Page 92 of For the Love of Art

He did immediately, taking a step back in the process.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

I wanted to be mad, and I guess I was. He looked genuinely confused, and considering he’s only ever done one night stands, it made sense.

“Nathan, you can’t fuck this problem away.”

“What problem?”

My shoulders dropped, and I suddenly felt exhausted.

“If you really want to ‘stop and smell the roses’ with me, there can’t be other women.”

Realization washed over Nathan’s face. “Gloria.”

I nodded.

Nathan ran his fingers through his hair, and I held back a smile at how cute he looked, with his hair slightly disheveled.

“She’s just a friend.”

“A friend who you have late night champagne with? A friend who straightens your tie?”

“Is that so hard to believe?”

Yes.

I dug my teeth into my lower lip, not wanting to answer.

“Okay. No, Gloria.”

“Just like that?”

I was surprised he so easily agreed.

“And also, no trying to dismiss my feelings with sex.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry, baby. She showed up, and I didn’t have a chance to really talk about–” He stopped, his throat working as he looked at me. “There’s been no one.”

I remembered our conversation before our furious kitchen sex. “You told me.”

“Do you believe me?”

“Yes.”

Nathan’s eyes widened as if surprised at how fast I answered the question. I didn’t need to think about it, though. He’d shown many times his level of interest. While consciously, I tried to ignore it or make excuses for it, subconsciously, I just knew.

Nathan reached out and gripped my arms, rubbing up and down. “I so desperately want to be the man you deserve.” I tilted my chin up, inviting him to kiss me. He does, our lips softly and sweetly moving together. With his forehead against mine, he continued, “You are the only one I want in this office.”

I hummed as he enveloped me in a hug.

I wanted to let go of this moment- of every moment I’d seen him with Gloria. Unfortunately, the thought of them together in any capacity ignited something dark in me. Memories of all the times I let Don make excuses for spending time with Marissa flooded my mind, and I felt sick. I clung to Nathan tighter because the thought of him with Gloria made me feel worse than finding out the truth about Don.

“Only you, baby.” Nathan kissed the top of my head, and I slowly relaxed.

Nathan’s phone rang, and we both sighed.

“Maybe we can try the office sex later?” I mumbled against his chest before he let go to pull his phone out.