It was a long emotional weekend with Nathan, and I was happy to have my weekly schedule of work ahead of me to focus on. Work helped to take my brain off my Nathan-obsession for a little while. At least until I was sucking on a pen. That move had gotten me into quite a bit of trouble on more than one occasion. It wasn’t entirely intended, but just as he clicked on pens to think, I sucked on them.
Nathan worked very hard that weekend to make sure I couldn’t remember my name let alone walk by the time he was done. He had returned me to normal, my nightmare pushed to the back of my mind, and by Sunday night I was back in control of myself. I hated showing how weak I was to anyone, let alone him. That was why I created an alternate version of myself. I yearned to one day be as strong as the woman I made people believe I was on the outside.
I also learned I had given Nathan great power over me. He had the ability to heal me or destroy me, and I didn’t know which way it would go. A thought that scared me, but I pushed it back with all the other bad thoughts.
It was a little before seven in the morning when the elevator landed on the first floor, and I stepped into the parking lot, heading to work. After rounding the corner, I stopped in my tracks when I noticed a very familiar man leaning on my car.
I took a deep breath as I walked toward him, unsure why he was waiting for me. I was still pissed about Friday night somewhere in my head, but I felt like Nathan had fucked that loose as well.
Andrew greeted me when I was within earshot. “Hi.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Hi.”
“I came by to apologize.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, and I knew he meant it. He always did that when he felt bad about something.
“You did, did you?” I wasn’t planning on letting him off the hook, yet. His words hurt, and I wanted to know what sparked them.
“Yes. I thought about the other night and realized what the problem was.”
“And?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and let out a nervous little laugh. “I’m jealous. I’m a jealous asshole.”
My mouth dropped open, and my breath escaped in a hiss. His confession took me completely off guard and my eyebrows scrunched together. “What?”
“My behavior was horrible. I guess I was in shock and, to be honest, a little turned on by the thought of sex with you in a public place. I mean, if you wanted sex, why didn’t you come to me? We were always very good in that department. It wasn’t just that, though.”
“What was it then?”
He gave me a pained smile and sighed. “I can see you’ve changed since I last saw you. It’s not much yet, but there’s a light every now and again in your eyes and it wasn’t me who put it there. I faced that hard truth the other night. It wasn’t your issues that broke us apart, it was me. It was me that didn’t understand, and I was frustrated with myself for failing. I am never going to be what you need. I am never going to heal you. He understands you, doesn’t he?”
I nodded, too stunned by his admission to speak.
“Did I help? At least a little?” His eyes were dim with a sadness I’d never seen in him.
I placed my hand on his chest. “You helped me more than you’ll ever know.”
He pursed his lips and nodded. “But it wasn’t enough.”
I gave him a small, sad smile.
“I’m sorry, really sorry about the other night. Please don’t hold it against me,” he begged.
I gave him a stern look before smiling and pulling him in for a hug. “Just don’t hurt me like that again, okay?”
“I’m so sorry. You know I was worried and flew off the handle. I mean, I know you’re a horny girl, but rather than some random guy, just jump my bones next time, okay?”
I laughed and pulled back, swatting his chest. “He wasn’t random.”
“Okay, just jump me next time,” he said with a bright smile.
“You’re going to get me in trouble.”
“Why? Is he the possessive type?”
I laughed at his accuracy but stopped when I felt his body stiffen. His face was no longer lighthearted, but hard.
“Andrew?”
My gaze followed his. Nathan had just stepped through the exit and he was glaring at us. My eyes locked with his, and a shiver ran down my spine at the icy look he gave me.