Page 18 of Deadline for Love

I took the piece of paper with the number and stood up.

“And how many women have you used that line on?” I joked.

“Currently, only one. But evidently it's not working since you've now rejected me twice.” His answer silenced me. “But I'll keep trying until you tell me to stop,” he added. He also got up to walk me to the door, and just before I went out, he stopped me.

I found myself pressed against the door with my back touching the hardwood, my bag clutched against my stomach, looking up at Nathan, who had one hand next to me and the other in his pocket. He was leaning gently towards me, and our bodies were dangerously close, making it all but impossible to not drown in his masculine scent.

My heart leaped and beat rapidly. My body felt warm while his gaze was filled with desire.

“I'm not one to flirt. Not really. Not that it really matters, but I've only been in two relationships.” His voice was raspy, and he maintained eye contact. “Honestly, I'm not particularly good at this.’’ His honesty made his confident manner seem insecure but endeared him.

“You don’t have to believe me, but I’m genuinely interested in you.”

“We’ve hardly talked to each other,” I mumbled, not knowing how to react after such a confession.

“I like what I’ve seen so far. You’re kind to a fault, I see the way people light up when you’re around, and you’re breathtaking. Bella—you live up to your name.”

My cheeks heated and my heart raced as the butterflies swarmed in my stomach. I hugged my bag even tighter, unable to get a word out.

But Nathan seemed to like my reaction. His eyes flashed with hope before he gently caressed my warm cheek with his cool hand and flashed me a smile that made his dimples pop.

“I'll be waiting for your call,” he breathed before removing his hand from my face and then taking my hand to plant a kiss on it.

Then he released me very slowly, leaving traces of heat in the wake of his touch. I continued to stare for a while before quickly bidding him farewell and practically storming out of the room.

Chapter 7

The remaining interviews all went exceptionally. I had fun with the production team, who loved and appreciated their work. It was a completely different atmosphere for the managers. I had enjoyed myself right up to the final interview and headed happily back to my office.

Aicha was with me in the office and informed me that yesterday’s breaking news boosted our sales figures—we even outperformed our competitor.

I scrunched up my nose. This information was good for our company, but I didn’t like the way I had to write the articles.

“Don’t worry about it, Bella. Your report was amazing. You showed respect and left out details, focusing more on the murderer instead,” she kept saying, sitting on my desk and holding my hand. Today, she wore a gray abaya, which shimmered with the office’s light every time she moved. Even as she held my hand, the fabric brushed my skin, which was silky soft.

“I’ve been reading theInsight Newsarticles, and I don’t think the families will be happy about the assumptions being made about the girls.’’

My eyes flashed with alarm. But that wasn’t unusual from our competitors.

“That’s terrible!”

“It is... Anyway, James mentioned once you’re back, you’d better try and get an interview with family and acquaintances of the victims.”

The only thing I did was sigh at the request and nod.

“Yeah, I’ll ask for that. If they even wanted to talk after seeing the article ofInsight News.”

“It’ll be fine.” Aicha elegantly walked to her desk, grabbed three books, and returned to me to push them into my hand.

“I think these will help you relax once you go home.”

Several hours passed before I finished work. I stretched once as I stepped out of the building and breathed in the mild night air. It was already dark, but the streetlights illuminated my way. It had been delightful today, and I hadn’t received a new letter, which made me feel a little calmer—but it also made me reflect. Maybe the police officer was right, and the messages were not connected after all.

I put my hands in my pockets and felt a piece of paper–– it was Nathan’s number.

The memories of him made my heart beat faster. His beautiful words repeated in my head. I gnawed on my bottom lip and wondered whether I should call him. It was already late, and I may be disturbing him... And actually, I didn’t want a relationship, but...

While thinking and walking toward my car, I typed his number into my phone, and without realizing it, I pressed call.

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