Why I grew to hate Griffin. Why I’ve been stuck in life. Why I’ve been uninspired to finish a book. Everything changed the day she appeared at my grandma’s door.
Natalie is why.
Natalie.
I want my best friend to be more than just my friend.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
NATALIE
It’s safe to say that sleep was nonexistent for me last night. Anytime I closed my eyes, I saw Tobias. Shirtless, grinning Tobias, hovering above me on the couch or his bed or my bed. I’d wake with a jerk and a throbbing I’ve never felt before between my legs. By the third time I woke because of this same dream, I was throbbing so badly, I almost considered waking him.
I groan and drop my face into my hands.
That’s how bad it is—or was. I can’t believe I even considered sneaking into his room.
But last night on the couch, there was a moment. Or maybe there wasn’t, and I’m overthinking because I’m rusty in this department. For obvious reasons, my judgment of men is rusty.
But this is Tobias. He’s not just anyone.
No. No. There was a moment.
Is this what happens when a person calls off their engagement? The lost feeling turns into feelings for the one friend they know they can count on the most. Perhaps this is just some subconscious part of my mind looking for something it was lacking with Griffin?
A knock on my door startles me.
“Nat, are you still in there?”
Shit.
His scratchy morning voice sends a spark of desire right between my legs.
I quickly rise from the bed where I’ve been working on my computer and answer the door.
“Yes, hi,” I smile at him.
I refuse to let my gaze drift down to his bare chest.
All right, it might have slipped a bit.
This is Tobias. He’s your best friend. You’ve been around him thousands of times, shirtless, while he was working out, and it’s never fazed you.
Until now.
“Are you coming down for breakfast?”
He eyes me suspiciously. I don’t blame him. I’ve been in the kitchen before him every single morning since I moved in. Even when we were in Lovers.
And then the day after the couch moment happens, I don't show up.
His mind is probably going as crazy as mine is.
“Oh, yes, of course. I was just … going to get ready first. Hit the ground running today. I was going to put on my running clothes. You know, now that I have them.”
His eyes narrow—well, as much as they can since the majority of his face is black, blue, and swollen.
“Oh, okay. I was thinking we could get started writing today since we didn’t have much time this weekend. I was up late last night writing a couple of chapters I think could be great openings. I thought you could read them and let me know.”
