Live Love and Niall Horan

Chapter Forty Seven

LIVE LOVE AND NIALL HORAN

Chapter Forty Seven

I was cautious the whole way back to the lodge. I sat in the passenger's seat, Nate beside me driving. The whole arrangement was awkward and tense to say the least, but I was pleasantly surprised that Nate didn't make a single innuendo or inappropriate remark the entire time. He was polite and made small talk every now or then, but it was mostly his two friends and Harry doing the talking.

I hadn't even realized how tense I was until we arrived at the lodge and I instantly felt myself relax as I opened the car and stepped out. Harry thanked Nate for the ride, but I could barely acknowledge any of the conversation going on. I was exhausted and according to my almost empty birth control pack, was about to get my period. Not a great combination.

Turning towards the lodge front doors, I took a few steps forward before stumbling. A hand caught my arm, straightening me back up.

"Thanks," I turned around expecting Harry's concerned face, but instead Nate was there, his cologne filling up my nostrils.

Eyes that once glittered looked dull and his hair was matted down with the still falling snow.

"Let me walk you back to your room, I don't think it's safe to let you stumble around alone..." Nate's voice trailed off as he pushed the lodge doors open for me. A gust of warmth embraced my freezing body and I relaxed just a bit more.

"I'm fine," I shook my head, but he didn't budge from his offer.

No matter how reserved and normal he was being, I didn’t trust Nate to not suddenly pull something out of line. I told him floor and room number as we reached the elevators.

"This reminds me of the many times I had to haul your drunk ass home after parties," Nate mused as he jabbed up the up button.

"More like I was hauling yours," I retorted, trying to ignore the pounding in my head as I stepped in the elevator.

"I'm surprised I didn't see your boyfriend out there today," Nate commented pleasantly.

I instantly stiffened. This was dangerous, un-charted territory. Especially after my conversation with Niall last night, he was the last person I wanted to bring up with Nate. Nate could act nonchalant all he wanted, I wasn't going to lower my suspicions and open up.

"Food poisoning," I responded cautiously.

The elevator stopped with a ding and I stepped out, Nate still following in suit much to my annoyance.

"Speaking of my boyfriend," I told him smoothly, emphasizing the word boyfriend. "I should go see how he's doing. I'll see you later."

Hopefully, later would end up being never.

Niall's room would be closer than mine anyway, being just around the corner. But before I could even take two steps, Nate's hand caught my arm again.