Enticed by you (Miraculous Love Book 1)

by Meghana Sarathy

  I’m lost in my trance, thinking, introspecting and day dreaming of a life with Nathan though the possibility of that ever happening is pretty slim as of now.

  “Sara?” she snaps her fingers, bringing me to the present. “I’m sorry. I should be more excited about you new book, and yet, I can’t help but not like the idea since it’s all about him.”

  “And me,” I refute. “It’s just not him. It’s my feelings for him too. It’s our story and it will make a great read. Think of it from a reader’s perspective. They would surely love such an unconventional, taboo romance. As a reader, I would surely enjoy reading it. It will have everything –couple with a huge age gap, some family drama, a love triangle of sorts and cheating as well. It will attract its own fair share of readers. That I’m sure of.”

  The TV continues to play some silly rom-com movie that my sister pretends to watch. But I know she’s not. She’s just worried and concerned about me. She doesn’t want me to endure heartbreak for the second time. But she also knows that nothing she says will make me cut my ties with Nate and she can’t stay silent and not say anything. So when we are home together, she pretends to be busy and occupied with something or the other. This time she chose this movie.

  “Well, if you put it that way.” She turns my way. “I mean, it’s a nice fictional story, something that you can pull off and do great justice to. But then again, it’ll involve him. And I can never get myself to like his character. He will be the main protagonist and it’s hard to like a book wherein the main guy is very much an asshole.”

  Here we go again. This is a never ending debate.

  This time, snatching the remote from her hand, I turn off the TV.

  “Why did you do that?” she protests.

  “Because I want all your attention on me and on this conversation. Let’s settle this once and for all.”

  “In regards to Nate, it’s pointless, but if it’s about the book, then fine, I’m game.”

  “It’s about the book for now. Sophie, I know you can’t ever like Nate, but that’s because you have a pre conceived notion about him and being my sister you’re looking out for me. But for my book it’s going to be different. It will be me portraying him in the same light that I see him in. I’ll paint his character in a way the readers can connect to and accept despite the apparent flaws. They will be seeing Nate through Sara’s eyes. They will be reading Sara’s thoughts. How, why, when she fell for him and what about him makes him so special in her eyes. I won’t be diluting or sugar coating anything. This complex, twisted and unusual love story of two really flawed people will be presented as it is. And yet, even after condemning our actions, the readers will understand our bond. I’ll ensure that it happens.”

  “I can just hope that your readers see Nathan the way you want them to, but there might be backslash and judgements in regards to him, you and even the so called relation of yours. Just be prepared for it and don’t take it personally,” she warns. The concern in her eyes morph into tears, but she doesn’t shed them and I’m thankful for that. I don’t want to see my sister hurt. Only if she were to know how happy Nathan keeps me, she’d be happy for us too and stand by us.

  “I understand that and honestly, I don’t care. I’m doing this because my fingers are itching to write this story and my mind is already invested in the characters, the plot, the climax, and the ending. Everything is planned out. If I don’t write this, I won’t be doing justice to the writer in me and until I’m done with this, I won’t get the inspiration for other stories either. This has to be done.”

  She gives me a warm, genuine smile. “I’m well acquainted with Sara the writer. Once she invests herself in a story, there is no turning back for her. And as this story is very close to your heart, I know there will be loads of personal touch to it. Just ensure that no one draws any link to you or him.”

  “Of course. I’ll be careful with that.” I sidle next to her and hug her from the side. “Thanks, sis. You get to Beta read it for me first. There is no escaping it.”

  “That would be my pleasure like always,” she tells, returning my hug.

  I know she is far from convinced. I also know there is no way she can ever entertain the thought of me and Nathan getting together. I just hope she gives me a shoulder to cry when Nathan will finally decide to walk away from me. I know that day will come but I can just hope that it won’t be anytime soon.

  How about today? I have enough time to truly enjoy it.

  I lie on my bed, zooming his DP and taking my own sweet time to reply. Nathan is sure a piece of art. Well sculptured in all the right places.

  Well, I suppose I can make time for it.

  Now he will be irked. It’s so easy for me to play him.

  Someone is in mood for some ass spanking. Making time for me? LOL

  Damn. He sure turns me on especially when he becomes so bossy.

  First get your hands on it. Spanking comes later.

  First, let me a get a good live view of it. Then I will show all the ways I plan on playing with it.

  That’s exactly what he’s going to get. We have waited too long for it.

  Before I can reply to him, I get a new message from his daughter. That’s a big surprise. I had chatted with her two days back. She was nice and formal, asking me for book recommendations in her favourite genre. I told her I would be sending her a detailed list and I did. After that I didn’t hear anything from her.

  Hey, you free now? Can I call you?

  This is new. Nathan and his daughter want to talk to me at same time? When did I become so much in demand?

  I reply Nathan first.

  Your daughter wants to talk to me. I will have a quick call with her.

  LOL. Interesting development. Sure. Don’t make me wait for long. I’m already hard.

  Nate is really not a patient man like others claim him to be.

  I reply to his daughter.

  Yeah, sure, Isla. I’m free now.

  Just as I sit up, I get her call. I take a deep, calming breath and answer.

  “Hi, Isla. How are you?”

  “Hey, Sara. I’m good. How are you?” She is cheerful and sweet. Even her voice is silvery, and soothing to hear.

  “Great, Isla. So tell me, what’s up?”

  “I had to thank you and thought it would be better done over call. I went through the list that you recommended and they all seem like something I should definitely try. You understood my taste very well.”

  “You made it simple for me,” I answer honestly. “You were clear about the kind of stories that you like. And I have read quite a few of that type, so it was easy for me to come up with that list.”

  “Awesome. I have to decide what I should start with. I prefer paperbacks actually, but since you are recommending Kindle, I’ll try with it. In fact, I don’t own a kindle yet. I will just borrow dad’s for now. If I like it, I will buy my own.”

  Nathan’s kindle? He is supposed to read my books on it. He has paperback only for one of them. Well, I suppose that won’t be happening. He will easily and happily lend his kindle to his daughter. There is no doubt in that.

  “Nice. You can do that and I’m sure you’ll like it too. By the way, your dad actually reads novels and stuff? Hard for me to imagine.”

  This is a very good chance to pry more about Nathan from his daughter. I’ll know how Isla sees her dad.

  “He does, but all the boring stuff. More like non-fiction and sometimes even the philosophical stuff.” She yawns and immediately excuses herself. “Just talking about it puts me to sleep. You can say he reads as per his age.”

  Another very contrasting view about Nate. Maybe he presents himself like that in front of his kids or probably they prefer to see him that way.

  “He’s not boring,” I defend. “When he’s in a good mood he can be pretty funny. And he’s not always strict and bossy. He can also be laid back and chill. Rare, but he’s not always serious.”

  “That pretty much sums up
my dad,” she tells in a singsong voice. “He’s boring when it comes to book and movie choices, but overall he is fun and very easy to love. In fact, Sara, you might find it surprising but he is pretty popular among the ladies. Some even try flirting with him especially in parties and stuff much to mom’s annoyance. He doesn’t encourage it, though.”

  That’s more like the Nathan I know. A total Ladies’ man, though he might never overtly show it.

  “That shouldn’t surprise me.” I chuckle. “Have you never tried your hands at writing? Your dad might not be a novelist, but he does come up with good quotes. Maybe, it runs in the family.”

  “No, no. I don’t think I’m that talented. I’m more of a sports person.”

  “Which sport are you into? I’m far from being an athlete,” I admit with a sigh.

  “These days basketball. Totally. But I love swimming too. Dad is an expert at it. He was my coach,” she tells proudly.

  Nate and swimming? I should have guessed going by his physique. Defined upper body, narrow waist and muscular bulk. That’s a body to die for. But so far, he has never proclaimed his love for swimming with me before. Though I’m well aware of Nate’s characteristics, how he thinks, what he believes, his way of going about life, I’m not aware of the more trivial things – like his hobbies, education, and all his favorites. They are still a mystery for me.

  “That’s cool. I didn’t know that.”

  “Yeah, dad is never too pally with his colleagues. So most of them don’t know much about him. But dad does talk about you. From his words, he seems to be fond of you. It’s a surprise to me actually. So far, he hasn’t spoken much about his associates at all.”

  My heart catapults on hearing her words. Nathan has actually mentioned about me to his family? That’s a huge milestone for us. Not sure what to make of it, but it has made me damn happy.

  “Wow. I’m actually pleased to hear that. Wait, I’m jumping the gun now, but he speaks about me in a positive light, right? Or does he describe me as this annoying, irritating girl?”

  “Nooooo,” she drawls. “He does describe you as a chatterbox, but he also says that you bring the much needed positivity, creativity and a different charm to the team, and it’s very much appreciated. You can surely take that as a compliment.”

  “It’s still hard to believe,” I coo. “But really glad to hear it.”

  What follows is silence. I do want to talk to her and know her better, but it’s just the first time I’m talking to her and I don’t want to bombard her with too many questions, especially about her dad.

  “And yeah,” she tells breaking the silence. “For your earlier question, bro and I don’t write, dad does at times, but he’s moody even for that. Mom, though, loves writing. Having read her work, I think she has got a knack for it just like you.”

  “Really?” That’s all I can muster. I mean, I knew this conversation had the potential to shed some light on Nathan’s wife – Cecilia as well, but it’s not something I actually want to know. She is the way she is and I don’t really care much about her. I have no reason to. It was never my intention to hurt or deceive her, but it’s too late to change anything now and thinking about her always puts me in the spot. I honestly don’t know what to feel – should I feel guilty? Or is it justifiable for me to feel happy that she is nothing like me and is someone who can’t keep Nate happy like I do?

  “Yeah,” she continues. “She doesn’t write Novels, but she does write short stories – novella types, blogs and articles. She has never published them, but she has shared it with her friends and family. And I really liked them.”

  “That’s good.” I really can’t help the question that spills from my lips next. “Does your dad like it too? I mean, if he believes it’s good, he would surely want to publish it or run it in newspapers. He can also help in setting up a blog site.”

  That’s something Nate would definitely do. He would appreciate and encourage any form of talent, irrespective of the person – me or his wife. But surprisingly, he never mentioned it to me. He hardly speaks about his wife, but it’s still something he ought to have mentioned.

  “He doesn’t know. Mom is shy and timid in that way. She was scared of his critical review, but I convinced her to send him one of her articles. She did make him read it, but she lied that it was written by one of her friends. He did like it a lot and gave good feedback.”

  “Then why didn’t she tell him it was written by her?” Maybe I’m prying too much, but I’m curious now.

  “I honestly don’t know. She can be pretty complicated to understand at times. Maybe she feels knowing that it’s written by her, dad will judge it in a different light or see her differently. She probably just wants honest, non-biased reviews. Mom knows that dad sees her in a certain way and she doesn’t want to distort that image. Or maybe she wants to do it on her own terms and when she’s ready for it. Anyway, I promised her that next time she writes something, she will share it with dad and also take the credit for it.”

  “Yeah, that should work.” I don’t know what to conclude. Cecilia’s relation with Nate is indeed very complex. He did tell me once that she can be difficult at times, but understanding her is beyond me.

  “Sorry. I don’t know why I’m talking about mom to you. You don’t even know her…”

  “No, it’s ok. I like to learn about your family. And I would also like to read what she has written. If it’s okay for you to share, that is.” What am I even doing? It doesn’t concern me and yet there is that curiosity. Cecilia means a lot to Nate, though he might not love her the same way he loves me.

  I’m met with a small pause before she answers. “Yeah, why not? I’ll mail it you. Tell me what you think and I’ll share it with her.”

  “Can you send me the one she sent Nate? I’m curious to read that.”

  “Yeah,” she agrees. “It’s most special to her. I didn’t understand it all that well, but maybe you can. I’ll send you. I really think if dad were to know mom wrote it, he would love her all the more for it and would be really proud.”

  Maybe. I’m not exactly excited about it, but if her work is really that good, she deserves to be appreciated. Especially by her husband – My Nate.

  “Sure, thanks, Isla.”

  Before she can reply, I hear Nate’s voice in the background. “Hey, Isla. Remember you promised your dad dinner? Can you start with it already? I’m hungry.”

  Don’t tell me. He’s doing it just to get her off the phone, so that I can be available for him.

  “Dad, I’m on the call, give me few min,” she screams in reply.

  “I can’t wait, Isla. Tell your friend you’ll get back to her later. Kitchen now,” he shouts.

  “He’s such a pain,” she mumbles. “I’ll talk to you later, thanks and bye, Sara.”

  “Bye, Isla. See you.”

  Impatient much?

  The weight of Isla’s words fall heavy on me as I lie on my bed, waiting for Nate’s reply. I get it almost immediately.

  A known fact. Your personal laptop. Skype. NOW. I’ve had enough of waiting.

  I don’t bother to reply and start changing. It’s time.

  I return to the bed, locking my room door. My sister has a late night meeting, so she won’t be back at least for an hour.

  I’m in a black lacy push-up bra and matching lacy panties. My chestnut hair falls freely as curls across my shoulder. I don’t bother taming it. Raw, real, bold and wild. Just like he likes it.

  I bend over and call him on my laptop. The ring goes three times before he receives the call. It takes few seconds for his face to appear on the screen. He’s sitting bare chested on a recliner with his legs propped on the coffee table. He is wearing loose charcoal slacks. He looks freshly showered with strands of his wet hair falling on his forehead. He sure is a sight to sore eyes.

  I’m so absorbed in studying him that I’m not even conscious about my semi-naked body on display for him. Only when his lips tic up into a smirk I grow aware
of my position and the nice cleavage I’m putting up on display. I immediately lean back against the head rest, pulling my legs up to my knees and blocking any unnecessary view. I know he will make me cave soon, but for now, I’ll try to resist.

  “So?” I ask with raised brows. “Enjoying the show?”

  “I should be asking you the same question. Your mouth is still hanging open,” he tells with his one hand rubbing his jaw, while the other rests across his forehead. He’s sporting a relaxed and laid back look but the tent in his pants is suggesting otherwise.

  “I’ve never denied my growing attraction to you. What’s in my head is always on my mouth,” I tell cockily.

  “Then why are you still covering what my hungry eyes want to feast on?”

  “Best is always saved for the last,” I calmly retort.

  “Now. No more waiting. Get them off now,” he orders, victory already gleaming in his eyes.

  “You first,” I challenge.

  “Not something you haven’t already witnessed. But no, Sara, if you are desperate to get a peek, I’m even more desperate to see what’s hidden. Enough of me imagining.”

  “Then you better answer two of my questions honestly. Then, I will listen to every one of your orders.”

  “Shoot,” he tells with a sly smile.

  “Is swimming your favorite hobby? I heard it from Isla and I just had to know.”

  “Really? You guys were speaking about me?” he asks incredulously. “Well, I like swimming. I do it often, but my true passion was singing. I was lead singer of my college band.”

  “Wow.” My lips part again in a pleasant surprise. “Nathan Bankers was a singer?”