Never Dare A Duke

Chapter 2 (Dare to kiss)

Chapter 2

Nathan brushed the imaginary dust from his crisp Armani blazer and fixed the silk tie before he walked out of the rest room. He turned to look into the mirror one last time and realized the deep circles under his eyes. He wasn’t getting enough sleep lately; and his rowdy clients weren’t helping either. 

He found comfort in thinking that once he slips the ring into Camilla’s frail hands one of his deal would be done and then he could move on to the next one. He fixed his tie one more time splashed cold water on his face and walked out the restroom with out another moments hesitation. 

“Nathan; How are you?” Uncle Larry slapped him on the back. Nathan ignored the awkward silence as he moved deeper in to the dance circle and greeted his favorite uncle. 

“Uncle Larry; how do you think a married man would be?” Nathan asked no need for an answer.

“Caged up? Miserable? Pathertic and helpless as he watches his life slip out of his own hands.” Uncle Larry said and exchanged an amused glance with Nathan who was anything but amused. Uncle Larry gave out another hearty laugh and slapped Nathan’s back again almost causing Nathan to loose his balance. “Don’t you worry big boy; you’re not married yet.” He winked luring him on to the center of the dance floor. 

“I might as well accept it sooner than later” Nathan said watching as the grand chocolate cake entered the room. He grinned as he watched Candice come after it with a candle in her mouth while a bag of jelly raspberries were in her hands. 

“She’s a pretty lady.” Uncle Larry noted and nudged Nathan. 

“She’s the cook.” Nathan retorted looking for his father. Uncle Larry was his favorite but not really the sensible man he needed right now. His brothers were no where in sight and nor was his father. 

“I don’t see why that is a problem. In my days we danced with fifty ladies before we even thought about walking down the aisle; hell we bedded over half of them In the process.” Nathan grimaced causing lines over his almost perfect features.

“Uncle Larry I have no interest in your sex life.” Nathan said not wanting to continue the conversation.

“I took interest in your didn’t I? I knew the name of every single girl you took out and where. Wasn’t I the one who saved your behind by diverting that lass name Emily so she wouldn’t catch you with Amanda? To think this is the thanks I get” He huffed.

“Listing pick up lines for an whole hour couldn’t really be all that difficult; although I don’t think I can speak for Emily.” Nathan chuckled and looked up to the only man who made him laugh with out an actual reason. “Thank you Uncle Larry. I appreciate that”

“I know- I just don’t get why you suddenly became a one woman man.” he said as if he was disappointed and knowing Uncle Larry he probably was. Nathan cleared his throat as he watched as his parents walked down the grand stairs hand in hand. 

“I’ve grown up; that was the past and now I have to take up responsibilities for my action. If it means living up to the family name and living a life with a half witted bimbo then so be it. I think it‘s about time you grew up too” Nathan sighed and plastered a smile as his parents walked towards them.

“You were responsible before; now you’re just down right annoying.” Uncle Larry said moving along before his sister could reach him. “Tell Eva I said good evening.” 

Nathan took his mothers hand and brought her out towards the center floor. Her eyes lit up as she watched her son bow down. 

“My you’re so grown up.” his mother took pride in the smallest of achievements. She would glow if Brad landed another case; or Elliot learned how to hot wire a car; but their father was more harder to please.