Nathan:
I didn’t hear any complaints. You’re good at keeping quiet, cupcake.
I rolled my eyes, but the blush creeping up my neck betrayed my amusement as I shoved the wrapper into my desk drawer. I swallowed hard, his words set my pulse racing, but I couldn’t let myself get caught up in it again. Especially not in the middle of the office with the day still ahead of me.
Elise:
I really need to get back to work.
I replied.
His response was immediate.
Nathan:
Fine. We’ll continue this conversation later. In person.
I read the message one more time, his words once again leaving me with a mix of frustration and excitement I wasn’t sure how to handle.
Taking a deep breath, I relaxed in my chair just as my phone dinged with another text from Nathan.
Nathan:
Your lunch will be here in a few minutes. I take care of what's mine.
I could feel the ridiculous smile spreading on my lips as I read the text. I tried to focus back on the tasks that needed my attention, but my body still hummed from his touch. From his kiss. The clock ticked unbearably slow.Tonight couldn’t come fast enough.
CHAPTER THIRTY
ELISE
“SURPRISE!”
My steps came to a complete halt as I stared at the decorated showcase room filled to the brim with Edge Record Entertainment employees.
I scanned the room seeing the familiar faces of my friends, Marissa from A&R, Kingsley from Marketing, Trent from Sales all the way to Nathan’s strikingly handsome face.
“What is this?” I asked, looking around the room full of people that I worked alongside with day in and day out for years.
“It’s your going away party.” Nathan explained as he approached, dressed immaculately in a black three piece suit.
“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” I admitted, blinking back the rush of emotion that threatened to spill over. “I thought you hated parties.”
Nathan smirked, his usual cool demeanor softened by a hint of amusement. “I don’t hate them. I just prefer them when they’re for a good reason. And tonight, that reason is celebrating you.”
My cheeks warmed. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
“Of course I did.” he said, his voice lower now. “You’ve been one of the best things to happen to this company. You’ve worked harder than anyone I know, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed.” He gestured toward the crowd, his eyes scanning the room with pride.
A warm flush crept up my neck as I looked at my colleagues, who were smiling and raising their glasses in acknowledgment. A wave of gratitude washed over me, but it quickly mingled with a strange sense of loss.I’m leaving.
“I didn’t realize I made such an impact,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Trust me, you have,” Nathan replied, his gaze intense. He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “And, for what it’s worth, I don’t think anyone here is ready to let you go.”
I really wanted to kiss him, especially when I noted the adorable shade of pink that peppered both his cheeks, but we were supposed to be keeping our relationship a secret right now, so I’m sure kissing would blow our cover.
“Thank you,”
