Page 4 of His To Unravel (His & Hers Duet #1)

FOUR

olivia

The courtyard is always buzzing this time of day—students bustling between classes, groups gathered around benches under the canopy of tree branches stretching overhead. I spot my friends at a shaded spot near the edge, their laughter rising above the din as they wave me over.

Sophie and Tyler sit side by side, as always.

Sophie, with her effortless charm, coasts through classes more on personality than effort.

Tyler, easygoing and athletic, is always ready with a joke or lighthearted commentary.

They both have a knack for enjoying Halford’s social perks despite the pressure of classes, and I envy how easy they make it all look.

Next to them, Carolyn sits with her usual calm focus.

She’s a little more like me in terms of academics, though far better at juggling life and school.

She says she admires my discipline, but we both know her way of balancing things and living fully in each moment is the healthier approach.

She and I are in the same Strategic Management class with Nathaniel, and I have a feeling she’ll have something to say about that pairing soon.

Landon, last in the lineup, greets me with a thoughtful smile. He’s been a steady presence in my life since freshman year and often the first to notice when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Today is no different. Even as he joins in the others’ banter, his gaze holds a question he hasn’t yet voiced.

“Look who decided to grace us with her presence,” Sophie teases, scooting over on the bench to make space.

I roll my eyes, settling in between her and Tyler, who nudges me playfully. “I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“Here for a second, then gone for a semester,” Tyler says with a laugh. “Seriously, Olivia, you disappear every term. You’d think the dean’s list is the only thing you live for.”

Carolyn leans forward, eyes gleaming with mock curiosity. “Do you even know how to take a break?”

I feel a small pang of defensiveness but force a laugh, trying to play along.

“Very funny. I actually do have fun sometimes.” Even as I say it, I’m not entirely sure I believe it.

Fun seems like something I misplaced somewhere between study sessions, internships, and meticulously color-coded calendars.

“Hey, we get it. You’ve got to keep those scholarship people happy,” Landon says. Though he’s usually understanding, there’s something in his tone that makes me feel like I’m oddly distant from their circle.

“It’s not just that,” I find myself saying, feeling the weight of my own words. “I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to, you know…actually make it out there. Not all of us are on dad’s bankroll.”

It’s meant as a joke, but the truth of it sits heavy between us for a moment. I know they understand that about me—I’ve been working since I got here to carve out my space, to hold onto it. But that doesn’t change the fact that I sometimes feel like I’ll never belong here.

Sophie breaks the silence with a sigh, shaking her head with both affection and mild exasperation. “Olivia, you’re going to burn out before you even get your first job.”

“And I’ll still end up working for you one day,” Tyler adds, smirking. “Our future boss, right here, folks.”

I force a laugh, as it dawns on me how much they don’t fully see.

It’s easier to let them think my ambition is a kind of quirk, a habit I’ll eventually outgrow, rather than the survival mechanism it is.

My drive is woven into every part of me, built from years of expectation, from always being “the one who’ll make it. ”

Carolyn tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Speaking of hard work, I heard you got paired with Nathaniel Caldwell for that project. Lucky you.”

At the mention of Nathaniel, I feel a flicker of something I can’t quite place. “Yeah, we’re working together.”

“And?” Sophie leans in, practically vibrating with excitement. “What’s he like? I mean, I’m not one to swoon, but he’s… you know .” She flutters her lashes dramatically, and everyone laughs.

I shrug, trying to seem nonchalant. “He’s…smart, organized. Knows his stuff. That’s for sure.”

Carolyn raises an eyebrow. “Only Olivia would describe someone like Nathaniel Caldwell as ‘organized.’”

I roll my eyes, feeling a blush creep up as I try to hide my smile. “Look, it’s just a project, okay? It shouldn’t matter that he is…objectively good-looking.”

“ Good-looking ,” Tyler scoffs. “Olivia, the man looks like he was carved from marble. A sexy, brooding statue.”

I shake my head, laughing softly. “You exaggerate,” I say simply, trying to force my thoughts about Nathaniel to stay professional, ignoring the undercurrent of excitement humming through me.

Carolyn rolls her eyes, unconvinced. “Oh, come on. You do realize he’s probably the most eligible bachelor at Halford, right? Not to mention, ridiculously handsome . Most wish they were lucky enough to get that close to him.”

Sophie nods enthusiastically, grinning. “Yeah, come on, Olivia. He’s practically Halford royalty. Just being in his presence… I’d be too busy staring to actually get any work done.” Beside her, Tyler rolls his eyes, feigning a yawn.

My cheeks warm despite myself.

“Well, he’s easy to work with,” I manage to say, careful to keep my voice casual. “And we’re both just focused on completing the project.”

Carolyn gives me a knowing look. “Sure, but you’re not completely immune, Olivia. You gotta give us something.” She pauses, arching an eyebrow. “What’s he like one-on-one?”

Her question catches me off guard—not because I don’t have an answer, but because I have too many.

The weight of his gaze when he’s focused, the way his voice has a gentle command to it, the effortless confidence he wears like a second skin… How he has a way of making the world around him seem smaller, like his gravity pulls everything into his orbit.

But I can’t say that. Not to them, not even to myself.

“He’s just… Nathaniel ,” I reply with a shrug, forcing a light tone. “I mean, he’s serious about the project. He doesn’t come across as someone who’s all that big on small talk.”

Sophie and Carolyn exchange a glance, as if they can see right through me.

Carolyn leans back, beaming. “Sounds like he’s already gotten under your skin. A guy like him has a way of doing that—even when you think you’re just ‘working’ together.” She emphasizes the word with air quotes.

I laugh to keep things light, but something in me hums with awareness at her words, and I realize just how much Nathaniel has crept into my thoughts since that first project meeting.

I find myself replaying moments from our sessions together—how he looked at me when I spoke, the simmering intensity behind his gaze. This pull I feel… It’s something I can’t quite put a name to, but I can’t deny that it’s there .

Landon cuts in. “He’s probably just interested in your ideas, Olivia. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’re one of the smartest people at Halford.” His voice is steady, but there’s something underneath it—something I haven’t noticed before… Or maybe I just haven’t allowed myself to.

I smile at him gratefully, hoping to brush past the moment. “Thanks, Landon. You’re right. We’re just trying to get a good grade on this project.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince them or myself more.

The group eventually moves on to other topics, and I join in, grateful for the shift. But as we laugh and share stories, a nagging thought stays with me.

What if there was something more behind Nathaniel’s intensity?

What if Carolyn is right, and I’m not as immune as I want to believe?

Eventually, we part ways, and I find myself walking with Landon as I head toward my next class.

His pace is relaxed, a contrast to the bustle of students moving between lectures. There’s something steady about Landon that’s always been a comfort to me. Yet today, something seems off. His gaze lingers on me, and there’s tension beneath his usual calm.

“So,” he starts, glancing down at me as we turn toward the lecture halls, “Nathaniel Caldwell, huh? That’s…something.”

I laugh, shaking my head in exasperation. “Not this again. Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with my project partner?”

He gives a small chuckle, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s just that… He doesn’t really do projects with people, does he? Or anything with people, actually. From what I’ve seen, he keeps to himself, and people stay out of his way.”

I shrug. “I mean, he might not be the friendliest person on campus, but he seems driven and he takes the work seriously. We both just want to do well on this project. ”

Landon nods and I hope that’s the end of it. But he presses on. “Right, but we don’t know much about him and…” He trails off, clearing his throat. “Just…be careful, all right?”

He’s always been straightforward, but there’s something almost vulnerable in his tone.

“Landon,” I say gently, “it’s just a project.”

We reach the lecture hall, and Landon gives me a quick smile and a wave as he turns toward his class. There’s a hesitation in his eyes as he walks away, like he’s leaving something unsaid.

As I watch him walk off, a strange pang of guilt settles in. And as I step into my next class, his words trail behind me like a shadow. Be careful.

Why should I be worried about Nathaniel? It’s just a project. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

But I feel something inside me shifting…and maybe that’s the part that should scare me.

I settle into the quiet of my dorm room, the desk lamp casting a soft, warm glow over the scattered notes and textbooks I barely made a dent in.

The day’s conversations echo in my mind—Carolyn’s teasing about Nathaniel, Landon’s concerned glances. I try to brush it off, to focus on the pages in front of me, but it’s futile. My thoughts keep returning to him.

Nathaniel. I sigh, leaning back in my chair.

Yes, he is undeniably attractive, and different from the other guys I’ve met at Halford. Not just in the way he looks, but in the way he sees . One minute, he’s discussing a case study; the next, he’s asking if I’ve had a long day. Like he’s actually…paying attention.

My phone vibrates, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. I glance at the screen and see a text from Nathaniel .

Of course.

NATHANIEL

Hey Olivia, I just wanted to double-check our proposal outline. Does the market segment analysis look good to you?

I release a small breath, grateful for the anchor back to our project.

Yes, I looked over it earlier. Seems solid to me. Thanks for double-checking

I add the smiley face automatically, then pause, feeling the tiniest flicker of vulnerability over such a small thing. Rolling my eyes, I hit send.

A few seconds pass before his response lights up the screen.

NATHANIEL

Good. Didn’t want to miss anything.

What has you up so late? I hope you’re not overworking yourself.

I blink, momentarily taken aback by his concern.

Oh, well… It’s senior year, so it’s to be expected. Under a lot of pressure. But I’m managing, I think.

The response feels honest, if a little exposed. I don’t usually talk about this with anyone but somehow, it feels easy to admit it to him.

NATHANIEL

You’re always so focused. It’s admirable, but you deserve a break once in a while.

A small smile creeps onto my face. Deserve a break. When was the last time someone said something like that to me?

Thanks. But I can’t really afford to take it easy. I’m here on scholarship and my parents are really counting on me.

NATHANIEL

I can respect that. That kind of drive isn’t easy to come by. Your family must be proud.

I feel somewhat moved his words, an acknowledgment that goes beyond the usual empty encouragement. He didn’t dismiss it—he respected it.

I hope so. It’s just…a lot sometimes. Halford is a different world, and I feel like I’m always on the outside looking in.

I wince, wondering if I’ve overshared. But his reply comes almost instantly.

NATHANIEL

Well, for what it’s worth, I think you fit here more than most. Maybe everyone else needs to catch up to you.

I swallow, letting the weight of his words settle over me. And for a moment, I’m able to forget about everything else.

NATHANIEL

Speaking of breaks, how about we take one? Maybe get off campus for a bit.

I hesitate, reading and rereading his message. A part of me wants to overanalyze, to list all the reasons I should focus on studying, keep my head down. But another part— a long-neglected part —wants to say yes.

That sounds…nice. What were you thinking?

NATHANIEL

I have some ideas… Free tomorrow evening?

I deliberate only a moment longer.

Sure, tomorrow it is.

As I put my phone down, I realize I’m smiling. A full-on, genuine smile I feel all the way to my toes. The pressure I’ve been carrying all day eases, just a little. It’s just a study break , I remind myself. Nothing else.

Yet, as I turn back to my books, a thrill I can’t quite suppress hums beneath the surface—a quiet expectation for more.