SECRETS & LIES 7 (Secrets & Lies #7) - H.M. Ward Page 0,7
shocks me and knocks me off-kilter. I had no expression on my face until then, but I can’t suppress these emotions. They bubble up, painting my features with surprise. “No. Why would you even ask that?”
“Because you talk about him frequently. It seems like you want to be with him, but there’s something in the way. Is it me?” His nose is by mine, his lips so close. I feel his gaze on my mouth before it flicks back up to my eyes.
“It’s not you.”
“Then what is it? Why can’t you be with him, Kerry? I mean if he’s what you want, why not go fuck him right now? Or was that your plan for this evening and falling into my office was an accident?”
“Nate, cut it out.”
“No, tell me. I want to know where I stand. Who else have you been with?”
“I don’t have to tell you anything.”
Nate wraps his fingers around my forearm and steps toward me at the same time. He uses his body to press me into the wall and drops his hand, tangling our fingers together. “No, you don’t have to tell me anything. I just wish you would. I wish you’d choose me. I wish you’d come to me instead of him.” He sighs deeply then steps away, freeing me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
I stand there unable to speak.
Nate’s back is to me, and I watch as he breathes in deeply and his back expands. He lets out the breath in a rush and shakes his head. “Good night, Kerry.” He walks over to the desk, grabs a set of keys, and heads for the door.
At the last second, I step in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. His body lurches to a stop, nearly colliding with mine. “Don’t go.”
He hesitates. I lift a hand and press my finger to the bare skin at the bottom of his collar, trailing the finger down his shirt so lightly I’m barely touching him.
“Why should I stay?”
“Because I came looking for you.” I lift my eyes and meet his.
“What about him?”
“I’m here with you, does he really matter?”
Nate watches me, and I can tell he knows what will happen if he presses me about Josh. I leave the question dangling between us, unanswered. Nate wants to know if we’re exclusive, and I won’t tell him. I can’t tell him this is anything special or serious. Even if I wanted to, I’m too skittish to admit it.
“No.” His voice is deep, and his tone is certain. Nate slips his hands around my waist and pulls me firmly against his body. “You’re mine right now. That’s all that matters.”
The anguished expression on his face vanishes, erased by lust. His eyes darken as he dips his head to mine, and presses his lips to my mouth. A spark shoots through my body, and I’m wrapping my hands around his neck and moaning into his mouth before I can think. Nate pushes me back, swatting the door shut as he walks. It slams shut behind me.
Nate’s body is firm, and I love the way he presses into me. His kisses are intoxicating and make my head feel light. My fearful thoughts of Ferro, bouncing around in my brain just minutes ago, are banished by my proximity to Nate. It’s just us, nothing else.
His hands are on my face as his body pushes me against the wall, holding me still while his kiss deepens and turns hotter. His hands slip down my neck, and he leaves me gasping for air as he palms my breasts. When his hands suddenly dip to the small of my back and lower to grab my ass, Nate lowers his lips to my neck. Pressing my face to the side, he drags his mouth along my sensitive skin, licking and sucking me while pulling my hips toward his. I feel him there, hard and ready. He wants me and I, sure as hell, want him.
The way he makes me feel is indescribable. My head is light, and my heart is full. My back arches into him, and I wish we were wearing fewer clothes. It’s as if he’s inside my mind, because Nate pulls back suddenly and reaches for the hem of my shirt. He pulls it off, unhooks my bra, and shucks the rest of my clothing quickly so I’m completely exposed. Nate steps back and admires me, pacing around me in a slow circle like he’s trying to decide