Chapter Four

Sadie

I'm still buzzing from last night.

Seriously, my mind has been in this blissful haze all day, replaying everything that happened between Nathan and me. It's like every time I blink, I'm back in his bed, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, the roughness of his hands on my skin, and the way his mouth made me feel things I didn't know were possible.

This morning was a blur. I woke up to the sound of the alarm, my body tangled up with Nathan's again. We were both half-naked, and I could feel the heat radiating off him. I wanted nothing more than to stay tangled in his arms, to guide his head back to the place I desperately craved him. But of course, reality crashed in and broke apart our peaceful high. We had to get up and separate to get dressed, and head out for the day. I barely got to say goodbye to him. The whole time I was at work, I couldn't stop thinking about him—about his smile, his touch, his everything.

So, when I finally pull up in front of our duplex, my heart does this little skip because there he is—looking all rugged and handsome, wearing a backwards baseball cap, worn jeans, and a long-sleeve shirt. Nathan's walking away from the back of the house with a toolbox in hand, and when he spots my car, that serious, brooding look he usually wears melts into the sweetest smile. It lights up his whole face, and I can't help but smile back.

For someone who can be so intimidating, that smile is pure magic.

I turn off the engine, and before I can even grab my bag, Nathan's already jogging over to open the door for me. The second I step out, he pulls me into this deep, toe-curling kiss that makes me forget all about the long day I've had. When he finally lets me breathe, he tells me he got the power fixed.

"Oh, that's great!" I say, trying to sound excited, but honestly, I'm a little disappointed. I was secretly hoping it would take longer than expected, so I'd have an excuse to stay with him longer. I realized after last night that I don't want to live alone—I just don't want to live with my father.

"Are you hungry?" he asks, still holding me close.

"Starving," I admit. "I didn't grab lunch today and my stomach's been growling for hours."

He frowns. "You need to take care of yourself and eat, little girl."

"I know," I respond with a grimace, my hands resting on his chest. "I haven't gotten the chance to go grocery shopping yet and I didn't want to eat out for lunch again today."

He gives me a hard look, but lets it go before saying, "How about I take you to the diner in town?"

"Yeah, that sounds perfect." I sound more excited than I should be about something as simple as going out to eat. But then again, it's not just about the food—it's about being with Nathan. Everything feels better when I'm with him.

Nathan drives us to the diner in his truck, and on the way, we talk about everything and nothing. I can't help but feel so comfortable around him, like I can just be myself without having to worry about saying the wrong thing. This warmth between us makes me want to share more, to tell him things I've never told anyone.

When we sit down at a booth in the diner, I start opening up more. I talk about how I've always wanted to be an artist but never thought it was a realistic goal. My dad always made me feel like it was a stupid idea, like I wasn't good enough to make it. I don't tell Nathan that part, though—I'm not ready to talk about my dad yet.

Nathan listens intently, his eyes never leaving mine. "You should never give up on a dream just because it seems unrealistic," he tells me, his voice full of conviction. "The best, most famous people's dreams probably felt unrealistic too, yet look where they ended up."

His words hit me hard, in a good way. "Maybe you're right."

"I know I'm right," he says with a wink, "and I will help you fix up that breakfast nook in your place, and make it into a small painting area. You should have a space where you can create."

"Oh no, I wouldn't want to put you out or take up your time like that."

He stares at me deadpan. "I didn't ask, sunshine. I said what I will do."

I smile at that, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Okay, that would be amazing."

The waitress brings our food, and we dig in, silent for a few long moments before Nathan's fork pauses mid-air. He looks at me with those deep brown eyes that seem to see right through me.

"So, last night," he starts, his tone gentle but curious, "you mentioned that you hadn't really…done anything before. I wanted to ask you more about that."

I feel my face heat up as I look away. "Yeah, I guess I haven't really done much. I've never had a boyfriend before."

Nathan reaches over and grabs my chin, forcing my eyes to his. "Eyes, little girl."

"Sorry, Daddy." The title slips from my lips without thought and his eyes darken.

"So, I was the first person to touch you like that?"

I nod, my cheeks burning as I put in effort to keep my eyes on his. "Yeah, you were."

His grip on my hand tightens just slightly, and I can see the mix of emotions in his eyes—pride, happiness, and something deeper, something protective. "I'm glad," he says quietly, almost to himself. Then, louder, he adds, "I plan to be the last one."

His words make my heart race. I've never felt this kind of connection with anyone before, and it's both terrifying and exhilarating. Being with Nathan feels like jumping off a cliff, not knowing where you'll land, but trusting that it'll be worth it.

With him though, I know it's more than worth it.