“He had no idea I was going on a date,” I defended.
“So you say,” Kelsey shrugged.
“I’d just like to point out that you haven’t called him Mr.Asshole in two weeks, which is highly suspicious.” Taylor chimed in.
“Shut up and eat your Pop Tart, Tay.” I grumbled at Kelsey’s bodyguard. “Honestly, I don’t know why you guys keep asking about Nathan. There’s nothing to tell.”
“Oh, please,” Kelsey shot back, pointing a finger. “You’re blushing. That’s something. You don’t blush over someone you hate.”
Taylor smirked from her counter perch. “Yeah, Elise. That glow isn’t from the drink, it’s from the sexy CEO himself.”
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “Ugh, you two are impossible. It’s purely professional. Nothing else. Got it?”
“Whatever you say, Elise.” Kelsey clearly didn’t believe me, but I couldn’t blame her since I didn’t quite believe it myself.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ELISE
I HAD THEday off. Well, as much of a day off as a backup dancer for Rhodium at the Sunridge Summer Bash could have. My cell phone rang, and I smirked at the name that lit up my screen. A quick glance at the time told me that I would be walking to my desk right now.Was he waiting to see if I showed up?
“You’re not at your desk.” Nathan said upon answering the phone.
“What an astute observation. I guess that’s why your name is on the building and not mine.” I teased.
“Where are you?” Nathan pressed, choosing to ignore me.
“I’m on my way to the Summer Bash; Rhodium is kicking off the festival.” This was something that was added to the calendar months ago, but I don't blame him for not remembering. He’d been in back-to-back meetings all week, juggling the Monarch acquisition and one of Edge Records’ outreach programs, areform initiative aimed at reintegrating individuals back into the workforce.
“I forgot that was today,” Nathan grumbled. “So I’m not going to see you in the office?”
“No. But if you come to the festival you can see me all you want.” I told him, only because I knew he wouldn’t actually show up. That would require him to leave the office for a non-work-related issue, which he’s never done in the last three years.
“Okay. See you soon.”
“Wait, what?”
He already hung up.
Figures. It’s just like him to mindfuck me and then leave without any explanation. Neither of us talked about his moaning comment in my kitchen, and since he hadn’t brought it up, I figured he wanted to pretend like it never happened, which worked for me.
With a little less than two weeks left working together, the last thing I needed was for our relationship to become complicated.
Deciding Nathan only said what he said to mess with me, I stored our conversation in the back of my mind and concentrated on getting the rest of my things ready for my performance today. I grabbed my Stanley cup, duffel bag and car keys then headed out the door.
The drive to the festival was about twenty-five minutes, which flew by thanks to my playlist. The festival was in full swing when I arrived but I didn’t have time to take in my surroundings since I was officially in work mode.
“You made it!” Kelsey immediately rushed over and hugged me.
“Yeah, sorry I’m late.” I blushed as I noticed all the other dancers already in full glam and costume stretching and hanging out.
“No worries.” Kelsey waved off my apology after pulling away from the hug.
I took in her dark orange knee-high boots and tailor-made leotard with slits and the sides cut out. The material was just enough to cover her private bits.Barely.“You look hot.”
“Thank you!” She jokingly did a little pose just before the event coordinator approached her, handed her a mic and told her to get into position because it was her time to go on stage. Kelsey left with a quick wave before she made her way towards the curtain, awaiting her cue to appear on the stage.
I gathered all the dancers in a circle and we said a quick prayer before we followed behind Kelsey.
