Chapter 49
KATE
I leave the room, mentally cursing Ryan's future ten generations. I pick up my cell phone. There's a message from John. I don't remember ever reading it, but it's open. He's inviting me out on Friday night. I respond, saying it's impossible. Another message arrives soon after, inviting me out today.
I didn't know exactly what I was trying to do with him, but I had a little hope that it would work out. He's a good guy. He is. Good is a good way to describe him. I think it would be a valid attempt to forget about Ryan. When we went out, it was the first time I didn't think of him all the time. John can entertain me. He's interesting, and I like him.
I reply yes and schedule it for the same time before going to prepare the meeting room. After a few minutes, everything is ready.
When the Russians arrive, Nathan asks me to accompany them alone. There are three men, all looking over forty. I greet them and lead them to the meeting room. We talk a little until Nathan enters the room with a serious air. The executives stand up to greet him. I watch his every move.
He was amazing when he was acting like a businessman. That was his world. He knew every step to take, and it was always just a matter of time until he reached his goal.
He built an empire. Everyone respected him for who he was. They saw him as a god and did everything he wanted. But to me, he was still just a bastard. A big bastard. My bastard. My bastard boss. God! Stop it, Kate. Focus.
He sits at one end of the table, next to me. His beard is growing, making him look sexier, I imagine it grazing my neck. Beautiful, billionaire, great sex, no, not great, wonderful is the right word. He was technically irresistible, and that was very unfair. Unfair to other men and unfair to me.
Women are falling at his feet, and I was one more. Shit. Just one more. Who am I compared to the great Ryan? A simple girl. A fool. Thinking I can face him. When all I wanted was to have him for myself.
"Miss Collins?" He stares at me, taking me out of my reverie.
"Huh?"
"Stop staring at me," he whispers.
"What?" I swallow. Heavens! Was I checking him out?
"You were looking at me in a... strange way."
"I'm sorry I didn't... I was thinking about something."
"Right. I suggest you pay attention."
"Yes, Mr. Ryan." I can't help but smile a little.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. Did you think I was lost in thought about your pretty little face?" He narrows his eyes, wondering at my audacity. We've been distant for the past few weeks, I shouldn't say something like that.
"I'm sure you were. I almost suggested a handkerchief for your drool." He says, leaving me less worried, and there we were, bantering again.
"I certainly wasn't thinking about your face." He swallows hard.
"About what then?" This man has no limits. He's provoking me, after everything.
"On my date tonight," I say intending to affect him. His expression changes in an instant. He becomes serious and picks up the papers on the table, starting to read them. I expected a response. I always expect a response worthy of him. Is he jealous? Nathan Ryan is a completely controlling and possessive man. It wouldn't be unexpected. But we don't have anything anymore. So he has no reason.
I try to concentrate. The meeting is boring. But time passes quickly. When it ends, I leave the room right behind them, checking messages on my phone. John suggests a restaurant that I accept.
Nathan shows up late in the afternoon, just a few minutes before the end of the workday. I look at him for only a second, but then try to concentrate on finishing my work, which is impossible with him at the door.
"Do you need anything?" I ask without looking at him.
"No, I'm already leaving."
"See you tomorrow." I hear him sigh. I feel like he wants to tell me something.
"Bye." He leaves with a mix of disappointment and irritation
We finished eating and John ordered a bottle of wine.
"So, how was work today?" he asked.
"As always. You know... Ryan and his temper. I'm getting used to it."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Has he ever tried to flirt with you?" I nearly choke on my own saliva.
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Kate, you're a beautiful woman. I believe any sane guy would be interested in you, but since you work for him, I don't know. Maybe he doesn't mix business with pleasure. But with you, it must be a difficult task."
I had never thought about that. If I hadn't met Ryan before starting to work for him, would he have been interested in me? Bryan had mentioned his policy of not getting involved with the team, and I think Nathan had mentioned it too. I would never know, but he was so serious about business that I wouldn't doubt it. Maybe he had never noticed me.
"I heard something about him having a policy of not getting involved with the team. Anyway, I don't think we would work out."
"I'm glad to hear that. I wouldn't want my girlfriend being harassed by the boss." Girlfriend? I almost choke again.
"Girlfriend?" He caressed my hand on the table.
"That's right. I'd rather be direct, Kate. I want you to be my girlfriend." I wasn't expecting that.
"But you don't know me yet. We've only had three dates. Two, if we disregard the lunch in Switzerland," I'm almost laughing out of nervousness.
"That's why I want to get to know you better. I really want this, Kate."
"I... don't know what to say."
"You can think about it for a while," I nodded. "Not too long," he smiled. "I think one day is enough to think. Is it okay?"
"Yes."
"You said you didn't want just one night, that's why I want to try something more. I want you to feel comfortable with me, I want to give you more. You're fascinating and I want you."
"I understand. It's just that dating sounds so strange. Labels have always scared me a bit."
"I think labels are for when we don't want something casual. They bring a little security and demand more responsibility from both parties. You said you didn't want just one night, Kate," he was right.
John drove me home after dinner, and I could hardly think of anything after his proposal. It was making me rethink everything.
"See you later."
"I'll give you my answer, okay?"
"Okay."
"Kate, I really want this."
"Okay. I promise I'll think about it carefully," I replied. He was so handsome and perfect, standing in front of my apartment like a gentleman, waiting for me to go inside.
"Don't be too cruel."
"See you tomorrow, John," I approached and kissed his cheek. When I pulled away, he held my hand and pulled me close to his body, then kissed me, starting softly but then heating, his skilled tongue wrapping around mine.
I surrender, wrapping my arms around his neck. He wraps his strong arms around my waist, pressing me against his body.
We stay there for a while. I don't know how long. When we stop because we need air, I am enchanted by a stunning and sincere smile. And I think that maybe it could work, the two of us. Maybe he can make me forget everything and put an end to the mess my life has become after Ryan.
"Goodnight," he says, still smiling.
"Goodnight. I loved the dinner. Thank you," I offer my most sincere smile.
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