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It's hard to imagine Nathan saying something so vulnerable, open, and honest and when his eyes drop to my lips, I know I'm in serious trouble. I want my boss to kiss me.
Heck, I want my boss to do a lot more than kiss me...
Chapter Five
Nathan
I’d left her alone so she could get dressed and waited for her in the living space, watching the water cascade as a fresh pot of coffee filled the air with a rich aroma.
Kathy’s idea to bring her with seemed almost suspect now – had my friend realized I’d be drawn to Stacia? Was this her clever way of helping me out of the situation I’d found myself in with my parents and the arranged marriage looming overhead like storm clouds?
As I sat on the gray couch with my feet flat on the floor, my knees spread, and my elbows braced just above my kneecaps, I stared at the natural stone floor and wondered if I’d been set up. Of course, Kathy didn’t have a malicious bone in her body. If she’d had some plan up her sleeve, she’d have been hoping for the best for me.
I hear Stacia walk into the room and glance up at her. Her lovely eyes lock on my face as she walks over and sits on the matching gray loveseat, keeping careful distance between us. While I’m dying to know her secrets, there’s a question I have to ask now, before things get any deeper.
“Are you seeing anyone right now?” That could be her reason for keeping me at arm’s length.
She shakes her head. “No.” Her pale, delicate throat flexes as she swallows hard. “My last relationship ended in disaster, and I haven’t been brave enough to dive back in.”
That made sense; she’d mentioned being burned before and struggling with trust issues. “I just didn’t want to step on your toes or cause any trouble in your life.” Knowing she was still keeping secrets killed me. Getting information from her was like trying to get blood from a stone.
Even though she was keeping secrets, I was going to do whatever I could to help her trust me enough to open up. “I want to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner here with you tonight.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper, and I could sense her reservations. “You do?”
"I do." I confirmed my words and stood up, hating the distance between us.
"I'd like that," she said with a steadier voice.
“Good to know.” I lean over and kiss her cheek. “I’m going to jump in the shower. When I get back, you can tell me everything you’re keeping from me.”
Stacia’s face blushes a familiar shade of crimson as she looks down at her hands. I pat her knee and walk into the bathroom.
The hot water on my back does little to relax me this time. Being around Stacia makes me edgy. I wonder if she’s keeping things from me on purpose. I can’t imagine her playing head games or making some attempt to sabotage me - what did she have to gain from anything like that? I couldn't help but wonder what her trust issues were from. Did her former boyfriend who cheat on her? Or worse? The thought has me gritting my teeth and swallowing anger, but I also find myself wanting to protect her. I hope cheating is the worst thing an ex has done to her, because honestly, the thought of someone hurting her makes me dangerously angry.
I finish my shower and get dressed, trying to shake the lingering unease out of my body. When I walk out of the bathroom, I catch sight of her with a cup of coffee in hand, standing by the windows watching the waterfall. She feels like she belongs here, and I like her company. A strange sensation to be sure.
Her gaze meets mine and she picks up the conversation right where we left off when I went to take a shower. "How about you? Seeing anyone?"
I wasn't sure how to answer. On one hand, I wasn't. On the other, my parents were in the middle of arranging my marriage.
Her gaze meets mine and she picks up the conversation right where we left off when I went to take a shower. "How about you? Seeing anyone?"
I wasn't sure how to answer. On one hand, I wasn't. On the other, my parents were in the middle of arranging my marriage.
"I'm not currently seeing anyone." How can I explain my complicated situation? I'm not actually seeing the woman being considered for the position of my future wife, I have zero interest in her, and if - if being the key word - I do marry her, it'll be because I choose. And I don't see myself making that choice now or ever. This whole trip has been an opportunity for me to figure out a graceful way out of things. Instead, I've been stuck on Stacia.
She leans her body slightly my direction as she speaks. "Really? How come? You have such a great personality, you're good looking, and you're in great shape. Women would be lining up around the block to date you. You have a good job and you're rich." She gestures around my cabin with one hand. "What woman wouldn't jump at the chance to be with you?"
"Yeah," I say, trying not to be put off by her words. "I know. I'm blessed." I don't want a woman after my money or my things, my looks or my body. I want love, as stupid, wishful, and even childish as that sounds. I want what my brother found with Valerie. I want a partner.
"So what's the problem?" she asks.
"I wasn't looking for any of that, not to necessarily marry anyone, nor to have any long-term relationships. I'm too busy with work, and things are... complicated." I leave out the love part, since it wasn't even part of her qualifiers.
She rolls her eyes in an exaggerated gesture. "You haven't tried hard enough. That's all there is to it."
"Maybe." I shrug.
