Watching Nate cook is a lot sexier than I was prepared for. In fact, the thought never even crossed my mind. But the way he looks up at me with a small smile while mixing the ingredients, or bites his lip in concentration, has me struggling to keep my hands to myself.
When the timer goes off for the sauce, Nate holds the spoon out for me to try. We’re having a seafood pasta that already smells amazing, and I can’t wait to devour it, among other things. I lean forward to wrap my lips around the spoon, but he meets me with his mouth instead.
The spoon drops to the floor and things turn frantic as Nate grips my face, groaning into my mouth. I grab his shirt and pull him closer, walking backwards until my back hits the fridge, and he’s pushing against me.He moves one hand from my face to my breast, and I cry out when he squeezes before rubbing a finger over my nipple. Heaven. This is heaven.This I’m okay with. I’m about to wrap a leg around his waist when a second timer goes off.
Nate pulls back quickly but doesn’t move away; instead, he stares at me as he catches his breath. I bite my lip at the look of pure lust in his eyes, and he leans forward to pull it free, using his teeth.
My eyes widen in excitement at the move, but before I can take things further, he breaks away and continues with his dinner preparations.
Tease. I shake my head, trying to hide my smile, when a tiny smirk appears on his face. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me.
Ten minutes later, we’re sitting across from one another, eating one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had cooked for me, and all I can think about is Nate. More specifically, how far I’m willing to go tonight. He smirks and raises an eyebrow as if reading my thoughts and then shakes his head, no doubt to rid himself of whatever image he conjured.
We’ve just finished dinner when Nate’s phone rings and I welcome the distraction so I can take a minute to myself. “You should get that. I’m just going to the bathroom.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I—”
“It’s fine, Nate. I’ll be back.” I smile and head out of the room.
As soon as I’m in the bathroom, I take a deep breath and smile. Tonight has been amazing, beyond amazing. Everything feels so easy with Nate. We just...click. I want to take things to the next level. Desperately. But I just never know when my fears are going to creep in.
I do what I need to in the bathroom and then take another deep breath before leaving. I can’t hear Nate talking as I walk toward him, so I assume he either didn’t take the call or hung up. I’m about to ask him when he suddenly speaks.
“I know; I’m sorry. It would be great to catch up with everyone, but the timing isn’t good.”
He pauses, presumably listening to a response, and smiles when he sees me enter the room. “Yeah. Yeah. I get it. I’ll try harder. I promise.”
He’s quiet again, and then his tone changes. “Come on. You can’t say that anymore.”
He grabs my hand and links our fingers, pulling me down to straddle his lap. He puts the call on speaker and sets the phone down so he can wrap both arms around me.
I’m about to plant a kiss on my man’s mouth when a female voice draws my attention. “Which part? The ‘I miss you’ or the ‘babe’? We’ve always said that to one another. What’s the big deal?” What?
“Things are different now. I gotta go, but I’ll call you soon.”
Nate hangs up and sighs. “I’m sorry about that. She can talk, that one.”
And who exactly is she, Nate? I need to know.
I smile. “It’s okay. Not like I was waiting long.” Who was it? “So, is it finally time for dessert?” I ask, changing the subject.
I move to get up, but he pulls me back down. “That was Liv. She’s a family friend that I… ah… dated for a while. I’ve known her for a long time. You can ask me anything, Cory. Whatever questions you have. I’ll never lie to you.”
I suck in a breath as my fears race to the surface. Does he want her back? She’s still calling, so maybe he does. Or shit! Are they still together? Oh, God, it’s happening again.
“Woah! You’re spiraling. I can see it.” He grabs my face and forces me to look at him. “There’s nothing going on with Liv. We’ve been over for a while. We’re just friends.”
My chest feels tight as I consider his words. My eyes bounce between his, but I’m not entirely sure what I’m looking for.
“I promise.” Nate says, and the sincerity he displays has my heart pounding and my body moving forward to connect our lips. Anything to rid myself of these thoughts. And maybe show him I’m the better option. No, stop it.
Nate groans at the contact and immediately grips my face harder before sliding one hand into my hair, his go-to move that always has me weak in the knees.
It doesn’t take long before we’re both moving against each other, trying to seek the friction we desperately need. Nate’s so hard beneath me that every thrust has me teetering on the edge of release, but not quite close enough to go over.
When his hands move from my face to my waist to pull me more forcefully against him, I cry out in pleasure. God, I’m so close; if I could just…
Nate’s hand moves to my thighs before slipping underneath my skirt. The anticipation of his touch has me so worked up, I almost grab his wrist to move him to where I want him, but I don’t need to. He knows.