Page 116 of Never With You
He’s somehow managed to break into my soul. I don’t know how, but he’s changed every belief I had about him.
Nate is no longer the bane of my existence.
For all the frustration and annoyance he used to ignite in me, I now feel something so much more passionate than my hatred ever was.
His finger softly brushes away a rain droplet as it rolls over my lips. I arch my back, pressing my body closer to his so he’ll put me out of my misery and kiss me.
He doesn’t rush.
His kiss is so slow and soft I barely feel it at first.
I relax against his body, allowing his gentleness to set the pace. It’s not urgent or demanding. It’s careful and patient, as if he’s conveying something with his kiss—something he’s always known. Unspoken feelings weave into the gentle glide of our lips, feelings that are more real than anything between us has ever been. I feel his warmth, his quiet strength, and the promise that he isn’t going anywhere.
But is it enough to make up for the past?
Is it enough to put my career on the line and trust him with my heart?
Is it enough to abandon the connection I’ve built with Mr. International?
I don’t know.
“Nate,” I exhale, pulling back. “What are we doing?”
His forehead presses against mine as a hint of a smile appears. “Do you really need me to explain it?”
I push on his chest so I can look him in the eyes. “I don’t think we should do this.”
The beating rain is the only sound as he reaches up to brush a strand of hair from my face. “Is there ever a world where someone like you and someone like me work?”
“Maybe.” My shoulders lift. “But I can’t ignore the emotional connection I have with the guy from my DMs. I’m supposed to meet him next week.”
A soft laugh puffs out. “Is that guy your only hesitation?”
“Didn’t you say there was someone else you had potential with? What happened to her?”
“I like her. I like her a lot.” He squeezes my hips. “But I likethisthe best.” His forehead presses against mine again. “So besides the other guy and the other girl, are those your only hesitations?”
“We still work together.”
“I can’t do anything about that except promise things will be different than they were with Isaac.”
“It’s still scary for me,” I whisper between us.
“I know, but I’m trying to show you who I am, show you that you can count on me.” Nate takes me into his arms in a perfect hug.
I feel like my heart is being pulled to two different places.
I love my emotional connection with Mr. International. We have so much in common. We’ve built a foundation based on friendship and mutual likes and dislikes. I can see real longevity in our relationship. Our common interests could sustain a lifetime of happiness.
But then there’s Nate. He bothers me in all the best ways. His touch lights a fire inside me and makes me feel more physically alive than I’ve ever felt with a man. He’s both exciting and frustrating, and his kisses fill me with adrenaline. But is it real enough to last? Or is the thrill rooted in months of tension finally coming to a head? A hot flame that will fizzle out quickly.
I wish I could take my emotional connection from Mr. International and combine it with the physical connection I have with Nate. It would be the best of both worlds. And with a combination like that, I’d be stupid to let my fears about dating someone at work get in the way.
But I don’t have the best of both worlds. I have to choose.
Nate may be the more exciting choice, but he’s definitely not the safest.
“We go home tomorrow.” I gently push him back. “And I can’t?—”
