The elevator dings open.
I whip my head around just in time to watch Nathan step out. I jump from my seat, ignoring the frisson of attraction at the handsome sight of his profile. His lean yet powerful body is testing the confines of the dark blue pinstripe suit he’s wearing.He swaggers past the executives who pause to admire him like I involuntarily am, paying them no mind.
A gut feeling screams that it’s the only reason I’m able to sneak up on him.
“You’re avoiding me,” I accuse from behind, when it’s just us in the hallway to his office.
He twists around so fast without warning that I smack right into his brick-like chest.
The impact sends me flying backward. One hand locks around my elbow, the other curves around my waist, hauling me against him and saving me from falling on my ass. My gasp gets swallowed up in the tight space between us.
I peer up at him, becoming transfixed by the intensity on his face.
Instead of letting me go, he arches one arrogant eyebrow. In a deep whiskey voice, he drawls, “Resorted to stalking me?”
“I’d prefer chasing,” I huff in annoyance. “Since you left me no other option.”
“Your tone a second ago was more of a wounded lover.”
“As if I’ll ever let you in my body again after last time.”
“Why?” His other hand joins the one on my waist, molding to my flesh tightly. “Have you let another man in?”
It takes my distracted brain from his touch a second for his question to sink in. Pushing away from his embrace, I narrow my gaze. “It’s none of your business, Nathan.”
“Fair enough.” Amusement mixes with the curiosity shining on his face. He shifts, causing his suit jacket to part and reveal a dark and damp stain in the center of his lower abs.
“What happened?” I ask, frowning.
“Someone decided to spill their morning coffee on me.”
“You sure?” I taunt sweetly. “Maybe they were throwing it at you.”
“I’m beginning to think you mouthing off to clients isn’t a one-time thing.” Turning around as abruptly as he had faced me, he resumes walking. “Why are you here, Arya? Being ambushed isn’t a trait I fancy in anyone, especially people I work with.”
I take a calming breath and bite my tongue from cursing at him.
Why am I letting him get to me so much? He’s just another haughty client.
“I wanted to go over my plan with you to manage the crisis. I understand you’re a busy person, but-
“Then make an appointment through my assistant,” he shoots back. “I believe I’ve given you her number and email.”
“I’ve tried, but she keeps roadblocking me for some reason.”
“Not everyone has a nefarious motive. I have important meetings scheduled months prior that take priority over you.”
We round the corner, coming face to face with the said assistant. She looks up from her desk, eyes sparkling as they fix on her boss. As soon as she notices me trailing after him, she squints her gaze to recognize me. We’ve only talked over the phone, so she has no clue what I look like.
Rising from her perch, she scampers to meet us halfway. Is it me or is her blouse too tight to be appropriate for the office? Upon closer inspection, I notice the top three buttons are also undone.
I’m too busy examining Erika that I miss that Nathan has stopped and walk right into his broad back. The tip of my nose stings, turning red as he slowly turns, regarding me with disbelief.
Not my fault…I convey with my expression.
Shaking his head, he brings me to his side with a hand on the small of my back. As he does, in a low voice meant only forme, he taunts, “If you drive half as bad you walk, I’m seriously worried about the population of our city.”
Before I can retort, Erika chirps, “Mr. Singhania, is there a problem? I don’t believe you have time for an impromptu meet with…”
