Page 32 of Nate

Nate was back in town by one am. It had been a long day squeezing in all of those showings. But he’d done it, and narrowed his choices for an Austin branch down to three locations. He cared about his business, there was no doubt about it. But he’d rushed back because Kevin was important to him too. He couldn’t stay up in Austin while Kevin was at home, pissed and thinking he’d been used. Things hadn’t progressed to the,I love youstage yet. But he really cared for Kevin and a long-term relationship was definitely on his radar.

Although he’d wanted to, he hadn’t gone straight to Kevin’s once he was back in Houston. It was late, so he’d decided to hold off until a decent hour. Besides, he wanted more information on the situation, which is why he was driving up to the Heights location first thing in the morning.

Ed looked up in surprise as he entered. “Nate, what are you doing here? Afraid we were gonna throw a wild party while you were gone?”

Nate gave his employee a quick smile. “No. I trust you. I have something I need to check on. Vanessa is on the schedule for a day shift right?”

“Yeah, she just went back to clock in.”

“Thanks.”

Nate went down the hall to the small break room for his staff. Vanessa was there, closing up her locker. He’d always thought she was smart and pretty. And with her outgoing personality, she was a great asset for bringing in new members. But Kevin had said to ask her why he thought Nate was using him. He was going to do exactly that.

“Vanessa, can I talk to you in my office for a second?”

Vanessa looked over her shoulder and saw him standing there. She looked surprised, but nodded and followed him into his office. He left the door open and went around to sit behind his desk.

“What’s up, Boss?”

He waited until she was seated before he asked his question. “Did you say anything to Kevin yesterday?”

“Who?” she asked, with a tiny frown on her forehead.

Nate went on immediate alert. He knew she was lying. He talked about Kevin all the damn time, she had to know who he was referring to. “Kevin. The guy I’ve been working with as his trainer. Did you say anything to him about me using him for the success story program?”

“Oh him! Yeah, I did, was it supposed to be a secret?”

“No, I just hadn’t brought it up to him yet. Actually I probably never would have, he’s too much of an introvert to be interested in something like that.”

“Oh, my mistake. I just assumed that since you were spending so much time training him, he was the one you chose for the campaign.”

“Well, I didn’t. In the future, I’d appreciate it if you cleared anything like that with me first. I don’t want any of our guests to be uncomfortable. Is that understood?”

Vanessa nodded. “Of course.”

“That’s all. Thanks for coming in.”

Vanessa got up to leave. But then she turned back. She was smiling and she tucked her hair behind her ear. Her hand stayed there for a moment, twining through the blue strands. The light coming into the room caught the silver rings on her fingers, making them sparkle. Nate bit back a groan. He had an idea where this was going.

“Actually, I’m glad you wanted to see me. I thought I’d ask if you’d like to go out some time.” She tilted her head to the side so her hair slid from behind her ear, falling against her cheek. “I figured it was okay if I asked you out instead of the other way around. That way there’s no worry about a subordinate feeling obligated to go out with her boss.”

Nate sat there, practically stupefied for a moment. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, we could go get some spring rolls after work or something.”

Nate strove to keep his voice professional. The girl was clearly misguided and he didn’t want to embarrass her. “Vanessa, I’m flattered. But you know I’m gay, right?”

“No, you’re not. I never see you hit on any of the obviously gay guys who come in here.”

“Maybe I don’t hit on those guys because they’re my customers? Besides, just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I have to hit on every gay man I see.” Nate ran a hand through his hair. “Look. You’re pretty and a great employee. But Iamgay and not interested inanywomen. Do you understand?”

Vanessa smiled again, but this time it wasn’t as big and easy as usual. “Sure thing, Boss. My mistake again.” She finally left the office.

Nate sat there after she was gone. He had a feeling she’d done more than just mention to Kevin that he might want to use him for their success story idea. Especially after she’d asked him out. But he’d see if she caused any more trouble before he canned her ass.

He got up from his desk. This had gone on long enough. He was not letting things end between the two of them over a misunderstanding. Grabbing his phone and keys, Nate left for Kevin’s apartment.

Fifteen minutes later, Nate was knocking on Kevin’s door. Kevin asked who it was, but he didn’t bother to answer. He’d see him through the peephole. Footsteps approached the door, then it grew quiet. He waited, not quite patiently, until the door opened.

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