Page 6 of His To Unravel (His & Hers Duet #1)

SIX

olivia

Soft morning light slips through the gap in my blinds, casting a sliver of gold across my ceiling. I lie cocooned in the quiet comfort of my bed, but my mind races.

Last night’s kiss with Nathaniel replays in my thoughts—a heady mix of thrill and uncertainty. My heart flutters, and a smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it, my hand instinctively pressing over them as though to hold the memory in place.

It’s been ages since I felt this way. Not since high school—and even then, nothing like this.

The emotions are jumbled: excitement, self-doubt, and fear all circling in an endless loop.

Nathaniel’s attention… I can see it becoming addictive.

But the question gnaws at me, unspooling my sense of control.

Is this smart? Can I handle something like this, right now, in the midst of everything else?

Ping.

My phone lights up, breaking my thoughts. I reach for it, my heart racing a little faster when I see his name on the screen.

NATHANIEL

Good morning, Olivia. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed last night. Spending time with you.

My face warms, and I smile as I read his words again. The way they feel—like a gentle nudge, reassuring and intimate all at once—makes something flutter in my chest.

He enjoyed last night. I did too.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for a second as I consider my response.

Good morning. I enjoyed it too. A lot, actually.

There’s a short beat that leaves me wondering if I’ve said too much. But his reply arrives almost instantly.

NATHANIEL

I’m glad. I was worried I might’ve come on a bit strong.

Then, after a pause:

NATHANIEL

But I wouldn’t change a thing.

I exhale, feeling something ease in me—like a ribbon slowly unfurling. There’s a strange comfort in his words, a way he has of making me feel steady even when my own thoughts run wild.

I wouldn’t either. It was…really nice.

Nice. Such a simple word for something so poignant. But he doesn’t seem to mind.

His next message brings a smile to my face.

NATHANIEL

You make it easy to feel that way, Olivia.

The three dots indicating he’s typing appear. I can almost picture him, his expression thoughtful.

NATHANIEL

Let me know if I ever make it difficult.

I bite my lip, chuckling softly. I doubt he has any idea how unbalanced he already makes me feel—or maybe he does, and that’s the most unnerving part. I reply before I overthink it.

I don’t think that would ever be a problem.

For a second, I hesitate, then add:

I’m actually about to grab breakfast with some friends before class.

It feels odd to bring up something so normal, but I want him to know—part of me wants to share these everyday details. His reply comes quickly, warm and effortlessly teasing.

NATHANIEL

Then I won’t keep you. Unless you’re willing to save me a seat?

A quiet laugh escapes me. He’s charming—I can’t deny that.

I don’t think my friends are ready for that just yet.

NATHANIEL

Fair enough. Enjoy breakfast and let’s talk soon .

I nod to myself, already typing my response, feeling unexpectedly lighter.

We will. See you, Nathaniel.

I put my phone down, a mix of exhilaration and nerves fluttering in my chest.

His messages leave me feeling almost…settled. Which seems impossible given how much space he’s taking up in my thoughts. How can something feel so real, yet so uncertain?

The doubt edges in. He’s Nathaniel Caldwell , a man of limitless charm, looks, and family pedigree.

Halford’s untouchable bachelor, and I’m…

me. Ordinary in every possible way. But for some reason, he kissed me.

He’s texting me. And I can’t shake the feeling that I’m on the edge of something big, something I’m not sure I’m ready for but can’t seem to turn away from either.

With a sigh, I stand up, brushing away the last tendrils of sleep, and head out the door, my mind still replaying his messages.

The campus café thrums with its usual morning rhythm as I step inside, the scent of coffee and warm pastries enveloping me.

Moving toward our usual corner booth, I see that Carolyn and Sophie are already mid-laugh, gesturing animatedly about something, while Tyler and Landon look on with matching grins.

As I slide into the open seat, Landon reaches across the table with a cup already in hand.

“Flat white, dash of cinnamon,” he says with a small smile.

I say, surprised. “Thanks, Landon.”

I wrap my hands around the warm cup, breathing in the familiar scent of my go-to order. I take a sip, letting the warmth spread through me and settle my nerves.

Just as I’m about to take another sip, Sophie raises an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. “So, Olivia,” she starts, her voice all too casual. “Anything interesting happen last night?”

I feign innocence. “Define ‘interesting.’”

Carolyn jumps in, her tone conspiratorial. “Apparently, someone saw you outside your dorm last night…with Nathaniel Caldwell. ” She leans forward with a smirk, watching me closely. “And they may or may not have seen him kiss you on the cheek!”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I busy myself with stirring my coffee, shrugging as casually as I can manage. “He just walked me back after our project session. Nothing to get excited over.”

Sophie laughs, nudging my arm. “Oh, please. The guy doesn’t give anyone a second glance, and he was seen kissing you, Olivia.”

I manage a laugh, brushing it off. “It was friendly. You know, like a thank-you or something.”

Carolyn leans back, arms crossed, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. “A thank-you kiss from Nathaniel Caldwell. Sure, Olivia.”

Just then, my phone vibrates in my bag, and a thrill zips through me as I fish it out and see the name on the screen.

NATHANIEL

Is breakfast living up to expectations?

I can’t help the smile that pulls at my lips.

Not quite as exciting as pancakes for dinner, but it’ll do.

As I hit send, Sophie catches my eye, still grinning, and asks, “So, what’s it like, Olivia?”

I blink. “What’s what like?”

She chuckles, shaking her head. “Having Nathaniel Caldwell’s attention on you. You’ve been buried in textbooks for three years, and now you’re suddenly… interesting .”

I know she means it as a joke, but the words still land a little sharp—like I’ve only just become worth noticing.

I take another sip of my coffee to hide my expression, aware of their curious stares. “Honestly…he’s nice. Really attentive.” I feel my face heat up, and quickly add, “But it’s not like that. We’re just studying together.”

It’s still too new—too undefined—to offer up for dissection. I’m not even sure what it is yet.

Carolyn exchanges a look with Sophie, then turns back to me with a grin. “Come on. Just a ‘nice, attentive guy’? Don’t sell him—or yourself—short, Liv.”

My phone buzzes again, and I glance down, my heart skipping.

NATHANIEL

I’ll take that as a compliment. Next time, let me know, and I’ll make sure it’s worth the comparison.

The warmth in my cheeks spreads, and I’m quick to type a reply.

We’ll see…

I look up to find Carolyn watching me. “It’s okay, you know,” she says, voice quieter, “to let someone in. You don’t always have to be the serious one.”

Sophie nods, her expression softer now too. “Yeah, Liv. If it makes you happy, then…why not?”

Their words strike a chord in me, unsettling yet comforting.

I’ve always seen myself as someone with a singular focus, someone too occupied with goals to leave room for… more . Yet, here I am, feeling a strange blend of excitement and apprehension that I can’t quite shake.

Another message comes through, almost like it’s in sync with my thoughts.

NATHANIEL

And how’s the company? As charming as last night?

I press my lips together, fighting a grin as I reply.

My friends have many talents, but…charm just isn’t one of them.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for a moment before I add, with a hint of boldness:

They’re asking about you, by the way.

Before I can put my phone away, Carolyn’s sharp gaze lands on the screen.

“Olivia!” Carolyn’s voice jolts me from my phone. She’s peering over, eyes lighting up with delight as she spots Nathaniel’s name on the screen. “Are you texting him right now ?”

Heat prickles my cheeks as I fumble to lock my phone screen, tucking it face down on the table. “He just wanted to check in about the project.”

Carolyn rolls her eyes, but her tone is amused. “Uh-huh. Checking in at eight in the morning? Right .” She draws out the last word in exaggerated disbelief.

Sophie leans in, her elbows resting on the table, barely containing her glee. “Oh, come on, Liv. Don’t act like you’re not secretly thrilled about this. You’ve avoided anything remotely romantic for years, and suddenly you’re catching the eye of Halford’s most desirable guy. ”

Before I can respond, my phone lights up again. Their gazes flick to it, and I can feel the weight of their anticipation, even though I’m trying my best to play it cool. I pick it up, letting my fingers hover for a second before reading his message.

NATHANIEL

I’m only interested in impressing one person at that table. How am I doing?

My breath catches slightly, and I fight back a smile, hoping they don’t notice. My fingers type quickly.

I’ll let you know if I survive this breakfast interrogation.

Landon’s voice breaks the moment, his tone unexpectedly serious. “Olivia, how much time are you spending with him, exactly?”

Carolyn exchanges a curious glance with me, as if to ask, are you hearing this?

“A few hours here and there…” I say, shrugging.

Sophie laughs, nudging me. “Good! It’s about time you had let loose. You’re allowed to, Liv.”

Tyler, quiet until now, exchanges a glance with Sophie before leaning forward, his voice low. “Just…be careful, Olivia. Caldwell’s background…it’s different.”