Free The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone by D. H. Sidebottom Page B

door behind me I let out a breath when I heard Nate descend the stairs.
    I sat on my bed and desperately fought for some control. I knew that this part of my life was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever have to face. He was like a magnet, pulling me in every time with a hold so strong I would have to rip myself in two to get away from him; a hold so deep it had endured twenty years.
    I had always wondered if I’d see him again but I didn’t expect the attraction to be so strong between us still. I knew he wanted me as much as I wanted him, especially after the sexting episode Saturday night, but I wondered if he’d still feel that attraction after he saw the real me.
    Quickly dressing, I hurried downstairs, apprehensive at leaving Matt alone with an inquisitive Nate.
    As I entered the kitchen they were both laughing and chatting about the superbike championship that had took place over the weekend.
    “Morning mum, Nate’s been telling me about his bike.” He beamed. “He said he’d take me for a ride one day . . . if it’s okay with you?”
    Nodding, I turned to Nate. “You still ride?” This was something I hadn’t expected now that he was a high-profiled businessman.
    “Course,” he answered, giving me a bewildered gaze. “I’ll never give up the thrill of the ride Liv,” he added with a twitch of his lips.
    Goddam it! Everything he said had me heating up like a horny hormonal teenager.
    “Your mum used to love riding with me,” he told Matt, his eyes bright and clear. “The buzz she gave off was electrifying, the excitement in her as we tore through the streets was mesmerising.”
    His eyes held mine as he pulled us both into those memories. The images of us speeding through the countryside, laughing as I held on to him, the wind in our face and not a care in our lives.
    “Right, I’d better leave for school,” Matt interrupted, clearing his throat. Sensing his embarrassment I chuckled softly. “You seeing Dr Greene tonight?” he blurted.
    Closing my eyes on a sigh I hoped Nate hadn’t heard him, once again I was disappointed. “Are you ill, Liv? We can miss work if you’re not feeling good.”
    Matt laughed. “Nooo, it’s her ‘head doctor,’” he enlightened.
    Pressing my fingertips on my temples, I was starting to get a headache. Turning my back on Nate I glared at Matt. “ YES, ” I hissed at him. “I’m meeting Dr Greene tonight and you’re at Grandma’s for tea. I’ll tell her to poison that loose mouth of yours.”
    Cringing and mouthing sorry, he swiftly picked up his bag and rushed out of the door.
    Plastering a huge smile on my face I turned to Nate. “Ready?” I asked brightly.
    He was stood scrutinizing me, a deep look on his face. “You see a psychologist, Liv?”
    Laughing nervously, I looked away. “Who doesn’t nowadays?” I asked awkwardly. “Come on, we’ll be late,” I said, ending the discussion abruptly.
    Gathering my things, I gestured to the door without looking at him. He walked over to me slowly still analysing my face and placed his finger gently on my nose. “I think me and you need to talk soon baby,” he whispered strictly, his breathing hard and slow.
    Chewing my lip, I dropped my gaze away from his and walked to the door, my heart slamming in my chest. “Come on,” I answered simply.
    We arrived at work a short while later and Bert was stood on duty. “Morning Olivia,” he beamed at me, his eyes flitting between me and Nate. “Mr Carter,” he greeted with a nod of his head. Nate nodded back to him.
    “Hi Beef, a little bird told me that you and a certain lady hit the town this weekend.” I grinned, raising my eyebrows and pursing my lips.
    “The little birdie was correct, sugar.” He winked back with a deep chuckle.
    Laughing with him I patted his arm. “Well done you, it took you long enough.”
    “We can’t rush true love Olivia,” he smirked.
    Taking my hand and pulling on it Nate grumbled, giving Bert a suspicious look.