Page 126 of Unexpected Forever
Nate comes back downstairs looking unfairly sexy in a button-down with the sleeves rolled up, showing off those forearms, and jeans that hug his impressive thighs.
In spite of the fact it feels like a deep chasm exists between us, heat builds deep in my belly, a languid slow burn warming my blood.
I can’t wait for my hormones to go back to some semblance of normal.
His eyes meet mine across the island. His gaze rakes over my body before meeting my eyes again. Those hazel eyes hold a swirl of emotions that make me lose my breath.
The doorbell rings and the moment is broken.
“I’ll get it,” he says, leaving me to get my bearings.
On the island rests large platters of food with a turkey sitting in the middle of it all, and a pang hits me in the center of my chest.
For the first time since I met Nate, I wish I were somewhere else. I miss my family. I miss my dad with a longing that hurts me physically.
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Mom makes pies she never makes any other time of year. It was the one time of year my siblings came home after they’d moved out of Madison Ridge.
It was the one time I always felt complete.
Up until our trip to Florida, I thought I felt the same completeness with Nate.
But with the way we’re acting like strangers, all I feel is alone.
It’s a feeling I may as well get used to because if Nate made the decision I think he did, I have to keep the promise I made to myself to let him go.
For all our sakes.
There’s a shifting in my belly, as though Nugget is reminding me I’ll never be alone again.
I blink back tears and lay a hand on my belly. “I love you too, baby,” I whisper.
“Hey, girl. How are you feeling?” Darcy walks into the kitchen and gives me a hug.
I feel silly for the jealousy I felt with her at first. We’ve talked several times over the last few weeks, finding we have a surprising amount of things in common.
I consider her a friend. One I’m going to hate losing.
“My balance is off. My ankles are all swollen, and I can’t seem to stop eating. Insomnia is in full force as well.”
She grins. “Getting you ready for those sleepless nights.”
“Must be.” My gaze slides into the living room, where Nate talks with the guys, including a man who looks familiar but I’ve never met. “Nate’s acting off.”
Darcy follows my gaze and sighs. “I noticed it too.”
She leans back against the counter, folding her arms over her chest. “Let me ask you something. Y’all have been getting closer, right? I mean, he invited you to Florida to share a major moment together.”
I think back over the last several months and our last night we spent together in Florida. “Yeah, we have.”
“And he’s probably been pulling away since then?”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“Has he told you his plans yet?”
“No.”
I refrain from asking her what she knows, even though it’s on the tip of my tongue.
