His name was Nathaniel

71

The soft glow of the morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting gentle rays over the room. Nathaniel stirred awake, his body instinctively adjusting to the warmth of the bed. He blinked slowly, taking a moment to orient himself before his gaze fell on Adaliya, still sound asleep beside him.

She was sprawled out across the bed, her hair fanned out on the pillow, her oversized T-shirt riding up slightly to reveal the smooth skin of her legs and the curve of her hips. Nathaniel couldn't help but smile softly at the sight. She looked peaceful, her chest rising and falling in rhythm with her steady breaths, her face relaxed in a way that made her beauty even more striking.

For a moment, Nathaniel allowed himself to simply watch her, soaking in the quiet intimacy of the moment. It wasn't often that he had moments like this—so still, so unguarded. His hand moved almost on its own, tracing the edge of the blanket before gently caressing the exposed skin of her leg.

His fingertips brushed against her thigh, warm and soft under his touch. His hand lingered a little longer than he intended, gliding upward to the curve of her hip. The sensation sent a rush of warmth through him, and for a brief moment, his thoughts shifted from loving to something deeper, something more primal.

Nathaniel's breath hitched as he realized the direction his mind was taking. He could feel the stirring of his arousal, and the realization startled him.

What am I doing?

He quickly pulled his hand away, sitting up slightly as he ran a hand through his hair. His heart was racing, his thoughts a jumble of affection and desire. He shook his head, trying to clear the images that had begun to form. He wasn't used to feeling this way—so intensely drawn to someone, both emotionally and physically.

His mind drifted to the night before, remembering Adaliya's sudden shift in behavior. She had seemed fine all day, but her mood had changed so abruptly that he couldn't help but wonder if he had done something wrong. Maybe he'd bring it up when she woke up.

For now, he decided to let her sleep a little longer, leaning back against the headboard as he closed his eyes and listened to the quietness of the morning.

When Adaliya finally woke up, the smell of breakfast greeted her. She yawned and stretched, the oversized T-shirt shifting as she sat up. Nathaniel turned to her with a small smile, holding a steaming cup of coffee.

"Morning," he said, his voice soft.

"Morning," she replied, smiling sleepily. "You're up early."

"I figured I'd let you sleep in," Nathaniel said, handing her the coffee. "You looked like you needed it."

Adaliya laughed lightly, taking the cup from him. "Thanks. What's for breakfast?"

"Room service," Nathaniel said, gesturing to the small table where a tray of food was waiting.

They sat together, sharing a quiet meal. The tension from the night before seemed to have melted away, replaced by the easy comfort they usually shared. But as they finished their coffee, Nathaniel decided to bring it up.

"So," he began, his tone cautious, "about last night..."

Adaliya raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-bite. "What about it?"

"You seemed... different," Nathaniel said carefully. "I couldn't tell if I did something wrong."

Adaliya froze for a moment, then quickly shook her head, forcing a casual smile. "No, it wasn't you. I was just tired, that's all."

Nathaniel studied her face, unsure if he believed her. But her tone was light, and she didn't seem upset anymore, so he decided not to press the issue. "Alright," he said, though the nagging feeling didn't quite leave him.

After packing their things, Nathaniel and Adaliya checked out of the hotel and began the drive back to her grandparents' house. The journey was filled with light conversation and laughter, the awkwardness from the previous night seemingly forgotten.

When they pulled up in front of the house, Adaliya glanced at Nathaniel, her expression softening. "Thanks for the trip," she said quietly. "It was... really special."

"I'm glad you liked it," Nathaniel replied, his voice equally soft.

They sat in silence for a moment, neither of them wanting to say goodbye. Finally, Adaliya reached for the door handle, forcing a smile. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Of course," Nathaniel said, his gaze lingering on her.

As she stepped out of the car, she turned to give him a small wave. He smiled in return, but as she watched him drive away, a pang of sadness settled in her chest. She tried to push it aside—she knew his work was important, and she respected his dedication. But part of her couldn't help but wish he could stay a little longer.

Inside, her grandparents greeted her warmly, their cheerful chatter lifting her mood. But as the day went on, her thoughts kept drifting back to Nathaniel, her fingers absentmindedly brushing against the necklace he had given her.

For Nathaniel, the drive back was filled with a mix of emotions. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was still something unresolved between him and Adaliya. But as he focused on the road ahead, he made a silent promise to himself: whatever it was, he'd make sure to figure it out.

For now, he let himself replay the moments they had shared—the quiet morning, the soft curve of her smile, the way she had looked at him with those warm, unguarded eyes. And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to hope that maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something that could truly last.