Birthright

I close my eyes, clearly visualizing his strong, square jaw and black hair. Did he have stubble again today, or had he shaved? I open my eyes and shake my head to clear it.

“Pretty good,” I say, trying to maintain a little control or at least not sound like I’m bouncing up and down in my seat. “I took a long walk in the woods and then went for coffee at the lodge.”

“How did you find the trees?” he asks.

“Tall.” I laugh. “Really, it’s a beautiful forest.”

“I’m glad you liked it. I’ve spent a lot of time hiking the trails around there. Did you see the lake, too?”

“Not this time. I took the longer trail through the woods instead. I’ll have to go back another time to see the lake.”

“I’d love to show it to you sometime. I have a boat out there.”

Of course he does.

“It’s not very big,” Nate says, “but good for skiing in the summer and general exploring the water whenever the weather cooperates.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Do you ski?”

“Never tried water skiing. I’ve done some snow skiing before.”

“Well, some of the principles are the same,” Nate says. “The trick to water skiing is just getting up out of the water. It takes a little practice, but I could show you the ropes.”

I shiver at the word “ropes.” I’ve clearly read too many romance books involving bondage.

“That’s…very nice of you to offer.”

“I’m being too forward and assuming, aren’t I?”

“I…I don’t know.” I lick my lips, but my mouth still feels just as dry. I keep picturing his piercing blue eyes and mesmerizing grin. “I mean, we just met, and you are trying to make summer plans.”

I bite my lip as I realize I must sound standoffish and unapproachable—just as I had been told.

“I’m sorry. I’ll tone it down.” I can hear his sigh through the phone. “I really had a great time talking to you last night, Cherry. It brightened up an otherwise grueling day, and I’m grateful for it.”

I take a deep breath and try to repair the damage made from my last comment.

“Well, the night certainly ended on a high note, especially considering how it all started.”

“Yes.” His tone is dark. “Well, I’m sure you’ll never see him again.”

I consider this a moment, wondering what he means. I hadn’t heard from Aaron since he was thrown out of the club, but I also hadn’t checked the online app.

“Did you…did you ban him from the club?” I ask.

“Yes, I did,” Nate says after a brief pause. “I didn’t care for his conduct, and he assaulted one of my security people. I wouldn’t be a good businessman if I didn’t make sure that isn’t going to happen again. Aside from that, he was rude to you, and I simply couldn’t tolerate that.”

“Well, you didn’t have to do all that on my account, but it’s good to know I have at least one place I won’t run into him again. What a jerk!”

“Yes, he was.” Nate laughs softly.

I relax slightly, hoping I’m back on the right track and not revealing any resting bitch face through the phone. I want to question him about his life, but I have no idea where to start. Then I

remember something he mentioned earlier.

“So, did you get your business taken care of today?” I ask.