“That works perfectly. How would you feel about meeting me at the county clerk’s office about nine, then?”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. Bring whatever paperwork you have, and we’ll see what we can get done.”
“Thank you so much!” I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Nate replies softly.
He wraps one arm around my waist, pulling me against him. I barely glance up at him before his mouth is on mine, his other hand tangling in my hair as he pulls me to him. I feel his tongue against my lips and open my mouth to him.
He still tastes like maple syrup, and my whole body feels like it’s vibrating. I’m keenly aware of the length of his body pressed up against mine as his hand slides a little lower, pausing just before he reaches my ass. I angle against him, wanting to encourage him to go ahead and grab it without breaking the kiss.
He pulls away far too quickly, leaving me breathless.
“You taste like syrup,” Nate says with a smile. “So sweet.”
“So do you.” I grin up at him.
He licks his mouth as he stares at me for a long moment, then releases my hair and glances down at his watch. He mashes his lips together, frowning slightly.
“I wish I didn’t have to get to work,” he says.
“Do you always work on Saturdays?”
“I work most days, if I’m to be honest. With Micha gone, it’s all kinda left to me. I need to head to Cincinnati today, and I won’t be back until late tomorrow night.”
“What’s in Cincinnati?” I ask.
“Flying pigs and chili served over spaghetti.” Nate laughs. “Really, I’m just checking out some business ventures down there. Not sure it will be worth the investment, but we’ll see.”
“More real estate?”
“Yes,” he says quickly. “Just storage though.”
“Storage?”
“Not worth getting into,” Nate says, shaking his head. “I’d bore you to death.” He leans forward and brushes his lips over mine once more. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweet Cherice. I’ll see you Monday.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Nate.”
I watch him walk down the stairs before I shut the door to my apartment. I place my fingers over my lips as I slowly walk back to the kitchen.
All thoughts of his overly simplistic explanations seem irrelevant as I revel in the excitement of making some headway in finding my birth parents. His offer made me absolutely ecstatic, and though in the back of my head, I know he’s hiding something from me, I can’t bring myself to worry about it.
I send him a quick thank you for the pancakes, but I don’t hear from him again until much later that night.
Nate O: You are very welcome, Cherice.
My heart beats faster.
How is Cincinnati?
Again, it takes a while for him to respond.
Nate O: Cold and rainy. It has me thinking about more pleasant activities.
Such as?
I bite my lip as I stare intently at the phone until his message comes through.
Nate O: A warm fire in the fireplace, a glass of good bourbon, and your company.
“Oh, wow!” I can see it in my head as well. For some reason, my imagination has Nate wearing a red smoking jacket and me in strappy black heels.
That sounds pretty good to me too
I sit for a few minutes, waiting to see the ellipsis in the app that tells me he’s typing, but nothing happens.
“He did tell you he was working. Maybe you should leave him alone.”
I place the phone on the kitchen table and grab one of the books I saw in the box with Aunt Ginny’s picture. It’s an author I haven’t read before, but the hot, half-naked guy on the cover caught my eye. I settle on the couch and start reading.
I get through the first few chapters before my phone dings again.
Nate O: Sorry. It’s been really busy here. I may not be able to respond very quickly, but please don’t let that deter you. I usually hate being tied to a phone all the time, but I’m finding myself glancing at it more and more just to see if I have a text from you. :)
I can’t help but smile.
I wish I had something more interesting to say!
Nate O: Just tell me what you’ve been doing all weekend.
I frown a little but type my response out anyway.
My extraordinary day has been filled with grocery shopping and a romance novel.
Since he said he wanted more texts, I tell him a little about the book I’m reading. I thank him for the pancakes once again as well as his willingness to help me out on Monday. At this point, it’s late in the evening. I’ve run out of interesting things to say, and he still hasn’t responded.
The next morning, I wake to find a text from Nate, surprised the phone didn’t wake me in the night.
Nate O: I know it’s late, and I hope I don’t wake you. Sounds like you are enjoying your book. I can’t remember the last time I actually read for pleasure. I’m glad you liked the pancakes. Maybe I’ll be encouraged to try cooking more often. ;) It has been a grueling day here, followed by far too many drinks. The property is more promising than I thought, so that’s good news. Should close the deal first thing tomorrow and be back tomorrow night. I likely won’t be in contact until then, but I look forward to seeing you again in person Monday morning. I know this sounds…weird…it’s probably way too soon for me to say it, but I want you to know how much I’ve enjoyed seeing you. I’m sitting here in my hotel room
