The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone
Page 7
I was starting to feel bad but he narrowed his eyes. “Who has appointments at night?” he queried, obviously thinking I was putting him off.
“I do.” I shrugged, looking down at the floor.
“Do you have a cocktail dress?” he suddenly asked. Perplexed, I nodded to him. “Good. I have a gala dance to attend next Saturday night and I want you to accompany me,” he demanded before he leaned into me. “I need you to come, baby,” he whispered in my ear as his hand slipped down my back and skimmed over my bottom.
Goosebumps spread over my body and my pussy throbbed. There had only ever been Nate that could turn me on so intensely. I sucked in a breath, nodding frantically as a small groan rumbled in the back of his throat. His fingers spread on the low of my back as he worked little kisses from my cheek towards my mouth.
Gasping, I pulled back and reached for the door, opening it for him. “I’ll ring you about Monday morning,” he said as he left the house and walked down the path back to his car.
Shutting the door, I leaned against it and took a large gulp of air. Erin was stood in the hallway, giving me a shrewd look. “Don’t Erin,” I warned.
She shook her head, grinning at me and ascended the stairs. Halfway up, she stopped and turned. “He has lovely pure . . . blue . . . eyes.” She smirked, emphasising each word. “Don’t you think Mom?” she added as she carried on up the stairs.
* * *
Late Saturday night, Beth, Lexi and I were drunk and sitting on stools around a large floor to ceiling column in ‘Pulse’ the local nightclub.
“Give me your shoes, Liv.” Beth ordered.
“Ha, not a chance girl.”
I was wearing my favourite red high heels. I had bought them about six months ago when I’d had a bad episode and needed retail therapy. Hence, the £840 Christian Louboutin, red leather with black mottled overlay, peep toe, 5” stiletto. They were my ultimate favourites and I would still be paying for them in 5 years.
Tonight I’d been risky and teamed them with my tight, short black leather skirt and my red, ruffle neck top. Ever since yesterday’s intimate moment with Nate I had been feeling horny and that reflected in my outfit tonight. The only problem with this was I was getting a lot of unwanted male attention.
“But you love me,” Beth continued.
“I’m not even gonna let you borrow them,” I proclaimed, sticking my tongue out at her.
“But those shoes are man magnets. You’ve had loads of attention tonight. It must be the shoes.” Her eyes once more dropped to my shoes as she gazed at them dreamily.
“Nah, that’s just Liv’s aura,” Lexi stated as she pointed at me rather fidgety. “I can almost touch her sex appeal tonight.” She told Beth then turning to me she said, “Damn Girl. You’re oozing in eroticism.” Her eyes narrowed before she suddenly declared, “You got laid!”
Beth jumped with excitement, toppling off the high stool and landing with a harsh bump on her arse on the floor. Lexi and I, laughing hysterically, tried to help her up but we were laughing so hard, we couldn’t lift her.
Eventually we all managed to pull her up and the other revellers cheered as Beth took a bow. Climbing back onto our stools Beth looked at me. “So come on, Liv. You get nailed?”
“No,” I stammered.
“Now don’t lie to us,” Lexi chastised, waggling her finger at me.
“I’m not lying,” I defended, feigning a deep interest in my wine glass.
“But something’s up,” Beth argued, taking a mouthful of her vodka. I turned my attention to the dancers and tried to ignore their interrogation. “Liv?” Beth prodded me. “Spill.”
I slowly turned back to her. “Nate’s back,” I blurted.
The vodka glass slipped from her grasp and smashed on the floor as her jaw dropped with it. She was deadly silent as she scanned my face. “What the fuck?” Lexi exclaimed as she struggled for breath. I lowered my eyes and fixed them on my twiddling fingers.
“What do you mean ‘Nate’s back’?” Beth finally managed.
“Just what I said, Nate’s back. He owns NSC Industries. He’s been in America for the last six months so I didn’t know. I bumped into him yesterday . . . literally,” I giggled, remembering my epic face plant.
“Don’t pissing laugh Liv, this is serious,” she cautioned with a glare. “Have you told him?”
“No!” I cried, my eyes fixing her with a glare of my own.
“You gonna tell him?” Now it was Lexi’s turn to scrutinize me.
“I . . . I don’t know,” I stammered, tears forming behind my eyes.
“Oh, babe.” Beth sighed, reaching over to me and squeezing my hand with tears in her own eyes.
“On a lighter note, is he still fucking hot?” Lexi sniggered as she put her hands over her heart and sighed deeply.
“Jesus, yes.” I breathed, closing my eyes and picturing his hard body. Pressing my thighs together and chewing my bottom lip, I declared it was time to go home.
I had business to take care of.
* * *
It was 2am and I was laid in bed; the house was empty as the kids were at my mother’s for the weekend and my mind was wandering to the times I had made love to Nate. I couldn’t shake this damn arousal. Everything was pulsing in me.
My fingers skimmed under the duvet, stroking the inside of my thigh and picturing Nate’s sexy smile as they ventured further up, rubbing against my clit. My other hand caressed my breast as my breath hitched. Inserting two fingers, I was amazed how wet I was. I was dripping. Working at a frantic rhythm, I urged to get release. Getting frustrated, I reached over and opened my side drawer. Retrieving my vibrator, I switched it with my fingers. Nate’s image appeared in my mind, his body pumping away frantically at me as I mimicked the action with my vibrator.
Just as I was nearing my orgasm, my phone trilled its text message alert. “Fuck me!” I grunted, the moment now gone.
I reached for my phone; sure it was Beth up for a late night texting session. I was surprised to see it was from Nate:
Nate:
You awake Liv?
Well I would be now, even if I had been asleep.
Me:
Yh x
Nate:
What you up to? Xx
What a stupid thing to ask at 2am on a Sunday morning.
Me:
In bed xxx
Nate:
Oh . . .
Nate:
What r u wearing? ;-) Xxx
Now it was getting interesting, and I was still ultra horny so I decided to have some fun.
Me:
A smile! Xxx
Nate:
Oh Jesus xxx
Me:
;-) Xxx
Nate:
Is BOB there? Xxx
Me:
He’s laid beside me Xxx
Nate:
(Gulping) what’s he doing?
Xxx
Me:
Nothing ‘NOW,’ he says he’s feeling ‘drained’
Xxx
Nate:
Lucky sod, u should give him a rest, you’re wearing him out baby
You need the real thing
Xxx
Me:
Mmm yes I do!!!!! BOB’s now saying that I only use him for sex
And I don’t care about him
Xxx
Nate:
(Groaning) he needs somebody to take the pressure off for him ;-)
Xxx
Me:
(Groaning also) It’s my pressure I need taking care of
Xxx
Nate:
(Panting) I’d ‘LOVE’ to take the pressure off for u baby
Xxx
Me:
(Panting hard) the pressures getting pounding now Nate (moaning)
Xxx
Nate:
(Panting harder) Pounding???
Xxx
Me:
(Panting and pounding faster) Yes!!
It’s really hammering now Nate
Xxx
Nate:
(Panting and hammering faster)
I’m really hammering my pressure too Liv
You ready to release your pressure Baby?
Xxx
Me:
(Gasping) GOD YES NATE!!!!!
Xxx
Nate:
(Breathless) Better baby?
Xxx
Me:
(I think I actually STOPPED breathing)
Much better, thank u ;-)
Xxx
Nate:
(Grinning like a Cheshire cat)
Good, me too
Xxx
Me:
(Very relaxed now)
Goodnight Nate
Xxx
Nate:
(Rolled over for a cuddle)
Night baby
Xxx
I rolled over and drifted off to sleep, wearing nothing but a huge grin.
Chapter Six
MONDAY MORNING HAD rolled round again and as usual I was running late.
Jumping from the shower I wrapped a towel around me and ran across the landing to my room. Rummaging around in my wardrobe for my favourite mint green, sheer blouse that I needed to team with my black and green skirt, I realised it wasn’t in there. “Erin!” She was always ‘borrowing’ my clothes but she never returned them. I ran to her bedroom and after opening her wardrobe doors, I found it straight away. Rushing back across the landing I bumped into Nate coming out the bathroom.
“What the hell?” I mumbled into his hard chest.
“Morning, baby.” His voice was low and husky as he looked over my body. “You ready for me?” he asked, his lips twitching.
“What the hell are you doing here, Nate? You’re way too early” I sniped, pulling my towel higher.
He didn’t answer me as he slowly gazed over my near-bare form, his eyes stopping at the scar I had running across my right collarbone. I flinched as he ran his finger delicately across it. “I was up early and thinking of you, so I thought I’d have a coffee before work,” he said softly, still tracing the scar with his finger and his troubled eyes. “How did you get this?” he asked, narrowing his eyes and searching my face.
Swallowing hard I stepped back. “Matt should be in the kitchen, he’ll make you a drink while I get dressed,” I stuttered and pushed past him.
Closing the bedroom 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. “Come on, Liv.”
Biting my lip, I said goodbye to Bert and entered the foyer behind Nate.
“I just need to retrieve my messages from Samantha and then we’ll ride up together,” he commanded. Pulling my hand out of his he gave me a questioning look. “Something wrong, Liv?”
Tilting my head at him, stumped by his attitude, I glared at him. “Did you have to be so rude to Bert? He’s my friend.”
“You shouldn’t make friends with the staff, Liv.”
“WHAT?” I scoffed, astonished.
“I said you shouldn’t make friends with the staff,” he repeated slowly as though I was dumb.
“How dare you!” I stammered. “You don’t have the right to pick my bloody friends, Nate.”
“He’s just a fucking doorman, Liv,” he countered, amazed at my outburst.
“Just . . . a . . . fuckin’ . . . doorman?” I repeated gobsmacked. “Listen to his highness. Too far up his own arse to talk to the minions,” I mocked acidly. “Well, I’m one of those fuckin’ minions, Nate and I’m sorry if I’m not up to your fuckin’ standards.” I stormed to the elevator, noticing Miss Wet Kipper’s stunned face.
“Liv!” Nate shouted to me as I hurled myself into the lift and rapidly banged the ‘close door’ button. I needed to calm down before I reached my floor and Nate joining me in the lift was not going to help me achieve that. I was livid. How dare he dictate to me who I could friends with. We weren’t even in a relationship and even then I wouldn’t put up with that shit again.
Departing the elevator on my floor, I made my way to the bathroom, taking huge gulps of air and mentally prepping myself for work.
Banging the door back against the wall as I entered I heard a gasp from one of the cubicles. “Sorry,” I muttered to whomever.
“Olivia? That you?” Leah’s voice came from behind the closed door.
“Yeah, it’s me. Late and flustered again,” I laughed ironically.
“You okay, Honey?” I mumbled a confirmation, repairing my make-up in the mirror as the toilet flushed and Leah emerged from the cubicle. “Men Trouble?” she asked, scrutinising her own make-up in the same mirror, her eyes fixed on mine as she washed her hands.
“Humph,” I grumbled without elaborating further. “How did the date with Bert go?” I asked, changing the topic to her.
“Oh God, he’s wonderful Olivia,” she gushed with a dreamy look. “Sweet, attentive and such a gentleman. He opened every door for me, refused to let me pay half and even made me breakfast,” she added with a sly grin.
“You didn’t?” I spluttered my eyes wide.
She shrugged shyly. “I couldn’t not.”
“Hey, I’m not judging. Good on you girl! Why not, you’re both adults,” I appeased, rubbing her arm. “At least someone’s getting it.”
“Talking of ‘getting it,’ is it true about you and Carter?” she asked sheepishly.
“We’re just friends,” I told her. “We used to go out at uni.”
“Oh right.” She nodded as we exited the bathroom and made our way to our desks. “Is it true what they say?” Puzzled, I turned to her and shrugged. “That he’s fucking hot in the sack?”
“I couldn’t possibly comment on that, Miss Ward.” I smirked.
An hour later I was at my computer, working furiously when my phone alerted me to a text.
NATE:
I’m sorry, baby.
Lunch in my office? 12.30?
Xxxx
Well that was something I suppose, at least he had the decency to apologise. I texted back a confirmation.
ME:
Sure
Xxxx
Lunch in his office. That should be fun. I was starting to get uncomfortable in his presence, in more ways than one. Even though I craved him, there was also a part of me that was nervous around his cross-examining, not sure how much would slip out when he was being intimate and my brain shut down.
Continuing with my work to take my mind of it, the morning flew by and glancing at the clock, I found that it was already 12:20.