Maybe Jake is right, and this is obsession. But Natalie Thorne did something to me that night, and I won’t rest until I have her under me again. The taste of her skin, the sounds ofher cries, they’re imprinted on every part of my soul. The sound of her laugh still rings in my ears, the sight of her smile appearing before me every time I close my eyes.
I have to have her.
Maybe it’s time I stop taking things slow.
CHAPTER 8
NATALIE
Of all thethings I expected, sitting in a private jet across from Ethan is not how I planned to spend my morning.
“I don’t see why I have to come on this business trip,” I begin again.
He’s reading something on his tablet, his legs crossed, a glass of unfinished scotch resting next to his arm.
“I already told you,” he drawls, unbothered by my incessant questioning, “the board wants you there. It’s a four-day trip. The company won’t collapse without you.”
I scowl. “That’s not what I meant.”
He just looks up at me with amusement, so I have to wrench my eyes away. I’ve been managing to avoid him these past two weeks since the dinner, and he didn’t exactly force me into his office either. But this? Going to Chicago together? Staying in the same hotel? Driving together everywhere?
I don’t know how I’m supposed to last for the next four days.
Letting out a shuddering breath, I try to calm down. My mother’s voice from that day is still ringing in my ears. Ethanheard it. He heard her say all those vile things to me. To have such an ugly part of my life revealed to him is unbearable, yet he’s not once brought it up. In fact, he’s acting like he always does.
“Here.” He hands me a file. “Here’s something to keep you busy. The brief you’ll be presenting to the board. Go over it. Memorize it. Add your own viewpoints. We need to be in sync when we present to them.”
I feel relieved at having something to do.
However, my relief is short-lived. After landing and arriving at our hotel, we’re informed the meeting is to take place in an hour, a day earlier than scheduled. Rushing about, I have to freshen up, then we hurry to the main office. The meeting takes a couple of hours, and it’s late afternoon by the time we walk out, mentally drained.
“That was exhausting.” I press my hand against my stomach, feeling it rumble. “Why didn’t they have any food? I think my stomach’s on fire with how much coffee I’ve had.”
Ethan loosens his tie, looking annoyed. “Dealing with those old farts is not my favorite way to spend my time. They have no idea what’s going on, but they just want to ask questions to look smart.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Get over it, Ethan. They were ready to kiss your shoes.”
He gives me a small smile. “Why? Were you jealous?”
I scoff. “I don’t want their mouths anywhere near my shoes.”
He laughs.
Seeing him throw his head back like that, his cheeks creasing, makes my heart skip a beat. I quickly look away. He’s so curt with everyone, including his own family, but when he’s around me, he acts like this. I don’t know what to make of it.
Chicago’s mid-August heat hits us as we step outside, the humid air wrapping around us like a dense blanket. The city bustles around us with the familiar energy of a weekday, officeworkers spilling onto sidewalks as buildings cast long shadows across the concrete.
“There’s a breeze picking up.” Ethan glances around, his shirt sleeves rolled up against the humidity. “Why don’t we drop our things in the car and walk around to find a place to eat?”
“Really?” I give him a dubious look. “You want to choose a spot at random? What if it’s a hole in the wall? I thought you only ate in fancy restaurants.”
“Who told you that?” Ethan lifts his hand, getting the attention of our driver.
As the car approaches us, I respond with a slight smirk, “Clarice has brochures, Ethan. Only the best for you.”
He takes my briefcase from me and hands it to the driver, his fingers brushing mine in the exchange. “Yes, well, it’s not like I’m contractually obligated to eat at those restaurants. Now come on. Fergus, we’ll call you if we need a ride back to the hotel. You can take a break.”
As much as I don’t want to spend time with Ethan, the idea of being able to stretch my legs and get something to eat appeals to me.
