Page 55 of Bossy Wicked Prince
Even when I’m not thinking about him, I hear his name constantly. It’s not just in the UPS office. Everyone at the shelter raves about what his donations have meant. Seriously, I think Minnie’s about ready to build him a shrine.
Now that Nate’s funding the shelter, I don’t have to donate every spare penny. It’s time for me to put away some money for myself. If I plan well, maybe I could even take the trip to Paris I’ve always dreamed about sometime in the next year.
I run my fingers along the side of my Eiffel Tower figurine. It would be even more fun to take Pippa with me. Maybe I could even buy her plane tickets for her. Even though Pippa’s mom married rich, she made it very clear to Pippa that she shouldn’t expect any of that money. I don’t know if Pippa’s stepdad is a jerk, or if her mom is just protective. Either way, Pippa’s savings account isn’t much larger than mine is.
Impulsively, I google flight prices to Paris for two. My eyes bug out when I see the prices.Seriously, who can afford that?
Nate’s office door opens suddenly, and the man himself strides out. I guess he must have come back in while I was making copies earlier. His tie’s missing and the top button of his ivory shirt is undone, but otherwise, he’s perfectly pressed andpolished, just like always. Every step is long and sure—a man completely confident in himself and his place in the world.
Until his eyes meet mine. He falters, stopping himself suddenly and stumbling back a foot. It’s so surprisingly human that I can’t help but give him the smallest smile.
And just like that, we’re done ignoring each other.
“I thought you left ages ago,” he says.
“I stayed to finish your conference schedule for the next quarter. It took a little longer than I’d planned.”
“You didn’t need to do that.”
I shrug. He crosses his arms, and I can’t help but notice how his biceps strain the fabric of his blazer. I should have felt his arms when I had the chance. If I close my eyes, I can still remember how it felt at the hotel, his arms wrapped around me while he pulled up the hem of my skirt and?—
I bite down on my lower lip, hard. I can’t let myself drift into those fantasies at work, with Nate right in front of me.
Normal. Say something normal.
“You’re staying late, too.” I’m trying for polite, interested, with no hint that I want to climb him like a tree. I hope it’s working.
Nate’s eyes flash with amusement. “I own the company. It makes more sense for me to stay all night. Besides, there’s a lot to do to prepare for the Edmonton Security acquisition.”
“Who are they again?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. I just want to hear him talk for a little longer.
“A mid-size security firm specializing in commercial spaces. I’ve had my eye on them for a while, but the owner was reluctant to sell.”
“He had to give in eventually. Nate Walsh always gets what he wants, right?”
My tone is joking, but his expression turns dark. He looks almost angry.
“No,” he rasps. “Not even close.”
Before I can ask what he means, my stomach growls.Loudly.
“Was that you?” he asks, surprised.
“I guess I’m a little hungry.”
My traitorous stomach growlsagain, correcting:I’m very hungry. Nate’s mouth hardens into a scowl.
“When was the last time you ate?” he demands.
“I grabbed a banana at lunch, I think.”
“Youthink?” His scowl deepens. “That’s it. I’m ordering dinner.”
“You don’t have to do that?—”
“Yes, I do. It’s UPS policy. Anytime an employee stays late for work, we reimburse them for meals.” He opens his phone, presumably scrolling to a restaurant app. “Just tell me what you’re in the mood for.”
My mouth opens to answer, but nothing comes out. My brain just goes completely blank.
