Please Remember Me

Chapter 20

Nathan's POV

I was waiting in Sean's office for both of them to return. 

I'd received a text about an hour ago from Sean, requesting that I take Tulip out for some lunch after her appointment. Finding out she was even at the hospital for an appointment was a surprise. I wondered why she was here; was it a normal check-up or something else? 

Knowing Tulip would be the only one who could tell me, I didn't bother to question Sean.

Hearing the two enter the office behind me, I shifted in my seat to look at them. Tulip looked like she was about to speak, but paused when her eyes caught mine. Her eyes were so similar to Luke's; a warm, dark chocolate that was intense. There were light bags under her eyes that made me frown. Noticing my expression, she looked to the ground, her brows furrowed in thought. Sean cleared his throat, shooting me a look that said "be nice", as he wandered to sit behind his desk. 

Tulip didn't move from the doorway.

"I invited sweet old Nathan here to take you to lunch, Flower. I figured you might be hungry and in need of a fun little distraction." 

Sean's voice was suggestive so I glared at him.

Obviously, Tulip was uncomfortable with my presence; he didn't need to add to it. 

Sean merely smiled at me cheekily, his green eyes rapidly moving from my form to Tulip's, and back again. Rolling my eyes, I stood up, facing Tulip who was still looking towards ground.

"Wanna go to Bob's?" I asked softly, knowing she enjoyed the atmosphere there, and willing her to look up.

When she did, my heart picked up its pace; she sure was something else. 

I could see the allure that had enraptured my brothers. Studying me with a blank expression, she took a moment to nod her head in agreement, stepping aside so I could lead the way out. Before we exited the room, she paused in the doorway, turning to Sean with a smile that lit up her entire being. 

I wondered if she would ever look at me with that king of joy.

"Thank you, Sean. I hope you have a fantastic day." 

She waved goodbye before turning back towards my waiting form.

Over her head, I watched as Sean kept his focus on her with distinct fondness. I had only ever seen him give that look to Gabriel on occasion. 

As a matter of fact, it was a lot like the look  Luke gave me when he thought I wouldn't notice. 

Putting that observation in a folder to think about later, I lead Tulip to elevators and out of the hospital. An awkward silence enveloped us, remaining as we both got into my car, and began the ten minute drive to the Bob's.

"You know, you can just drop me off at my place. You don't have to spend time with me. I won't tell your brothers, if that's what you are worried about." 

Her voice tore through the air hitting me in the gut more violently than North's fists ever could.

She really didn't trust me.

She thought I was being forced to spend time with her. My hands gripped the wheel tighter; I had a feeling it would be difficult to gain her trust. I was the only one to blame for that too. That fact only increased my frustration.

"I need to make it clear that I would like to spend time with you. My brother's can't force me to do anything I don't want to do. That's not how our family works."