Our Way

I get a lump in my throat and I want to howl to the moon.

“You tired?” he asks.

I nod. “It’s been a long day.”

“You should take a shower.”

“I will.”

We stare at each other. His eyes are dark, and I feel like he wants to say something, but then he doesn’t. What is he thinking?

It’s like I’m dealing with a completely different man—one I don’t know.

I pick up my wine glass and walk into Nathan’s bedroom, and then through to the bathroom, which is mostly made from beautiful, natural green stone. There’s a huge pendant light that hangs over the big, black bathtub that sits in the center of the room.

We really should stay here more often. It’s beautiful.

Oh, but that’s right…. I won’t even be here soon.

Stephanie will.

Stop it.

Dejected, I take a sip of my wine and put it down onto the counter. I turn the hot water on in the shower. I take my T-shirt off over my head.

“Can I get you anything?” he asks.

I turn to see Nathan leaning on the doorframe as he watches me. We stare at each other, and God, he’s not the only one confused here. I have so many feelings running through my body. Empathy, jealousy and now when I look at him… ownership. Nathan is mine, and I can’t imagine another woman laying a hand on him. I just can’t stand it.

I close my eyes in regret before I open them again. Cut it out.

“No.” I smile. “Thanks.”

“You hungry?”

“Not really, are you?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Let’s just go to bed, hey? It’s been a big day.” I don’t even know what to say to him so I’ll just avoid the entire topic. Bed is the easiest option here.

“Okay.”

We stare at each other for a moment. It’s as if he’s waiting for something, but god knows what it is.

“Are you all right?” I ask.

He nods, but he looks so sad.

Empathy fills me, and I smile softly and hold my arms out for him. “Nathe, come here, baby.”

He hugs me. We squeeze each other tightly and stay in each other’s arms for a long time. I can feel his torment.

“Can I do anything to help?” I whisper.

“Just be here.” He kisses my temple.

“Okay.” I hold him tighter. “I can do that.”