Page 25 of Diverge

His question takes me by surprise. “I don’t know.” I lie through my teeth. “It’s been ten years, and I don’t want to hear an explanation because no explanation will be good enough.”

Nate shrugs. “Maybe he has a solid reason as to why he did what he did.”

I can’t believe Nate is backing up Finn.

“What?”

“No, you misunderstood. All I’m saying is don’t judge someone for doing what they may think was the right thing to do at the time.” He looks sombre as he looks down to his hands.

Nodding, I confess something else. “Mr. Mackenzie asked me to do a full brand refresh for his firm.”

Nate looks back up to me, smiling. “That’s kind of a big deal. Did you agree?”

“Well, I felt like I kind of had to because of all he did for me and Riley.” I bite the inside of my bottom lip.

“I have to work with Finn,” I say, and his jaw clenches. “He promised he will only communicate with me on a professional level, so I agreed.” I can’t tell if he’s annoyed by this fact or if he doesn’t think anything at all. Nate is a little hard to read at times.

“If that’s what you want, you should do it.” He smiles. “About the other night.”

Oh god does he mean the night we almost fucked?

“I’m just going to come out and say it.” He speaks, and I hold my breath as I wait for him to finish. “I like you, Billie, and I want to pursue whatever it is that’s happening here. If you tell me you have feelings for Finn, I will back out and let you work through it with him, but if you’re done with the past, baby, I’m ready to give you a future.”

Fuck.

I was not expecting this guy to come out of nowhere and declare how into me he is. I mean, I knew he liked me, but I have never had someone tell me point-blank that they were ready to pursue a future with me. I hesitate for a moment. Placing my cup of tea back on the table, I move closer to him so our bodies are almost touching.

“I really like you, too, Nate.” Looking into his eyes, I sense a palpable desire emanating from them. “I’m done with the past.”

Well, it’s half the truth. I mean, I don’t want to be with him anymore, but I can’t help but force some of the resurfacing feelings I had for him down into my belly. He smiles that crooked smile I love so much and swiftly grabs me by my waist, pushing himself on top of me. I squeal when my back lands on the couch.

“Good.” His hand grabs at my hip as his lips crash down on mine, sending a zing of electricity from my mouth to between my legs. “Because I want to do things to you that friends certainly don’t do to each other.” My mind buzzes with the images of Nate doing dirty things to me, andGod, I do want him to do the dirtiest things to me

Chapter Eight

Nathan

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