Page 17 of Deadline for Love

I answered affirmatively then set up everything for the interview. After that, I took a deep breath and entered my work mode.

Nathan was ready after a few minutes and then sat before me, handing me a cup of coffee, the familiar scent helping to center me.

It was quiet until I broke the silence by explaining the procedure to Nathan so he knew everything would be recorded. He simply accepted everything as it was, and then the interview began.

His answers captivated me, not practiced like the others had been, but genuine and honest... At the age of twenty-eight, he had already won many awards, and his designs were responsible for a substantial rise in the industry. Nathan worked for an external company calledVisionary Ventures, and his high-profile work led to his being hired here.

It was fun to ask and listen to him answering questions as he didn’t beat around the bush.

As time passed, I realized, almost amazed, that we were reaching the final question: “What is your motivation? What inspires you?”

With this question, he seemed to have to think a little longer because Nathan raised his hand and placed it under his chin. His forehead wrinkled slightly, and after a while, he replied, “The money…”

I expected a different answer, but that was okay.

“Jokes aside, money is my motivation, but whatinspiresme? That’s a good question. To be honest, I never thought about it. I was highly creative from a young age and just drew things constantly. Then I started to modify the drawings. I think it was just my way of being myself.”

“Modify?” I repeated, confused.

He had a lovely smile on his lips. He looked at me, but for a moment, it seemed he was far away with his thoughts. “When I was a kid, I started drawing toys in my own way and changed some things. I drew cell phone designs at one point. Now I’m here.”

With this the questions ended.

“That was a great interview,” I said honestly as I gathered my documents and put them in my bag.

“Miss Carter.” When Nathan said my surname in his deep voice, it was as if he was trying to seduce me. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”

My gaze lingered on his eyes, which again examined me with curiosity.

“I wasn’t supposed to be here, but my colleague was unavailable.”

“Then I guess that’s my luck.”

I didn’t know how to respond to his statement, so I didn’t answer.

“Do you have any other questions for me, Miss Carter?”

I shook my head awkwardly.

“Good, then may I ask you some?”

Confused, I sat back and squeezed the bag on my lap. This was the first time anyone wanted to ask me questions after an interview.

“How have you been doing?”

His question made me suspect that Justin had told him something, so I answered truthfully, “Some unpleasant things have occurred. But I’m fine.”

“So, you haven't had time to reflect on what I said?”

I had to think for a moment about his words, but when I couldn’t think of them, he helped me out. “I wanted us to get to know each other better.”

His voice was charming, just like his look.

“I hadn’t considered that much,” I admitted, averting my eyes. A warmth spread through my body, and my stomach did a somersault. I tilted my head a little and then looked out the window to distract myself. The sun was covered by clouds, and everything seemed bright—

“Here,” Nathan made me look at him again; he slid me a piece of paper with some digits. “I respect your time and boundaries, so I’m giving you my number. When you feel ready, give me a call.”

This man really managed to leave me speechless every time. His words touched my heart. Never before had a man made it soclear that he was interested in me, and although I had told him that I needed time, he remained respectfully persistent.

---