Page 27 of Executive Benefits

JULIA

Excitement fluttered under my rib cage as Nick followed me up the stairs.

“You bought the entire building?” he asked from behind me. The thought that he had a view of my ass had my embarrassment rising even higher than it had been when I thought he was checking me out a few minutes ago. When we got to the landing, I took a step back so my ass wasn’t in his face anymore, although I wasn't sure he minded it. Maybe I didn’t mind it either.

But I told the wetness soaking my thighs at the thought that I'd already decided that it wasn’t going any further.

Why did you invite him up to your apartment, then?

Stupid small voice. I shook it off and followed him through my front door. When I closed it behind me, I answered, “Yes. It was such a good deal, and I could live here and work, so commuting isn’t an issue. Things in Buffalo were a lot more expensive. I have the loan, but it’s nothing my work doesn’t cover, so I’m good there too.”

He smiled and took his jacket off. I stepped over and reached for it. “Here, I can hang it up.” I tilted my head. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” I hung his jacket up and turned. He had taken a few steps closer, and I could smell his spice scent. My belly warmed, and goosebumps rippled over my arms.

I brushed them away and forced myself to remember that this wasn't a good idea.Jared, Jared, Jared, I told myself. But Nick wasn't Jared. Not even close.

“Are you cold?” Nick stepped closer, right next to me now. He took his hands and rubbed them over my shoulders and arms. I shook my head, unable to say anything when he was so close. I was positive my voice would crack or sound like a breathy bird. I wasn’t sure which was worse, but I wasn’t in the mood to find out. His hand rode up my neck and cupped my cheek.

“I needed a break.” His sapphire eyes connected to mine, and the air around us crackled.

As if I couldn’t be any more embarrassing, my cheeks flamed. I placed a hand over his hand and took it away from my face. Our fingers laced together, and my nerves skittered in my chest. “Yes, I should be at work,” he said, stepping closer. I wanted to close my eyes and kiss him again, but Mia’s warning and my fear began to make a lot more sense.

I took a step backward and dropped his hand. “So, do you want anything to eat?” I walked over to my refrigerator, and opened the door. “I have bologna, American cheese, and white bread.” I pulled out the items and grabbed some mustard, and it struck me that I was offering him cold meat when his restaurant served gourmet. It only made my cheeks hotter.

His thick brows rose. “That’s what you eat for lunch?”

“Well, no,” I responded. “But I haven’t had a chance to get out to the store this week yet.”

“I’m appalled that you have bologna and American cheese at all.” I remembered he made his own cheese, or the restaurant did, so the thought of American cheese probably did appall him. He came over and took the bread from one hand and the mustard from the other.

“You don’t know what you’re missing.” I smiled and closed the refrigerator. “If we had Ruffles chips, it would make it even better, but alas, I’m out.” I laughed. He looked at me like I was crazy. But even that look was sexy.

“Fine, please, make me a bologna sandwich.” He looked around the room and asked, “What can I do to help?”

“Um, nothing.” I pulled down two plates and set to making the sandwiches.

“Your tree is great,” he said. I turned to see him walking up to the small tree on an end table. He looked at me over his shoulder and went to touch an ornament.

“Wait!” I dropped the bread and rushed over. “These are very old. Very special,” I said, taking the ornament out of his fingers.

“Oh, sorry.”

“No...” I shook my head. “Lots of sentimental value here. I made these with my mom when I was a little girl. Before she died.”

Awe swept over his features and softened to a sentimental expression. “Wow. That’s incredible.” He touched the ornament gingerly. “I’m sorry about your mother.”

“Thank you.” I pursed my lips together and watched a wistful look ride into his eyes. His hand came back to mine again, and he tucked his fingers around it. Sadness followed the wistfulness, and I stepped back, pointing to the couch.

He followed and we sat down. “I always wanted kids, but Kendra… Well…” He waved his hand through the air. “You know I don’t have any.”

“It’s not too late. You can still have kids.”

He laughed. “I’m too old, plus… damaged goods here.”

I perked a brow. “I already know that you know you’re not too old. And calling yourself ‘damaged goods’ isn’t being fair to yourself. Each relationship comes with its problems, and not everything about your marriage was your fault. Maybe you’re a bit… shaken up by it, but that’s far from damaged.

“You just need more space between what happened in the last few weeks and today. Soon, you won’t even be bothered by whatever she does. You have lots of time to do the things you want to and lots to offer. Don’t give up hope. You’re a great man, and anyone would be lucky to have you. You’ll definitely find someone to love again.” I did my best trying not to scrunch my face up at the last line because I got a little carried away.

My heart stopped as he stared at me. There was so much emotion filling his eyes that my throat swelled. My breath slowed when he said, “Someone like you?” and squeezed my hand.

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