Enticed by you (Miraculous Love Book 1)
Page 13
“Wow, how did you figure it out? You gave time for the relation to build?”
“This might sound mildly crazy to you, and I was not actually a believer of fate up until that point, but it was destiny that played its cards and made me open my eyes to the reality. I wasn’t seeking signs, but there were so many signs around me and incidents that led me to believe that, yeah, she’s the one. The one I’m destined to be with. Some of these signs were direct, some not so much, but since I couldn’t rely on my feelings, these were all I could depend on to show me the path. They didn’t let me down,” he explains.
Signs? Fate? Destiny? I’ve never been a strong believer of the same, but the way things are shaping in my life, I can’t really give a blind eye to it. Maybe these are my telltale signs too, but why are they leading me to Nathan? I can never have a future with him. No matter from which angle I see, all I see is a dead-end.
“How do I seek them? I mean, how will I know and understand?”
“That’s difficult to answer,” he muses loudly. “You’ll just know, Sara. Just listen to your heart. The small signs, hope, presence, persistence, it can be anything. But it’ll surely make you feel strongly. It’ll make you truly happy. You’ll start dreaming, hoping and actually living. Then you’ll know for sure that whatever you’re feeling for that particular person is actually true and real.”
“I get it, I’ll seek them out. My eyes are wide open,” I chuckle. Just then I notice a ping from my phone and see a message from Nate. No way. I was just talking about signs and Nate chooses that exact time to message me? This has to count for something. “I think I just got my sign,” I tell excitedly.
“Awesome, Sara. I wish you all the very best. Once you realize and confess your feelings, and start something new, do let us know. Alright?”
“Yeah sure,” I tell, opening Nate’s message. “Thanks a lot, Andrew.”
“Bye, Sara.”
I cut the call and even turn off the radio. I don’t even wish to hear myself on-air. My entire focus is on Nate.
Nice Dp. This is what a gentleman would probably say. I’m not one. So, I’m going to say this instead. You look sexy. I wish I could pop another one of those buttons. My hungry eyes would then find solace.
I expected a similar response. I knew it. That snap did grab his attention just like I wanted it to.
Your hungry eyes seem to be very greedy. Teach them some patience. What’s the fun if they get everything when they desire it? It’s the wait that makes it all the more intense.
He types and I bite my lips, awaiting his reply.
My patience level depends on the person I’m dealing with and when it comes to you, baby, my patience is already taut. You continue to tease me like this and it’ll break very soon. And when it does, I’ll no longer wait nor will I ask, I’ll directly go for the grabs.
My hands go clammy reading his words and my heart thrums against my chest- loud and fast. I have no comeback for this. All I can do is to soak in his intense desires for me.
No comments on the guy I have taken the photo with? You’ll certainly have few choice words for him as well.
He types almost immediately. He need not even have to think.
Too timid and nice for you. Doesn’t suit. But the flowers in your hand sure contrast your wild and forbidden personality.
Chris is too nice and timid for me? The first time I met him, I figured he would be perfect for me. But then again, Nathan is nothing like Chris and yet he makes me melt like butter on the frying pan by just his words.
What makes you say that? You don’t know Chris the way I do. He is perfect for me.
I’m certain Nate doesn’t know about Chris already having a girlfriend. I don’t think his relationship status would even matter much to him. But what I feel for him should evoke some response.
No. I can’t be wrong in judging people. I know you, Sara and from what I know, the person you seek to fulfill your needs at the moment is me, and me alone. You don’t do nice. You’ll eventually get bored. You need something dark, daring and fun.
Really?
I ask at a loss of better response.
Yes. Try him if you wish and let me know the results.
No way am I doing that. But that’s not the response I expected. I thought he would be jealous, or possessive at the very least. Nathan always surprises me in his own twisted ways. But still the way he claims to know me? That’s making me feel really good.
I start to type again, but before I finish, I get a new message from him.
Have some work. Can’t chat. See you in Stand-up. And this time, be on time for a change.
This conversation has to be a sign. There is no denying that. I can feel it in my heart, and even in my bones. Nathan Bankers will be taking me on a crazy ride and I’m all set for it.
Chapter 10
Nathan
“Who are all on the call?” This has always been my standard first question on the stand-up. Usually Dustin gives me the names of all people who have joined or they only speak up. Sara always joins late and I usually end up greeting her. This time around, I have a surprise for her. All I can hope for is that she has joined.
“Hey, Nate, it’s Chris here. The entire team has joined.”
Ok. I’m not sure why Chris joined in the first place. He is not actually a part of this admin team. He’s a developer, but we do work on the same projects.
“That’s interesting, Chris. How are you doing? And has Sara joined the call?”
That’s not so surprisingly my primary concern. Keeping work aside for a bit, I actually want to hear her speak. Her voice has become my undoing. It’s a sweet melody for my ears and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of it. No matter what she has to say, I just want to hear her talk.
“I’m here, Nathan,” Sara replies pompously. “Much to your surprise, I guess.” Her tone is humorous and I can even hear the hidden laughter. Ahh, Sara. She sure loves playing with me.
“Someone learned to be punctual. Good for the team,” I mock.
“Your influence did rub off on me,” she comments. “If you have set a level of expectation for me, then I’ll surely live up to it.”
The level of expectations that I’ve set for her is probably beyond her comprehension at this point in time. I’m sure she’ll live up to it provided she embraces it in the first place. It might be too much for her and that’s exactly why I’ll be taking it slow. And it has nothing to with her job.
“That’s a pretty difficult challenge you’re setting up for yourself. You can ask others. They can update you about just how much I force them to push their limits and show the desired results.”
It was discreet, but she would have figured what I was hinting at. The conditions she has set for me? Her limits? It’ll be her breaking them first and calling it off. She loves the challenge and I’ll give her one.
“Of course, Sara,” Diana replies. “Nathan Bankers is someone you shouldn’t promise anything to. He’ll totally grind us and extract every ounce of our knowledge. He’s ruthless that way.”
“Ruthless is too harsh a word,” I reply with a light chuckle. “Don’t you think commanding and adamant would be better fits?”
“Oh no,” she exclaims. “Let me remind you of that time during the Hot Resale project…”
I partially tune her out as I grab my phone. Once Diana starts, she won’t stop until she completes her story. I’m done with that project. It’s the one I least enjoyed. I don’t want to hear about that again, but I might as well as use these precious minutes to do something more productive. I open Sara’s chat and start to type.
You know what limits I’m referring to. Beware, Sara. It’s a challenge that I’ve set for myself- To make you break every single one of your limits.
I hit send and bring my focus back on the conversation.
“That’s exactly why I say you are ruthless, Nathan,” she finishes. “From your perspective, you won’t get it. Ask us, we’ll give you the right f
eedback.”
Maybe. But they never showed any qualms about working for me before. Especially Diana. She always got increment and appraisal after every successful project. No matter how much I push people, I also make sure they are compensated for it.
“Are you trying to scare Sara, Diana? I just wanted her to know it’s going to be tough, not deter her from trying. But then again, no matter what you’ve to say, I’m certain that Sara is strong and will be able to endure it. Correct, Sara?”
She doesn’t reply immediately. That’s cause she’s busy typing. I hope she heard what I said. I really meant it and this time I was referring to work.
“Sara?”
“Yeah. You’re right, Nate. Bring it on. I’m up for all your challenges.”
That’s my girl. The others start to talk, expressing their views. I tune them out and read her reply.
All words, but no action so far. You sure think high about yourself. Why don’t you back your words with action? That’s when I’ll know if I’m going to lose and just how badly.
This woman. I ought to give her an award for provoking me so much. And yet, I love her all the more for it. Maybe, that’s what makes her so unique. If I think back, I’ve been with women who took me for my words and submitted easily. But not Sara. She gets a thrill out of challenging me at every turn.
“Hey Guys, sorry to intrude on your Nate conversation.” Chris chuckles. “I need to make an announcement and then you guys can resume with your stand-up. Like most of you guys already know, I’ll be leaving in two days.”
That’s what he’s for. A final goodbye. I’ve already spoken to him and given my feedback, so my next step is actually uncalled for. I’m not even a big fan of farewell parties as such. But I have a point to prove to someone and I might as well as make best of this situation. I know how and when to play my cards.
I send Sara a quick reply.
You’ll get a taste of some action very soon. It will be a teaser and small preview of what you’re getting yourself into. Enjoy the show and show me real emotions.
“Chris, I think it calls for a small reunion of sorts. You have contributed for the growth of the team as well as the organization. Let’s have a reminiscence of the same and you can even suggest ways of how we can improve our process. So, I’m calling off the stand-up for today. Why don’t you guys get into a meeting room? Let’s have a videoconference.”
“For me?” Chris questions doubtfully. I don’t blame him. It’s not in my nature to call off meetings just to celebrate.
“That would be great, Nathan,” Diana exclaims. “We’ll cut the call and rejoin.”
I drop the call and immediately get a new message from Sara.
Wow. I didn’t see this coming. Well played.
The game has just begun. And I won’t even be the one playing. I’ll just sit back and enjoy the show Sara will put up for me.
I find a vacant meeting room and step inside. I take a seat and rejoin the call. The screen in the room blinks up, and I see my entire team gathered around the conference table except for my sweetheart. She’s not there. She can’t bail on me, but I’ll be damned if she’s making me wait on purpose.
“Do we have everyone?” I ask, hoping they will explain Sara’s absence.
“Not yet,” Chris tells, smiling at me. “Sara will be joining us in few minutes, but I suppose we can start.”
Shouldn’t I be the one deciding that? She’s just making me wait on purpose.
“So, Ms. Sara Waters is late again. Interesting, I shouldn’t be surprised.” I scoff.
“No, Nate, she’s just gone to the restroom. She’ll be here,” he defends.
The rest of the team gives one another awkward glances and I just smirk. Of course, I should have expected it. The day’s almost over for them, and she’s obviously tired. And she can’t possibly present herself in front of me in such a state. It’s all about impressing each other, so she won’t be leaving any stone unturned. She’s going to come neatly dressed, with a new layer of makeup. She would probably go for a bold and sexy look.
I lift my head to the screen as the door is pushed open and Sara enters. My eyes remain glued to her. She’s wearing a white dress suit and black slacks to go with it. She has also donned a blazer of the same color. Her hair is tied up in a loose pony with few strands falling on her face. She hasn’t applied any visible makeup. In fact, I can see the signs of a long, tiring day on her face. Sheen of sweat covers the top of her forehead. And yet despite it all, she’s glowing. Her look- it’s real, authentic. Natural. I love her all the more for it.
I immediately get notified of a new message.
Hold your horses. I wanted you to think I had gone to dress up for you. The thought did strike me but I chose not to. Like me for what and how I am, Nathan. This is me. The real me. You claim to know me so well, but you’re still learning You have a long way to go.
She won this. I’ll give her that. I can’t be presumptuous about her. She’s always a step ahead of me. But she’s not pretending or trying to impress me. She’s being herself. That’s what I love the most about her.
I lift my head and greet her with my most wide and genuine smile. The way she smiles back, I know she realizes the difference. I greet people with a curt nod and a small smile, but with her it’s very different.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Nathan. Didn’t realize I was so special,” I knit my brows in worry and she clears her throat. “For this occasion,” she adds and takes the empty seat behind Chris.
She is a smart one.
“So well,” I address them, my eyes darting over all their faces, but finally fixating on Sara’s amber eyes. “This is an impromptu meeting. I thought we could all take some time off to discuss Clair’s achievements and contributions for the team and have a casual talk.”
“That sounded pretty formal to me, Nate,” Sara chimes. “You should try loosening up a bit,” she advices.
“I second her,” Diana comments.
“Well, Sara, since you clearly think I suck at this, why don’t you demonstrate how it should be done?”
I lean back in my seat and loosen my tie. Her eyes, as expected, wanders over my chest. It doesn’t stop there. From beneath her lashes, she peers at my taut muscles straining against my dress shirt, her stare descending towards by waistline. I see her struggle to keep her gaze on my face. It’s a futile attempt, but I’ll give her for trying.
“Sure, Nate,” she gets up, poised to take control. It’s so easy for her to gain anyone’s attention. “It’ll be my pleasure to take over for you.”
Nice. She doesn’t let go of a single chance to mess with me. It’s a game for her and it’s entertainment for me. This combo will most definitely work wonders
Standing at the center of the room, she commands attention. “Chris, we love you,” she exclaims and he beams.
Do I now? Never mind.
Does she? I hope not.
“And we are going to miss the hell out of you. I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart.”
“Language,” Stanley jokingly warns, and when she looks up at me, I just shrug.
“So, before you leave, it would be really our honor, if we get to hear some kind words from you.”
Half of them start to chuckle and I can’t help my second genuine smile. Sara is an embodiment of joy, energy and confidence. It is evident from the way she stands, talks and carries herself. She loves herself. There is no doubt in that and she doesn’t even want others to love her to strengthen her self-worth. I wish I could go back to the way she is now. But my life has become a lot more materialistic and ambitious. That not only has made me cave to pressure and stress, but it is also playing a determinant factor in assessing my own self-worth. I need to change. Sara can help me with that.
The not-so-formal, impromptu meeting continues. I don’t pay much attention to the chit-chat, side talks or their conversation in general. My eyes are set only on my Sara. She’s an animated one and though she knows
my eyes are on her like a hawk, she seems unfazed by it. In fact, she’s enjoying it. Giving me curious looks, making eye contact. She even winked once, much to my surprise. But Chris thought she winked his way and gave her a hug. Not that I was bothered by their closeness. I don’t get to have a say on who she’s with. It doesn’t even matter. But when she’s with me, in my proximity, I want her attention to be solely on me.
“Nate,” Sara scolds. “You’ve been too much of a silent spectator. Now it’s your turn to speak. What do you have to say about Chris? He’s been working for you for two years now. You should have loads to say.”
“Small correction,” I tell, rolling my sleeves up. Perching my elbows on the conference table, I lean forward with my face resting in my hand. “He worked with me and not for me. It has always been combined effort.”
“Right,” she rolls her eyes. “Have anything else to add?”
“Nate has always been a man of few words,” Diana concludes and I smirk at her.
“Of course, you can take the lady’s word for it. She knows the best,” I add.
“I second her, Sara,” Dustin tell and smiles her way. “Nate doesn’t talk much but his appreciation reflects in monetary forms or even a change in title. And of course, Diana cannot be wrong when it comes to Nate.”
“Have worked eight years for..no, with him,” she giggles.
My eyes flicker to Sara, but she doesn’t return any of their smiles. She looks almost sad or maybe she’s angry. The conflict brewing in her eyes is hard to miss.
“Well, Chris,” I start and it gets her attention. “I already had a word with you, but let me repeat. It’s been wonderful working with you. You’ve proven yourself as an invaluable asset in mere two years and I, for one, will truly regret losing a resource like you. You’ve been a thorough professional….” I go on, explaining his contribution towards few of my projects, highlighting his skills. The entire time, I can feel Sara’s intense gaze on me. Her eyes drink me in and I try hard to not lose the flow of my words. She’s analyzing me like I’m some test case. I can just hope that no one else has noticed this intense sexual tension between us.