as he looks over his shoulder and into her eyes. “My phone gave out on me at the beach. I tried calling from my cousin’s cell but she wasn’t answering.” He gives her a scolding smile and she giggles.
“Sorry,” she whispers. “I didn’t know who it was. I don’t answer unknown numbers unless I’m expecting a call.”
“Not even when that number calls you a dozen times?” He reaches forward to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She melts and her cheeks fill with blood as she stares into his eyes.
“Well obviously I’ve interrupted you two’s . . . um . . . playtime,” I say through a breathy laugh, “so, I’ll be on way now.”
“Cool shiz,” Dawson says. “We’ve got the place to ourselves, babe.” He wraps his arms around her and she curls against his large torso as I make my way towards the door.
“See you guys later.”
“Oh—Natalie!” Dawson calls, kicking his feet up on the coffee table. “Forgot to tell you that my man Nolan is coming back in town. He says he has a few words to share with you since you haven’t been answering his calls. He won’t tell me what’s going on so how about you give me the honor?”
I stare at Dawson, wanting to slap him for lying but as he stares back at me, expecting an answer, I realize maybe he really doesn’t know we’ve broken up. “Tell Nolan I don’t want to talk. We’re done.”
“Whoa.” He turns to look at Harp, his gaze serious. “Seriously, what’s going on?”
“It’s none of our business,” Harper hisses at him. She’s defending me now but I know she’s going to tell Dawson everything once I’m out of earshot.
“I’ll see you guys later,” I mutter before my throat can close in on itself. I shut the door behind me and rush for the elevator. Shit. Why is he coming back? Why now when I actually want to forget about him? Talking to him in person is going to destroy me. It’s going to make me want to accept him back into my life but I know he’s not good for me. He’s Nolan. He’s a player. It’s what has defined him for years. I thought I had changed his ways and helped him out a little but it’s obvious that I didn’t. I only wasted my time.
I grow impatient, watching as the numbers of the elevator climb. It finally dings but as it shoots open, my heart completely drops and my palms drench with sweat. I meet his grey eyes before taking in the full sight of him. As much as I don’t want to admit it, he’s sexy as hell in his red T-shirt clinging to every crease of his upper half, his dark jeans, and even his hair looks like he put work into it to give it that hot, purposely messy look.
His lips part, as if he wants to say something, but after a second, his lips seal. Although I want to run like hell, the soles of my shoes remain glued to the floor and I continue to stare, wide-eyed and with my mouth ajar.
“Hi, Bunny,” Nolan whispers, staring back at me with a small smile.
Chapter Eighteen
Nolan
I don’t think I’ve ever been at a loss for words to see someone. Ever. Seeing Natalie stand before me and looking at me as if I’m a murderer makes me want to do nothing but shut up. What is she thinking? What does she think about seeing me here? Perhaps Mills was right. He really needs to stay the hell out of my head.
As I call her “Bunny”, her cheeks burn a bright red and that gives me a little satisfaction. At least I can still make her feel something. I step out of the elevator but she takes a few steps back to keep the distance.
“Nolan,” she says, forcing a smile. “W-what are you doing here?”
“I’m back in Miami . . . for good, Natalie.”
Gulping, she looks me over, confusing me on whether she’s enjoying the sight of me or disliking it. Maybe there’s a mix of feelings. I wouldn’t be so happy to see someone like me, either, after what I’d said to her before she left California. “So where you headed off to?” I ask, aiming to lighten the mood.
“I have class,” she replies quickly. “At 2:45 actually so I should get going.”
“Natalie.” I shake my head, lowering my gaze to look at the floor. After a second, I look up