“In case what, Nathan? In case I wanted make-up sex?”
“Make-up sex?” He scoffs. “Why would I think that when we haven’t had sex since Jacksonville. I booked it in case this happened.” He gestures between the two of us.
Ignoring his sex comment, I shake my head. “So you were prepared for a fight?”
“I was prepared for you to highlight my wrongdoings, yes.” He’s so calm that it momentarily stuns me.
“And yet, you were still late.”
“I told you; I couldn’t help that.”
I open my mouth to ask where he was, but Zane’s deep voice echoes through my mind.“No one will ever be good enough for you. Least of all him.”
Zane may be way off base with that comment, but something in his concern gives me pause.
“I deserve better than this, Nathan.”
“I had a meeting. They wanted to talk to me about joining the leadership team. It’s a big deal and—”
“That’s great.” I smile, genuinely happy for him. “But…” I bite my lip, hating that it’s come to this. “I don’t just mean today. I deserve better in general. You’ve been an amazing support to me over the years. I’m not negating that. But I’ve been flailing since I moved here, and I needed you. I—”
“Wait.” Nathan glances over his shoulder. “Can we please go to my room?”
My eyes flash to the crowded space not too far away, and I reluctantly agree. I owe him that much for what I’m about to do.
“Lead the way.” I gesture toward the elevators.
“Thank you.” Nathan settles his palm on my lower back, guiding me forward, and for his sake, I keep up appearances until we’re settled inside, reminding myself...
I deserve better.
We’re quiet as we traipse through the lamplit halls, but when we reach his suite, I don’t get time to admire the styling before Nathan rushes to defend himself. “I agree you deserve everything, Blair, but I’m really fucking confused because I’ve been giving you everything. I supported you during your final year of college. I’ve bought you anything you’ve ever needed. Now, I’m asking you to support me. Here. And you’re angry because you deserve better?”
I open my mouth to speak, but when no words come out, Nathan continues on.
“You’re right. I’ve been blind. I’ve been so caught up in making sure I succeed that I never stopped to realize you were hurting. But I was doing it for you too, trying to prove that we made the right choice. That moving to California was the right move. Looks like I failed. So tell me, how do I fix this?”
My heart drums against my ribs as I process his words. He’s right to a degree. I’m supposed to be supporting him here like I said I would and... No. I’ve been doingeverythingfor him too.Dammit. Why do I always question myself with him? I don’t feel the same way anymore. I don’t have to stay just because he wants me to, especially when he doesn’t seem to think he’s done anything wrong.
It doesn’t escape me that Zane was right about Nathan’s lack of apologizing. Now would be a great time for him to say sorry.
“I don’t think you can fix it,” I whisper, my words catching in my throat. “I don’t think it’s fixable.”
“Blair, babe. No.”
“I’m—”
“Wait.” Nathan pats his pants, fumbling around in his pocket before producing a velvet blue box, holding it out in front of him. My eyes bulge as I fight to hide my panic.
“What are you doing? Please tell me you’re not about to propose.”
“I’m not.”
“Oh, thank God.”
He opens the box to reveal a princess-cut engagement ring, and my heart stops. “What the hell, Nathan?”
“I want to show you how committed I am. Tous. Not just my career like you seem to think. I love you, Blair. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I’m not proposing now because I’m not an idiot, but I want you to know of my future plans. That you’re in my future plans. And always will be.”
