Page 9 of Controlling Natasha

I can’t believe how far under my skin she is after only an hour in her company.Camden is going to laugh for months over this.Gloating is his specialty.

I return my attention to Albert.“I assume Edith has gone all out for dinner.”

“Yep.Beef Wellington.”

I chuckle.“At least we’re going to eat the best meals while Natasha is with us.”

Albert draws in a breath.“Forgive me for speaking out of turn, sir, but I already hope she never leaves.”

Thank goodness it’s not just me.I don’t say anything, though, for fear I might jinx the situation.All I do is nod.

Chapter3

Natasha

This entire thing is so surreal that I’m trembling as I wander around, looking for the dining room.I don’t want to be late.Mr.Hoffman told me dinner is at seven.I have no idea how strict he is about that or if I will always be expected to dine with him.

Part of me feels like I’m intruding on his life.Just because I’m staying in his home doesn’t mean he needs to cater to me.I’m sure he has better things to do than babysit me.

Even though I’m twenty-two years old, somehow I feel younger in his presence.He’s so sophisticated.Plus, he’s twice my age.He must think I’m a toddler.I feel like it, too, considering how awkward I feel around him.I’m shy and quiet under normal circumstances.This situation is anything but normal.

This whole mansion is overwhelming.There’s a butler and a cook.I saw a gardener outside my bedroom window while I was gaping at the size of the grounds and how immaculate the gardens are.

I hear voices and follow them, finally stepping into the dining room.I’m slightly breathless from rushing for the last few minutes.Mr.Hoffman is standing near what looks like a bar.He’s speaking to Albert, but he turns when he sees me and smiles.“You found us.I thought I might need to send out a search party.I should have given you better directions.”

“I’m so sorry.It did take me a while to locate the dining room.”

“No need to apologize, Little one.”He steps away from the bar and pulls out a chair.

I glance down at my outfit.I haven’t changed.For one thing, I didn’t have anything to change into that would be deemed appropriate.For another thing, I don’t have enough clothes to wear multiple outfits a day.“I probably should have…”

“Don’t you worry.We’re not formal around here,” Mr.Hoffman says as he pushes my chair in.

I glance at him and then Albert and lift a brow.“Are you sure?”

Both men chuckle.

Albert pours me a glass of water.“This is just how we are.You’re not required to dress a certain way, sweetheart.But we also want you to be comfortable.If you’d rather have some nice dinner dresses, I’m sure Delilah can pick some lovely things out for you.”

“Delilah?”

Mr.Hoffman takes his seat at the head of the table.“She’s the woman I was telling you about.She’ll be here in the morning to get your sizes.I hope that’s okay.Did you need to be on campus tomorrow?”

“No.It’s Saturday tomorrow.I need to go to the library at some point, but it’s not urgent.Plus, I think your library might have more books in it than the school,” I joke.

Mr.Hoffman laughs.“I have no doubt its overall value could be higher, but I bet I’m lacking some of the specific works you might need for school.You can place any requests you have through the online system.Albert can go pick them up for you.”

I’m shocked for the millionth time.“That won’t be necessary.I really don’t want you all to alter your lives for me.I’ll stay out of your way and get through this last semester.Hopefully, I’ll get accepted into the master’s program and secure a room on campus for the fall.”

“Then you’ll need a place to stay for the summer, too,” Mr.Hoffman points out.

I shake my head.“I promise not to stay that long.I’m looking for a job.As soon as I get something, I’ll save my paychecks so I can afford rent over the summer.I’ll be able to work a lot of hours before classes start and build up some savings.”That’s always been my plan.It would have been tight even before my building was condemned, but I would have made it work.

Mr.Hoffman frowns.“There’s no need to get a job this semester, Little one.That’s too much stress combined with your classes.You need to focus on school right now.Plus, you wouldn’t get enough sleep.You can stay here through the summer.”

I draw in a sharp breath.“I know you didn’t plan on having me under foot for that long, sir.”The thought of not working my ass off for the next seven or eight months is so appealing that I’m nearly salivating, but it’s not practical.I can’t rely on charity forever.

“Pshaw.”The word is ancient, but coming from Albert’s mouth, it fits.“You’re wasting your breath arguing, sweetheart.Accept Mr.Hoffman’s help and say thank you.”

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