Page 6 of Deadline for Love

“Oh, my God.” My body flinched, but I suppressed the scream by pressing my hand to my chest.

“Sorry.” With that, he moved to stand next to me and pointed at the bag. “Couldn’t catch her?”

“No, I’m afraid not.” The pounding of my heart calmed down, and then I looked at the little pink bag.

“Maybe she’ll come back.”

I doubted it. “I called out to her. She didn’t even turn around to look.”

“Maybe your voice wasn’t loud enough,” he joked, to which I just rolled my eyes.

It was impossible that she hadn’t heard me. Even our voices resounded slightly when we were talking now.

“Well… let’s go back then,” I said and released a long breath. My side stitches were still lightly present, so I put my free hand on my hips again to relieve the unpleasant pain with counter-pressure. The cool night air made me shiver.

Nathan noticed this and put his jacket, which he had hanging around one arm, around my shoulders. Immediately, a warmth spread over my bare skin. The smell of pizza mixed with expensive perfume crept into my nose as I thanked him and started walking.

“Do you really want to go back?” He paused and then continued, “I like Justin and Amara, but it’s awkward with all the wedding talk.”

I stopped in my tracks and stared at him—I didn’t think he felt the same way, as he had been talking along occasionally. Not as much, but more than me…

“But you just said—’’

He tilted his head. “If we go back inside, Amara will pull you in, and we’ll have to spend the rest of the night there. They were already going to order dessert.”

“Eh, but... I have to get my bag and pay for my food.”

Nathan shook his head and grinned. “I took the liberty of bringing your bag. And you don’t have to pay. Justin invited us; it’s on him.”

Only now did I notice my purse in his hand which he held out for me to take...

Then he stared right into my eyes and flashed me a charming smile. “If you want to go back, I won’t stop you. But I will blame you if I die out of boredom.”

“Aren’t you exaggerating a little?”

“No, not at all.” He drew his dark brows together and then sighed.

I had to laugh at the stern look on his face. Nathan was right, tough. It had been a bit boring. Nothing against Amara or Justin, but when they were together, I couldn’t really talk freely and preferred not to interrupt them.

His gaze lingered on my face, and his eyes lit up; a small smile wanted to form on his lips, but he still tried to keep his serious expression until he heard my answer.

“All right,” I decided and wiped away a tear of laughter.

His facial features relaxed, and his smile widened in approval.

“Did you drive?”

“No, I was riding with Amara. What about you?” He started walking, and I followed him.

“I took my car. Are you ok riding with me?”

I agreed, but Nathan suddenly paused, which made me stop too. He stretched his hand, and his expression brightened. Apparently, he was amused by my confused look.

“Let’s try this whole thing again. I’m Nathan Blake, I’m an industrial designer atVisionary Ventures.”

A confused chuckle escaped my mouth, yet I still took his hand. “I’m Bella Carter, and I work as a journalist atNova Chronicles. Nice to meet you.”

Gazing into my eyes, he slowly slipped his hand out of mine, leaving a slight tingle on my skin. Then he bent down and whispered, “Looks like you’re the highlight of my day.”

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