Chapter 75

Nathan seemed like he was holding back, trying to keep his feelings in check. It was clear he wanted to make a move.

I wasn’t dumb. He never hid that he liked me. He probably thought this was a good chance, but since I was married, he didn’t want to make things awkward for me. And he didn’t want to lose his gentleman’s reputation.

I waited for two seconds and saw that the elevator was almost there. Turns out, he was even more shy than I was. My mind was flooded with sad memories from my previous life. I knew I was about to mess up tonight.

Nathan was like a loyal, well-behaved dog waiting for me to kiss him. I couldn’t let my dog feel disappointed or sad.

Just as I was about to lean in, the elevator dinged and stopped. The doors opened, and a man carrying a child stepped out.

I quickly pushed Nathan aside and moved to the other side. Nathan steadied himself with his hand. The elevator light hit his face, and I saw the hurt and disappointment there.

“Sorry, are you okay?” I panicked earlier because I didn’t expect anyone in the elevator, so I pushed him away.

“I’m not okay.” Nathan looked hurt. His handsome face was flushed. He closed his eyes and leaned against the elevator wall. “Sorry,” he said.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said with a fake smile.

The elevator was quiet. I thought that was the end of it, but then six or seven people rushed in on the 13th floor. I froze at first. Then a big hand grabbed my arm and pulled me in front of Nathan.

“Move closer,” someone said outside.

Everyone stepped back, and I ended up standing close to Nathan. The smell of his Dylan Blue cologne was stronger. Maybe because I was dressed a little more flirty, two men who got on purposely squeezed toward me.

Luckily, Nathan turned and blocked me in the corner of the elevator, keeping anyone from pressing against me. Instead, he was almost pressing against me.

Standing that close, I noticed he was tall, at least 6’2”. Jared was tall, too, but only 6 feet. The elevator went down. I felt the man above me breathing heavier. I felt embarrassed. I blinked slowly and put my hands between us by instinct.

It took a few seconds to get to the first floor. Once everyone left, the elevator was empty. “Let’s go.” I gently nudged Nathan. He snapped out of it, hid the longing look in his eyes, and stepped aside so I could get out first.

Once outside, I said quickly, “I’m leaving. See you.” The night air was thick and warm. Summer was on its way. That meant Yvonne’s summer break was coming too.

In past years, Jared would arrange for someone to take us on trips abroad. Sometimes we stayed inside the country. Either way, Jared never neglected his daughter. I was always on standby as the nanny, packing and getting everything ready.

This summer, I decided to let Jared take the kids. He could take Yvonne wherever he wanted. I wasn’t going to go anymore.

Maybe if I didn’t go, they would have more fun. Tracy would be with them all the time. She could charm Yvonne during the day and keep Jared happy at night.