Hard to Hold On

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 f*cked 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 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.