“I had no idea, wait, you can’t be serious. I mean..how?”
“That’s a lot of questions, but I’ll try explaining. James is in Seattle and he happened to have a copy of your book.”
“Well, yeah, it was one of my personal copies. He had borrowed it to read, but I had no idea that he had taken it with him to Seattle,” I explain. I’m so lost. I’m really not able to think straight. I have put my heart and soul into that book, but it’s so not for the likes of the great Nathan Bankers.
“I’m so glad that he got it with him or I would never have stumbled across it.”
“So, it’s with you now?” I ask the obvious.
Please tell no. Tell no.
“Yeah. Mind if I keep it? I’m yet to finish it, but I would love to own a copy and since this is autographed by you, I want it for keeps.”
Is this really happening?! Or am I hallucinating or day-dreaming, perhaps? Nathan Bankers can’t possibly be interested in my book?! Not underlying the quality of my book, but it’s definitely not the kind to be liked by a guy like him. Wait, how does he even find time to read my book? He is ALWAYS in meetings and when he is not, he’s planning for those meetings.
“You there, Sara? You didn’t answer my question.”
“Wow, hold on a sec. It’s one shock after the other. Let’s start from the scratch. You have to fill in the blanks for me.”
“I had plans of filling something else…Never mind.”
Was that a sexual innuendo? He can’t possibly mean what he said?! No way. Nathan Bankers is not flirting with me.
“What happened? Oh wait, don’t tell me. Is your mind always in the gutter?” He lets out that low rumble again.
No. Maybe. But he is the one who started this stupid joke. Joke. That’s what this is. But there is no way I’m taking the blame for this.
“Says the man who seems to be getting influenced by my book.”
“So are you trying to say your book is making me change my ways?
Change his ways? What is he instigating?
“Perhaps,” I offer as an answer. It’s not like I know how he was to start with.
“It’s not like you have any idea of how I am.” Exactly my words. It’s like he can actually read my mind. “We’re diverting. We’ll eventually come to that. But to start from the scratch, I happened to visit James in his hotel and saw the book lying on the table. I never pegged him for a reader, but before asking him anything, I read the blurb and I must say I was intrigued. It’s when I saw your picture in the very first page of the book did I realize that you’re the author. I had to confirm it twice with James, but you’ve no idea just how proud I felt in that moment. You took me by pleasant surprise, Sara and I’m still reeling over it. Your book is exceptional. I honestly don’t want to put it down. If not for my never ending work and meetings, I would have devoured it by now.”
There is a small pause and I start to shoot my questions. “Are you serious? You really like it, I mean, you know..it’s romance and it has lot of …” Can I even tell sex? I don’t mind being open, but in the office talking about it doesn’t seem right. Moreover, I don’t even know how he might perceive my boldness. “Mature and adult stuff. The language is quite crass in places too. It’s no literary classic….” I trail off. Geez. I don’t even know what I’m blabbering anymore.
“I’ve always been very experimental when it comes to books and let me just say, you’re book is just the type I needed at the moment. It was, at a lack of a better word, refreshing. I really love it and I’m in awe of your talent, Sara.”
OMG. This definitely tops my shock list. I didn’t see this coming at all and now I’m at a total loss of words.
“I…I’m really glad to hear that. Shocked too, but in a good way.” Does that even make sense?
“I still find it so surprising that you wrote it. I admit that I don’t know you well, but still…”
“You don’t peg me as a writer. Similarly, I couldn’t guess that you would enjoy my kind of books. It happens…but it’s good that we understand one another better now.” My excitement and happiness is evident from my tone. This is turning out to be one very interesting call.
“I’m your fan. I’m certain you probably have a lot of fans by now, make sure to count me in that list. And Sara…?”
“Yeah?” I ask in a timid voice. He is my fan now? Can it get better than this? I really don’t think so.
“It’s truly my honor to know you. You’re truly one of a kind. My privilege, actually.”
His words are a soft and smooth caress on my skin. Man, he sure has a way with his words.
“You’re flattering me now. I’m truly pleased that you gave my book a try. Your words mean a lot, thanks.”
“Now, you’re being too professional. I get I’m your boss, but I would like to get to know you on a personal level, Sara. You’re like this bag full of surprises and I’m curious to know what awaits me next.”
If only he could look at my face right now. I’m beaming and blushing. I need not even have to look at a mirror to confirm that I’m completely red. I’m feeling embarrassed. He is in such a high position. I’m nothing in front of him and yet, he wants to know the ‘real’ me? Shouldn’t I be the one feeling honored?
“Wow. I so didn’t expect to hear such words from you. I would love to get to know you better too, Nate. But how?”
That’s such a lame question and yet it’s important. He’s in Seattle and I’m here in Boston. It’s not like we can meet personally and not to forget he is always BUSY. Without meeting face to face, how does one even cross those professional boundaries?
“Over a phone call, maybe? Do you even have my number? I’ll save yours and call you in sometime, would that work for you?”
“Yes, absolutely.” I’m the stupid one. He always comes up with such simple solutions. A phone call will definitely do the trick.
“Well then, it was good talking to you, Sara. I’ll catch you soon. Have some meetings to attend now. Thank you and I’m saving your number right now. It’s the same one you have on your profile, right? You can find mine in my signature.”
“Yup, it’s the same. I’ll do it right away,” I manage to blabber. My heart is beating uncontrollably. What’s wrong with me?!
“Thanks again,” he tells and drops the call. I immediately drop off too.
Nathan Bankers is my fan. He wants to get to know me. He’s actually looking up to me. Me. Sara Waters. Unbelievable. Things in office just got a lot interesting.
Chapter two
Nathan
Finally. I could finally have a normal unofficial conversation with Sara. I had no prior idea of how that conversation would actually play out. I didn’t even give it a second thought. As and when I got the chance, I jumped on it. Her voice had always been my undoing, but her snarky mouth is also something I totally enjoyed today. I’ve known her since three months now but she has no idea about just how impressed I’m with her. I’ve had twenty years of experience in this IT field, but bigger than that are the lessons and experiences of life in general that has made me very perceptive about people. That’s also how I understand Sara even without talking much to her. I know she is sharp, efficient, and definitely not punctual but she is always bursting with energy and is a bold, independent young woman. Only after I stumbled across her book did I see a totally different face of hers. Her boldness, creativity and talent are so evident in her book. Not giving two fucks about people, and leading her life the way she deems right is what truly makes her personality shine and differentiates her from the crowd.
She is truly like an enigma and I want to bask in the warmth that she radiates. I want to unravel her and explore her inner beauty. She’s already driving me crazy and I can’t get myself to stop thinking about her.
There is so much more talking that’s left to be done. I don’t even know where to start and how and where to take it. Half the things running in my mind are not something I can even tell her. Am I worried abou
t how she will judge me? No. Fuck that. Will she be even able to grasp the extent of my deep running desires? What is it that I want from her is still very unclear, but for now, it’s just her I crave. Physically? Emotionally? I really can’t say. All I know is that she is eating away pieces of my head and I want to devour her in return.
I do something I have wanted to do for a while now. I just needed one push. A confirmation from her that she’ll be a willing participant. She will eventually be as into me as I’m already into her. The spell this woman has cast on me is finally showing its colors and I love the excitement that’s coursing through my blood stream.
Sara Waters.
Opening her profile, I stare at her picture with utmost curiosity. She is something else. Chestnut hair frames her oval face. They cascade in waves and fall across her chest. The black dress she sports in the picture highlights the soft curve of her of her supple breasts. Her cheeks have a rosy tinge to them with her juicy plump lips stealing the show. I can’t really make out the color of her eyes, but I would guess they are amber. Calling her attractive would be an understatement. She is beautiful, but that alone is not the reason why I’m so hung up on her. I can see it in her face. An allure of something exciting. A glow that emanates innocence and radiates mischief at the same time. I can’t get my hands on what exactly is pulling me to her, but all I know is I’m thirsty for something new, something that can ignite the fire in me again and Sara Waters is the most likely person to quench that thirst and fuel that fire.
I waste no time in gathering her number and saving her contact. I immediately scroll down my contacts and refresh it. Sure enough, I see her contact pop up with her display picture. The picture is of her with whom I can probably assume as her boyfriend. They are just smiling at the camera. Can’t make out much from the picture, but she looks pretty and he doesn’t look bad either. They look good together. But that’s not my concern. Not at all. Good that she’s happy with him, but her personal life and relationships won’t stop me from getting to know her better.
Unable to control my temptation any longer, I send her a quick message.
Hey, Nate here. You can save my number now if you haven’t already.
I drum my fingers on the table impatiently. As soon as I send the message, I see a double tick. A small smile sweeps my face. Finally.
As I keep staring at the screen, I get her reply.
Hi Nate I saved your number.
That’s like my girl. My girl? That sounds a lot appeasing now.
So far she has seen only the official side of mine. Now she will see the real me. I’m not always strict and boring. I’m different. It’s up to her to decide whether it’s a good or bad different.
You have a sexy voice.
That’s me. Always Frank and to the point.
My eyes stay glued to the phone as I see the icon signaling that she’s typing.
That was quick. I expected her to pause to come up with a good response. It almost feels like she was expecting such a compliment from me.
Really? It’s the first time I’m receiving such a compliment. Thanks.
That’s a safe response and I have a strong gut feeling that she’s being honest.
Ywlcb ;) I’m always honest.
Hope she gets what I’m going for. I tend to use acronyms at my disposal. But there is a personal touch to this one.
Her reply comes immediately.
Is that short for your welcome?
She’s as excited and eager as me. That’s a very good sign.
You’re close but you can’t ignore the b at the end. It’s not often that I make a mistake, be it even a typo.
Guess, Sara. Guess. Try figuring me out. The best part is, even if you do, you’ll have to outright ask me. Are you bold enough to do that? I’m very curious to find out.
It embarrasses me to admit that I’m lost here. I really can’t make a wise guess. Why don’t you enlighten me?
A lie. But she is being very calculative about how much she can possible push this. And I really didn’t expect her to be impulsive in our very first conversation. She’s still in the budding stage. I’ll make her bloom. She has to open up for me. I want to soak in the essence of her aroma and bleed on the beautiful colors of her petals.
Baby, you don’t ever have to feel shy around me.
I always wish to keep you warm and comfortable.
I assure you, I’m a perfect gentleman. I can never displease a woman.
There you go. It can’t get clearer than this. But the true depth of my feelings is something I want her to just skirt around for now. Only when she falls into the depth of my abyss will she understand.
She starts to type, stops and types again. This waiting is actually fun. I really wish I could see the blush and conflict on her beautiful face as she tries to give a good and satisfying reply. I have caught her yet again and the pleasure is all mine.
The ping of another notification on my laptop distracts me from my phone. I lift my head to the screen and see that I’m seven minutes late for my next meeting and a guy is pinging me, asking me to join the call.
I’m late. This is new for me. Sara hasn’t even indulged in my fantasies and yet she is already unraveling me. She’s the one in power and she’s completely unaware of it.
I..ahh..I’m speechless. You’re throwing one surprise after the other. I feel honored. Really. But… this is so unexpected.
She’s still typing. I’m pretty sure she wants to ramble. She is excited and she’s confused. It’s a perfect concoction and also the right chance for me to indulge her more and grasp all her secrets. But unfortunately, I can’t make time for this now. I hate doing this but I’ll have to cut her short. She’ll be much prepared next time, but I’ll again catch her by surprise. I’m good at that.
I have a meeting to attend now. I’ll ping you soon, baby.
Now that’s like an icing on top of the cake. Will she get offended and affront me for my term of endearment? But I know she won’t. If she had such plans, she wouldn’t have taken it so far in the first place. It was a level ground for us both and yet she allowed me to play my cards.
Sure. Can’t wait Enjoy your day
I will enjoy, alright, but it will be her thoughts plaguing my head and giving me the much needed outlet for my overwhelming emotions that threaten to rip my sanity. I need this delicious distraction. I need her. And I have always got what I wanted.
I close my chat screen and steer my attention to the impending meeting as I dial the meeting ID. She has absolutely no idea that she made my day and pretty soon she’ll be tilting my axis as well. I will let her. A tail spin and change of course is exactly what I need now. I’ve refrained for a very long time. I don’t think I can anymore.
Sara
“Have you ever pegged me as innocent and naïve?” I ask Stanley, who sits across me. He studies me intently for a beat before taking another sip of his coffee
“No. You’re young and lack in the experience department, but no, I don’t think you’re naïve or innocent. You’re perceptive about people and smart too. But what made you come up with this question out of the blue?”
I smile into the next sip of my coffee as my neck heats with his question. Yes. I’m drinking coffee again. The same coffee I had thrown just an hour ago. This is not my time for coffee. In fact, this is the time I leave the office, and instead, here I am drinking this coffee (that I totally hate) with my teammate Stanley, fishing for more information about Nathan Bankers. Who knew my world could drastically change so much in just a matter of thirty minutes and all because of one guy?
“Sara? You’ve zoned out. You okay?”
I steer my attention back to him and give a small smile. “Yeah, I’m good. I was just wondering the kind of opinion people have about me. I really don’t want them to underestimate me on any grounds.”
Lie. Lie. I asked him this because I wanted to understand if I’m really that naïve and stupid to believe that Nathan was flirting with me.
What do you even call it? Flirting? Casual banter? It’s definitely not normal for boss to call his employee ‘baby’ and compliment her voice as being sexy.
“You don’t have to worry about any such thing. Everyone in team likes you, Sara. You’re like the breath of fresh air for us. Creative, engaging, active. You bring new energy with you and trust me, everyone’s happy to have you around.”
Does that everyone include Nathan as well? Does he feel the same about me? So far, I hadn’t really bothered about how he sees me or what he thinks of me. I didn’t even believe he ever thought about me to form an opinion. Boy, was I wrong? If I’m not naïve like Stanley says confidently, then I can safely conclude that Nathan fancies me. He is intrigued by me. I have perked his interest. He has started to like me and I can bet that it’s not in a platonic way. It’s far from that. But still there are so many unanswered questions.
Buzzing of a phone interrupts me from my thoughts. I look at Stanley as he grabs his phone and excuses himself. I pick up own phone and scroll through our messages for the third time. He’s not online, but I’m still desperately waiting for his message. He took me so much by a shock that I really was not in a position to give him good comebacks. Next time, I’ll be much prepared. I click on his DP. Again. I’m sad that he didn’t put one of his pictures for me to actually check him out. Now I’m even more curious to study him from head to toe. But his DP is a quote written as a note on his phone. If not his looks, it’s at least giving me an insight into his soul. For now I will tread carefully and take whatever I get.
Quest often leads to thirst. A thirst so strong that it can’t be quenched. An urge that’s so unsettling that it makes us cave in. Desires, lust, dreams, it all stems from our quest to feel and experience something new. Zeal to live again. Life has no value until we live and to live we need quest. It’s a closed loop.
That’s deep to say the very least. But I can’t expect anything less from a man as matured and experienced as he is. But whatever he has going on with me doesn’t seem to add to his personality. It’s like he’s showing a completely different face of his or maybe he has been hiding under a mask for this long and has finally decided to reveal his true self to me. Either way, it’s very exciting. I think I have finally set off on my quest. A quest to decipher Nathan Bankers.
Enticed by you (Miraculous Love Book 1) Page 2
