desk.
“I’ve ordered pizzas. They should be here any minute. So, what can I get everyone to drink? Beer? Wine? Soft drink?” Nate asked, as he grabbed glasses from the kitchen cupboard and waited on everyone’s requests.
The doorbell rang and Nate disappeared down the hallway, returning with pizzas in hand. The smell of garlic and pepperoni filled the air, making Jessica’s mouth water. She had to laugh as she saw Nate roll up his business shirtsleeves and hook into pizza, just like one of the boys.
“Jess, you want the last piece?” Martin asked her. She put up her hand and shook her head. No, definitely not. Her belly was full. “Dibs, it’s mine then.” Martin reached across the table and started to gobble down the last slice.
“Can I get you something else, Jessica?” Nate asked as he wiped his fingertips with a napkin. “I don’t have much as I’ve only been shopping once. But I have more alcohol, tea and crisps. Or I could order up something from the restaurant.”
“No, thank you. I’m fine.”
After the team finished dinner, they buckled down to work. Martin sat at the table with Matt and Darren in front of their Macs, modifying artwork designs. Jessica sat on the couch with Nate and Gabby, sifting through dozens of photo proofs and watching video edits.
“You’ll have to point out my imperfections, Ms Mason,” said Nate. “I hope your team will Photoshop out any irregularities they find in the images.” He spoke softly as he handed her a second glass of wine. When she closed her hand around the glass, he didn’t let go. His slight hesitation made her look up at his face.
“There don’t seem to be any—none that I can find.” Jessica held his gaze until she became conscious of the others in the room. She didn’t need her staff making speculations, so, with a subtle shimmy of her hips, she edged across the couch, putting more distance between her body and his.
The work that should have taken an hour or two ended up taking four. As everyone readied to leave, Nate turned to Jessica. “Do you mind waiting for a moment while the approvals print off, and I’ll sign them for you?”
“Sure.” She prayed that the laser printer in the far corner produced the documents at lightning speed so everyone could head for home.
“Jess, we have to go or we’ll miss the train,” Matt pleaded.
“Okay. Go on ahead, guys. Brilliant work as always. I’ll see you tomorrow.” More than anything, Jessica wanted to depart with them, but everyone, including Martin, disappeared out the door. She gulped loudly when Nate closed the door behind them and she heard the soft click of the latch.
Jessica closed her eyes and bit hard into her lip. She was very aware that she was now alone with Nate in his apartment. Not good.
The air prickled with electricity as he walked back down the hallway toward her. Every nerve in her body felt on edge. After sculling the last of her wine, she placed the glass on the coffee table. She couldn’t deny Nate’s allure, but there was a line not to be crossed.
Quick. Get these documents. Clean up and get out of here.
Jessica gathered up empty pizza boxes and took them to the kitchen. She was stacking them on the counter when she felt him come up and stand behind her. She didn’t even need to turn around. His body radiated heat, just inches from pressing into hers. Too close. Slowly she turned to face him. Her heart thundered in her chest. His vivid blue-gray eyes took possession of her. This is not good.
With his eyes fixed on her, Nate slowly drank the last of his wine. Then he reached around her, placed his glass on the bench and seductively licked his lips. Jessica’s breath deepened. She struggled to swallow.
“I have a solution,” he said softly.
“What’s the problem?” She could feel her pulse tapping in her throat.
Nate edged closer, his eyes not leaving hers. “You … and making the most out of my stay in Sydney.”
“Nate!” Jessica gasped as
Jason Erik Lundberg (editor)