02

Nathan reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. “Don’t lie to me, Emma,” he murmured. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re curious. You want to know what it would be like.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “What what would be like?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

He leaned in, his lips hovering just inches from hers. “This,” he said, his voice a low, seductive whisper. And then his lips were on hers, soft at first, tentative, but quickly deepening into something more. Emma’s mind went blank, her body responding instinctively. She kissed him back, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. His arms wrapped around her, his hands splayed across her back, holding her tightly.

The kiss was electric, a rush of heat and desire that left her dizzy. Nathan’s tongue teased at her lips, and she opened for him, a soft moan escaping her throat as their tongues tangled together. His hands slid lower, cupping her ass, pulling her body flush against his. She could feel the hard length of him pressing against her, and it sent a jolt of desire straight to her core.

Suddenly, Nathan broke the kiss, leaving Emma breathless and wanting. He stepped back, his eyes dark with desire. “You’re not ready,” he said, his voice rough. “Not yet.”

Emma stared at him, her chest heaving. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded, her voice trembling with frustration and need.

Nathan smiled, a slow, knowing smile. “It means I’m not done with you, Emma Stone,” he said. “Not by a long shot.”

And before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, her body still tingling from his touch. She watched him go, her mind racing. What had just happened? What did he want from her? And most importantly, what did she want from him?

Emma stood in Nathan’s office, her heart still pounding from the intensity of their kiss. Her fingers instinctively reached up to touch her lips, still tingling from the memory of his. The room felt too large, too empty without his presence, and yet she could still feel the weight of his gaze lingering on her skin. She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, replaying the moment in her mind, before the soft click of the door opening snapped her back to reality.

James stepped into the room, his tailored suit accentuating his athletic build. His sharp, observant eyes immediately took in her flushed cheeks and the way she quickly dropped her hand from her mouth. A small, knowing smile played on his lips.

“Ms. Stone,” he greeted, his voice smooth and composed. “Mr. Blackwood asked me to ensure you found your way out safely. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to stay a little longer.”

Emma blinked, caught off guard by the subtle challenge in his tone. “I… I was just leaving,” she stammered, though her feet seemed rooted to the spot.

James tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving hers. “Of course. But if you’re not in a rush, perhaps you’d like a drink before you go? Mr. Blackwood’s office is fully stocked.”

She hesitated, her mind racing. Was this another test? Another game? Or was James simply being polite? Either way, the thought of leaving now, of facing the outside world after what had just happened, felt impossible. She nodded slowly. “A drink sounds… nice.”

James’ smile widened, and he moved toward the sleek bar tucked into the corner of the room. “Excellent choice. What’s your poison?”

“Wine, if you have it,” Emma replied, her voice steadier now. She watched as he poured a glass of deep red wine, his movements precise and deliberate. He handed her the glass, his fingers brushing against hers just long enough to send a shiver up her spine.

“To unexpected encounters,” he said, raising an imaginary glass in her direction.

Emma took a sip, the rich flavor warming her from the inside out. “Thank you, James. You’ve been… very kind.”

He leaned against the bar, his posture relaxed but his eyes still sharp. “It’s my pleasure, Ms. Stone. Though I must admit, I’m curious. What exactly brings you here today? It’s not often Mr. Blackwood keeps guests in his office for so long.”

She felt her cheeks heat up again, and she looked down at her wine glass. “It’s… complicated.”

“Ah,” James said, his tone teasing. “Complicated. My favorite word.”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh, the sound light and unexpected. “I’m sure it is. You seem like the type who enjoys a challenge.”

“Guilty as charged,” he admitted, his grin widening. “But there’s something about you, Ms. Stone, that feels… different. Intriguing. I can see why Mr. Blackwood is so captivated.”

Her breath caught at his words, and she looked up to meet his gaze. There was something in his eyes—something that mirrored the intensity she’d seen in Nathan’s. Was it curiosity? Desire? She couldn’t quite tell.

“I don’t know what you mean,” she said softly, though her heart was racing.

James took a step closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “I think you do. You’re not just another pretty face passing through. There’s a fire in you, Emma. A hunger. And it’s impossible to ignore.”

Her pulse quickened as he closed the distance between them, his presence overwhelming in the best possible way. She could smell the faint scent of his cologne—something expensive and intoxicating—and she found herself leaning in ever so slightly.

“James…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He reached up, his fingers brushing a strand of her brown hair away from her face. “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmured. “But if you’re looking for something more… something beyond what Mr. Blackwood can offer… I’m here.”

The air between them crackled with tension, and for a moment, Emma forgot how to breathe. Was this really happening? Was she really standing there, caught between two men who seemed to bring out a side of her she barely recognized?

Before she could respond, James leaned in, his lips hovering just inches from hers. “Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.

But she couldn’t. She didn’t want to. Instead, she closed the distance, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was both soft and demanding. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as the wine glass slipped from her fingers, forgotten.

The kiss deepened, their bodies pressed together in a way that made Emma’s head spin. She could feel the hard planes of his chest against hers, the way his fingers tightened on her hips, pulling her even closer. It was intoxicating, overwhelming, and yet she couldn’t get enough.

James broke the kiss first, his breathing ragged as he rested his forehead against hers. “You’re going to be the death of me, Emma Stone,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

She couldn’t help but smile, her own breath coming in short gasps. “I think you started it,” she teased, her voice husky.

He chuckled, the sound low and intimate. “Maybe. But I’m not the one who’s going to end it.”

Emma’s eyes widened at his words, her mind racing with possibilities. What did he mean? What was he offering? And more importantly, what did she want?

Before she could ask, James stepped back, his hands lingering on her hips for a moment longer before he let go. “You should go,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “Before I do something we’ll both regret.”

She nodded, her body still humming from the intensity of their kiss. “James…” she began, but he shook his head, silencing her with a look.

“Go,” he repeated. “But know this, Emma. You’re not alone in this. Whatever you’re looking for… whatever you need… you don’t have to do it alone.”

Her heart swelled at his words, and she reached up to brush her fingers against his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm before letting go. “Anytime, Ms. Stone. Anytime.”

Emma turned to leave, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. As she reached the door, she glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes meeting his. “I’ll see you around, James,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.

He smiled, that same knowing smile that made her stomach flip. “Count on it, Emma.”