Page 37 of Bossy Wicked Prince
“What do you mean, the right reasons?”
“You know, did he have any ulterior motivation to donate, other than out of his own generosity?”
It feels harder to breathe. I can read between the lines—she’s worried that I got the donation by sleeping with Nate. That might not be true, but there’s definite sexual energy between us. If it’s that obvious to Minnie—who’s never even met Nate—what must everyone else think?
I smile as brightly as I can, hoping I look confident. “You don’t have to worry. I’m Nate’s assistant, nothing else. He has more money than he’ll ever need. He was just being generous.”
Minne runs a hand through her cropped hair. “Good. Look, I’m sorry that I said anything. I just need to look out for the shelter, and if there’s any scandal tied to us, that’ll make it harder for us to get other funding. I just need to make sure that whatever you did to get the donation, it won’t get out. Because if it does, we might not be able to let you work here anymore.”
It feels like I’ve just swallowed a pitcher of ice water. There’s nothing in my life more important than this shelter. I’ve put my heart and soul and countless hours into making it better. I love the people here—my best friends, after Pippa.
“How is the new job, by the way?” Her tone is deliberately casual. She’s trying to smooth things over after what she just asked me.
“Uh, the job’s good.”
Which is a vague answer, but it’s better than elaborating on how confused my boss has me.
I’ve learned that everyone in the office is terrified of him. A single scowl will send them into a frenzy, trying to figure out what displeased him. Which is tough, considering that Nate has resting frown face.
He’s demanding, and especially merciless if he finds a mistake and nobody owns up to it. I saw the President of Mergers and Acquisitions leave Nate’s office in tears when he tried to hide that he forgot to run background checks on key employees.
I’ve also learned that Nate isbrilliant, especially when it comes to negotiations. I took notes on enough calls to see firsthand how hard he pushes to make sure United Protection Services gets the better end of the deal. He’s not above going over the numbers with a fine-toothed comb or arguing endlessly with executives to get his way—which he always does.
Heavy footsteps break through my thoughts. The security guard who was staring at me earlier strolls past the door. It’slike he’s checking in on me, making sure I’m not endangered by fabric softener or something. I roll my eyes. If he keeps this up, I’m going have to have a talk with Nate. It’s enough that he upgraded our security cameras. I don’t actually need a personal bodyguard.
“Can you believe we get to throw out these sheets next week?” Minnie says. “They won’t even fit the new mattresses.”
“When did we decide to buy new mattresses?”
“We didn’t. Your company is sending them over as a donation, along with a bunch of new pillows. Plus, I was able to make enough toiletry packages and buy winter clothing to last us untilnextChristmas.”
My mouth drops open. “Seriously?”
“Yup. My budget spreadsheets have finally stopped yelling at me every time I open them. It’s like we’re a whole new shelter, Cat.”
I have to bite my lip to hold back my smile. I don’t want Minnie getting any more ideas about howgratefulI feel to Nate.
But maybe I won’t hound Nate about the security following me after all. If that’s the price of all these upgrades, it’s beyond worth it. I can’t wait to see how the shelter looks when everything is updated. It’ll probably all be done by the time I get back from New York.
Ugh, how the hell am I going to survive New York?
I’m beyond the point of pretending I’m not attracted to Nate. Seriously, every day feels like a new form of torture. Whenever he leans over my desk, I can smell his spicy cologne. Every time he passes me paperwork, his hand brushes mine, sending sparks under my skin. Something tells me it’s not just me, either. If he has a chance to put his hand on my arm or my lower back to guide me, he takes it. Every touch lingers just a second longer than it has to.
All it takes is a single glance from Nate to make heat gather low in my stomach. I can’t count how many times I’ve rubbed my thighs together, trying to feed my craving for him.
My body feels like a thread stretched too thin. Any second, the tension dripping between us is going to make it snap.
Worst of all, I can’t stop thinking about our kiss. I remembered stripping down and kissing him—but I also remember him pressing me against the wall. The swell of his erection pressing against my core. Maybe he wanted it, too.
If he hadn’t stopped things, what would have happened?
I know I would have pulled him back toward the bed so I could feel the weight of his body on top of mine. I’m desperate to know how it’d feel to have our bare chests pressed together, our legs tangling. I’d drag my nails down his back and feel his hard muscles. Maybe he would have kissed my neck, then gone lower, and?—
Stop it, Cat.
You’re only tormenting yourself with these fantasies.
At the end of the day, Natedidstop the kiss. Maybe he hasn’t even thought about it since. God, I wonder if he has any idea what he’s doing to me.
