Page 45 of The Lessons

“Great.” She headed back for the door. “I look forward to reading it.”

Chapter Fifteen

Ryan

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I barked into the phone. “Aren’t you required to give notice or something? I have a client coming in ten minutes!”

“We did, Mr. Andrews. We tried. We left two notices last week. I’m sorry if you didn’t see them, but all the premises are off limits until Wednesday.”

I stood on the sidewalk and rubbed my temple with my free hand. I’d been so busy with school lately—I guess I’d neglected to check my mail. So now here I was, just a few minutes from my next appointment with Natalie, and without an office.

“Whatever you do, Mr. Andrews, don’t try to go inside. It’s not toxic, but it is important that the seal is maintained.”

I nodded aggressively even though the landlord couldn’t see me over the phone. “Fine. Whatever. Thanks for calling.” I jammed my finger onto my screen, ending the call. Okay. New plan. I couldn’t take her to my place or hers, so that left only one option. I held up the phone and scrolled through my contact list. She was probably already on her way here, so I was preparing to leave a message when a woman’s voice answered.

“Ryan?”

“Natalie— Wait. Are you driving? You shouldn’t be on the phone if you’re driving. Pull over.”

“Whoa, chillax taskmaster. Yes, I’m en route to your office—via the sidewalk, if you must know. Why? What’s up? You sound anxious.”

I did? Fuck. Well, I didn’t like feeling unprepared. I preferred to be in control when I do my work. Plus, although I wasn’t quite ready to admit it, today was a big day.Thebig day. I’d stalled for two sessions already. But today, barring an earthquake or tsunami, there was no way I was letting Natalie Reese walk away a virgin. I cleared my throat. “I’m fine. It’s just— We need to move today’s appointment.”

My question was met with silence on the line.

“Natalie?”

“Sorry, just thinking. Why do you need to reschedule? What happened?”

“No, not reschedule. Move like physically move. We just— Listen, how close did you say you were?”

“I’m right behind you.”

I turned on my heel.

Sure enough, there she was, walking down the sidewalk toward me.

As I set my eyes on her, for a moment I forgot our predicament. My shoulders relaxed as all the tension slipped away. She was dressed in a light blue blouse and tight jeans that hugged her hips and ass perfectly. She looked like a goddamn breath of fresh air.

“Hey,” I said as she got closer.

“Hey,” she mirrored. “What’s going on?” She looked up at the Victorian building.

“Just some emergency maintenance work. Would you mind if we used a hotel room for our appointment this afternoon?” I was trying desperately to come off as nonchalant but was highly distracted by her chest. Her blouse was cut in a way that almost dared me to look, but I couldn’t.

You know, poor form and all.

“Um, I guess so,” She squinted from behind her sunglasses. “Did you have anywhere in mind?”

I jumped on my phone and used a travel app to find a hotel nearby. In less than five minutes, I’d secured a reservation at a four-star hotel. Okay, maybe it was a little much, but whatever.

Technology really is a wonderful thing. And I’m a horrible person.

“You’re pretty quick with that thing.” She nodded down at my phone.

I chuckled and shook my head. “Taxi?”

She nodded.

---