“Your father and I don’t speak after your mother, Meredith’s death. We went our separate ways, I need someone I can trust Nathan.”
“Why? Why don’t you trust my Father?”
Mac doesn’t give me a reason, but just lets the words hang in the air. What does he know?
“You are the only one who can run my company after I’m gone.”
His emotions are rising and I quickly want to tame them. “Of course, Uncle Mac. Whatever you need. I’ll be there for you.”
He drops his head and sighs heavily. “Here’s my card. I’ll be contacting you with additional details. And I’m so incredibly proud of you.”
Fear rises up and I’m instantly in panic mode. “What if I fail?”
“And what if you fly?” He rises, pats my shoulder, and walks away, leaving me speechless and with too many unanswered questions, and real no answers.
All I want is to turn the volume down on the world.
***
I DON’T HEAR
from Nathan, so I think a visit to the gym with Gen is in order, and the treadmill has my name all over it. Although I would rather watch paint dry, we arrive after work. While I hit the treadmill, Gen chooses the elliptical as her poison, which plays right into my plan. The elliptical equipment is conveniently located by the offices.
“You worry too much,” she says. “He is totally into you, girl.”
“Uh- huh, and that’s why I haven’t heard from him.”
“He’s a man, Bryer.” She has a point, and she’s off to her position.
Nathan has a client and he’s focusing on the job at hand. I don’t expect him to approach me while he’s working so I put my earbuds in and start running, while the sweat pours down my back. I realize I sure do sweat a lot in front of this man, but it’s never for the right reasons.
Clayton makes his way out onto the floor. He looks around, stopping to check Gen out while Nathan finishes up. I watch as Nathan walks over to Clayton, stopping only feet from where Gen is giving that elliptical a run for its money.
Sly girl
. I love my partner in crime. She’ll hear every word, my little spy-girl.
“I see your new friend is here,” Clayton says in a sarcastic tone.
“Friend?”
“I can see why you really want to date this one.” Clayton smirks.
“Jesus, Clayton, I already admitted I like her. She’s different. It’s like dating the girl next door.”
“And that’s a good thing?” Clayton’s brows go up.
“Yeah. I’m tired of daddy’s girl with daddy’s money and their only ambition is to look for a new daddy to take care of her. Why do you think I never get close? They just want a trophy husband. Save your breath, Clayton, and keep your eyes off of her. If I kill you, I won’t have anyone to tease.”
***
IN THE MIRROR
behind me, I see Clayton shaking his head as he walks away. I’ll get every single detail of their conversation from Gen the moment she meets me in the women’s locker room.
“It’s disgusting how much I love you, Bryer,” Gen says. “I wouldn’t do this for anyone but you. It’s kind of pathetic. He admitted he likes you.”
My heart beats faster.
“Do believe it now?” Gen wraps her arm around my shoulder to reassure me.
As we casually leave the locker room, I see Nathan leaning against the door frame close by, waiting.
“Bryer,” he says.
That one word stops me in tracks, and Gen knows to keep moving.
“I enjoyed our date.”
Date
…He stares down at me. I look into his eyes for a hint at what he’s thinking, but his expression gives nothing away.
“So did I, Nathan.” I smile and he returns it, showing one dimple.
“What about Friday night?” He leans in close, resting his right hand on the wall above me, and whispers in my ear, “You did call me a sex god.”
I’m flustered, but I quickly recover. “Throwing my inner thoughts back at me?”
He laughs. “Yes, I use whatever I can.”
“That’s a lot of pressure for you.”
“I’m not worried. Friday?
“Yes, I’d love to.” Inside, I’m doing a fist pump.
“I’ll call you.” He walks away, and that’s my queue to leave.
***
THE WEEK AT
work goes by with the usual laughs with my co-workers and sales quotas and meetings. It’s uneventful, and all I can think about is Friday. I get a text from Nathan on Thursday to tie up loose ends on our date.
Nathan: I’ll pick you up at seven pm. Wear that black dress and heels.
Bryer: I didn’t think you noticed.
Nathan: Oh, I noticed.
Friday is the longest day in history, and I’m called into my boss’ office, which makes me cringe. I have no idea what this is about since I always handle everything efficiently.
As I walk in, he gestures for me to sit. “Bryer, we’re looking for someone to fly to Chicago next weekend to represent the company at the Product Preview show.”
“Mr. Morton, I’m honored you’d choose me. Who else will be attending, and what are my exact duties?”
“You’ll be the only employee from our company. It’s a trade show you will also be attending a cocktail party after the show. A meet and greet, so to speak.”
I graciously accept, but can’t help but wonder why he chose me. I’m not his favorite employee. In fact he doesn’t get along with many women. Maybe I should just take it at as good sign. I’ll be damned.
I head home with one thing on my mind—Nathan. Filled with anticipation, I don’t waste a minute getting ready. I want to look my best, from my lingerie to my dreaded fuck-me heels. My makeup is perfect, my perfume is light—a hint of lavender. I apply it to every area I think Nathan might explore.
While I stand next to my kitchen bar, I open a bottle of wine and sip it to calm my nerves.
“Mom,” I say, looking up. “Help.” And something my mother used to say comes to mind:
‘Within an imperfect relationship, you can still find perfect happiness.
’
There’s a knock at the door.
I WAIT, BREATHE,
and slowly walk over, repeating the confident dialog I’ve practiced. I open the door and there he stands, all 6’2” and every woman’s dream. Scanning the sex god, I whisper, “Not bad.” I tease.
“Well, hello again.” Nathan chuckles and leans in to slowly kiss my cheek. He lingers and whispers in my ear, “Are your knees getting weak, Bryer?” My name on his lips causes me to lose my senses, and I need a moment to collect myself.
“Not yet. Maybe you need to try harder.”
“I love a good challenge.”
I can’t help but admire the way he’s dressed. He wears a navy suit with a white button down shirt. The first two buttons are left undone, allowing a peek at that sexy chest hair. He attempted to groom his disheveled brown waves, and, to my surprise, his hair’s behaving a bit, but all I can think of is running my fingers through it and mussing it up. I inhale his intoxicating scent and it shoots a hot sensation right between my legs.
“Lingering?”
Oh hell.
How embarrassing. Caught again eyeing this man. I probably have drool on my chin.
“It’s kind of hard not too, Nathan.”
“That’s good to know, because there’s steam rolling off you.”
I attempt to play it cool, but a blush betrays me.
”You’re awfully full of yourself.” I tease.
“A glass of wine?” I offer as we enter the kitchen.
“Yes, I’ll take a glass. I’m driving though, so not too much.” He watches me as I pour. We clink our glasses together and he makes a toast. “To an unexpected evening.”
Sweet Jesus.
His mischievous grin and those dimples get to me.
“Sounds inviting,” I say.
We each take a sip then he moves a little closer. Taking my glass from me, he sits both our glasses on the island. His arms surround my body, imprisoning me. As his body presses against mine, I let out a small moan.
“Do you feel this?” he says, and my breath catches. “I feel you responding to my touch. It’s electric. I’ve thought a lot about you.”
I can’t resist asking, “And what were those thoughts?”
He leans in and brushes his lips over mine. I can taste the wine on his mouth and it’s making me dizzy.
“About tonight, about getting to know you better, to know who you really are.” He looks right into my eyes.
I’m speechless, but I know it’s my turn. This is his dance he’s perfected, and I’m the one left learning the steps.
“I’ve thought of you too.” A tinge of pink colors my cheeks as my face heats, and I have to look down.
He lifts my chin with his finger. “Bryer, if I were to divulge my thoughts, I’d be the one blushing.” Then he presses his lips to mine in a passionate kiss. His tongue slides in my mouth and moves fast and frantic. “If we don’t leave soon, I’ll have my wicked way with you.”
We’re both cemented to the floor, neither willing to untangle.
“Wicked way? You’re such a charmer.”
“That dress,” he whispers.
My body responds quicker than my mind. He buries his hands in my hair and holds my head in place. He slides them down my neck to my shoulders, then slowly down my arms till he reaches my hands. To my surprise, he interlocks our fingers while he slows the kiss down to a gentle speed. I feel like I’ve just downshifted. But it allows me to take a much needed breath.
“God, you’re beautiful.” His forehead touches mine. “What are you doing to me?” He shakes his head.
“I feel it too, Nathan,” I confess. “Let’s finish our wine.” Bringing us both down to Earth. I’m very curious what he has in mind for tonight, because so far every single cell in my body is saying yes, yes, yes. “Where are we going?”
“My lips are sealed. I know you’ll like it.”
We arrive at the Ritz hotel and I look over at him as the valet approaches. I raise an eyebrow.
As if reading my mind, he says, “They have the most delectable restaurant.”
We walk into the lobby and the entire place is elegant, plush, with wall to wall extravagant rich carpets, old dark mahogany wood, and the lighting is beautifully done--low and romantic.
Nathan grabs my hand and leads me to the large sitting area by a fireplace, where a small table and two chairs are set up. “What do you think?”
“You’ve captured my attention.” I’m in awe at what he’s arranged.
He pulls out my chair and leans over behind me. “Our reservations aren’t for forty-five minutes, so I thought we could have a drink here by the fire.” After moving my hair, he gently places a kiss on my neck.
“Oh God.”
With baited breath, I wait for his next move. But, with a little too much smugness, he takes his seat. That’s a lot of ego.
The waitress approaches and interrupts us. She takes our drink order and finally leaves. Now it’s time to break down some of Mr. James’ walls.
“Do you come here often? This is a magical place.”
“I’ve been here on several occasions. The food is great, but the ambiance is what brings me back.”
“I can see why.” I look around, soaking it all in.
Our drinks arrive, and I take a less than lady-like sip then wait for the waitress who seems to be salivating over Nathan to leave. “Tell me, Nathan, do you date a lot? I can’t help but be curious seeing you the other night.”
I can tell he’s attempting to find just the right words. “I haven’t been in a serious relationship in a long time, if that’s what you’re asking, but yes I do date.”
“Do you date exclusively or just play around?” I try not to let judgment lace my voice.
“Both. I have dated in the past, but if you want to label casual, as playing around, then I do that too.”
“And where do I fit into these categories?” Before this goes any farther, I want to know, because I won’t be a one-night stand. I know myself too well. Once I get him close to me, I won’t want to let go.
“I think my actions have shown my intentions. I like you, and I feel a chemistry that’s taken me by surprise. I would like to see where this goes.”
“Good answer.” I lean back in my chair.
“Tell me something about yourself that I don’t know, Nathan.” I attempt to get the upper hand. He pauses and takes a drink of his tonic and smiles.
“I get a little nervous right before I say the word Worcestershire sauce.”
“That’s disturbing.” I laugh out loud. “You’re funny too?”
Who doesn’t think funny is sexy? I’m already so attached to this man, it’s scary.
My entire body relaxes. How does he do that?
We’re ushered into the sexiest, crescent-shaped old Hollywood-style booth. It’s tall and private, and we sit close to one another so we’re touching.
Nathan doesn’t look at the menu, and as I look up over mine, I see the waiter arrive.
“Escargot to start,” Nathan says. “And bring us two glasses of wine and two waters.”
Have I ever had escargot? Isn’t that snails? I’ve never liked any aphrodisiac. Oysters have never appealed to me, so this will be a challenge.
Once again, he seems to read my mind. “Trust me.”
I feel his hand on my thigh. It slowly moves upward and I let it. There’s fire in my veins, and I need to slow my body down.
Chit chat comes to mind. “So what do you recommend?”
“I usually get the filet on a salt block. It’s fantastic.” He mentions several of his favorites on the menu, and I go with his recommendations.
His hand draws circles on my leg.
“Your hand is on my thigh.”
“So it is. Does it bother you, Bryer?”
“Actually, yes. In many ways.”
“Good ways?” He raises the bar by sliding closer, and I know he’s testing my limits.
“Yes, good ways. Would you like me to return the favor?”
Our eyes meet. “Later,” he says.
The waiter brings the escargot and it’s beautifully plated. There’s a lot of butter with tiny brown sautéed snails and toasted bread points. Nathan breaks off a piece of bread then dips it in the butter. Staring at my lips, he says, “Open” and I do, without hesitation.
He slowly slides the drenched toast point over my bottom lip before putting it in my mouth. As he pulls away, I lick my bottom lip to get all the flavor. I hear him groan softly. His eyes rise to meet mine, and I feel that smoky blue intensity right to my core.