever make it difficult.
I bite my lip, chuckling softly. I doubt he has any idea how unbalanced he already makes me feel—or maybe he does, and that’s the most unnerving part. I reply before I overthink it.
I don’t think that would ever be a problem.
For a second, I hesitate, then add:
I’m actually about to grab breakfast with some friends before class.
It feels odd to bring up something so normal, but I want him to know—part of me wants to share these everyday details. His reply comes quickly, warm and effortlessly teasing.
NATHANIEL
Then I won’t keep you. Unless you’re willing to save me a seat?
A quiet laugh escapes me.He’s charming—I can’t deny that.
I don’t think my friends are ready for that just yet.
NATHANIEL
Fair enough. Enjoy breakfast and let’s talk soon.
I nod to myself, already typing my response, feeling unexpectedly lighter.
We will. See you, Nathaniel.
I put my phone down, a mix of exhilaration and nerves fluttering in my chest.
His messages leave me feeling almost…settled. Which seems impossible given how much space he’s taking up in my thoughts. How can something feel so real, yet so uncertain?
The doubt edges in. He’sNathaniel Caldwell, a man of limitless charm, looks, and family pedigree. Halford’s untouchable bachelor, and I’m…me.Ordinary in every possible way. But for some reason, he kissed me. He’s texting me. And I can’t shake the feeling that I’m on the edge of something big, something I’m not sure I’m ready for but can’t seem to turn away from either.
With a sigh, I stand up, brushing away the last tendrils of sleep, and head out the door, my mind still replaying his messages.
The campus caféthrums with its usual morning rhythm as I step inside, the scent of coffee and warm pastries enveloping me.
Moving toward our usual corner booth, I see that Carolyn and Sophie are already mid-laugh, gesturing animatedly about something, while Tyler and Landon look on with matching grins.
As I slide into the open seat, Landon reaches across the table with a cup already in hand.
“Flat white, dash of cinnamon,” he says with a small smile.
I say, surprised. “Thanks, Landon.”
I wrap my hands around the warm cup, breathing in thefamiliar scent of my go-to order. I take a sip, letting the warmth spread through me and settle my nerves.
Just as I’m about to take another sip, Sophie raises an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. “So, Olivia,” she starts, her voice all too casual. “Anythinginterestinghappen last night?”
I feign innocence. “Define ‘interesting.’”
