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“We’re here, Natalie,” I say softly as I rub her cheek with the back of my hand.
Her eyes open cautiously, but after she looks around, she realizes where she is. “Oh my God. Did I sleep the whole way here?”
“Pretty much,” I say, giving a small smile.
“Oh, Nathan, I’m so sorry. I guess I didn’t really sleep well last night.” Her hands fly up to her face in embarrassment.
“Hey,” I gently wrap my fingers around her wrists and move her hands away from her face, “it’s no big deal.”
“Ok,” she says. “I’ve never fallen asleep in front of someone before, but I guess I just feel …”
“Feel what?”
She hesitates before saying, “I feelsafewith you.”
I gaze into her eyes, wishing I could read her thoughts because her word choice emits concern. Yes, she should always feel safe with me, but what would have incited her to use that word? Why not the wordcomfortable? Or any other word in the English dictionary, for that matter.
What or who would make her not feel safe?
I want to ask, but I notice her shift nervously in her seat, realizing her mistake, so I decide not to.
“Well, whenever you need to take a nap, you just let me know. That’s what I’m here for.” I wink, which makes her smile, and I observe the bags under her eyes have started to fade. “So, after I get some stuff done at home, I was planning on going to the Lonely Tavern tonight. If you want to come,” I run my hand through my hair, feeling nervous, “just call me later, but if not, it’s no big deal.”
“Can I think about it?” she asks. “Not that I wouldn’t love to spend tonight with you, it’s just this is the longest I have gone without seeing my family, and I just want to …”
“Natalie, don’t worry. I promise it’s not a big deal.” I hope she doesn’t hear the disappointment in my voice, so I lean in close to kiss her soft lips.
I had every intention of it just being a simple kiss before she left my car, but the second our lips touch, I need more. We begin to move in unison, both of us ravenous for the other person. Natalie grabs my shirt and pulls me into her. I feel every part of me beginning to throb for her, so I quickly pull away before anything more can happen.
I watch as Natalie opens her eyes and rests her head on my chest. “Wow, I don’t think I will ever get tired of that.” I can’t see her face, but I know a beautiful smile is on it.
“Me neither.” I hold her against me, wishing she wasn’t about to leave.
But after only a few seconds, she slowly lifts her head and smooths out her shirt. “Well, thanks again for the ride and for the best nap I’ve ever had,” she teases, making me grin. She hops out of the car, grabs her bag, and walks to her house. Already, I miss her presence.
I back my car out of Natalie’s driveway and start toward my house, which is only a few blocks away. I know this will not be a pleasant visit, and I can feel my stomach turn when I arrive.
“Hello?” I ask after unlocking the door and walking in.
“In here,” I hear my brother, Nick, respond.
Nick is my newly seventeen-year-old brother who has just started his junior year of high school as a straight-A student and a very talented basketball player. He has the same dark hair, brown eyes, and angular jaw that I have, but he stands a couple of inches shorter than me and is only just beginning to bulk up. He comes off as shy and guarded to most, probably due to our unfortunate upbringing, but with me, he has always been the complete opposite.
He is, without question, the best brother I could have ever asked for.
I enter the kitchen and see Nick making a sandwich. “What’s up, dude?” he asks before he stuffs a big bite into his mouth.
“Nothing much. Just thought I’d stop by to take care of some things.” I look around the house to see if anyone else is home.
Nick nods his head in understanding. He knows the real reason why I came home.
“Where’s mom?” I ask.
“She’s out running some errands,” he responds. “She probably won’t be home for a few hours.”
I nod my head. “Let me see the note.”
Nick retrieves a small envelope out of his pocket, which he hands to me. Opening the envelope, I see the familiar handwriting, and that’s all it takes to make my insides boil with rage. Every muscle in my body tightens furiously from the small words I’m staring at. I hit the counter hard with my fist, doing more damage to myself than the solid surface.
