Chapter 38
Aquick search of the name Katie Nolan tells me a few things about Nathaniel’s motives.
She’s smart.
The kind of smart that will take you places.
Big places. She just finished her final year of law school, earning her JD.
She’s been interning with Stokes one I used to see Ellie do early in our relationship.
I like this girl. There is something about her that I just connect with.
If my heart didn’t already belong to Ellie, I could maybe even fall for her someday.
But I can’t, and I won’t. I could spend every day for the rest of my life trying, but it would be a waste of both of our time.
I found my soulmate when I was eighteen, there will never be anyone else for me.
“Well, that’s definitely not Romeo and Juliet,” I say, enjoying our banter.
She laughs softly. “They absolutely will not be teaching this in high school.” She looks at me for a long moment, like she’s considering what to say.
I can tell she doesn’t have a lot of experience with men, which is surprising considering her beauty.
“Well, I should probably get going, the table is all yours.”
“You’re leaving before I have the chance to ask you out?” My lips curve to one side, her bashfulness is a breath of fresh air.
A soft smile forms on her lips, and she ducks her head trying to hide her reaction to me. When she looks back up, her eyes are bright…happy.
I did that.
I made her feel that way, and it feels damn good. I haven’t felt this relaxed or at ease in years.
“Okay, Romeo.” She lifts her arms and lets them fall to her side. “I’m still here. Go ahead and ask me.”
I bite back my grin and look at her seriously. “Thus with a kiss I die, Juliet,” I recite, playing along. “Have dinner with me tonight?” I ask, and honestly, I mean it. I want to spend time with her.
Just not in the same way Nathaniel wants me to.
Not in the same way she’s currently looking at me. My heart cracks at her hopeful expression. The relaxation I just felt fizzles out.
I’m going to hurt her.
“Okay,” she nearly whispers. “Do you have a name? Or would you prefer Romeo?” she jokes, her tone soft and sweet. I like the sound of it.
“I’m Nathan.”
“Nice to meet you, Nathan. I’m Katie.” She beams…
…And I break.