“I’m glad we did this,” he said. “I had a wonderful day with you.”
“So did I,” I replied, getting lost in his golden-brown eyes.
“Can I see you again soon? Maybe after my business trip to Vancouver?”
“Yes, I’d like that very much.”
“Good. Well, then, I guess this is goodbye for now.” He spoke as if the conversation was over, but he didn’t move an inch.
“Yes, I guess so,” I said, biting my lip.
Nathaniel’s eyes darted to my mouth, then he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine, tenderly, softly. Intimate and romantic. Most of our kisses up to now had been fevered, in the heat of the moment, urgent and full of lust.
But this felt different.
I melted into him, my hands coming to rest on his shoulders as he cradled my cheeks with his palms. Our kiss deepened, but there was no rush. Even though our day together was over, it felt like we had all the time in the world.
When we finally pulled away, it felt like something had changed between us; something wholesome and pure that had been growing along with our explosive sexual chemistry.
I walked around the block to my building knowing he was keeping an eye on me, then climbed the steps up to my apartment with my head–and my heart–full of Nathaniel.
Chapter 12
Nathaniel
“United Airlines Flight 752 is delayed forty-five minutes. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience, and we want to thank you for flying with United.”
The voice over the intercom came just as I was settling into a comfortable leather chair, fishing for my laptop as I passed the time in the United Club lounge at San Diego International, waiting for my flight to leave for Vancouver, Canada.
I was headed to a meeting with one of my most demanding, exacting clients–the CEO of a wealth management firm from New York. She wanted to purchase a massive property in North Vancouver, one of the most expensive real estate markets in all of Canada, and she always had a very specific vision for her real estate acquisitions.
I had done plenty of research, and over the next few days I would be showing my client several properties, but there was one home I had a feeling would be perfect for her–a sixteen-million-dollar waterfront estate with its own boat slip, a tennis court and a master bathroom larger than most hotel spas, all finished with top of the line materials and high-end details. Closing this deal would be a decent payday for me, and another luxury property sale to feature on my portfolio, which would attract even more high net-worth clients.
While I was waiting for my flight in the lounge, I figured I might as well get some work done on the computer. So I opened my laptop and sipped on an afternoon espresso while my phone charged next to me.
Once I was ready to pack up and head to the gate, a text came through from Amelia.
Have a safe journey and a successful close,it read, with the addition of a little red heart emoji.
I smiled ear to ear. This was a completely new experience for me. I had dated women in the past, but not for a long time now, and never someone as special as Amelia. For so many years, I had been preoccupied with work.
After I lost my parents and David helped me as I began focusing on building a real estate career, I dove headlong into my work, burying myself in it. My job became my wife, my hobby, my passion, my everything. Aside from my early morning habit of surfing, I was thinking of sales and deals, 24/7.
Now, I was spending most of my time thinking about David’s daughter.
I texted her back, telling her I wanted to see her as soon as I got back to San Diego on Sunday.
My heart skipped at her answer. She replied with a picture of herself. I had gathered that she got off work early, and I expected her to still be wearing her scrubs–but I couldn’t be happier to be wrong.
Wearing a pretty, bright white bra with merely a peek of lace, plus matching panties and a tiny gold heart necklace, Amelia posed for me, lips puckered a little, sitting on the edge of her bed.
The message read:I’ll be waiting for you, Nathaniel. Just like this.
– – –
The plane landed at YVR only twenty minutes late, despite the delay in departure. I had been through Vancouver Airport dozens of times, and always traveled with a carry-on, so I deplaned like a pro and navigated through the airport swiftly to find my pre-booked luxury car service awaiting me right as I exited the terminal.
Before long, I was checking into my hotel, the Fairmont Pacific Rim.