Nate takes the cup from my hand and sets it on the coffee table. Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he pulls me into his chest. My head rests on his pec, my arm going around his waist. “Olive, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
I toy with the hem on his untucked button-up shirt. He’s dressed in his suit from last night, sans his jacket. “I am, too. That’s why I flew home last week. He relapsed, and I had to get him into treatment.”
He squeezes me tighter, lips finding my hair. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shake my head against him. “Nate, this isn’t something you drop on someone you don’t really know.”
“You know me,” he growls.
I push myself up so I can look into his eyes more seriously. “Not really. Nate, I didn’t want to burden you with this. It’s a lot to deal with. Trust me.”
Pulling me back down to his chest with a grunt, he says, “You’re right. I understand why you would be hesitant to tell me.” His hand runs over the side of my head, trailing down my back, and I relax into him again. “I can’t imagine how hard this is on you. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all of that. It means a lot that you told me.”
I swallow down the emotion bubbling through me. He isn’t running away yet, but hearing about Benny is very different than dealing with Benny at his worst.
And then there’s the stuff with Marcus and the money. There’s no way I’m telling him about that.
His fingers toy with the ends of my hair as I stay cuddled against him, listening to his strong heartbeat under my ear. My conflicting emotions about opening up to Nate roil through my system. But I try to hold on to hope above all else. That maybe this time will be different.
24
Nate
My heart breaks for Olive. I could tell she was strong before today, but hearing what she’s going through with her brother makes me realize just how much. I wanted to press her more about her family situation, like where their parents are, but I held off. I didn’t want to upset her even more because it didn’t seem like they were still in the picture.
Besides, we’ll have plenty of time to get into our whole life stories later, considering I don’t plan on ever letting this woman go.
I pick up my phone from where I left it on the counter.
Me: I’m bringing someone to your house today. Don’t make me regret it.
Lori: You should know I cannot promise that, but I’m so excited!
With a sigh, I shove my phone into my pocket. I had a feeling that would be my sister’s answer.
While waiting for Olive to finish her hair and makeup, I pour another cup of coffee. I have a few things I need to look up before we leave. I’m going to soak up every minute I have with Olive before we have to go back on tour, where our time together will be limited.
I’m putting my coffee cup in the dishwasher when Olive joins me in the kitchen. Looking up, she takes my breath away. My favorite Olive is the version I got this morning—messy hair, morning breath, without a bra and underwear on, and her sexy body pressed against mine, but this one… This one is just as ravishing. There’s a lightness to her features that I haven’t seen before. If I do nothing else, I hope to continue that for her. I would happily take on all her heavy burdens if it means giving her that peace and comfort.
Not being able to resist touching her, I step closer. My hand goes to her waist, pulling her into me. Her hands land on my sides as I press my lips to hers. I love her taste—mint and sweetness. I deepen the kiss, my tongue running along hers, a moan vibrating into my mouth. Even when we’re apart, the sounds she makes will haunt me in the best way. Our kisses slow, and I rest my forehead against hers.
“You sure we have to leave?” Olive asks with a teasing lilt, her breath caressing my lips.
I chuckle as I straighten. “I’m currently regretting my choice, but yes. We have very important things to do today.”
Her slow but excited smile burrows deeper into my heart.
Four hours later,we’re driving toward my sister’s house. There are multiple bags of different candies on my truck’s console.
“Nate, you bought way too much,” Olive chastises beside me as she opens one of the bags.
After we stopped by my house so I could change clothes, I took her to my favorite breakfast joint. Then we fought the weekend tourist crowd when I dragged her downtown to a brand-new candy shop.
I steal a glance at her. She looks even more delicious than the candy she’s picking through. I remind myself that we have to go to my sister’s.Well, if Olive agrees anyway.
I put off telling her about going over there at breakfast. Probably because I know it’s weird to have her meet my sisters so soon, but I really want her to meet some of the most important people in my life.
“You said you haven’t been there yet. It was a travesty if you haven’t even been to a candy store in your own city.”
