Page 70 of Waiting Forever
27
Nathan
I FIND A spot in the parking garage and direct Kensi to the elevators. Neither of us has said a word since her comment about our secret relationship being a betrayal to my mom.
I’d hate to break her heart in any way. As far as moms go, she’s the coolest. She always supported my goals, dreams, and plans for my future without question. She even backed me when Dad got this crazy idea that I should join the military after high school like he did.
No freaking way. It’s cool as shit that my dad was a Navy SEAL and dedicated most of his twenties to serve our country, but I was a punk-ass rich kid back then who only thought of myself, my friends, and my next lay.
Dad came from a low-income family. My grandparents didn’t have the money to pay for college, so he joined the military. It ended up being the best decision he ever made—shaped him into the man he is today. My grandfather was an alcoholic on disability who slept most of his days away while my grandma worked in the family candle shop she owned with her sister. Dad didn’t have the love and support that he and Mom provided for me.
I didn’t need the military to direct me toward my future goals. My plan has always been to work for the family business and one day take over when Dad retires—which is why Kensi’s comment has my stomach in knots.
As much as my parents love and support me, a relationship with their beloved adopted niece would piss them off. They’re as protective over her as her own family. It was my dad who suggested sending Kensi to me for safekeeping. Instead, I’m thinking of all the ways I can violate her sexy body.
The elevator doors open to the main lobby. I don’t even remember pushing the button to the floor.
“Go ahead,” I tell Kensi and gesture for her to exit.
She steps out and I follow, placing my hand at her lower back to steer her toward the Realtor Mom sent to meet us. He works for her Florida branch.
Kensi gives a slight flinch at my touch, but then relaxes, although it seems forced.
How can one comment twist things up between us so much?
A young guy around my age pastes a bright smile on his face and meets us halfway. He raises his hand to mine, the other holding a folder. “Mr. Tanner. I’m Alex. It’s nice to meet you.”
Kensington smirks at me, her expression mirroring my thoughts.Mr. Tanner?
I shake his hand. “Call me Nathan. And this is Kensington.” I put my arm around her, trying my hardest to push past the sudden awkwardness between us, but it feels fake—staged.
She doesn’t soften under my touch, just keeps her fingers clasped in front of her, only lifting her hand to greet Alex with a quick shake.
I lower my arm and rub my palms together, acting excited. “We ready to do this?”
“Absolutely. Right this way.” He waves at the elevators and then walks over with us, pausing at a receptionist desk where an even younger girl sits. She can’t be older than nineteen. “This is Camilla. She’s one of a few employees of the condo’s HOA service. They’re always here between seven a.m. and six p.m. to accept or sign for packages and assist with transportation, visitors, movers, travel, etc. “
“Hi,” I say and Kensi does the same.
“Would you like a water or soda before we get started?” Alex asks us.
“A water would be nice,” Kensi says.
“I’m good.”
Alex nods at Camilla.
She opens the mini fridge behind her seat. It’s filled with bottled waters, Sprite, and Pepsi. On the counter, she sets a small napkin and a bottle of water with the condominium’s name on the label.
“Thank you.” Kensi takes it and glances at me with another teasing smirk.
She noticed the label, too. I’d bet my next paycheck she’s thinking,Fancy.
It’s not like either of us grew up without money, but I get her train of thought. It’s not that different from mine. This whole experience feels surreal, like we’re not ready for this—downtown condo life in a place that will be ours, like we’re a couple shopping for our future home.
We follow Alex to the elevators and up to the thirty-third floor. “This is one of the penthouse levels in the building,” Alex says as we exit.
I don’t even glance at Kensi, certain she’s sending me another smirk.
