Enticed by you (Miraculous Love Book 1)

by Meghana Sarathy

  “Sorry about it,” Stanley tells, taking his seat across me. “Anything else you’d like to know? Feel free to ask. You don’t have to be formal with me.”

  There is a lot I’d like to know, but I’m not sure how to bring forth the subject of Nathan without raising any kind of suspicion. I can’t start asking about his personal life out of the blue. But I still have to try. Until I learn the answers to all my questions, I won’t rest.

  “I had such an embarrassing moment today,” I start.

  “Really? What happened?” he asks with knitted brows.

  I rub the back of my neck that starts to heat up again as I meet his gaze. “Well, it’s about my book. I had given it to James and somehow it ended up with Nathan. He even started to read it. You know what my book’s about, and Nathan of all people is reading it. Just imagine my embarrassment when he told me about it. That was so unexpected.”

  He gives me a small smile and rests his chin in his hands. “There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. Nathan is into literature. I’m not sure if he he’s into romance and stuff, but I’m certain he would appreciate it, nevertheless. He’s open to trying as well. And if he said that he liked it, you can take his words on that.”

  I can’t quote his exact words. He clearly told he has become my fan. My fan. That still seems unbelievable to me.

  “You seem to know him well. Are you guys like good friends?” I ask with a vibrant smile.

  Please reply with a yes. I want to know everything there is to know about Nathan.

  “You can say that. I worked under him for around two years when he was here in Boston. I know him pretty well.”

  That should do for now. I can find out the rest myself.

  “I find it surprising, you know? I talk to him every single day in stand-up and yet I know so little about him. That doesn’t seem fair. I should try to learn a little about his personal life too. Right?”

  He just shrugs. “I know where you’re coming from, but in this corporate world it’s not a must. But to work together, it’s always good to get to know our colleagues and in your case, your boss. Nathan is easy to approach. You can try talking to him.”

  My eyes widen at his suggestion. He’s approachable all right but my ideas of personalizing with him are far from decent. I might be reading too much into his blatantly obvious texts, but my intuition in this aspect cannot be wrong.

  “His wife, Cecilia, is such a sweetheart. She is a lovely lady. I’m not too sure about Nathan. He can be a tad bit short-tempered at times, but you can easily warm up to Cecilia.”

  I let out an audible gasp. This was expected. I know he is around forty- he has to be, going by his experience, but definitely not by looks. That also means he cannot possibly be a bachelor. What did I hope for? He is a divorcee? He’s single and ready to mingle with a girl who’s twenty years younger to him? Who am I to judge? Maybe he’s just a flirt. But for his age it’s kind of odd, but whatever, I should try to leave the whole conversation behind me. Nothing good can ever come out of it.

  “His son might probably be joining our company in a year or two too. He is as smart as Nathan. He even looks like him. They make a nice father-son duo.”

  Son? The discussion averted to his family. His actual family. Honestly, I didn’t even want to think that far. If he has a wife, who’s a sweetheart according to Stanley, then kids are a must too. And if he will soon be joining the company that obviously means…

  “How old is he?” I ask loudly. I hope I didn’t sound very desperate. But what Stanly has to answer next won’t be making much of a difference. It’s pretty evident that he has a son who might just be a few years younger than me.

  “If I am not wrong he’s eighteen and his daughter might be fourteen. It’s been a while since I met them.”

  Great. A sweetheart wife, a smart son and a beautiful daughter, I suppose. A picture perfect family. I don’t see why he has to even entertain a girl like me when he has everything a man ever wants or asks for. I should never have crossed paths with him. I should have just stuck to my work and my books. I never cared much about him and I don’t want him sidetracking me either. A single conversation with him can’t make this much of a difference to me.

  “You okay, Sara? You seem a little lost.”

  I glance up at him and offer a weak smile. “I was scolding myself for learning this so late. I’ve known him for months now and had no idea about his personal life. I should have asked sooner.”

  There is a weird itch in my heart that I want to scratch. Is it anger, anxiety or mere frustration? I’m disturbed by the turn of events. That’s for sure.

  “If he were here, we could have planned for a lunch or an excursion. That would have fetched us a chance for the personal bonding session.”

  Meeting Nathan in person seems like a very bad idea now. Especially after feeling the tingles zipping through my whole body on hearing his voice and hearing my heart beat hard against my rib cage on seeing the potentially sinful words on my screen, I should be maintaining my distance at any cost. My life is simple, revolving around my boyfriend and my books. I can’t go inviting complications. And Nathan Bankers is just that. A walking contradiction. A pitfall of fire. Someone I should stay the fuck away from. But I have a gut feeling that this is far from over. This is just the beginning of something that can completely change my life.

  “So tell me what’s expected of me from this new project?” I ask, draining the coffee. The bad taste stays behind on my tongue.

  He smiles and starts to explain about the project with honest enthusiasm. Though I’m not interested, I am all ears for anything that doesn’t involve Nathan. I’ve had enough of him for the day.

  Chapter Three

  Sara

  “Can we just order pizza?” I ask my sister as I fall on my bed. Home sweet home. I actually want to screw my plans of going out and just fall into a deep sleep. As soon as I close my eyes, it’s his steel grey eyes that invade my vision and hold me captive.

  What the fuck has gotten into me? As much as I try, Nathan has made his way deep into my head and my mere will power is not enough to break free of his thoughts. It’s not like I know him or anything. It’s just the fact that he has shown such blatant interest in me that has got me this high and excited. It’s something new. Something different. Not to sideline just how intriguing he is. That has to be it. I was bored and he just encroached on me out of the blue. But there is one problem, no one big problem…

  “Hello? Are you even listening to me, Sara? I asked if you’re cancelling because of Bryce.”

  That’s it. Bryce. I can’t even let my thoughts wander in the direction Nathan is pulling me. Bryce and I might not be doing great at the moment, but he’s my boyfriend and I love him a lot. Just because I’m tad bit bored, stressed out and frustrated with him doesn’t mean I can even for a moment entertain the thought of giving up my relationship and go about seeking something fun and exciting.

  “Sara!” my sister shrieks and I finally snap my eyes open, and sit with my back against the headrest.

  ‘Sorry, I was just….” I go blank. She knows me. I need not have to complete my sentence.

  “Musing over asking Bryce some time apart to sort things through?” She guesses and I vehemently shake my head.

  She lets out a short chuckle and settles on the vanity chair. “Then what is it this time? I know for a fact that all your sour moods and frustration stems from your relationship with Bryce. Not that I can blame him completely. It’s just that the both of you’re on a bad stage at this point in time.”

  “I don’t want to talk about him.” I sigh and check my phone to see no new notification. No message from Bryce. I can just give him a call rather than waiting for him to call me first. But again, what’s the point? He’ll be too busy.

  “Cheer up,” she tells, plopping down next to me. “If he can’t make it today, then you guys can go some other time.”

  “It’s not about him,” I admit, looking into her ey
es. My sister- Sophie can read me like an open book. She’s just two years elder to me but has tons of experience with guys. If there is one thing she is very good at – it’s differentiating what’s love and what’s not. That’s exactly how she has managed to lead a fun-filled life without getting stuck in suffocating or pointless relationships in the name of love. It’s not like she has any regrets either. According to her, she hasn’t yet found that true love and though she’s not actually seeking it, she won’t be blind to it if it decides to come her way. That’s just how she has always been- sorted and firm minded. Unlike me. I’m always so damn confused about my feelings and thanks to that, most of the times I end up complicating my relationships. I also like drama, fun and some excitement in life. I want life to throw surprises at me. Their lack thereof puts me at unease. I know I’m weird. Maybe, I’m just hardwired that way.

  “Don’t ever question your feelings about loving Bryce, Sara. Trust yourself that you do. And don’t go about doubting his love either. Rough patch doesn’t mean relation has gone sour. It’s just a sign that you guys should give each some space and time to grow.”

  And she has always been a big supporter of me and Bryce. She strongly believes that what we have is true love and we are truly lucky to have found each other. She always tells we are destined to be together. That’s the thing. My sister is a romantic at heart, but her actions and life style would suggest otherwise.

  “Trust me, Soph. It’s not about him this time. But I’m considering your words about taking a small break. He’s probably thinking the same thing. We should talk openly about it.”

  She wags her brows and pushes her reading glasses above her nose. “If it’s not him, then what’s got you so uptight and dull?” Then she groans and taps her forehead. “Work? You can’t let work get under your skin like this. Leave it behind in office. Home time is all about chilling with family and relaxing. No work. Nada.”

  She has a point. I’ve always been a supporter of that rule of hers. In fact, up until now, I had never been so bothered with work. I’d never even open my office laptop at home. I was a little too disconnected with work actually. But strictly speaking Nathan is not work per se, but being my boss he’s an embodiment of that. So far I had associated work directly with him. That shouldn’t be changing either.

  “Not work, but this Nathan is giving me…..”

  “A very hard time,” she completes for me. “You have mentioned that he’s a pain in the ass. What did he say this time?”

  I swallow hard. That so wasn’t what I was going for. I mean, Nathan and I had quite a few petty arguments before, but he never made a big deal of them and I got over them within a day or two. He always wants things to be done on time and thanks to some dependency on other teams, we tend to lag behind which is NOT ok with him. He expects us to push and get things done but sometimes we are just helpless. In the heat of the moment he doesn’t understand this and shouts at us, but once he calms down, he gets it done himself by pulling some strings. But neither of us made a big deal of this. It’s just how he works. But there is a small correction. Before I used to get annoyed and even complained to my sister about him. Nowadays I don’t, but as always, she remembers.

  “Ahh..actually Nathan…”I stop abruptly when I see my phone flashing with an upcoming call from Nathan. Before my sister can look, I grab my phone and hastily leave the room, excusing myself.

  My hands tremble as I slide my thumb across the screen to receive the call. My heart is thumping so hard, he can probably hear it through the phone. This kind of high and excitement is new for me. Never even in bed with Bryce have I felt this raw need and anxiety. I’m a mess and the person responsible for it is on the other end of the line.

  “Hey.” My voice is a breathy whisper.

  “Sara.” His voice has the earlier huskiness to it but it’s breathy at the same time. The underlying sexy timbre resonates with my vocal chords.

  “Nathan,” I reply. There are so many thoughts running in my mind. It’s a complete chaos and that’s also why I’m drawing a blank. I’ve no idea how to take it further.

  “I don’t have much time. But I couldn’t stop myself from calling you.”

  “To be honest, I was waiting for your call.” At least I have found my words.

  He chuckles. The sound is so hearty and blissful, it snakes around my heart. I want to hear him laugh. If a mere chuckle of his can please me so much, his laughter will do wonders.

  “When have you not been honest? You’ve always been blatantly frank. In fact, your harsh comments have evoked smart responses from me, but I never said them out loud. You see, I don’t want the others to realize just how much you affect me.”

  I swallow hard, trying to grasp his every single word. He is overloading me with too much of raw and thought evoking remarks. What am I even supposed to say? Sorry? Thank you? Or ask him why and how I actually affect him?

  “My first and foremost important task is to keep my cool,” He adds as an afterthought.

  Keep his cool? Well, I can’t let this chance pass without taking a jab at him.

  “Sorry, but if you’re already used to my honest comments, let me start by correcting you. You don’t always maintain your cool. I can give you credits for trying, but you fail most of the times and that’s exactly why I used to engage in such petty arguments with you.”

  “Really, now?” he asks with a hint of laughter. “Why exactly did you stop those petty arguments?” His voice is deeper now like he’s actually trying to restrain himself. From what? Speaking something inappropriate? Highly possible but that’s exactly what I want to hear now.

  “I realized you were way too thick headed to be worthy of my efforts.”

  Now I’m the one pushing him. Will he play along with my whims and fancies? I’ll find out soon.

  He cracks up again and this time his voice penetrates all the way to my marrows and sinks deep. The excitement and innocence of his laughter brings a wide smile on my face. This laughter isn’t that of a man’s. There is no constraint, no shackles restraining it and neither is the sound weighed down by the experiences of life. This laughter is of a kid who is perhaps laughing at a silly joke cracked by his friend. So carefree and light-hearted. I can get attuned to this sound.

  “Sorry to be such a failure in your eyes, baby. Next time, I shall try harder.”

  There is that word again. Baby. Why is he using it? And is there an innuendo even to this?

  “What do you want, Nathan?” I ask in a hushed tone.

  I need to know. I have to understand his motives. I can’t remain confused like this.

  “What can I possibly offer you, baby? Just say it.”

  “Answers,” I reply boldly.

  “Shoot the questions.”

  “Is it because of my book? Is that what got you so interested in me?”

  There is a small pause. “Interested?” He scoffs. “An inappropriate word. An understatement actually. Intrigued seems more apt.”

  “Really now? And what do you expect? You’ll spin out such lines and I’ll be smitten by you?”

  Is that what he’s going for? Does he wish to gain my attention? He wants me to show interest in him? This is the best way of learning answers from him.

  “Is that how you want to take things? You want it to be mutual attraction?”

  “Attraction?” I question. “You’re attracted to me? I was going for a much simpler and safer words like interested. I’m truly honored now.”

  I hear his labored breaths. Is he trying to withhold from speaking his mind? I don’t want him to hold himself back. I want to learn the thoughts swirling in his head. The raw, naked, honest thoughts. If he opens up, so will I. Nothing will hold be back this time. No second thoughts. No hesitation.

  “Keep using that snarky mouth of yours and I will kiss the fuck out of you.”

  My throat clogs up. Not even a single word comes out. It’s like time has actually come to a halt. My heart skips a beat as I try again and a
gain to grasp his words.

  But forget my mind- it’s still blank. It’s my body that’s thrumming with excitement. If the pulsating organ between my legs is any indication, then his words had an impact alright and they definitely hit their target.

  “Have nothing to say?” He bickers. “That means you clearly don’t mind being kissed by me. Baby, all you have to do is ask and I’d happily oblige.”

  Really? Well, I won’t be the one giving in so easily. I can play along. But is this even a game? I’ll push that thought to the back of my head for now.

  “I actually believed using my snarky mouth would be enough to unleash the beast within you. If I have to request, then I might as well as go for the craigslist. Even paid services are better than requesting.”

  “Baby, the beast is already unleashed. You just have to see it to believe it.”

  This time my throat actually goes dry. The only comeback I can think of lies frozen on the tip of my tongue. I can’t possibly ask him to show. That’s just outrageously wrong when I clearly know what he’s going for.

  “Did I cross my limits now? I tend to be doing that a lot around you.” He sighs and lets out a short laugh.

  “Do you even have any limits?” I cross-question him.

  “In this regard maybe no, but I can accommodate a few for you.”

  What the hell is happening? No matter what I throw his way, he’s just not backing down.

  “Nathan, I don’t understand. Are you messing with me? Is this all like some big joke to you? I’m really bad at such jokes. I can’t play along like this.”

  “You think I’m joking?” he asks exasperatedly. He does sound genuinely astonished. It’s not like I thought he was joking but there’s no other explanation to his behavior. Given the picture perfect family that Stanley had painted, nothing else even makes sense.