Page 75 of Crossing Lines

After more food and drinks, we all call it a night. Nate’s in the driver’s seat as we get into my car. Nina slides into the seat right next to me, so close our thighs touch.

“Thank you,” she says once we’re on the road, “for organizing tonight.”

“Anytime.” I brush my fingers against her thigh, not able to help myself. “You deserve to let loose and have fun. You’ve been working too much.”

“And what about you?” she asks, whispering in my ear. “Do you ever let loose?”

“I haven’t in a long time.”

“Maybe it’s time you take your own advice.” She places her hand over the front of my pants, right over my quickly hardening dick.

I nuzzle her neck and whisper, “What’s your plan here?”

“I didn’t think that far.”

I chuckle and steal a kiss. “Let’s continue this when we get home.”

She nods and nuzzles into my side, laying her head against my shoulder for the remainder of the ride home. When we arrive, her deep breathing fills the air.

She wakes up when I move us out of the car, but I pick her up and cradle her close to my body. “Go back to sleep,” I whisper. “I’ve got you.”

Nate opens the front door and nods goodnight before I take her to her room. Her soft breathing is a rhythmic melody,filling me with a sense of peace.

She stirs when I lay her in bed and remove her shoes.

“Stay,” she says, grabbing on to my arm.

“I was planning on it.” Undressing down to my boxer briefs, I slide into bed beside her and pull her close into my body.

With her warmth surrounding me, a slow realization hits—I’m in love with Nina. It’s the realest and scariest feeling in the world. I’ve never been in love before, but it’s undeniable, this feeling inside me. I love her whenshe’s angry, when that fire lights up her eyes. I love her when she’s happy, her laughter bringing light to my world. I love her when she’s excited, her infectious energy drawing me in. I love her when she’s scared, the vulnerability in her voice making me want to protect her. No matter what emotion she’s feeling, it’s all part of what makes her who she is, and I can’t help but fall harder every day.

I’ve always longed for someone who sees me and wants me for who I truly am, not just for my money or my connections. And out of everyone in the world, I’m certain that Nina is that person. She could have exploited my wealth or status in countless ways, yet she never has.

It gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, she’s everything I’ve always been looking for.

Chapter 19

Nina

Oh God, I don’t think I can do this pitch. I’m going to throw up. This pencil skirt feels too restrictive, and holy shit, do I also have to pee again?! Ijustwent.

Ben and Mick are supposed to arrive any minute now to the conference room and all that’s left to do is wait, something that’s making my nerves even worse.

My phone pings with incoming messages.

Aria: You’re going to make this presentation your bitch.

Stella: Yeah, she will, and we can all celebrate your win in Berlin in a couple days!

Elodie: This is your bakery moment. You’ve got this!

Me: Thanks for the confidence boost, ladies.

I smile as I reread their messages. Elodie’s right, this is my bakery moment. My dreams are already coming true by working on this line, and even though I’m terrified about presenting, I’m also excited to share my designs.

My phone pings again.

Aria: And while we’re in Berlin, maybe Nina can finally give us a straight answer about what’s going on between her and Evren.

---