Temptation

11.

DAMIEN'S POINT OF VIEW

"Mr.Price, Mr.Goodwin is here to see you." I glanced up from my paperwork to look at the security monitor. Pressing the reply button on the comms I said "I'll be right down. Let him in." Clearing my throat I rose from my seat adjusting my suit before heading down stairs. 'What could Nate be here for? I doubt Natalie was honest with him about anything that had went on between us. Anyways that was the past. It must of been important for him to come see me during the day.' Nate was standing by the front door when I walked up. "Nate, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I smiled taking his hand in mine for a firm hand shake. "You're normally never out of bed before noon." I joked. His grin told me he was happy. Most likely from last nights festivities with Natalie. "Yeah, I guess that's what happens when you go to bed early." He chuckled. "Did you go to bed or were you put to bed?" I smirked. Nate chuckled nervously and scratched his neck. 'Did he not sleep with Natalie? Why was he so nervous?' When I had just seen Natalie she couldn't even look me in the eye. Which meant something must of happened between them last night. Otherwise why else would she avoid my gaze so heavily in the kitchen? Even so it wasn't like Nate not to charm the pants off of his dates on the first night. Serious or not. Nate cleared his throat and murmured "We didn't sleep together." I barely heard it. "Huh?" I said instinctively. "We uh... we didn't... get that far last night." He replied. My face couldn't hide the disbelief. I didn't know whether to be happy or... no I definitely was happy. She didn't let Nate hit? I thought for sure he had her wrapped around his finger. Especially the way they were all over each other in the restaurant. I couldn't let Nate see the satisfaction that I felt. "You Nate Goodwin, didn't get to second base? I didn't think it was possible." These were the kinds of things we grilled each other about when we were bachelors. But since getting married to Sarah there wasn't much that we could joke about.

"Yeah...she's different. I actually really like her." I could tell he was being sincere. His demeanor had changed. Like the mere thought of Natalie lifted his spirits. That satisfying feeling was slowly starting to dwindle. I didn't want to question him further, but I had to know if he and Natalie really liked each other. The feelings I felt for Natalie were real I couldn't deny that anymore. The slight mention of her name peaked my interest. It was hard to focus when she was in the room. Her beautiful green eyes could leave you mesmerized. She had a fiery spirit. Determined to get her way by any means. 'Mmm, Natalie.'  If there was one thing Nate and I could agree on it was that Natalie was different. Otherwise how could she have two of San Antonio's  Millionaires on her trail with barely any effort? "Could she be the one?" I teased but really  wanted to know if Nate was serious. The thought of them together was infuriating. But what could I do? Nate was in a better position than I was. He had no prior obligations. 'No Sarah in his way.' I loved Nate like my own brother, if he was serious about Natalie...I wouldn't stand in his way. No matter how much I wanted her myself.

"Given time, I think so." Nate's response snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked him dead in the eyes. He was firm in his response.  I nodded not wanting to say anything that could give away how I truly felt. Torn. "How can I help?" I finally said after a moment. His eyes beamed with excitement. "I need your ballroom for a lunch date." I stared at him confused. "And you couldn't do this at your house because?" "I wouldn't bring her back if I took her to my house." A grin danced on the edge of his lips. I sighed shaking my head. "Corrupting one of my finest employees is just selfish." We both laughed uncontrollably. "Consider it done." I said when I finally caught my breath. I went to grab the walkie clipped on my hip. "Larissa can you go ahead and set up the ballroom for a small picnic please." 'Yes sir I'll get that situated right way.' "Thank you." I clipped the walkie back on to my belt and looked at Nate. "Bring her back on time, and nothing too messy or else she'll be the one cleaning it." I warned. He rolled his eyes playfully. "You're no fun at all." His head turned slightly as he saw Natalie coming down the stairs. "Thanks again man, you're the best." He said patting my shoulder than walking towards her. I watched them for a moment. Before he covered her completely I glanced at her face. Her eye were slightly puffy, nose a little pink but she smiled once she reached Nate. He wrapped his arms around her and she completely vanished into him.