Nodding, I decide the less I say the more he’ll reveal.
Sighing, he sips his wine. “I couldn’t turn him down.” He gauges my reaction before proceeding. “Yes, we spent some time together, but it was casual and she was well aware of that. I have never misled any woman who I’ve been involved with.”
While savoring my wine, I pay close attention and look for any signs of dishonesty, but I see none. He takes his glass and finishes it as I watch him closely. I think this is the most I’ve seen him drink.
“I haven’t seen her since we’ve been together. I’ve never spent the kind of time with her that I’m spending with you. I didn’t try to get to know her like I am with you. What we had was temporary.”
“So did you sleep with her?” I know the answer, but I just want to hear him say it.
“Yes, but it’s over. I didn’t want to create too much drama in case my father found out.”
“Haven’t you already created drama?”
He looks down at his now empty glass. “Bryer, I’m not proud of everything I’ve done in my past, and this is a perfect example. I’ll take care of it. My concern is you, and how you feel right now.” Nathan gazes into my eyes.
I sigh. “Mostly surprised. I thought I felt one way leaving dinner--secure, I guess. Now I feel like you’re out of reach.”
“I promise you, I have not lied to you, and there’s nothing going on behind your back. I still want the same things. I still feel the same about you. Are you out of reach?” He slides closer to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. We’re so close I can feel the heat from his body searing me.
“Nathan, I have some trust issues. Ones that I’m not proud of. A cold blade to the heart will do that to you. So, these feelings can easily come to the surface, and I’ll have to work on that too.” My confession leaves me feeling exposed.
Trust is not easily given, yet what has he really done wrong besides have a past? He’s an incredible man. Women would throw themselves at him, including me. At least he wants to see if this can go somewhere.
“I need complete honesty, Nathan. Just promise me you’ll always be truthful. I don’t want to get hurt.”
His eyes burn into mine, and he buries his hand in my hair. Our bodies touch.
“The last thing I want to do is hurt you, Bryer.” He runs the back of his hand over my collarbone. His fingertips linger on the square neckline of my dress, and his eyes never leave mine. “I’ve never put myself out there in this way.”
“You’re worried I’ll hurt you?” I sound as surprised as I feel. “I’ll take care of you.”
He slides so close I can smell that now familiar clean scent, and it’s overwhelming.
My inhibitions collapse while the heat between my legs ignites. How will I survive him touching me? He leans over and places a small kiss between my exposed cleavage, and while he lingers, his hot breath sizzles my skin, zipping straight to my sex. I feel his wet, warm tongue slide between my breasts and I can’t hold back a moan any longer.
He smiles against my chest.
“I need your mouth on mine,” he growls, taking both of my hands and pulling me closer.
Our lips meet and the kiss is hungry. When his tongue slides over my lower lip, I take that as a green light to play. His mouth tastes of wine, and I can’t fight the sharp rush of desire as he kisses me senseless.
As I’m sucking on his tongue, he gives a low growl. Slowly he moves away, and with his hands buried in my hair, he looks me in the eyes and whispers, “Now, repeat after me: I want to be your sex slave.”
My head rolls back as laughter consumes me. “Funny is the new sexy.” Who knew humor would be such a turn on? Game on. I ache for him in every way.
And the mood shifts again.
“Stand” he commands.
Oh, God, that’s intoxicating. It takes a moment to register due to my lust fog, but I rally my thoughts. He stands and holds his hand out for mine, and I reach out and take it. After he helps me up, we press together for a moment before he slides down to his knees. I tremble and wonder if this is a good idea.
He looks up at me, revealing baby blues filled with hot passion and longing. There’s no possible way I could deny him, or myself. No woman could.
He slowly slides my dress up my thighs.
“Oh God,” I moan.
The dress clings to my body as it glides to my waist. When it slides up over my pink lace panties, Nathan stares at them.
“You’re so sexy, Bryer.”
He plays with the lace, running his finger along the top edge of the lace, prolonging the sweet torture. Then slides the panties down my legs.
Oh Jesus.
“Lift,” he whispers.
The lingerie tangles in my high heel fuck-me shoes and he has to tug them off. I’m grateful I don’t tumble over from the force.
“Sit,” he commands.
I look at him beneath my lashes as I lower myself to the couch.
“Spread your legs, baby.”
“Nathan, you’re killing me,” I whimper.
I try to breathe as my head falls back. Knowing what’s to come makes me anxious to feel those lips and tongue on me.
He plays around the edges of my sex, his tongue teasing me, and I feel like I’m smoldering.
“Do you want this?”
“Very much,” I beg.
Then his sizzling hot tongue makes contact with my wet core.
“Oh my God.”
He licks me from top to bottom.
“You’re so wet.”
Nathan uses his thumbs to spread me open before sucking and licking my folds.
“Right there.” I don’t feel a hint of embarrassment.
My free hand slides through his waves and I hold on. “I’ve dreamt of my hands in your hair, and your stubble scratching between my thighs.”
My words fuel his desire as he continues his assault. “I love a filthy mouth, Bryer.” He smiles.
Fuck.
“Baby, you taste better than I imagined,” he groans.
My legs are spread and raised high, and my fuck-me heels dangle over his shoulders. I feel like I could come just watching this scene. Luckily I don’t have to wait long.
“Fuck, I’ve longed for this.” His mouth is a breath away.
He attacks my clit, licking it up and down in a steady rhythm that feels like he’s fucking me with his tongue.
“Do you feel me, baby?”
“Oh God, yes.,” I gasp out.
I can’t hold on much longer. My moans grow closer together between my panting.
“Come for me, baby,” he growls.
With those final sexy words, I feel an explosion, and it moves straight to my heat. “Nathan... Oh my God,” I scream.
He sucks harder while I slowly drift into ecstasy and my body quivers. I fall apart in his hands.
“You’re all woman, Bryer.”
Nathan rises up and leans into me. His eyes pierce into mine.
“Fantasy becomes reality. I knew it would be like this.” He kisses me tenderly. I can feel his hardness pressing against my body and I know what he needs.
“And what about your pleasure?”
“Tonight is about you,” he says. “This is as far as we go tonight.”
I accept this, knowing we’re moving at a slower pace than he’s used to, though I was in the fast lane tonight.
Chapter Seven
“BRYER, I WANT to know more about you.”
Nathan caresses my arm and snuggles with me on the couch. I lean into him, feeling like we’re a real couple. Now at ease, I can share more of my history with this man, knowing he has shared some of his past with me.
“I already told you about my mother, and what a sad, life-changing event that was. My father lives out of state, and we’re not close.” I take a breath and pause, maybe from regret or even guilt. “Like you, I don’t have any siblings, but always wanted them. My best girlfriend is Gen and we’re as close as sisters. I don’t know
what I would’ve done without her. She’s been my rock. She saw me shatter into a million pieces and was there to pick me up.” I sigh. “I moved here because Gen lived here, and I needed a new start.”
“I assume a man did this?” Nathan says.
Feeling a tug on my heart, I go on. “I dated off and on during college, but nothing serious until after my mother died. I had one long-term relationship that ended badly. I thought he was the one, but Cash betrayed my trust and broke me. I ran, never telling him where I was going.”
“I will always be slow to trust because of what happened.” A heaviness weighs on my chest. “I’ve never made sense of it all, and I live with the battle scars to prove it.” I give Nathan complete honesty. “A new job, new friends, and a new place helped.”
My sexual past compared to his is like comparing a priest to a stripper. The thought makes me cringe.
“And recently?” Nathan asks..
“Nothing worth mentioning. Just several first dates that didn’t click.”
He nods. “And what is this new career?”
“I love my job.” Gracefully, I switch to this more comfortable subject. “I’m the manager for a marketing and modeling company that sells many different female oriented products. Our own in-house models showcase them. I do a little of everything, from photo shoots and product approval to sales. Little did I know, this is the perfect job for me.
But if you keep up with the endless questions, I might not bring out dessert.”
“Oh, hell no. I’m not missing this.” He grabs my hand and pulls me to the kitchen.
“Coffee or water?” I ask.
“Water.”
“If you want to know more about me, my addiction to caffeine is crazy, I need coffee, for your protection.” We both smile. “Close your eyes.”
“Says the woman who just admitted she needs coffee to keep her sanity. Should we brew a pot?”
While reaching in the refrigerator for my homemade cheesecake, I laugh. I know he’ll fight me over this treat being too decadent. “Trust me?”
“Interesting choice of words. Okay.”
“Close those eyes.”
He squints, like he’s nervous of what’s to come. A wide smile shows deep dimples, and it’s contagious.
I take the fork and dip right into the cake. “Open.” I watch his lips sliding over the fork as I pull away.
Lord help me that was heady.
“There ought to be a law against this.” He opens his eyes. “You bake?”
“I do.”
“You’re trouble. Slice me a piece before I use my fingers.” His boyish charm makes sparks fly between us.
“All in due time.” I taunt him.
“Let me have a piece, or I won’t be responsible for my actions.” Loaded statement, but I let it go.
“I’m surprised you’re going to have an entire piece. I know you usually don’t waver from your stringent nutrition plan.”
“We all can cheat a little, plus I’m working out after I train tomorrow. Remember, we’re on at noon,” he says.
“The trainer surfaces. Oh God, are you going to make me pay for this?” I groan.
“You bet your sweet ass I am.” He smirks at me.
“How could I forget the ass kicking I get every Saturday?” I lift one eyebrow, pretending to be serious.
“Oh my God. This is sinful.” He moans around a mouthful of cheesecake.
“You like?”
“This is pure heaven, woman. I could get used to this.”
“You’re so right. I’ve outdone myself.” As I take a bite, I smile and our eyes meet.
It’s after midnight when we say goodnight.
“I had a great time, Bryer.”
He pulls me into a hug, wrapping his arms around my waist. I slide my hands up his chest, feeling his perfectly defined pecs. I wonder what he looks like shirtless, and the thought renders me speechless.
“I had a better time,” I make my point obvious.. “Thank you.”
“You’ll get your turn, baby.” He kisses me tenderly, leaving me wanting more.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say.
He nods and backs up, not turning away until he’s out the door, so I soak in my fill of him.
God, I want him.
***
I’M STILL ON my phone with Gen when I walk into the gym, and I’m running late. “It was incredible. A few bumps in the road, but we got through it. Everything about it, from dinner to my apartment, was hot, sexy, especially the kiss.”
“Psh…Only a goodnight kiss? Are you made of stone, Bryer? You had the sexiest man alive to yourself and you didn’t get more than a goodnight kiss? Tell me, is he as perfect as he seems? Or, God no, he isn’t a crier is he?”
“God Gen, no. He’s pretty perfect.”
“And I didn’t say where the kiss was.” I know these last words left unexplained will drive her crazy. “I’ve got to go. I’m late. Muah.” Leaving out the Camilla episode, I hang up.
I see Nathan before he sees me, but instead of heading towards him, I move toward the treadmill to start my warm up routine.
Clayton approaches, which surprises me, because he’s not my trainer, I have no contact with him.
“Bryer, is it?” He gives me a warm, gorgeous smile. He’s a handsome man with light hair and brown eyes.
“That’s me.”
“Just curious. You’re Nathan’s new friend?”
While I continue my jog, I wonder where this is going. “I guess you could say that.”
He nods. “My man is a good guy, despite his reputation.”
“I think he’s a good guy too. What are you getting at?”
“Well, I know it’s not really any of my business, but I’ve never seen him like this with any woman.”
“I get the distinct impression you’re worried about Nathan.”
“His reputation is notorious, but that’s not all he is.”
“So who are you worried about--him or me?”
“Him.”
“Why’s that?”
I can’t imagine why Clayton would feel so protective over Nathan when it comes to me.
“He’s different with you Bryer, I’m Just callin’ it as I see it,” Clayton says.
“Nathan is confident and capable of making his own decisions.” I get the impression that Clayton knows something and I’m supposed to read between the lines.
“Good luck with that.” He turns and walks away.
That was confusing.
Nathan looks my way and he doesn’t look happy.
Great.
***
“READY?” A MOMENT later, Nathan glares down at me with his hands on his hips. Is he angry over Clayton? Jealous? It feels that way.
“Always.” I try to play, but it falls flat. “Oh, I forgot to mention, I’ll have to skip our next session on Saturday. I have to travel for business.” I use diversion as my next approach.
“Really? Over the weekend?”
“Yes. That’s not unusual.”
“Where?”
“Bossy much?” He glares over his shoulder at me when I say this. “Chicago. It’s a business meeting, a meet and greet party with clients afterwards. The usual.”
“I love Chicago.” he says, his mood slowly turning around.
“Me too.” I hope this is the end of our discussion of my trip.
“So… Clayton?” He probes about our conversation.
What do I say? “He introduced himself. Guess he knows I’m your new friend.” I smile up at him.
He shakes his head, but only one dimple makes an appearance. “Let’s start with upper body today.” And with that, my sex god switches to professional trainer.
***
THE WORK WEEK goes by quickly while I plan for the upcoming Chicago trip. The boys at work make the day-to-day business amusing.
I don’t hear from Nathan till Wednesday when he sends me a text.
Nathan: Windy city?
Bryer: Yes, that’s the place.
Nathan: It will be cold.
Bryer: I own a coat.
Nathan: Maybe I should keep you warm.
Bryer: Are you looking for an invite?
Nathan: Are you offering?
Bryer: Yes. Come.
Nathan: I would love to come.
I can hardly believe it
Nathan comes by later to discuss our plans for the weekend. He books the flights and, to my surprise, hands two first class tickets to me.
I look up in disbelief. “My expenses will only cover coach.” I laugh over the fact he’d think I would rate first class within the company I work for.
“I know. I got it.”
He’s also made hotel reservations at the W Lakeshore Chicago Hotel, which is not where my business meeting or the after party are being held.
“This is a very exclusive hotel. Don’t you think you’re overdoing this just a smidge?”
“Clearly that’s my goal.”
“You do realize this is a business trip and I’ll be gone all day Saturday?”
I’m hit with a huge smile and a double dose of dimples. “I plan on going with you to this after party.”
That’s news to me. I would love his company, but will this be appropriate and will my boss object? I decide to just go with it. Ask for forgiveness instead of permission.
“Okay, but you’ll have to entertain yourself Saturday afternoon,” I say.
“I will. Don’t worry about me. Baby, I’ve got you all night.”
I feel my body come to life. “So it would seem.”
***
ON FRIDAY, NATHAN picks me up and carries my luggage down to his car--his pride and joy.
“Did you pack for the weekend or are we moving?” he says.
We?
“Hilarious. It’s one bag. Work and personal items.”
When he puts the suitcase in the trunk, I can’t help but touch him. His chiseled back is as sexy as his front. What will this weekend bring?
We go through all the hoops and inconveniences that flying has evolved into before we’re sitting in first class.
Forgotten Truth (The Forgotten Series Book 1) Page 6
