Chapter 49 Busy
Christina’s smile lingered, amused by how quickly Nathaniel’s mood seemed to lift. There was something about seeing him so flustered, so easily thrown off by her playful words, that made her feel more at ease. It was as if, despite the weight of their circumstances and the complexities surrounding them, moments like these made everything seem simpler.
Nathaniel’s expression softened, and he leaned back slightly in his seat, his gaze never leaving her. “You always know how to make me feel better,” he said, his voice low but teasing. “But be careful, I might just start liking this too much.”
Christina raised an eyebrow, her heart fluttering in her chest. “Oh, really? I think you’re already liking it.”
He chuckled, a low sound that made her pulse race a little faster. The way he looked at her—like he could see straight through to her—was intoxicating. She quickly turned her attention back to the road as the car sped through the empty streets, though she couldn’t stop the warmth spreading through her chest.
“You’re right, though,” Nathaniel continued after a moment, his voice growing more serious. “I do get jealous. You don’t know how many people try to get close to you, especially with your talent. It doesn’t sit well with me.”
Christina looked at him, the car’s headlights casting a soft glow over his features. “I didn’t realize you felt that way. I thought you didn’t mind.” She hesitated before adding, “I can’t exactly shut them out, Nathaniel. I have my career to think about too. It’s not just about us.”
His jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. “I know, I get it. But I can’t help it. I’ve always been protective of the people I care about.”
She softened, her heart understanding the sentiment. “I’m not going anywhere, Nathaniel. You don’t need to worry.”
He glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I’m glad to hear that.”
The rest of the drive passed in comfortable silence, with Christina occasionally glancing over at Nathaniel, catching him looking back at her. She couldn’t deny the pull between them—intense, magnetic, almost like the universe itself had decided they were meant to collide.
When they arrived at her apartment, the car slowed to a stop in front of the building. Nathaniel didn’t immediately get out, and neither did Christina. The moment hung between them, charged with unspoken words.
“Thanks for picking me up,” Christina said, her voice softer than usual, but still teasing. “But I think you should go home now. I’m sure you’ve got enough work to keep you up all night.”
Nathaniel didn’t move, his gaze lingering on her. “And what about you? Are you going to be okay?”
She smiled, the kind of smile that spoke of quiet reassurance. “I’ll be fine. I’ve got everything under control. You go rest, okay?”
There was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, but he nodded. “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
As Christina opened the car door, Nathaniel’s voice stopped her. “Christina.”
She turned back to him, curious. His face was serious again, but there was an edge to his tone, something unreadable.
“Be careful, okay?” he said quietly. “The city’s not as safe as it seems. And… I don’t want to hear about anything happening to you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at the depth in his words. She nodded quickly. “I’ll be fine, Nathaniel. Don’t worry about me.”
He didn’t seem entirely convinced, but he gave her a small nod, signaling his reluctant acceptance. She closed the door behind her and watched the car pull away, his silhouette disappearing into the night.
Christina stood there for a moment, letting the silence settle around her. She didn’t know what to make of everything that had happened in the past few days. The way Nathaniel looked at her, how he’d kissed her when they were alone, how protective he was—he was becoming more than just the powerful CEO. He was becoming someone she felt like she couldn’t walk away from, no matter how much she tried to convince herself it was complicated.
It’s complicated because it feels real, she thought to herself, the truth dawning on her slowly.
When she entered her apartment, she was met with the usual stillness. It was the kind of quiet that filled the spaces in her life, a quiet that had always been there, but now felt heavier than ever. She dropped her bag on the couch and went to change into something comfortable, her mind still on Nathaniel.
She had told him she wasn’t going anywhere, but part of her knew that wasn’t entirely true. The more she allowed herself to care for him, the harder it would be to turn away when the inevitable conflicts arose—conflicts with his family, his business, his expectations.
But when she thought about how he’d looked at her today, with that glimmer of hope in his eyes, she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe they could find a way through it all. Together.
Still lost in her thoughts, she sat down on the couch, flipping through her phone messages. Nathaniel’s texts filled her screen, each one just as thoughtful as the last. She couldn’t help but smile as she read them.
Nathaniel: Did you get home safe?
Nathaniel: I’m sorry if I’m being too clingy. Just want to make sure you’re okay.
Christina’s fingers hovered over her phone, a smile tugging at her lips. She quickly typed a response.
Christina: I’m fine. And you’re not being clingy. I like hearing from you.
She paused, then added another message.
Christina: I’ll see you tomorrow, Nathaniel.
Her heart fluttered as she sent the message, a little thrill of excitement running through her. Maybe things weren’t as complicated as she made them out to be. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way forward.
And for the first time in a long while, she felt like she could finally breathe easy.