Chapter Twenty-Two #2
“I need to see a therapist,” she muttered to the empty car. “This can’t be healthy.”
Nate’s modest apartment was furnished in dark gray and white tones. He had a TV that took up the space of one wall and a dining table for four that they’d set up as their office for the day.
The décor was modern, but not stuffy.
He had a couple of large plants that looked like they’d just come from the nursery. Luna had to look twice to see if they were real.
She liked it.
And it fit Nate’s personality like a glove.
He met her at the door with a kiss and then promptly gave her a cup of coffee before they got started. For three hours it was nonstop deep dives into tax reports and company ledgers.
It wasn’t until they were taking a break and eating lunch that Luna’s unexpected company was brought up.
“You haven’t said anything about your mom,” Nate said.
“That’s because I’m trying to forget that she’s waiting for me when I get home.”
“Still no idea how long she’s staying?”
Luna shook her head. “I’m honestly afraid to bring the subject up.
We went by an ATM, so I know she has a little bit of money.
I assume she doesn’t have a job to go back to in Alabama, and she hasn’t said anything about her living situation there.
Does she have a car? Her name on an apartment lease?
Any belongings outside of what she brought with her?
Ash and Harper are coming on Saturday. Ash will ask all the important questions and get away with them. ”
“Are you saying he is the ‘favorite’?”
“I’m not sure it has anything to do with favorite. More like, he’s able to say the same things Harper and I do but she doesn’t get as offended. She accuses me of being judgmental of her, which is completely valid. Ash can be just as critical, but she never calls him out.”
“Do you think it’s a gender thing?” Nate asked.
“Oh, a hundred percent. She’s a completely different person around men than women. Always has been. When you meet her, you’ll have a hard time seeing the person I’ve described.”
Nate grinned. “When I meet her?”
Luna rolled her eyes. “I can’t imagine why you would want to, but yes .
. . when. I can’t put my life on hold while she’s here.
On Saturday we’re going to have a midday family dinner.
Kinda like what you do on a holiday. My sister and her husband will be there, Miley . . . Ash. Ash asked if you were coming.”
Nate kept his lips sealed and lifted his eyebrows.
“Too much wine and it could be a complete shit show,” Luna warned.
Nate leaned forward and placed his hand on her and asked, “What can I bring?”
“You’ve been warned.”
“You’re entirely too stressed.” He looked at her lips.
Luna smiled, feeling the shift in his energy. “We’re working.”
“We’ve got a lot done. We deserve a break.” His thumb massaged the inside of her wrist.
“This is highly unprofessional, Mr. Venti.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
Luna leaned forward, licked her lips. “Where is the fun in setting your own hours if you don’t make the most of your time?”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Nate pulled her in and placed his lips on hers. Slow, coaxing, until her mouth opened and welcomed him in.
She needed this. The perfect distraction.
Nate’s hands on her body, in her hair.
He tugged her to her feet and broke their kiss only to take her by the hand and guide her to his bedroom.
Luna fell into him, mind, body, and soul and let him take her to another plane. One where it was just the two of them and a strong desire to please the other.
Unlike their first time in Texas, Nate made love to her slowly. Just like the last time, he found every spot and others she didn’t know she had.
After they were both spent and wrapped in each other’s arms with only a sheet pulled over them, Nate ran his fingers over her hair and whispered beautiful things in her ear as her eyes drifted shut.
Luna woke up with a jolt.
Her head was on Nate’s chest; her thigh nestled over one of his.
His chest rattled with a hum.
“I fell asleep.”
“You did.” He kissed the top of her head.
She looked up, found him smiling.
“How long?”
“About an hour.”
She pushed herself up on an elbow. “Why didn’t you wake me?” The dark sky beyond the window said the weather had shifted and rain was once again falling.
“I didn’t want to. I’m selfish.” He pushed a lock of her hair aside.
Even sleepy she managed a witty reply. “Selfish men don’t do what you do with your tongue.”
His grin was comical. “You like that, do you?”
She tried to act unaffected. “I mean . . . it works.”
“It works?” Nate squeezed the top of her thigh where his hand was resting.
Luna moved her leg higher until she felt the most sensitive part of him touch her knee.
His eyes widened.
His cock twitched.
“Oh, what’s that? Didn’t you get enough?” She ran her hand down his hip, her thumb barely grazing his growing erection.
Nate moaned. “Feels like someone else wants more.”
Luna climbed on top of him and straddled his hips, welcoming the length of him into her body. Her core clenched and her eyes rolled back.
She could get very, very used to this.