I tried not to stare at Nathan as we discussed the project, but I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes away. He didn’t belong in that suit. Not that it didn’t look good. It looked amazing, but there was something about him that made the suit resemble a shackle – like he wanted to break free of the confining tie and buttoned shirt, shed his clothing completely and…
And what?
Oh, crap, where was my mind going? I blushed as he caught my eye. I looked away. Honestly, in that moment, I irrationally wondered if he was psychic. I hoped to God he wasn’t hearing my thoughts. He cleared his throat, a strange gurgle of a sound that was suspiciously like suppressed laughter. I glared at him sharply, but his face was a mask of composure.
“It was lovely to meet you, Chloe,” Lucy smiled at me as we shook hands goodbye, “The digital approach you guys take is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to us working together.”
I nodded in agreement, pleasantly surprised by her enthusiasm. Clearly I hadn’t been that bad.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Nathan’s voice was quiet as he leaned toward me. He placed a hand firmly on my upper arm, moving me a step backward. I glanced to see what everyone else was making of this, but they were all preoccupied with the removal of laptops and swapping business cards.
“Chloe, Have dinner with me tonight.”
His words were a gentle murmur. I looked up into his eyes; their midnight depths burned brightly with amusement and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was all a game to him. Was I a mouse to his predator?
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I hissed back, “Besides, who would I be going out with, the park ranger or the CEO?”
I instantly got the impression that he hadn’t expected that response. His eyebrows rose and inwardly I laughed with glee at finally being able to turn the tables on him.
“I’ll explain. I promise. Please consider dinner. I won’t bite.”
I hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. Dinner with a man I was undeniably attracted to, okay obsessed with really, but who could also be a crazed stalker and some sort of weird billionaire bear hunter? Hmm.
“I will explain, and we can go anywhere you choose.”
“Fine,” I agreed eventually, “Pick me up here at seven.”
“Here?”
“Here,” I repeated adamantly. I wasn’t comfortable with him knowing where I lived, not yet.
Debra made her way over, giving me warning eyes. She was obviously correctly concluding that I had the hots for the guy, and wanted me firmly back in my professional box.
“At seven,” he confirmed, and walked out with his employees.
“What was that about?” Debra asked sharply as she smiled at their retreating backs.
“Nothing,” I lied smoothly, “Seems everyone’s digital crazy these days.”
She gave me a look, and then folded her arms.
“Careful, Chloe,” she warned, “I need this client.”
I nodded meekly, feeling guilty. If she found out I was having dinner with Nathan she would not be pleased. I vowed I’d have one meal with the guy and then gently untangle myself from this obsession – for the sake of my job and my sanity.
Chapter seven
Debra left at six, as I hoped she would. That gave me an hour to transform myself in the office restrooms, and I roped in an enthusiastic Cory to help.
About six months ago, I had signed up on a dating app. It had been fun for about two months, and I’d frequently had several dates lined up during the week. After a while, though, I’d lost interest. The men were fun, and I’d enjoyed myself, but hadn’t really found any connections that sparked my interest. However, as a result of my dating spree, I’d kept a few dresses in the office and a full make-up bag for last-minute emergencies.
I chose the most casual dress I could find - a dusty pink skater dress which complimented my skin tone and dark hair. I was wearing gold-strapped sandals already, and didn’t want to change into anything with a heel, with the dress it would be overkill.
“Hair down, princess,” commanded Cory.
I unraveled it from the tight bun I’d been wearing, and then let Cory go to town on with my make-up.
“Don’t go all out, just natural, please Cory,” I begged. He tended toward drag-queen creativity if he wasn’t reigned in.
“I know what I’m doing,” he sighed, “Trust me. I’m so jealous, by the way. Nathan Varga is gorgeous. You know he’s a billionaire, right? Where are you going tonight? Please tell me it’s somewhere fancy.”
I laughed, “Rioja on Larimer. It was my choice.”
“What? You could have gone anywhere. We go there all the time!” Cory was disgusted with my choice. I guess in his opinion it was a complete waste of a date with a billionaire. I chose it because it had good food and a terrace area, so if we got stuck for conversation there would plenty of people-watching to do.
Cory stood back to admire his handiwork. I checked myself out in the mirror. He’d done a good job. It barely looked like I was wearing makeup, but he’d done a fair amount of genius contouring so that my cheekbones appeared more prominent, and my skin seemed to glow.
“Oh, Cory – you’re my fairy godmother – thank you.”
“Thank me by inviting me to the wedding and private pool parties,” he winked at my reflection and I rolled my eyes. At least one of us was wildly optimistic about the success of the evening.
“Okay – I’d better wait out front. He’s going to be here soon.”
“Wait!” Cory squealed at me.
I turned to him alarmed, and he liberally covered me in perfume.
“Jesus, Cory, I don’t want to smell like a department store – enough,” I coughed, waving the spritz away.
“Perfect,” smiled Cory, ignoring me. I left him smiling in satisfaction as I strutted out of the office and went to wait by the entrance.
As soon as I left Cory, my confidence started to diminish and I felt the nerves that I’d be holding at bay all afternoon return. I was grateful at least that we’d be going to a restaurant I knew. Hopefully it would make the experience less overwhelming. But I had my doubts.
Nathan’s car was waiting for me as I exited the building. It was the same one I’d seen in the gas station over the weekend. He opened the door when he saw me, and rose out of the car. Had it been anyone else I would have noted the good manners with approval, but in Nathan Varga it only served to make me more skittish.
“You look absolutely beautiful, Chloe.”
The compliment and the matching smile where given lightly, but his midnight eyes were intense as they watched me approach.
“Thank you. You look nice yourself.”
He was still wearing his suit, but it was as fresh and un-crumpled as it was this morning. Either Nathan had a closet full of matching outfits, or he’d done nothing all day but sit in an office chair controlling his empire from the touch of a button. I didn’t know which was more plausible.
He opened the car door for me, and then walked over to the driver’s side. I sunk into the plush seat, marveling at the interior. It looked like it was built for space travel, not cruising the streets of Denver.
“Where to?” He asked.
“Rioja. Do you know it?”
“I do.”
He picked up his phone, “Elle, get me a table for two on the terrace of Rioja…yep, Rioja,” he smirked down the line, “Thanks.”
I’d completely neglected to make a reservation. It would be unlikely that we’d be able to get a table outdoors at this late notice, which put a massive flaw in my people-watching back-up plan. But then again, maybe Nathan’s had some substantial influence in this town.
“She was surprised at the restaurant choice,” I stated, referring to his smirk.
“Very.”
“It’s good,” I replied, “But perhaps a little below your standards.”
“Nope. I agree with you. It is good. It’s just usually when I’m eating out I’m wo
oing clients, and their tastes tend toward something flashier. This is a blessing, trust me.”
I emitted a small smile of satisfaction. Just having Nathan in such close proximity was playing havoc with my nervous system, but perhaps tonight would be more enjoyable than I had first anticipated.
Chapter eight
When we arrived, we were shown to a terrace table immediately and the Maître d’ practically fell over himself trying to make us feel welcome. Okay, Nathan had a lot more influence in this town than I realized.
Nathan caught my eye and smiled. I don’t know if it was my imagination but I got the idea he was slightly embarrassed by the attention. We ordered a bottle of wine and water for the table, and then were left alone with our menus.
“Do you know what you want?” He asked. It took me a moment to realize he was referring to the food. I smiled smoothly, and didn’t bother to check the menu before I replied.
“The mixed seafood with fries. You?”
“Steak. Rare.” He replied, placing the menu back down on the table, “With fries. Of course.”
“Of course.”
Well, at least we had something in common – even if it was as arbitrary as french fries. He leaned back in his chair, studying me. A silence fell between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable; I was just as interested in studying him.
I tried to find the tell-tail signs of a man that spent a lot of time outdoors, but there was nothing. His hands, though large and capable-looking where smooth and clean, his nails clipped short. His face didn’t convey ruddiness or windswept coloring. He was tan, but this was summer in Denver; we were all tan.
“Okay, so tell me,” I asked, stumped, “The park ranger thing – that was a lie, right?”
“Not exactly,” he started to re-arrange the cutlery on the table and didn’t meet my eye, “I have hobbies. Other interests besides my business. Babysitting bears currently seems to be one of them.”
It was a vague answer, and I was dissatisfied.
“You said you’d tell me. You promised. Can you be a bit more specific?”
“That was me telling you,” he smirked, “Trust me. I can’t really divulge more than that.” He looked repentant, and strangely subdued for a moment.
“You’re not,” I hesitated, “Doing anything…weird with them are you? Like using them for animal testing?”
He laughed out loud. It was a relief.
“Nope. No science experiments. Our company doesn’t do animal testing. But then, I’m sure you already knew that?”
Now it was my turn to feel uncomfortable.
“Honestly? I was only asked to come to the meeting an hour before it was due to take place. I really don’t know much about your company.”
He cocked an eyebrow in my direction, but before he could speak the waiter came to take our order. I took a sip of wine and settled back into my chair, enjoying the sunset’s warmth without the afternoon glare as Nathan ordered for us both.
I found it baffling that the man I was sitting with was the same man who tended to my ankle in the woods only a few nights ago. They seemed like they were two different people entirely, and it made me curious. I wondered which one was the real Nathan – the one in the thousand-dollar suit sipping wine, or the one who trekked the wilderness of the Rockies tending to wild animals.
“Well, we don’t do animal testing, and the bear is making a full recovery in a sanctuary not far from here.”
“Which sanctuary?” I asked, knowing that Brianna would want to look them up.
“A good one,” he replied sternly, “Please trust me on this - the bear is safe,” he added, a little gentler.
I did trust him. I wasn’t exactly sure why. I wasn’t really in the habit of trusting strange men that appeared out of nowhere, who I then repeatedly ‘bumped’ into, but with Nathan I did. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, the desire for this man who made my pulse race to be honest and good on the inside, too. Whatever the reason, I uncharacteristically decided to let it go.
“Okay, I trust you.”
“Thank you,” he replied softy. The midnight blue of his eyes started to glow again, the electric flairs dancing in his irises. I must have leaned in closer, because he jerked his head backwards and laughed softly to himself.
“You have a curious effect on me, Chloe Carpenter.”
“I could say the same thing about you. I don’t usually agree to go to dinner with clients.”
“And I don’t usually ask,” he replied, “But, with you I had to make an exception. I hope it doesn’t cause any issues with your boss.”
I recalled the vow I’d made earlier to untangle myself, and to gently assert that this wouldn’t be going any further. Yet, I felt the desire to untangle melt away with every passing second.
“Well, she doesn’t need to know right now. We’re both adults. I’m sure we can handle…whatever it is this is,” I finished lamely.
“This is me dating you. Or trying to, once you stop wondering if I’m some crazy stalker,” he quipped.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.”
I blushed. I had agreed to go out with him, and it did seem kind of rude to continue to doubt his motives. Still, what girl on a first date didn’t keep an eye out for red flags?
“I’m sorry. It’s just… you strike me as…unusual,” I said as delicately as I could. He wasn’t offended. Though I did feel like he was smirking at his own private joke.
“And you’re not?” he asked, leaning toward me. He reached out and ran his thumb across my bottom lip, just barely skating the skin. It was a wildly intimate gesture, and it sent molten lava running around my insides and down to my core.
“You’re driving me crazy, Chloe Carpenter. What is it about you?” He asked quietly, staring at me as if I was some great enigma that he hadn’t managed to solve.
“My winning personality?” I croaked, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled and removed his hand, which I immediately missed. I ached for him to reach for me again, wanting to feel the heat of his touch. I cursed my flippant response. It was such a classic reaction of mine when faced with any real intimacy.
After that, we continued a more first-date line of conversation; brief summaries of childhood, families, schools, films and books. The time flew by, till we were the only ones left in the restaurant and the candle on our table was nothing but liquid wax.
“Let me drive you home?” Nathan asked as we walked onto the avenue.
“I’ll get a cab,” I replied sleepily, “It’s easier.”
“Easier for you to get home, or easier meaning less potentially complicated?”
“Both?” I smiled up at him, grateful that he understood.
In the next moment, his arms were wrapped around me, solid and warm, and his body was pressed up against mine, hard and unyielding. I inhaled sharply at his surprising, but not unwelcome, boldness. His lips brushed my forehead, and I thought I heard a soft growl escape his chest.
“Let me see you tomorrow night?” His voice sounded low and husky.
“Yes,” I whispered, no longer able to pretend that I could stay away from this man any longer than twenty-four hours.
His lips touched mine, lightly, sweetly – sealing the promise. I was the one that deepened the kiss, sliding my hand up his chest. He gripped the back of my neck, angling my head as our lips molded together. He tasted like wine and warmth. As his tongue gently brushed over the seam of my lips; they parted. I heard myself release a small moan as his tongue delved into my mouth, exploring, tasting. The man had my head spinning, and my whole body tingling in an erotic haze. His hand reached up to cup my face, his fingers lightly grazing my earlobes and shivers erupted around my neck.
He ran his other hand down the curve of my spine, gently pushing my backside further into him as he firmly cupped my ass. Through the flimsy material of the skater dress, the heat of his touch was almost searing. The hardness of his erection dug into my abdomen. The sensation made my stomach flutter and m
y panties damp with arousal.
“We need to stop,” he gasped, “I can’t…”
He didn’t finish the sentence, but I was right there with him. I couldn’t control myself. We were on a public street, but my body was responding to him like we were alone in a bedroom.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I replied, trying to get my breath back. He nodded, and then physically stepped away – giving me some space.
He turned and hailed a cab from the steady stream of traffic that hadn’t abated despite the hour. One came all too soon. He opened the door for me, and then made sure the driver knew where he was going before letting me ride off.
Alone in the cab, watching the bright lights of the various bars and restaurants reflect on the window of the car, I sat back and exhaled. I still had so many unanswered questions about Nathan.
Unanswered questions and a vague feeling that he wasn’t quite what his image portrayed. I was certain that there was something else about him, something that he was keeping hidden. I could feel it in my bones.
What was even stranger was that, aside from overwhelming lust, when I’d been wrapped in his arms and held against his warm body, I had felt safe. Safe and protected, as if we could hold the world at bay.
Chapter nine
“This the place ma’am?”
The taxi pulled up outside my apartment building.
“Perfect. Thanks. I’ve only got a twenty.” I waited for him to give me change and then pulled myself out onto the sidewalk. It felt like it had grown slightly cooler since I’d said goodbye to Nathan, but it was probably just my fatigue starting to make itself known.
I dug for my keys as I walked up the steps to the lobby entrance. My apartment was on the fourth floor of an old converted bottling factory. The factory had been divided up into modern apartments, all with an industrial décor- high ceilings, polished concrete floors and huge old factory windows that let the cold in come winter and made it blazing hot in the summer.
Bears of Burden: THORN Page 78