Temptations

28. ALL SMILES AND GIGGLES

NATHAN

It was my first day back to work after marriage and I was excited to go back. I woke up on time, did my morning routine and went straight to the gym. It was time to burn all those holiday calories because unlike Ellie whose calories apparently goes straight to her perky ass, mine goes to my belly.

Wait, why am I thinking about her ass so early in the morning?

I shook my head and stifled a yawn. Last few days were a good break from my monotonous life. Even though it couldn't be called a honeymoon exactly, it was still a nice vacation and credit goes to Ellie. Her excitement was contagious and despite all my attempts to maintain a sulky exterior, I gave in multiple times.

I spent an hour in the gym and then took a bath. When I returned to my bedroom, Ellie was still sleeping on her stomach. Her hair was sprawled all over her back and there was drool on the corner of her mouth. Her left leg was spread out in a very unladylike manner, giving me a pleasant view of her ass. Biting my lips in amusement, I picked off the blanket lying on the floor and threw it over her.

What will I do with you?

By the time I got ready, she still hadn't woken up. I left the room quietly and met my mother on the dining table.

"Where is Elizabeth?" Mom asked, looking behind me.

"She was tired so I didn't wake her up." I replied briefly. "Besides, she should take a day to recharge before joining work again."

"Ahan." Mom nodded suggestively. "It's nice seeing you take care of someone."

"You're exaggerating now." I rolled my eyes and poured coffee, pairing it with a croissant. "Didn't you say we should be on good terms?"

"I'm not complaining dear." She shrugged.

I reached the office on time and began completing the pending tasks. Jessica, my new secretary, was a thin redhead woman in her late thirties. I had gotten so used to Ellie that I still hadn't gotten the hang of working with Jessica, even though she was a pretty competent person. Ellie's snarky comments kept me on toe and now that I've someone professional as my secretary, it gets boring.

By 11 am, I was done with two major meetings and then I was left alone in the office with Drake, who was staring at me with a mocking face. I knew he was dying to tease me about my marriage.

"What's your problem?" I asked, finally giving in.

"You have the honeymoon glow." He winked.

"Shut up." I said defensively. "It wasn't a honeymoon."

"So you guys didn't even once...?"

"No." I shook my head. "Now get your head out of gutter."

"I don't believe it. You mean to say a woman was able to resist your godly charm?" He asked in surprise.

"Fuck off." I rolled my eyes.

"I must say, I'm impressed with Ellie. I'm sure you must have tried to seduce her." He said.

"I did not." I snarled. "This is purely a business deal."

"Very well. Does that mean Ellie is free to date other men?" He asked and suddenly, a vein in my head popped out. I don't know why but the thought of her dating other men made me nauseous. But I knew better than letting Drake know that otherwise he would make fun of me.

"I don't see why not." I licked my lips, trying my best to maintain my composure.

"How generous of you." He said mockingly.

We were busy in our not-so-pleasant conversation when the door opened and the woman in question walked in. And boy, she looked angry.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, leaning back in my seat.

"You couldn't wake me up and take me with you?" She said in an annoyed voice. "I'm late for my first day back."

"I thought you could use some rest." I said.

"Did you take a rest?" She asked, crossing her arms.

"Uh...." I looked at Drake who smirked on seeing me fumbling.

At the end, the idiot finally chimed in. "Good evening Ellie, I welcome you back to our company. Have a seat."

"Thanks." She sat down and crossed her legs. She was wearing a violet blouse tucked in a beige skirt, accentuating her small waist. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and some light makeup was dusted over her face. Overall, she looked great. The Maldives sun had tanned her skin and it was a good look on her.

I cleared my throat. "You'll be working with Drake from now onwards, as we discussed before marriage."

"I know. I'm looking forward to it." She smiled at Drake and I felt a weird tingling in my chest.

"Me too. And I'm sure you'll enjoy working with normal people for a change." Drake replied.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked.

"She knows what I mean." He winked at her and I groaned at both of them.

"Okay hurry up now, get your lazy asses out of my office. I have work to do." I said in an annoyed voice.

"Sure. Come on, Ellie. Let me show you my department." Drake said.

"Sure." Ellie stood up but before leaving, she angled her head and stared at me. Our eyes meet for a small moment and she smiled. Her smile was so pure and gentle that it made me smile too unknowingly. She left the room while I kept smiling at the door behind her, not realizing I looked crazy.

"Ah!" I sighed and closed my eyes.

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