9. Nathan
9 /
nathan
Awkward Little Nudist
I’m not sure what happened to my adorkable little nudist, but Jeanie has transformed into an elegant, sunshiny goddess. She’s the only woman I’ve ever met who looks as good with clothes on as off. And as someone who thoroughly enjoys naked women, that’s an achievement worth an award. The sexy as fuck award.
“You look incredible.” I step inside and immediately want to touch her.
Hell, I want to do more than touch her. I want to taste her creamy skin and lick those raspberry-frosted lips. Somehow, though, I manage to keep my distance. For now, I’m ecstatic she showed up. Ninety-nine percent of me thought she wouldn’t.
“But does it live up to milkshake panties?” She swings her hips and the hem of her dress flutters, revealing more of her luscious legs.
I want to pin her against the wall, so my fingers can explore what’s underneath.
“The milkshake undies are hard to beat.” My grin is so wide, she might be able to read my dirty mind.
I think she has read my true intentions when the elevator door slides closed and her expression shifts. Turning serious, she leans forward and presses the emergency stop button, causing the elevator cab to halt mid-descent. The lights flicker and a buzzing noise fills the air.
“Is this the part where you get naked again?” I grin.
“I want to steal back Roman,” she says quickly, rushing the words.
What? Fuck no. Why do women do this to themselves?
Even with this terrible development, I do my best not to react.
Giving me a pleading look, she twists her hands at her stomach. “I’m using you. That’s why I’m here. This thing we’re doing tonight will make him jealous. He’ll realize he made a mistake, and then call off the wedding and come home.”
“More awkward confessions. I like it.”
But I don’t like it, not one goddamn bit.
That sniveling idiot doesn’t deserve her. Never has. Never will.
Do I? Hell no.
But I’m not going to ask her for a lifetime—I’m going to ask for one hot night between her legs. She’ll thank me for making her forget him for a few hours. Given the opportunity, I could wipe him from her brain.
“Therefore, I need to know why you’re doing this.” She waves a hand between us. “You don’t know me. I don’t know you. Right now, you could be at Mango’s Club on South Beach, dancing with ten feather-clad Brazilian beauties. Instead, your royal hotness is here with me. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Royal hotness?”
Now we’re getting somewhere. I gloss over the fact that I do know her, or I used to admire her from afar. Leaning against the wall, I shove my hands into the pockets of my suit, feeling smug.
“Don’t get cocky on me.” She stabs a finger at me in a way that makes my mommy issues rush to attention. “What’s important here is the why.”
I stare at her spectacular ankles perched over red-bottom heels, wondering how I should play this. She’s asking for my motives. And I’ll admit, there are a few.
One, I can’t wait for Roman to see his ex-wife on my arm. Whether the date is legit or not, I’ll make it clear I’m letting her ride my dick ten ways to Sunday and back and forth on a cross-country tour. The asshole deserves it for what he did to me, and whatever messed-up thing he’s done to her.
And second, being an agent of chaos at his wedding fits nicely into my quickly formulating revenge plot.
Third? I want to fuck her. Plain and simple. Her body beneath mine would be a lifelong dream fulfilled.
Yet my intuition tells me these reasons won’t win points with Jeanie. With our flirty banter, I’m remembering how much I love the chase. It’s been too long since I had to work for it. These last couple of years, chicks have fallen into my bed because of who I am.
It was fun in the beginning, but lately, I’ve been disinterested. Perhaps I just needed a good challenge. And here she is . Jeanie checks all my boxes.
“I’m great at helping people realign their mindset, self-confidence, and communication skills so they can realize their dreams,” I say, turning into someone else, specifically my brother. Leonard has practiced that line on me a thousand times for the life-coaching business he wants to start.
Who’s the little fucking liar now? Not Jeanie, it’s me. That’s who .
“Why does that sound like an elevator pitch from a life coach?” She stills as if I threw cold seawater on our situation.
“Because it is.” I grin, a little proud I managed to pull it off. The acting classes are paying off.
“ You’re a life coach?” She tosses her arms skyward. “Do you normally trawl hotels for clients?”
“I believe you flashed me.” I wave a finger at the twins, and she punches my arm. “Ouch!” I grab the spot and rub. “That’s the third time you’ve hit me ... and I like it.”
I pop my brows and imagine punishing her when I get her into bed. I’ll bet no one has ever smacked that juicy mango-milkshake ass of hers, but I’d like to—badly.
“This is not happening.” She reaches for the elevator button. If we don’t move soon, an alarm might sound, if it hasn’t already.
“Let me explain.” I stop her, unsure of what I’m going to say next .
“This better be good.” She holds me at arm’s length, her palm pressed to my chest.
“Look, the life-coaching thing is a new business I’m working on. I don’t even have a website. You would technically be my first client.” The more I talk, the easier my story flows. My gut tells me to go with it.
Jeanie crosses her arms, appearing unimpressed.
“Hear me out. All my life, I’ve coached people to open businesses, run marathons, and navigate rocky relationships. When you were in need yesterday, I couldn’t help myself.”
I’m describing my brother to a T. He might deserve someone like her. He’s a Mr. Nice Guy.
“So, this fake date would be a business transaction?” she asks.
“I could use you as a success story for marketing. If you’re happy with the results, you could give me a glowing testimonial. What do you think?” I reach out a hand, hoping to strike a deal.
She stares at it, considering. Her lips twist, even though she doesn’t appear completely put off by the idea. This is a business arrangement, after all, and she’s a businesswoman.
“Fine. You get a test run at coaching tonight, and if you’re good at what you do, I get back Roman. No muss. No fuss.” She slips her hand into mine, and we shake on it.
I’m going to hell.
Jeanie releases the elevator button, and the cab descends. The door opens to the lobby and my newly formed goal—I want to make Jeanie forget about Roman for one night and beg for me.
She glances up at me, appearing more nervous than before. “Why do I feel like I made a deal with the devil?”
“Because you did.” Smirking, I take her hand in mine.