Illusions: A prequel novella to Mirage Read Online Free PDF Page A

though it’s Saturday. Even I take the weekends off if I can manage it. I paired a white embroidered button-down shirt with slim fitting beige slacks and matching strappy high heel sandals. A jacket and nude bag tie the look together, and I’ve pulled my brown locks back in a tight ponytail.
    When I enter the coffee shop, I spot Nathan almost instantly. He’s sitting at a small table for two by the window. He stands when our eyes meet, making me realize just how tall he is. He looks different today, casual in jeans, a gray t-shirt, and black jacket. I like this look on him; it’s not that the suit and tie weren't nice, but this just seems more him.
    “Hi,” I greet, startled when he leans in for a hug.
    “I’m glad you could make it,” he says as he pulls away. “What can I get for you?”
    You, just you. “Vanilla latte.”
    “Okay, have a seat and I’ll be right back.”
    I take a seat and watch him stride away seriously liking the view. I don’t normally objectify men, but shit, he makes it difficult. The pinging of my cell phone tears my attention away from my man watching.
     
    Ivy: Hey Boss, didn’t see you leave last night. Thanks for letting me tag along.
     
    Her text reminds me that she’s the one who gave Nathan my number and we absolutely have to have a conversation about that.
     
    Me: I left just after ten. Why did you give some random man my phone number???
     
    Ivy: Nathan??? 1. He’s hot, 2. He likes you and you need to date more, 3. He’s hot!
     
    Me: We’ll discuss this later… don’t do that again!
    Ivy: Fine. I’ll talk to you later.
     
    “Everything okay?”
    I look up just as Nathan places a large coffee in front of me and takes the seat across from mine.
    “Yes, fine. Just reminding my assistant of proper behavior.”
    “Ahh, don’t be too hard on her. I can be pretty persuasive.” A gleam in his eyes alludes to a hint of mischief and humor. I can tell that those things are part of his personality, and I like it. I like that he can find the humor in things. I wish I could do that more often.
    “I can see that.”
    “You say it like it’s a bad thing.”
    “I’m not sure if it’s good or bad. Why did you want to see me so badly?”
    “You make me sound desperate. Can’t a guy dig a girl and ask her out? That is the way it’s done, isn’t it?”
    “Is it? I wouldn’t know.”
    “What? I’m sure you’ve been asked out before.”
    “I guess, not quite as stealthily as you did it.”
    “I just thought you were beautiful and I wanted to know more about you. If that makes me look desperate, then so be it.” He looks sincere, but I still don’t buy it. I can’t believe that he would go through this much trouble just to meet a girl.
    “What do you want to know?”
    “Are you single?”
    “Shouldn’t you have found that out before asking me on a date?” I don’t know why I’m acting so coy, but for whatever reason, I find myself dancing around topics of conversation with him. Maybe it’s because the more we reveal about ourselves, the more we may begin to like each other. And deep down, I know that I should just stay away from him.
    “Yes, I probably should have. I’m a little rusty.”
    “You don’t date often?”
    “Are you single?” he presses again, causing me to roll my eyes.
    “Yes, I’m single.”
    “I don’t date often,” he says, answering my last question. Another smile tugs at my lips. Everything about Nathan is unexpected, but I guess that’s what makes him interesting.
    “So, why now?”
    “Is this a date?”
    “Isn’t it?” I question feeling a little foolish now.
    “I hope it is. Anyway, I told you, I think you are beautiful. I know you’re smart, confident, and from what I can see, you don’t take shit from anyone. It’s a nice package.”
    “You got all that from a few minutes at a charity event?” I question through narrowed eyes. “How old are you anyway?”
    “Thirty-two. How old are you?”
    “Too old for