Page 45 of Unexpected Forever
And where the large bed we had our one night together sits between us.
I close the door behind me and drop my toiletry bag onto the counter before peering into the mirror.
A week ago, I was a twenty-six-year-old, single gal living the dream.
Now, I’m a twenty-six-year-old walking cautionary tale.
I point at my reflection. “Don’t even think about doing something stupid. Again.”
I take a few minutes to use the facilities and wash my face. When I come out, Nate’s standing in the middle of the living room space, scrolling through his phone.
He looks up when I walk in and smiles. “Hey, do you want something to eat? We could order room service or go down to the restaurant if you want.”
I cover my face with my hands and promptly burst into tears.
“Oh, shit. Charley, what’s wrong?”
Strong arms come around me, and I bury my face in his shirt. He holds me, one hand rubbing my back, while I cry like a baby for what seems like forever.
When the tears finally run dry, I pull away and look up at him.
He’s so handsome it hurts to look at him. And he’s being so nice to me when the truth is, Nate Gentry could have his people take care of me.
Of course, his sister is my best friend and that would have made for an awkward family dynamic.
But the man is a celebrity with millions to his name. He didn’t even question if the baby is his, which is odd now that I think about it.
The fact he didn’t makes me like him more. And I can’t like him like that.
We’re forever tied together, but that doesn’t mean we’ll ever be a thing.
He swipes at a tear with his thumb, his eyes shadowed with concern. “Are you okay?”
I nod, giving him a weak smile. “Yeah, it’s just hormones. I’ll be fine.”
He raises a brow. “You sure?”
I take a step back and his arms fall away, letting me go. I miss the warmth and safety of them immediately.
“Yeah. I’m going to go lie down for a little while. If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat. Don’t wait on me.”
Before he can respond, I turn and flee to the bedroom and shut the door.
He doesn’t follow me, thankfully. I’m mortified I soaked the front of his shirt with my tears.
On the other hand, I miss his touch.
And I’m really hating these fucking mood swings.
Changing out of my work clothes and into a tank top and leggings is a relief. But once I lie down, it feels like hours of tossing and turning pass before sleep finally overtakes me.
Dreams of a little baby girl with my dark hair and Nate’s hazel eyes fill my head. Her tiny hand wraps around his finger and he smiles a heartbreakingly beautiful smile at her.
I wake up with a start, my chest heaving. I glance over at the nightstand to find a bottle of water and my cell phone sitting on it.
The clock on my phone reads 9:45 pm.
Holy shit. I slept away the whole evening.
