Chapter 2: The Night He Forgot Me

This sudden marital mess was getting on my nerves, so I called my best friend, Tessa Monroe, out for drinks.

I spent the whole time gossiping, never mentioning Nathaniel, but she still noticed. She knows me too well.

“Why hasn’t Nathaniel called you tonight?” she teased. “He usually blows up your phone whenever you’re out. Did you guys fight?”

I pursed my lips, annoyed. “He doesn’t like me anymore.”

“Oh, come on,” Tessa complained. “Anyone can see he’s head over heels for you.”

So I told her all about how weird Nathaniel had been acting, especially how he’s suddenly gone celibate.

“What kind of situation would make a guy act like this?” I wondered out loud, not really expecting an answer.

I took a frustrated gulp of my drink. “It’s like he can’t wait to sleep in a separate room!”

“It can’t be that bad,” she said, trying to reassure me. “Maybe he’s got something he can’t talk about?”

My gut told me maybe Nathaniel just wasn’t up for it anymore.

But reality proved he was definitely still up for it—he’d rather suffer than touch me! Go figure.

“Wasn’t he on a business trip to Germany? I heard things are pretty chaotic over there. Maybe he got hurt and doesn’t want you to worry?”

She said, “It’s totally normal to keep that kind of thing from you. And didn’t you say he came back two days late? Maybe it was because of his injuries.”

“That would explain why he’s avoiding you...” she added, brow furrowed.

She was sure: “That’s gotta be it.”

Listening to her comforting words, I wanted nothing more than to go home and strip Nathaniel down for a thorough inspection.

I got home after eleven.

As soon as I opened the door, Nathaniel, sitting on the couch, rushed over. But then he frowned, “You were drinking?”

I couldn’t help thinking—if you’re so worried, why didn’t you call even once?

I brushed off his attempt to help me, but he stubbornly insisted on holding me, refusing to let go.

After making sure I was settled on the couch, he eagerly poured me a mug of warm water with honey.

I stared at him. “Are you hurt?”

He shook his head, looking confused. “No. I’m fine.” His brow furrowed, like he was genuinely lost.

“Then take off your clothes.”

His face turned bright red. He lifted the hem of his pajama top a little, then let it drop, hesitating back and forth, totally unsure of himself.

Watching him waver, I frowned. “Now you won’t even let me see your abs?”

He stopped hesitating and quickly took off his shirt.

His bare chest was so perfect he could be on a magazine cover—no sign of the injuries my friend mentioned.

I glared at him. “Pants too.”

“Th-this...”

“Off.” I gave him a look that meant business.

Only then did he shyly take them off.

Looking at him, all pink and flustered, I couldn’t help but push him down on the couch, hands on his shoulders as I demanded, “Nathaniel Brooks, what is wrong with you?”

He looked startled and bashful. “I—I don’t think there’s anything wrong with me.”

“Then prove it.”

Catching his panicked gaze, I said, laying it on thick, “Don’t make me think less of you.”

Nathaniel looked up at me, his Adam’s apple bobbing hard.

Just when I thought he was going to back out again, he grabbed the back of my head and kissed me fiercely!

Turns out, you really shouldn’t provoke a man. Lesson learned.

Not wanting me to think less of him, Nathaniel spent the whole night making sure I didn’t.

He started out awkward and clumsy, but by the end, he was completely in control—he left me absolutely breathless!

I was too busy and exhausted at the time to think much of it.