Our Way

Perhaps it’s the fact that I told Henry that he’s my boyfriend and I know that he’s playing the part.

Yes, that must be it.

I look up at him and run my fingers through his stubble. “I had a great night. Thanks for my ten thousand dollar ticket.”

He chuckles and then spins me. We sway to the music once more.

He leans and gently kisses my lips with a little suction and a whole lot of nice.

I frown as my breath catches.

“Your boss is watching,” he whispers.

“Oh.” My eyes dart over to see Henry standing at the side of the dancefloor. “Right.”

Nathan’s lips drift to my temple and he kisses me again. I feel myself melting into him.

He’s strong, virile, and he’s holding me so close. I must be the envy of every woman in the room. God, I love this man, and here he is playing the part of my boyfriend to protect my lie.

We dance and we dance, and Nathan makes me miss having someone for real.

He holds me tight, makes me laugh, and he kisses me softly on the cheek

whenever Henry is watching.

If only I could have the closeness that I have with Nathan with a boyfriend—someone who could love me in every way. Someone who could be really mine.

“You ready to go? The car is here,” he whispers.

“I am.” I return to the table and to the people we were sitting with. “Lovely to meet you all.”

“You, too.”

Nathan goes around and shakes their hands. “Goodbye. Nice to meet you.” He takes my hand and we walk out the front to get into the back of the black Audi waiting for us.

He holds my hand on his lap, and I smile out of the window at the glamorous ball as it disappears into the distance.

“That was a great night. I enjoyed myself.”

“Me, too.” He squeezes my hand in his lap. “Thanks for coming with me.”

I rest my head on his shoulder. I feel so safe, and I’m feeling especially close to him tonight. I don’t know why, he just seems different. Or maybe it’s me. Maybe all this talk about not dating with the girls has me missing having someone special in my life and I appreciate our friendship even more.

“Are you tired, baby?” he whispers softly.

“Hmm.” I smile sleepily.

He kisses my forehead, puts his arm around me and pulls me close. I snuggle into his chest. It’s warm and feels so good beneath my head. His aftershave wafts around me. Being inside Nathan Mercer’s arms is my favorite place to be.

Twenty minutes later, we pull up outside my apartment. Nathan leads me out by the hand, and we walk inside and into the elevator.

“Did anyone show you footage of themselves having sex tonight?” he asks.

I giggle. “Disappointingly, no.”

He smiles down at me.

“What?”