She then looks towards the body of water and her eyes glisten. “I told you I was sorry.”
“Sorry is just a word. Not that I don’t forgive you, I just can’t stand what you did to me. We can never be friends. It’s just not going to happen.” I grab my beer to finish it off and then slam the empty bottle on the counter. “And don’t try your sneaky shit. I know you have a relative in Miami you’re most likely going to visit but I find it weird that you’re going on the same week as I am.”
“Whatever, Nolan,” she grumbles, standing to her feet, her black dress rising and revealing a bright glimpse of her thighs. “But don’t think I don’t know you. All it takes is a few drinks and a bedroom to get you to break down.” She runs a hand across my cheek but I smack it away. Her eyes broaden in awe before she sips on her wine again. “The angry sex will be the best part. I’ll let you get it all out if that’s what it takes for you to want me again.”
“Get the hell out of my face, Sharon.”
Her fingers trail across my chest and she giggles before clunking away in her high red heels. A sigh of relief brushes past my lips as I watch her disappear before I hurry to the back exit. I can’t run into that girl. I can’t be alone with that girl. I’ve come a long way from where I was before but . . . I’m not completely there yet. It’s not safe enough for me to be around any girl alone—no girl other than Natalie. If I’m caught with Sharon alone—drunk, especially—I don’t know what I’ll end up doing.
Chapter Seventeen
Natalie
I’ve never felt more rejuvenated than today. Today is a day of being single. It’s a day of not dwelling on the past or the problems that come along with it. I think last night was one of the best nights of my life. I’ve never had so much fun and to know that I didn’t worry too much or even wallow a ton about being cheated on makes me even happier. I know I can do it. I have to start getting over people and living on. Shit happens. Life happens. I usually get fucked over more than anything else in life anyway so it’s finally time to learn how to deal with it. I have to find ways to get over it.
I turn on my side with a yawn as I stretch. I then sit up but as I do, I hear Harper giggling. I’m surprised she didn’t sleep in like me. I check the time on my phone and it reads 2:02 PM. What the hell is she laughing about? Who’s here?
Hopping out of bed, I rush for my dresser and pull out a pair of jean capris and a pink halter-top shirt with sleeves that stop in the middle of the forearms. It reveals my shoulders which is good because I want Tyler to remember how great my skin felt against his last night.
After I take a quick shower, blow-dry my hair, and then get dressed, I grab my notebook and my satchel and step out. I shut my door behind me and pull my keys out, making my way towards the living room. Hearing Harper giggling again causes me to stop and look up. Her legs are dangling over the couch and every time she giggles, her tiny feet kick in the air.
“Harp?” I call, my eyebrows rising curiously. In only a second, her giggling stifles and the room becomes silent. She peeks over the couch with a small smile on her lips, her hair messy and her lips swollen.
“Oh, hey, Nat!” she chimes, sitting up completely.
“Um . . . what are you laughing at?”
“That would be me. The only guy who should be giving her the giggles.” My eyes narrow curiously as the familiar voice grunts to sit up. My heart starts to beat lightly as Dawson looks at me, his dark-brown eyes sweet and gentle. I’m relieved he’s here with Harper. It gives me hope for her and her worries. “Sup, Nat? Long time, no see.”
“I know, right?” I step forward cautiously, hoping they aren’t naked. “Okay. I have to ask. Why are you back so soon? I thought you weren’t coming from Tampa until this weekend.”
“I missed my Harps,” he says, his deep voice purring