Chapter Eighteen
Nathan couldn’t remember the last time he’d been in such a fantastic mood. Of course, the day had gotten off to an amazing start by waking up in Julia’s bed with him spooned up against her warm, curvy little body. Since she had really wanted to go to her yoga class at six a.m., he’d restrained himself from sliding inside of her and waking her with a slow, sleepy fuck. He had dropped her off at her class, and then gone for a brisk run, returning in time to drive her back to her flat. This time he hadn’t been able to resist her, and they’d taken a hot, steamy shower together. He’d been hard as a pistol within seconds of soaping up her wet, naked flesh, and had taken her right there in the shower, her breasts pressed up against the tiled wall while he fucked her from behind. He could easily see himself starting his day off in a similarly pleasant manner from here on end.
She’d fed him coffee, juice and granola parfaits, and then he’d thoroughly enjoyed watching her get dressed. Nathan had been instantly hard again as she’d shimmied into a bra and panty set of nude lace and silk, then rolled on sheer, thigh-high stockings.
Sweat had broken out on his brow. “Jesus, baby, do you have any idea of how fucking hot you look right now? You’re like every centerfold and lingerie model rolled into one irresistible package. You’d better put that dress on quickly or you’re going to get fucked again.”
Julia had winked at him. “Promises, promises. Hmm, not sure this is the right dress, though. I think I should try on five or six others to be sure.”
He’d growled. “Put the fucking dress on now or I’m going to drill you into that wall.”
She had laughed and obediently put her dress on, though that had given him scant relief. Her dress was also nude colored, with fitted panels in front, and a low, square neckline. The fabric clung lovingly to her hips and ass, and offered a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage. He had groaned when she bent down to fasten the ankle straps of her gold metallic platform sandals, for the action had given him a tempting view of her lush breasts.
“Christ, I don’t know how I’m going to get any work done today,” he’d complained. “All I’m going to be able to think about is what’s underneath that sexy dress. And fair warning, baby – don’t you dare bend over like that in front of anyone but me. No one else gets to see those tits, understand?”
Julia had smiled at him teasingly. “My, someone has become very possessive as of late, hasn’t he?”
He’d pulled her into a tight embrace, nuzzling the side of her neck and smelling her intoxicating perfume. “I told you Friday night, baby. I’m claiming you.”
On the drive to work they had agreed to tell only a few people that they were now together – Travis, Robyn, Lauren, Angela, and Nathan’s parents. Everyone else – including Julia’s parents who didn’t even know about her past with Nathan – would find out as time went by. It was a relief to Nathan that Cameron knew the truth, but he still didn’t want to flaunt his relationship with Julia in her face. He and Cameron had quite a few mutual friends, and word of their broken engagement would certainly spread quickly. He was more than content to let her break the news first, though he suspected she was in no hurry to tell people. And he wasn’t in any hurry to deal with the fallout that was sure to occur. But if a few friends got pissed off at him and gave him the cold shoulder for breaking up with Cameron, it would still be worth it in order to have Julia in his life.
Travis’s reaction had been expected, and Nathan was grateful for his unequivocal support. Robyn, too, had beamed at the news, and he sensed his PA had never been much of a Cameron fan.
“Julia’s the loveliest, sweetest girl,” gushed Robyn. “Always so kind to me, and such a lady. Your mother absolutely adores her, you know.”
Nathan had nodded wryly. “Yes, I’m well aware. She was asking me about her just last week.”
“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but what the hell – seems like a good time to tell a few secrets, “snickered Robyn. “Your mother told me she wished Julia was the one you were engaged to instead of Cameron. Looks like she’s going to get her wish.”
Nathan had held up a hand. “Whoa. First, Travis mentions babies and now you’re talking engagement. Give us some time to just kind of hang out, get to know each other, enjoy things, hmm?”
“Fine. But if you let this one get away, you’re an idiot. And I might quit,” she threatened mockingly.
He shook his head. “Not a chance in hell of either of those things happening. But all in good time with Julia, okay?”
He’d been too busy the rest of the morning to call his parents, and the more he thought about it the more he wanted Julia with him – on speakerphone – when he told them.
Unfortunately, he’d had a lunch meeting with clients that he couldn’t re-schedule, so it was mid-afternoon before he saw Julia again. She, too, had been in a meeting and was just finishing up with her clients in the small conference room when he happened to walk by. The clients were an older couple – late fifties, perhaps early sixties – and judging by their well-groomed, well-dressed appearances, quite well-to-do.
Julia looked extremely pleased to see him and introduced her clients. “Burt – Diana – let me introduce you to the co-owner of our firm – Nathan Atwood. He heads the architectural division. Nathan – these are our clients, Burt and Diana Newton.”
Nathan shook hands with the couple. “A pleasure to meet you both. I trust your meeting with Ms. McKinnon went well?”
“Oh, goodness, yes,” gushed Diana. “What fabulous ideas she has for our place. Burt and I just moved to the city from Hillsborough, and none of our furniture really fits into our new space.”
“Downsizing,” explained Burt. “We had an eight thousand square foot mansion, but with our kids all grown up and scattered across the country it was way too big for us. We always wanted to live in the big city so now we’re in a condo on Russian Hill.”
“Well, San Francisco is an exciting place to live, and I’m happy you chose our firm to help you realize your dream. And equally happy that Ms. McKinnon has been able to give you some design ideas.” He fished a business card from his jacket pocket and handed it to Diana. “Please, if I can be of any assistance, don’t hesitate to call me.”
The Newtons exchanged a look and nodded as Diana took the card. “Thank you, Nathan,” she beamed. “Once we get settled into our new home, we might be looking to remodel a vacation home we also own near Lake Tahoe. I assume you handle that type of project?”
“Absolutely. I’d be delighted to assist you with that if and when the time comes. A pleasure to meet both of you.” Then he added to Julia, “Could you stop by my office for a moment when you’re finished? I have a small matter to discuss.”
Julia gave him a secretive little smile. “Of course. I’ll be there shortly.”
She was true to her word, hovering in the doorway of his office five minutes later. “You wanted to see me – sir?” she asked saucily.
He grinned and beckoned her in, relieved to see that Robyn wasn’t at her desk. “I did. Come in and shut the door.”
The second the door shut he was on her, sweeping her into an embrace and lifting her feet off the floor. She squealed in surprise, her hands gripping his biceps until he set her down.
“I missed you,” he murmured huskily, his lips tracing a hot path down the side of her throat. “It’s been hours since I’ve seen you. And even longer since I fucked you.”
She traced her fingers along the buttons of his shirt. “You’re insatiable, aren’t you? How many orgasms have you had in the past seventy-two hours?”
His lips trailed across her shoulder blades to the upper curves of her breasts. “Too many to count, but not nearly enough to satisfy me.” His hand slid down her back to cup the luscious curves of her butt, and held her still as he slowly ground his rapidly hardening erection against her cleft. “It’s your fault, baby. All I’ve been able to think about all day is how you look in this sexy dress, and the even sexier little bits you’ve got on underneath.”
She gave a little sound of pleasure as his thumb brushed over her nipple. “Ah, God, that feels so good.”
Nathan ran a hand up and down the side of her hip. “As gorgeous as you look in this dress, I wish like hell it wasn’t so tight. It makes it that much harder to pull up the skirt so I can fuck you.”
She nibbled on his earlobe. “I am not letting you fuck me here in your office. So inappropriate.”
“It’s okay. We have Travis’ permission.” He laughingly told her what Travis had said earlier that day.
Julia’s mouth dropped open. “That pervert. I’ll bet he’d get off on eavesdropping, too. Or even watching.”
He threaded his hands into her hair, holding her head still as he kissed her long and deep and wet. “Mmm, does that idea turn you on? Do you like the idea of other people watching you get fucked?”
She moaned as he slid a hand to her crotch and rubbed her ultra-sensitive flesh through the fabric of her dress. “Oh, God, that feels so good. But, no, I only want your eyes on me. I mean, kissing and stuff is fine in public to a degree, but I don’t really go for heavy PDA.”
He moved his hand and simply held her against him. “Good. I know some guys get off on voyeurism but I want you all to myself. I don’t even like anybody seeing these beautiful tits, much less watching me fuck you. It was driving me crazy just seeing the way that dirty old man was looking at you.”
“What?” She lifted her head from his shoulder and stared at him. “Who are you talking about?”
“Your new client. Burt. Oh, he was trying like hell to be discreet, especially since the missus was right there, but he was definitely sneaking peeks at these beauties.” He trailed a finger over the swell of her breasts.
Julia flushed. “Come on, that’s not true. I mean, he’s older than my dad, for God’s sake. That’s just – eww – ten kinds of creepy.”
“I agree. But the dude is old, not dead, and he’s still a man so therefore he’s going to admire the goods.”
She grimaced. “Great. Next time I meet them I’ll be sure to wear something less revealing.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve seen your closet. There isn’t much in there that isn’t revealing in one way or another. And as many clothes as you have, I might have to make a few additions to your wardrobe.”
“Like what?” she asked, frowning.
He gave her a playful swat on the ass. “Like some fuller skirts so it’s easier to pull them up and bare this sweet little butt.” He squeezed on round cheek. “One day soon I’m going to have you in here. Bend you over that sofa there, pull your dress up, and mount you. Fuck you until you’re raw and shaking, until you can’t walk a straight line.”
“Stop,” she pleaded. “You’re making me so horny I can’t bear it. And my panties are already soaked.”
“Really?” He grinned naughtily. “Well, I have an extra pair around here somewhere.”
Aware of her gaze on him, he pulled out the file drawer and fished around until he found the infamous pair of pink lace underwear. He twirled them around on his finger.
“These look familiar?”
Julia laughed. “I can’t believe you’ve kept them all this time. Did you used to take them out and stare at them or something?”
Nathan was suddenly serious. “Actually, yes. Not often – I used to have to fight the urge all the time. But sometimes I just couldn’t resist and I’d have to touch them. I know I sound like a total pervert, but they were the only thing I had of yours.”
“I guess it’s sort of romantic – in a pervy sort of way,” she admitted.
“So do you want them or not?”
“You mean to change into now?” She shook her head. “I kind of like the idea of having wet panties for the rest of the day. It makes the anticipation that much hotter.”
“Exactly what are you anticipating, baby?”
She paused with her hand on the doorknob. “That you’re going to eat me out, and then lick up all the juice running down my legs right now. For starters.”
He closed his eyes, his erection growing to painful, throbbing proportions. “Jesus, baby. You’re damned right that’s just for starters. I’m glad I had a big lunch. I’ve got a feeling I’ll be burning off a lot of calories tonight.”
She slipped her index finger into her mouth, sucking it before running it over her bottom lip. “You’d better have an afternoon snack, too. You’ve made me really, really horny.” She blew him a kiss. “Love you, baby.”
He sank down helplessly into his chair as she sashayed out of his office, mentally calculating how many hours it would be until he could be inside of her again.
Julia glanced around the interior of the restaurant uncertainly, before looking back at Nathan. “Are you sure we ought to be here? I know for a fact that several people from the office eat here all the time.”
‘Here’ was a bar and grill just around the corner from the office that served comfort food, but was usually frequented by their co-workers more for the drinks. It was the establishment of choice in the office for celebratory birthdays, promotions, snagging big projects, etc.
Nathan shrugged, seeming completely unconcerned with that fact. “So what? Baby, the news that we’re together is bound to get around eventually. Your boss is the worst secret keeper I’ve ever met, so I’m amazed he hasn’t told everyone in the office already.” He reached across the table and captured her hand. “Besides, I want everyone to know we’re together. I’ve had to hide my feelings for you for too long, Julia. Right now I’m about ready to shout at the top of my lungs that I’m crazy in love with you.”
She couldn’t help the warm, tingly feeling that rippled through her whole being at his earnestly spoken words. “Love you too, honey.” She took a sip of her water. “By the way, I got an email from Lauren earlier today. She said to tell you you’re welcomed, and that you still owe her a really expensive dinner.”
He grinned. “That I do. When is your terrorizing twin due back stateside?”
“In about ten days. Why do you ask?”
“Will she be hanging around awhile or heading back to her home? Where exactly does she live anyway?”
“Lauren lives in a cabin in Big Sur,” she told him. “A cabin that my father built by himself and where he was living when he met our mother. He was really just getting started as an architect, and Mom was spending her first summer after college on the coast to find inspiration for her paintings.”
“I take it she found that and more.”
Julia nodded. “Love at first sight they tell me. They were living together in that cabin before the summer was half over, and the rest is history. But they kept the cabin even after Dad built the house in Carmel, and Lauren always talked about living there someday.”
“But not you?”
She gave a small shudder. “No. I mean, its beautiful there and a great little getaway. But I always loved my visits to New York to see my grandparents and Aunt Maddy. From the time I was a little girl I always wanted to live in or at least near a big city.”
He kissed her hand. “I’ll take you back to New York one day soon. Book a room at the Plaza. And be there when you wake up the next morning.”
“I’d like that.” She caressed his cheek. “And I’d love for you to meet my aunt, too.”
“Not to mention your parents. Have you told them about me yet?”
“Yes. Not the part that we met in New York, or that you just broke off your engagement,” she added. “As far as I’m concerned, they don’t need to know any of that. All they need to know is that I’ve met the man of my dreams, and that I’m insanely in love with him.”
“Ditto. And speaking of parents, I understand my mother called you again. How many times does this make?”
Julia smiled, not the least bit annoyed that Alexis had phoned her several times over the last ten days. She and Nathan had called his parents together and told them the news. As expected, Alexis in particular had been over the moon, and had insisted on getting Julia’s phone number.
“Not really that many. This morning’s call was four times, I think. She called to officially invite me to Thanksgiving.”
“Christ, that’s over four months from now,” he replied in exasperation. “Let me know if she calls too often, okay? She can be a bit of a pest. And speaking of calling - that reminds me. Give me your phone for a minute, baby.”
Puzzled, she took her phone from her brown leather satchel and handed it to him, then watched as he started scrolling and typing. “What are you doing?”
Nathan’s mouth tightened. “I went ahead this morning and changed both my cell and home numbers. I want you to be the first to have them.”
“Why did you have to change them? Oh. Has it really gotten that bad?” she asked in concern.
Within forty eight hours of their breakup, Cameron had begun calling, texting, and emailing Nathan incessantly. At first the tone of her messages had been needy, pleading, begging him to reconcile and take her back. Then they had gradually become angry, insulting and borderline threatening. That was when Nathan had changed the locks on his condo, having neglected to get his keys back from Cameron. He’d blocked her email address and deleted her from his list of friends on Facebook. But he hadn’t been able to block her phone calls so changing his numbers had been a last resort.
“Yeah, it was getting to be a pain. Giving everyone my new numbers is also going to be a huge pain but it’ll be worth it. I’ve already told Reception to put Cameron’s calls directly to voice mail. And Travis and I have already discussed the idea of hiring a temporary security guard for the reception area if necessary.”
A shiver ran up Julia’s spine. “God, Nathan. Do you really think it’s going to get that bad?”
“I hope not. But some of her texts and emails were getting pretty nasty. And if she can’t get through to me any other way, it’s certainly a possibility that she’ll drop by unannounced and try to make a scene. Thank God she doesn’t have your contact info or knows where you live.”
Julia chewed nervously on her bottom lip. “Um, now that you mention it, I’ve had several hang-ups on my work phone lately. No real pattern to them and no voice on the other end. It may just be a coincidence.”
“Bullshit. It’s Cameron, no doubt about it. I’ll tell Reception no calls from her numbers to you, either. I’m not going to let her harass you, baby. Let me know if you get anymore of those calls.”
“Okay. But I’m sure it will all die down soon. You can’t expect her not to be angry and hurt.”
Their food arrived and Julia used the opportunity to change the subject. “Why did you ask me earlier when Lauren was due home?”
“I promised Travis that we’d get together soon with him and Anton. Just thought it might be amusing to have your sister there, too. This time hopefully she won’t be deliberately trying to piss me off.”
She giggled. “I guess she was trying to get a reaction out of you. I mean, you should have seen the look on your face when she talked about this so-called twin sandwich.”
“I’ll get her for that one someday,” he vowed darkly. “Jesus, please tell me you have never, ever considered -“
“God, no!” she exclaimed. “And in spite of Lauren’s smart mouth I really can’t see her being serious about it either. Now, there is a real possibility, however, that she’s had two guys at once. She’s, uh, pretty feisty.”
“Yeah, I hadn’t noticed,” he said sarcastically. “And just on the off chance you’ve got that on your wish list, forget it. I won’t share you with anyone.”
“Same here. Honey, you’re all the man I need, and I can barely walk most mornings after a night in bed with you. Sasha told me this morning that you’re ruining my yoga practice because my legs keep shaking in class.”
Nathan’s face flushed. “Shit. Sorry, baby. I know I need to be gentler with you. You just make me forget myself at times, and I feel like an animal. I’ll try to control myself.”
She reached across the table and grasped his hand. “Don’t you dare,” she whispered. “I love how you lose control, how fierce you are. How often you can make me come, and how hard. Sasha was just teasing me. Frankly, I think she’s a little jealous that she isn’t getting done as hard as I am.”
“Christ, Julia.” His eyes widened. “Sometimes I can’t believe some of the smut that comes out of that pretty mouth. For such a refined lady you can be a real dirty girl at times.”
She brought his hand to her mouth and sucked his index finger between her lips. “You’ve corrupted me. And I love it.”
He ran that same finger over and around her lips. “I’m going to corrupt you some more tonight. And make damned sure your legs are shaking like a leaf tomorrow morning.”
She bit down on his finger. “I’ll hold you to that vow, lover. And just to make sure your animal instincts are fully aroused, picture this – I’m wearing a leopard print bra and panties today.”
His gaze raked over her chocolate brown silk tank top and slim-fitting pencil skirt of palest taupe. “You devil,” he muttered. “You know that’s all I’ll be able to think about this afternoon. And I have a client meeting, a conference call, and some designs to work on.”
Julia forked a bit of her Cobb salad and chewed it slowly, a smile teasing at the corner of her mouth. “Just a little something to inspire you, honey. Help you make it through your busy afternoon.”
“I’ll tell you what would help get me through the afternoon,” he told her in a dangerous voice. “You on your knees in front of my chair, that dirty mouth of yours doing very dirty things.”
She grinned. “Ooh, sounds like fun. What time should I stop by?”
Nathan laughed. “As tempting as that sounds, I really do have a busy schedule today. But one day very, very soon you can stop by and surprise me.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
They were just finishing up their meal when Jake, Brent and their summer intern sauntered into the restaurant. Julia immediately avoided eye contact, but Nathan had no such qualms and waved the trio over. Much to her chagrin, he also reached over and took hold of her hand, giving her a warm smile, and an almost imperceptible shake of his head.
“Hey, look who’s here,” said Jake in greeting. “And looking very cozy, I might add. Something the two of you want to share with us?”
Julia opened her mouth to protest, but Nathan beat her to it, drawing her hand to lips.
“Absolutely,” he replied. “I’m no longer engaged which makes Julia and I officially a couple.”
Jake’s mouth fell open in surprise, and Brent just stared dumbly while the intern hung back politely. Jake recovered quickly and chuckled, patting Nathan on the back.
“You sly devil,” he laughed playfully. “I should have known you had your eye on this gorgeous thing. You’re a lucky bastard.” Jake winked at Julia. “And you’ve broken my heart, beautiful girl. But the two of you do look awfully good together.”
Brent merely shook Nathan’s hand and offered up his congratulations before the trio headed off to their table.
Julia shook her head in exasperation. “Now you’ve done it. Not only is Jake the biggest flirt in the office, he’s also the biggest gossip, ten times worse than Travis, hard as that is to believe. The entire office will know before closing time.”
Nathan grinned. “That bother you?”
“Not if it doesn’t bother you. Which apparently it doesn’t or you wouldn’t have told the town crier about it.”
“Well, let’s really give him something to talk about then,” he murmured, sliding his hand to the nape of her neck and pulling her close for a slow, open-mouthed kiss. She was panting by the time he released her, her cheeks burning and rather uncomfortably aware of all the interested stares directed their way.
“Was that too much PDA for you?” he asked teasingly.
She arched a brow at him. “I think if we keep that up we might get kicked out of here.”
“Just for kissing?”
Deliberately, she slid her hand under the table and up his thigh. “No. For the hand job I’m going to give you in about thirty seconds.”
Nathan gulped, and then quickly signaled their waiter for the check.