Temptations

53. AT CROSSROADS

ELLIE

Currently, there was a meeting going on between Nathan and Drake and I was there to take notes. Being in Nathan's office wasn't easy, considering what happened last night right here. We were this close to having sex and we had crossed a lot of limits and broke a lot of rules of our marriage.

And the alcohol couldn't be blamed as I know very well I wasn't fully drunk. I knew what was going on yet I gave in and let it happen. Thankfully, the lights knocked some sense into me or I would have been regretting everything right now.

Ever since the morning, Nathan had been passing me weird glances, as if waiting for me to say something about last night. What did he want to hear? I want to forget anything related to last night and never talk about it again in front of anyone.

"Ell," Drake called my name and I lifted my head, realizing I had zoned out in between work. I apologized and continued taking notes.

"So when should we visit the site?" Drake asked.

"Jessica, is my schedule free after lunch?" Nathan asked his secretary and she nodded.

"You are free from 3 to 5." She said. It reminded me of the times when I used to be Nathan's secretary. Those were good days, far better than these days as his wife. I could say anything to him without having to worry about upsetting him as I simply didn't care back then. But things have changed now. I have started to care a little too much about Nathan and it was messing me up.

"Very well. Be ready at 3." He said, his eyes switching between Drake and me.

The meeting had finally ended and Drake walked out. I was about to walk out when Nathan called my name, stopping me in tracks.

"You didn't have breakfast today. Shall I order coffee and a sandwich?" He said and my eyes widened. Was I hearing right? Was Nathan being nice and all?

"I'll… um…" I looked at my wrist watch and it was 11 in the morning. I was hungry but I didn't want to be in Nathan's presence right now. "I can't. I have work."

"Sure." He said, nodding. If he was hurt, he did a good job at hiding his emotions.

I nodded and walked out of his office. I know it was rude of me to decline his polite offer but I knew if I had stayed, I would have said something wrong.

"Hey?" Drake said and I just realized he was waiting for me in the corridor. "You don't look well today."

"I'm fine." I said and followed him to the elevator.

Once we were alone inside the elevator, he dropped the serious look in his face and stepped closer to me. "What's wrong?" He asked, bringing his hands to my hair. He tucked a free lock behind my ears and then cupped my cheeks.

Somehow, Drake's touch felt wrong. It felt like I was cheating on Nathan although I wasn't. There was nothing between Nathan and me except a piece of contract.

"Nothing. I think I'm just tired." I said, passing him a smile.

He caressed my cheeks and once again, it felt wrong. I wanted to push him away but I didn't want to look rude. Besides, I had decided to give Drake a chance then why was I hesitant?

Thankfully, the elevator door opened and Drake pulled away, creating some distance between us. I took a deep breath and moved to the farthest corner of the elevator.

******

At exactly 3, all four of us had gathered in the parking lot but there was just one teeny tiny problem. I was standing between both cars and both Nathan and Drake were staring at me, waiting for me to sit in their respective cars.