Page 34 of Suddenly Desired
The lift doors slid open and they stepped inside, the tension between them buzzing like static electricity. Ellie caught herreflection in the polished steel walls, her cheeks still faintly pink, her eyes brighter than usual. She felt alive, more alive than she had in years.
Blake pressed the button for the twelfth floor, and as the doors closed, their eyes met in the mirrored surface.
“You ready for this?” she asked, her voice low but steady.
“I am now.”
The way he said it sent a thrill straight through her.
The lift hummed as it ascended, the city falling away below them. And as they stood there, side by side in the quiet, Ellie realised something: she wasn’t just here to help Blake.
She was here because she wanted to be.
Because, for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was part of something bigger than herself.
And it was thrilling.
Chapter 17
BLAKE
Blake felt the subtle shift as they began their ascent. The polished steel walls reflected the two of them — Ellie standing beside him, her hands clasped in front of her, her expression a mix of curiosity and nerves.
“Nate’s a bit . . . unconventional,” he said, glancing at her reflection. “Just so you’re prepared.”
Ellie smirked, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Unconventional how? Like, mad scientist vibes or eccentric artist?”
Blake chuckled softly. “Somewhere in between. Let’s just say he doesn’t exactly follow the corporate dress code.”
“I think I can handle that.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement.
He couldn’t help but smile. She had a way of making even tense moments feel lighter.
“Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?” she asked, her voice softening. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not intruding,” Blake said firmly. “I want you here. Besides, you’ve already been dragged into this mess — you might as well meet one of the few people who can help untangle it.”
“Thanks.” She gave him a small, reassuring nod, and Blake felt a flicker of calm in the storm of chaos swirling around him.
The lift slowed, the soft ding signalling their arrival. As the doors slid open, Blake stepped aside to let Ellie exit first, his hand hovering near the small of her back without quite touching. They walked into a short corridor lined with sleek, numbered doors.
The third door on the left was wide open, and Nathanial Parker was already leaning on the frame, one hand bracedagainst the jamb. He looked every bit as Blake had described — barefoot, wearing aGreen DayT-shirt and a pair of bright purple boxer shorts that left little to the imagination. His dark hair, incredible brown eyes and toned leg muscles shot a jealous streak through Blake that tore like fire, until he reminded himself that Nate was going to help him, not steal Ellie out from under him.
“Blake!” Nate’s voice boomed, his LA accent unmistakable. “Dude, you should’ve given me a heads up you were bringing royalty with you. I’d have put on pants!”
Ellie spluttered as Blake led her to the door.
“Please don’t bother on my account,” she said, and Blake’s jealous streak stepped up a notch.
“Nate, this is Ellie. Ellie, Nate. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“I’m hardly royalty,” Ellie said.
Nate offered his hand, pumping Ellie’s with almost painful enthusiasm. “Hey, I say what I see,” he said. “And I see a queen. Come on in, coffee’s already on.”
The space was bright and inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the room with light. With a cosy mix of tech chaos and homey touches, it was clear this was Nate’s kingdom — an eclectic blend of cutting-edge gadgets and quirky decor.
On one of the oversized sofas sat a woman with a colourful silk scarf wrapped around her head. She looked up as they entered, her face lighting up with warmth and affection. Standing slowly, she crossed the room and wrapped Blake in a gentle, motherly hug.
