19. Nathan
Maria’s soft breath caresses my chest as her head rests there, her eyelids heavy and her pouty lips parted. Her warm brown hair fans out across the pillow, framing her face. I breathe in deeply, taking in the delicate scent of her shampoo mixed with her natural fragrance.
“Morning,” she whispers, her eyes fluttering open to reveal those warm brown depths that make me feel like I’m falling all over again.
The corners of her mouth curve into a gentle smile, and I can’t help but return it.
“Good morning.” I lean down to press a tender kiss against her forehead.
She fits so damn perfectly, both in my embrace and in my life. There’s a sense of peace and contentment that washes over me, making me wish that time could stand still, allowing us to stay in this moment forever.
But that doesn’t happen. My eyes snap open, and I’m met with the cold reality of an empty bed, crisp sheets, and the faint sound of city traffic far below my penthouse apartment.
It was just a dream. A bittersweet reminder of what I want but can’t seem to have.
“Damn it.” I rub my face with my hands as I try to shake off the lingering traces of my dream. “Get it together, Nathan.”
As I lie there, trying to focus on the day ahead, I can’t help but ponder the significance of what just happened.
Why am I dreaming about Maria? Is it because I’ve been keeping her at arm’s length, protecting myself from the kind of heartache I saw tear my parents apart? Or is it because deep down, I know that she might just be the one who can break through my defenses and show me what true love really is?
“Who am I kidding?” I force my thoughts away from Maria and back to the reality of my life. I’m not the kind of man who takes risks when it comes to matters of the heart.
With a sigh, I throw off the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. The cold hardwood floor beneath my feet feels like a metaphor for the emptiness in my heart. As I stand up, I glance around my massive penthouse — a space that’s never felt so barren before.
Usually I relish the quiet, but as I pad into the kitchen and begin my morning routine, everything feels off. My heart aches as I remember the dream — Maria’s soft skin, her sweet scent…
I grab a mug from the cupboard and pour myself a cup of black coffee, willing the bitter taste to ground me back in reality.
Leaving the kitchen, I make my way to the expansive windows lining one wall of my apartment. The city sprawls out below me, bustling with life. But all I can think about is how much I’d rather be somewhere, anywhere else.
“Maybe that’s what I need,” I muse out loud, pondering the idea as I sip my coffee. “A break from all this.”
I pull out my phone and dial Don, who manages my private jet. It’s been forever since I’ve taken time away from work, but something inside me is screaming for a change of pace. Maybe a couple of days off will help me get my head on straight.
“Hey, it’s Nathan,” I say when he picks up. “I’m going to need the jet this weekend. I’m not sure where yet… maybe Paris? Costa Rica? Just have it fueled up and ready to go.”
“Sure thing, Nathan.” His response is a cheerful one. “It’s about time you took a break, if you don’t mind me saying. I’ll have everything prepped and ready for you.”
“Thanks,” I say with a weak smile, then hang up. The prospect of getting away is both exciting and terrifying, but maybe that’s exactly what I need right now.
My thoughts keep drifting back to Maria as I step into the shower and try to wash away the lingering traces of my dream. It’s futile, though — every droplet of water that cascades down my skin feels like her touch, every curl of steam like her warm breath beside me. I can’t escape her, no matter how hard I try.
Shutting off the water, I step out of the shower and wrap up in a towel. I make my way back to the bedroom and get dressed, forcing myself to focus on the day ahead. Work will be my refuge, the one place where I can put Maria out of my mind, at least for a little while.
She’ll be there when I walk into the office, of course. And I won’t be firing her. She doesn’t deserve that.
Nor does she deserve to be moved to another part of the company. Her position for me is a high-profile one, and there’s nothing that could happen between us that would make me mess with her career. She’s worked hard to get where she is.
The shrill sound of my phone pulls me out of my thoughts, causing my heart to race. I glance at the screen and see it’s the doorman. My stomach drops. What could he possibly want this early in the morning?
“Hello?” I answer hesitantly.
“Mr. Colton, you have a guest.”
“A guest?” I frown at the same time as my heart races. Could it be…?
No. Maria wouldn’t come here. And I don’t want her to, either.
“It’s your father.”
My father? I haven’t seen him in years, even though we live in the same city. What could possibly bring him here today, especially at such an ungodly hour?
“Let him up,” I instruct, my curiosity piqued.
I pace around the living room, anxiety bubbling in my chest as I wait for him to arrive. After all these years, why has he chosen to show up now?
Before I can come up with any answers, the elevator dings and the doors slide open. There he stands — my father — looking regal in his suit, just as he always does.
“Good morning, Nathan.” His voice is cold and distant.
“Morning, Dad,” I reply cautiously. “What brings you here?”
“Can’t a father visit his son?” He smiles, but there’s no warmth in his eyes.
“Of course.” I motion for him to sit down on the plush couch. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Please.” He takes a seat, sinking into the cushions and relaxing as if he owns the place.
As I pour him a cup, I can’t help but observe how much we’ve grown apart.
And with good reason, too. The two of us have never really seen eye to eye, and when I was growing up he basically ignored my existence. So it’s not like we had much of a solid foundation to grow off of as I entered adulthood.
“Here you go.” I hand him the steaming mug. He nods in appreciation and takes a sip, while I sit across from him, waiting for him to explain his sudden appearance.
Finally, he gets it out. “I’m here to negotiate my will.”
“Negotiate… your will?” I ask, my heart sinking. What could he possibly mean by that?
“Exactly,” he confirms, seemingly unfazed by my confusion. “You see, Nathan, I’m willing to give you a certain percentage of whatever I leave behind if you hand over the new downtown property.”
My brow furrows as I try to process his words. He’s heard about the project that I’ve poured my heart and soul into, and now he wants me to just hand it over? For what? A portion of his estate?
“Wait, what?” I say, incredulous. “Dad, are you seriously trying to turn a profit on your will?”
“Business is business,” he says coolly, taking another sip of his coffee. “Besides, I’ve heard all about your project, and I think the two of us could strike a great deal.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing.
“Is this really why you came here today? Not to reconnect or see how I’m doing, but to negotiate some twisted business arrangement involving your own son?”
“Like I said, business is business.” His expression remains stoic, as if we’re discussing stocks and not our family bond.
The hurt I feel is quickly replaced by anger. I stand up abruptly, my hands clenched into fists at my sides.
“Get out,” I spit through gritted teeth. “This is not up for discussion. I won’t be manipulated like this.”
“Fine.” He sets down his coffee and stands. “I hope you realize what an amazing opportunity you’re passing over.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be fine without your assistance. I always have been.” I don’t hold back my sneer.
“Fine,” he snaps, his tone dripping with disdain. “I thought you were smarter than this, Nathan.” With that parting shot, he strides out of the penthouse, leaving me alone with my fury.
I’m left standing in my living room, seething with a mixture of anger and hurt.
This man has let greed and ambition consume him to the point where he’s willing to turn his back on his own family. As I look around my penthouse, filled with expensive trinkets and cold, lifeless décor, I can’t help but wonder if I’m heading down the same path.
I pace through the lavishly decorated living room, my anger boiling over at the sheer nerve of the man. How dare he walk into my home after all these years and try to manipulate me like that? It’s all about personal gain with him. Always.
As I continue my furious circuit, I catch sight of my reflection in one of the many floor-to-ceiling mirrors that adorn the penthouse walls. The image stops me in my tracks. I look so much like him, from the same sharp jawline to the same piercing eyes.
But there’s more. I act like him too.
Just like my father, I’ve allowed materialism and ambition to consume me, prioritizing profit over personal connections.
“God,” I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. “What am I becoming?”
The truth is, I can’t deny the similarities between us any longer. My father’s greed and ruthlessness have driven a wedge between us for years, and now I find myself following in his footsteps, pushing away the one person who could truly make me happy.
“Enough,” I whisper fiercely. “I won’t let this happen. I won’t become him.”
With renewed determination, I decide to make things right with Maria. She deserves to know how much she means to me, and that I’m willing to change for her. I just hope it’s not too late.
I rush downstairs and into my private parking garage. Jumping into the closest car, I start it up and tear out of the building.
I could call her, but that won’t do this conversation justice. She deserves to be looked in the eye and apologized to.
At the office, I toss the valet my keys and rush into the building. On the ride up in the elevator, I keep my eyes down, wanting to avoid all conversations.
I’m only here for one thing. For one person.
On my floor, I jog out of the elevator and to my office. “Maria?—”
The next words die before they leave my mouth. Maria isn’t in yet.
Wait. Not only is she not in; her desk is clear. Gone are her photos and cutesy anime figurines. The only thing left is the company computer.
My stomach drops to my knees.
“Good morning, sir.” It’s Cathy, from Human Resources.
“Good… morning.”
“I was so shocked to hear about Maria leaving.” She shakes her head. “But don’t worry. I already have several interviews lined up for this morning. We’ll have you a new assistant before lunch.”
I open my mouth to speak, but my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. I don’t want a new assistant. I want Maria.
And not just at this desk. I want her in my life. In my arms. In my heart.
But that’s not going to happen. She’s gone. Obviously, our conversation yesterday was the last straw.
And why should I be surprised? I lied when I said I don’t have feelings for her. I was trying to protect us both, but in the end I’ve only done irreparable damage.
“Sir?” Cathy asks.
I just nod. “Fine.”
Yes, she can get me a new assistant. It doesn’t matter who they are or what their qualifications are. Either way, they won’t be Maria. Either way, my life is falling to pieces, and I’m just standing by, watching it crumble.