“Suzie is on night shift this week,” Nathan said. “Chase Security is open round the clock, and the staff can swop their shifts around.”
“I hope you guys are paying her well.”
“Suzie is probably the highest paid personal assistant in the whole damn city,” Nathan said, rolling his eyes.
“But she's worth every cent,” Kerry finished for him.
Nathan grinned. “She is.”
Kerry stared at Nathan, her heart swelling with a strange emotion. His grin made him look a lot younger, less stern and intimidating. He looked boyish and playful, and she clearly saw that he was a good boss to his staff. He took Suzie's ribbing and mock complaints with good humor, and he made sure his staff was well compensated and rewarded for their service.
Kerry was attracted to him. She couldn't deny that. But any hot-blooded woman would want to jump his bones. The guy was seriously sexy. Tall, handsome, sweet and protective. Nathan was everything a girl would want in a mate.
Kerry shook herself. Why was she even thinking of him as a mate? He was a client. And she would probably never see him again after tonight.
The realization made her inexplicably sad. “I...I'll go change,” she stuttered, clutching the packages to her chest.
“I'll drive you home when you're ready,” was all he said as he watched her retreat to the bathroom.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Soooo....” Tia said as she sat down at the breakfast table. “How was your date?”
Kerry placed two bowls of oatmeal on the table and studiously avoided Tia's prying eyes. “It was okay,” she mumbled.
Kerry hated lying to her sister, but she didn't want Tia to worry. If Tia knew that she had put herself up for auction at The Ring...
“Just okay?” Tia shot her a disbelieving look.
“Mmmm.”
“Come on, Kerry. You got home way after midnight last night,” Tia said, waving her spoon at her. “No way your date was just 'okay'. I know you. If it was just 'okay',” Tia made air quotes with her fingers. “You would have given some lame excuse and left as soon as dinner was over.” Tia leaned forward and winked. “Your date was hot. Am I right or am I right?”
“Tia!”
Her sister giggled and slapped the tabletop. “You're blushing! I knew it! Come on, spill. Tell me everything. Simone said he's a shifter and she knew him through a friend. She said he's a good guy, and it's been a while since you went on a date so she set you guys up.”
Kerry swallowed her oatmeal with difficulty and tried to hide her grimace. It was bad enough that she had to lie to Tia. But she was making Simone lie for her as well.
“Simone said she hoped you guys would hit it off. But I can see that you guys more than hit it off. You like him, don't you?” Tia went on.
Kerry choked on her coffee. “He's nice,” she managed.
“What's his name?” Tia asked eagerly.
“Nathan. Nathan Chase.”
Just uttering his name made Kerry's breath hitch. She remembered every detail of their night together. She could feel the heat creeping up her face when she recalled the scorching, explosive passion they shared. But Nathan had been more than just a great lover. He had taken care of her afterward, making sure she was well fed and clothed. The blouse and slacks that Suzie delivered were made of the softest material. There was even a set of matching silk underwear. The clothes were tasteful, understated and Kerry knew from their designer labels that they weren't cheap.
Nathan had driven her home and walked her to her door. He had given her a chaste peck on the cheek and waited at her doorstep until he was sure she had locked her door. Kerry had watched him drive away from her window, her heart and emotions in turmoil. With a flash of brake lights, Nathan Chase was gone. He was gone from her life for good.
Tia was already in bed but Simone was watching television in Kerry's room with the volume down when Kerry got home. Kerry wanted to tell Simone everything, but Simone discreetly put her finger on her lips and shook her head. “She's not really asleep,” Simone had whispered, glancing at Tia's bedroom door.
After Simone left in a cab, Kerry went to check on Tia. Tia gave a loud, exaggerated snore just as Kerry was tiptoeing out of her room. It was her way of telling Kerry that she was just pretending to be asleep and she wouldn't be letting Kerry off so easily. The interrogation would begin tomorrow.
Tia ate a few spoonfuls of her oatmeal in blissful silence. But the respite didn't last long.
“So, did you get some?”
Kerry groaned. Her sister wasn't giving up. Tia would continue interrogating her until she got some answers.
“Get some what?” Kerry deadpanned.
“You know, some action.” Tia waggled her brows. “I know you did. Don't think I didn't notice those new clothes you were wearing when you got home. He ripped your clothes off and had to rush out to get you some new ones, right? Ooooh...Kerry!” Tia squealed and fanned herself with her hands. “He's an animal!” Tia gave a mock growl.
Kerry shook her head and changed the topic quickly. “We're going to sign up for that new treatment. Today.”
Tia stopped giggling at once. Her expression changed as she stared at Kerry.
“I got the money,” Kerry said.
“How?” Tia demanded.
When Kerry didn't answer, Tia said tightly, “That drug costs ten thousand dollars a dose. The full treatment costs at least a hundred thousand dollars. Where did you get that kind of money, Kerry?”
“Never you mind.” It was the wrong answer. Tia surged to her feet, her eyes flashing with pain and anger.
“Tia...” Kerry swallowed. “I...”
The doorbell rang and Kerry almost toppled her chair as she leaped up.
She skidded to the door and yanked it open, grateful to escape her sister's accusing eyes. “Oh!”
She staggered back a step and had to grip the door for support. She could hardly breathe at the sight of him.
In fact, she never expected to see him again.
“Nathan,” she whispered.
Nathan smiled and she almost melted into a puddle right at his feet. Her heart was hammering crazily in her chest, and her eyes suddenly watered for no reason at all.
Stupid, irrational emotions. She had to get her riotous emotions under control before she lost it.
Her argument with Tia had made her feel raw, exposed and fragile. She felt so guilty for lying to Tia, but she wasn't ready to tell her sister the truth. She felt hopeful and optimistic about starting Tia's new treatment, yet at the same time she had to fight the terror gnawing at her heart. What if this treatment didn't work? And a part of her, a large part of her, was missing Nathan like crazy. She had just known him for one night, and yet, it felt like he had taken a big chunk of her heart with him.
“Hi.”
His smile seemed to light up her world, and as her shock faded, a dizzying, unbearable joy filled her heart. He was here.
Nathan was right here, standing in her doorway and smiling at her.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“H-hi,” Kerry stuttered, blinking away her tears rapidly. Her eyes moved from his handsome face down his long, broad body. All she wanted to do was throw her arms around him and hold on to him forever.
Nathan was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. Kerry stared at the logo on the front of his t-shirt and realized that it was the same t-shirt that she had worn last night.
His dark hair was slightly damp from his shower and he looked fresh and clean shaven. His casual attire and impish smile made him look relaxed and carefree but still he exuded raw sex appeal and animal magnetism.
Kerry gripped the edge of the door for support. She could no longer deny how much she wanted him and missed him. She didn't think it was possible to miss a person so much in such a short time.
It was just a few hours since she left his bed, his apartment, and already her body and heart ached for him.
What happened between them last night wasn't just
sex. Nathan had made love to her, and the memory was forever seared in her mind and her soul. Deep in her heart, Kerry knew that she could never ever be with another man after being with Nathan. He had branded her with his touch and his body. She belonged to him. And she wanted only him.
But she didn't dare to hope for anything more. Nathan Chase was a perfect gentleman, and he had treated her right. But they both knew that it was just a fantasy for one night.
They were from very different worlds. And it was unlikely that their paths would ever cross again.
Yet here he was. Standing in her doorway, right in front of her. If she reached out, she could touch him and make sure that he was real and not an illusion…
Nathan's smile widened as he held up a box. “I brought muffins. And flowers.” His hand swept out from behind his back to reveal a beautiful bouquet.
Kerry gasped and took the bouquet with trembling hands. “Oh...t-thank you. Thank you, Nathan,” she stammered. Her fingers brushed against his as she took the flowers, and her heart skipped and pounded harder. She wasn't dreaming. This was real. Nathan was really here, with her, in her humble little apartment.
“Kerry, who's there?” Tia called out as she came out of the kitchen.
Kerry turned around quickly. “Oh, it's...”
Tia's eyes rounded when she saw Nathan at the door. She stared at Nathan for a moment before her eyes darted to the humongous bouquet in Kerry's hand.
“Hello, you must be Tia,” Nathan said smoothly.
“And you must be Kerry's date, from last night,” Tia said with a slow smile.
“Yes. I'm Nathan Chase.”
Tia took his hand and shook it vigorously. She nudged Kerry and shot her a look. “Aren't you going to invite him in?” she whispered.
Kerry started. She had completely forgotten her manners. “Please, come in.” She held the door open and waved Nathan into their small rented apartment.
Tia opened the box of muffins and swooned. “Chocolate, banana, blueberry...” She grinned adoringly at Nathan. “They're all my favorite flavors!”
Kerry went to pour Nathan a cup of coffee as Tia chatted with Nathan in the living room. She could feel Nathan's eyes following her and her entire body tingled. It felt like he was caressing her with his eyes.
Nathan's hand lingered over hers as he took the mug of coffee from her. Kerry sucked in a breath at the electrifying sensation and her body burned with desire at his touch. The flare of his nostrils and the heat in his eyes told Kerry that he was fully aware of his effect on her.
Kerry sat on her hands so no one would see how badly they were shaking. No man had ever affected her like this before. She seemed to be exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. Were Nathan's kisses so addicting? Did she crave his touch so much?
The answer was yes.
Yes, yes and yes!
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Tia was eyeing Nathan as she said casually, “So, you guys went on a hot date last night.”
Nathan smiled. “Your sister is an amazing woman.”
“She is. She totally is,” Tia agreed.
Nathan grinned. He liked Kerry's younger sister. The kid was smart, funny and upbeat despite her illness. She was confident and assertive and didn't bother covering up her baldness. The girl wasn't shy or self-conscious and she didn't shrink from his gaze.
Tia's questions were polite but it was clear that she wanted to know more about him. When he mentioned that he owned a security firm, she perked up and said, “You're in the security business? Well, I want to be a policewoman when I grow up!” She laughed and corrected, “I am grown up. I'm eighteen. What I meant to say was, I'm going to sign up for the police academy when I get well.”
“You'll be well really soon,” Kerry said fervently. “We're going to start your new treatment immediately.”
Tia's smile vanished as if someone had wiped it off her face. “Kerry,” she said quietly. “Give the money back.”
“What?”
“Give it back. This is blood money. I know you borrowed from a loan shark to pay for my treatment.”
“I didn't...”
“How else could you have gotten the money in such a short time? It's not a small sum. Please don't do this, Kerry,” Tia pleaded. “You'll get in trouble. I promise you I'll get well. I won't break my promise to you.”
Kerry reached for her sister, but Tia shook her hand away angrily. “No! Don't. I won't use that money, Kerry. Give it back. Our old neighbor, Jenkins, got beaten to death by loan sharks. Don't you remember? I'm not going to let you get killed, Kerry! You're crazy if you think...”
“Tia, listen to me...”
“No!” Tia yelled. “I won't...”
Nathan stood up and put a hand on Tia's shoulder to calm her down. “Tia, you misunderstood your sister. I gave Kerry the money.”
Tia rounded on him. “What? You?” she sputtered. “You gave…?”
Nathan cleared his throat. “It's a loan,” he said. “Our company approves loans to employees on a case-by-case basis.”
Tia frowned. “But Kerry isn't your employee. My sister doesn't work for you.”
“She does,” Nathan answered confidently. “She will be starting work tomorrow.”
Kerry's eyes widened a fraction but she caught on fast. “Y-yes. Nathan offered me a position at his firm, and I accepted,” she said brightly.
“You never mentioned this...” Tia narrowed her eyes at the both of them.
“I was about to tell you,” Kerry lied. Nathan saw the telltale twitch of her lips and scented the sweat on her palms. Kerry wasn't a good liar. She wasn't comfortable lying and she was both nervous and irritated.
“What will she be doing at your company?” Tia asked suspiciously. “It's a security firm, right?”
“Kerry will be my personal assistant,” Nathan answered. “I pay well but I demand a lot from my staff. Kerry is a very capable woman. I am sure she will be able to fulfill all my demands. The loan will be deducted from her salary.”
Tia chewed her bottom lip as she mulled this over. Finally she said, “So you're her new boss.”
Nathan hid a smile. He could anticipate her next question.
“Does your firm have a non-fraternization policy? Are you still going to date Kerry?” she asked in a rush.
“Tia!” Kerry admonished.
“He's a great guy, Kerry. You should date him,” Tia said earnestly. “You haven't dated a good guy in a long, long while. You guys found each other. You can always find another job. But finding love with a great guy...”
Kerry's blushed deepened as she made an incoherent sound.
“You'll still date my sister, right?” Tia asked Nathan, her large gray eyes searching his face desperately.
“As you said, how often does one find love with a great woman? I'm not letting her go, kid,” Nathan replied.
Tia smirked. “I like you. And I know my sister likes you too. But if you break Kerry's heart—” She leaned in and snarled, “I won't let you off.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kerry picked up the phone on the second ring. “Mr Chase's office,” she said automatically.
She heard a familiar laugh and gasped. “Simone, is that you?”
“Yes!” Simone answered with a giggle. “I called the main line and asked to be put to Mr Nathan Chase's secretary. How's work?”
“Okay. This is just my third day at Chase Security, and there's a lot to learn, but I'm getting the hang of things. Everyone's been really helpful and patient,” Kerry said. “Are you at the restaurant?”
“I just knocked off,” Simone said. “I'm on my way home. I prefer the morning and afternoon shifts now. I want to reach home before dark.”
“Simone...” Kerry paused and asked worriedly, “Is everything okay?” Her friend had never been afraid of going home alone after dark.
“I'm fine,” Simone cut her off. “I just wanted to call and see how you're doing. When you told me that Nathan Chase offered you a position in
his company, I thought you were kidding.”
“When Nathan first mentioned it, I thought he was kidding too.”
“Awww...he's sweet on you,” Simone teased.
Kerry could only protest weakly as Simone went on, “I'm happy for you, Kerry. You deserve this.”
“Simone, I haven't thanked you properly...”
“Thank me? Nah. I didn't do anything. I was really worried though. There are all kinds of people at the auction. They're all filthy rich and they're used to getting what they want. I was so worried that you'd meet an obnoxious jerk. But...you met Nathan Chase. One of the most eligible shifter billionaire bachelors in town. Who is now your boss—and your boyfriend. You did good, girl!” Simone cheered.
“He's not my boyfriend...”
Simone tsked. “That's not what Tia told me. She said you're definitely dating Nathan Chase. And...” Simone's voice dropped to a dramatic whisper. “Tia said he's crazy about you.”
“That girl!” Kerry spluttered. “Don't listen to her. She's just...”
“Okay, gotta go,” Simone trilled. “I'll check in on Tia on my way home, and catch up on more gossip.”
Kerry laughed. “Thanks, Simone.”
Simone made a kissy sound and hung up.
Kerry looked around the quiet office as she continued with her filing. The top floor of the building housed the top management of Chase Security. Only three spacious, private offices were on her floor. The CEO, COO and CFO shared the top floor, but their offices were all pretty far apart.
Lucien Myers, the CFO, was an affable, silver-haired werelion, but the COO, Jennifer Fuentes, was a no-nonsense, formidable human woman.
Miss Fuentes had her own personal assistant, but Suzie Lee, secretary extraordinaire, did work for both Nathan and his Chief Financial Officer, Lucien. Suzie had made Kerry sit beside her for the first two days and personally shown her the ropes. “Nathan does a lot of things himself,” Suzie said. “He's very hands on and very independent for a CEO. Even though I'm supposed to be working for both Lucien and Nathan, Nathan hardly assigns work to me. Nathan is a great boss, very smart and very fast. But he can be demanding as well,” Suzie warned. “When he wants something, make sure you get it done pronto.”
The Werewolf's Baby: A Billionaire Shifter Pregnancy Romance Page 5