As we stepped out of the shower, we began to dry off, reality creeping back in.
“I just made you cheat—twice,” I said, the guilt creeping into my voice.
Will turned to me, his expression serious. “Natalie, I want you. But I need you to be on board with everything I come with. I want someone who’s ready for all of it, for me, my kids, everything.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What about your girlfriend?” I asked quietly.
“Blake,” he said, finally saying her name. “She seems willing to do it all. She wants the role.”
Hearing her name made my stomach flip. It felt too real now, too raw.
“Will, I’ve told you before, I can’t be a stepmom. I can’t take that on.”
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched across his face. “Then what the fuck, Natalie? You bring me here, seduce me, but you don’t want anything more?”
Tears filled my eyes. “I don’t know why I let this happen,” I said, my voice cracking. “My body and soul want you, but I don’t know how to make it work.”
He stepped closer, his hand cupping my cheek as he wiped away a tear. “I still love you, Natalie,” he said softly. “I want all of you. But if you can’t deal with my children and trying to make it work, I have someone who does.”
His words were a dagger to my heart. “I don’t know what to say, Will.”
“Call me when you figure it out,” he said, his voice heavy with disappointment.
And then he walked out the door, leaving me standing there, shattered.
CHAPTER 9
FICTION OR FATE
WILL
Icouldn’t believe it. Natalie came into my life again so fast and was gone just as quickly.
Why did I let this happen?I should have known she wasn’t going to change her mind and suddenly be ready to move in, marry me, and take on the role I so desperately wanted her to have: my wife and stepmom to my kids.
I was willing to take on her children, no hesitation. I know four kids is a lot to ask, and maybe I was a fool to think she could adjust. But she’s naturally great with kids. I see the way Bebe and James light up around her, the way Ivy can’t stop talking about “Miss Natalie.” Madison? Yeah, she’s a wild card, but I know Natalie could win her over. She’s too likable, too warm not to.
Still, here I am, sitting with the weight of what just happened between us. The way she felt today—her body, her warmth—it was everything I’d been craving. Being inside her felt like home, like coming back to a part of myself I’d lost.
And now I’ve gone and cheated on Blake. The woman who claims she wants it all—me, the kids, the messy chaos of my life. She doesn’t just say it; she shows it. But none of that seems to matter when I’m with Natalie.
Every moment with Natalie makes me feel alive. Her touch wakes me up in a way no one else can. How can I make her see that?
By the time I arrived at The City Center just after noon, I was still trying not to replay the morning in my head. Lori had called earlier, asking me to meet her in one of the vacant spots. She wanted to go over leasing plans before we brought in potential tenants.
I found her inspecting one of the storefronts, already imagining its future potential. “This space could be perfect for a boutique,” she said, her tone decisive. “I want Natalie to start designing concepts for it. She’ll know what to do.”
A few minutes later, Natalie walked in. She gave us a polite, professional hello, as if we hadn’t spent the morning devouring each other.
Lori studied her for a moment. “You look lovely,” she said. “Did you just get a facial?”
Natalie nervously patted her face. “Oh, thanks! No, it must be my new face cream.”
Or maybe it’s the multiple orgasms I just gave you.
Natalie’s eyes flicked to mine, a slight flush creeping up her neck. Did she know I was thinking it?
Lori led us through the space, outlining her vision. “Will, you’ve got a few prospects lined up, right?”
