CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“H-hi,” Kerry stuttered, blinking away her tears rapidly. Her eyes moved from his handsome face down his long, broad body. All she wanted to do was throw her arms around him and hold on to him forever.
Nathan was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. Kerry stared at the logo on the front of his t-shirt and realized that it was the same t-shirt that she had worn last night.
His dark hair was slightly damp from his shower and he looked fresh and clean shaven. His casual attire and impish smile made him look relaxed and carefree but still he exuded raw sex appeal and animal magnetism.
Kerry gripped the edge of the door for support. She could no longer deny how much she wanted him and missed him. She didn't think it was possible to miss a person so much in such a short time.
It was just a few hours since she left his bed, his apartment, and already her body and heart ached for him.
What happened between them last night wasn't just sex. Nathan had made love to her, and the memory was forever seared in her mind and her soul. Deep in her heart, Kerry knew that she could never ever be with another man after being with Nathan. He had branded her with his touch and his body. She belonged to him. And she wanted only him.
But she didn't dare to hope for anything more. Nathan Chase was a perfect gentleman, and he had treated her right. But they both knew that it was just a fantasy for one night.
They were from very different worlds. And it was unlikely that their paths would ever cross again.
Yet here he was. Standing in her doorway, right in front of her. If she reached out, she could touch him and make sure that he was real and not an illusion…
Nathan's smile widened as he held up a box. “I brought muffins. And flowers.” His hand swept out from behind his back to reveal a beautiful bouquet.
Kerry gasped and took the bouquet with trembling hands. “Oh...t-thank you. Thank you, Nathan,” she stammered. Her fingers brushed against his as she took the flowers, and her heart skipped and pounded harder. She wasn't dreaming. This was real. Nathan was really here, with her, in her humble little apartment.
“Kerry, who's there?” Tia called out as she came out of the kitchen.
Kerry turned around quickly. “Oh, it's...”
Tia's eyes rounded when she saw Nathan at the door. She stared at Nathan for a moment before her eyes darted to the humongous bouquet in Kerry's hand.
“Hello, you must be Tia,” Nathan said smoothly.
“And you must be Kerry's date, from last night,” Tia said with a slow smile.
“Yes. I'm Nathan Chase.”
Tia took his hand and shook it vigorously. She nudged Kerry and shot her a look. “Aren't you going to invite him in?” she whispered.
Kerry started. She had completely forgotten her manners. “Please, come in.” She held the door open and waved Nathan into their small rented apartment.
Tia opened the box of muffins and swooned. “Chocolate, banana, blueberry...” She grinned adoringly at Nathan. “They're all my favorite flavors!”
Kerry went to pour Nathan a cup of coffee as Tia chatted with Nathan in the living room. She could feel Nathan's eyes following her and her entire body tingled. It felt like he was caressing her with his eyes.
Nathan's hand lingered over hers as he took the mug of coffee from her. Kerry sucked in a breath at the electrifying sensation and her body burned with desire at his touch. The flare of his nostrils and the heat in his eyes told Kerry that he was fully aware of his effect on her.
Kerry sat on her hands so no one would see how badly they were shaking. No man had ever affected her like this before. She seemed to be exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. Were Nathan's kisses so addicting? Did she crave his touch so much?
The answer was yes.
Yes, yes and yes!