Page 91 of For the Love of Art

CHAPTER

SIXTEEN

Ilooked between Nathan’s shocked expression and Gloria’s bright smile.

What the actual fuck?

Her hands were on his tie like she was tightening it, maybe? It didn’t matter. The image made me feel nauseous.

“I–” My mouth was dry, and words evaded me. “I was coming to say thank you for–” I swallowed. I couldn’t stop staring at where the two were connected.

Gloria chuckled breathily before letting go of the tie and pressing her hands to Nathan’s chest. Nathan, at least, was smart enough to move her hands so they were at her side.

“This isn’t what it looks like. I didn’t invite her.”

“Not exactly pushing her away either,” I said sharply.

Gloria took a step toward me. “It’s true. I did just show up and–”

“Stop.” I held my hand up to her.

I hated her siren voice. It was high-pitched and yet still somehow soft. She was femininity personified in her baby pink silk knot wrap dress, likely designer, and bright white stilettos. I felt like… I felt like… well, I felt like who I was– a poor New York woman on the verge of divorce who had no right to be with Nathan Manning. Even worse, I could see how perfect he and Gloria looked together.

I let out a shuddering breath. “I’ll leave. I have work to–”

“No, I’ll leave.” Gloria grabbed her clutch off Nathan’s desk. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

Nathan nodded.

She offered Nathan a small smile and then came toward the door. She stopped and whispered, “He’s a good guy.” Then she left, her rose perfume trailing behind her.

Silence hung between Nathan and me. I looked around his office, unable to meet his eye.

“I should get to work,” I said quietly.

Nathan moved closer and placed a hand on my arm. “Don’t leave like this.”

“I don’t know how to stay.”

Nathan pressed his lips to my ear. His breath against my ear caused a shiver to run up my spine.

“I can think of something to make you stay.”

His fingers danced along the hem of my skirt, and I instantly felt wet. My chest heaved up and down as his fingers ran up my inner thigh then cupped my sex. I breathed out in a pleasured moan.

“Yes, baby,” Nathan cooed into my ear. “Make those noises I love.”

I didn’t need encouragement as his fingers slipped into the side of my panties, and his finger slowly circled my clit.

My hands moved involuntarily, finding his erection and cupping it.

He growled. “Do you feel what you do to my cock?”

Did I do that or…?

The thought brought me back to my senses,

“Wait,” I said. “Stop!”