Seductive Guest by E. L. Todd

one thing for me to know I was pathetic, but it was another for him to know.
    But it wouldn’t be that surprising if he knew. Whenever I was around him, I was nervous. I rambled on and on because the silence made me uncomfortable. I stared at him constantly, always complimenting his suits and going the extra mile to make his day go smooth.
    Actually, it would be surprising if he didn’t know.
    The elevator released a beep when it reached the floor. I assumed Nathan had arrived, and I was suddenly aware of my outfit. I wore a tight black dress that made me look like a Barbie doll and I wore sky-high black designer shoes. My make up was heavier than normal, and I curled my hair like River suggested. I smoothed out my skirt automatically, but then I realized I needed to be confident and indifferent—two things I was terrible at.
    The doors of the elevator opened and Nathan stepped out. He approached my desk and looked at me. Since I was staring at my computer I couldn’t get a good view of him. But I knew he was staring at me. “Good morning…” His voice came out different, almost mesmerized.
    I turned to him, trying to balance my mannerisms. I wanted to be pleasant and polite but not overly enthused. And I didn’t want to come off rude. “Good morning, Mr. Maxwell. Your coffee is in your office.” I never called him Mr. Maxwell but River said it was a subtle way of minimizing intimacy.
    Nathan took me in, his eyes narrowing on my voluptuous hair, painted lips, and my tight dress. “You look…nice.” He kept staring at me.
    Inside, I wanted to burst. Was he checking me out? Was this real? But I had to keep my cool. “Yeah…I knew it was time to hit the mall.”
    “Well, you have excellent taste.” He cleared his throat and remained at my desk.
    I stared at him and waited for him to walk away. He remained still. “Is there something I can do for you?”
    Nathan seemed to snap out of his reverie. “Uh, no. But thank you.” He headed to his office and shut the door.
    I turned back to my computer, unable to stop smiling.
    ***
    River stepped out of the elevator at exactly noon like we arranged. He wore black slacks and dress shoes. And his collared blue shirt fit his expansive chest perfectly. A black tie hung down his chest, and it brought out his sparking blue eyes. The second I looked at him, I checked him out up and down. Just because I was paying him to be my boyfriend didn’t mean I couldn’t appreciate his perks. He really was worth every penny that I spent.
    He had one hand in his pocket as he approached my desk. “Hey, beautiful.”
    Even though he was being paid to adore me, it still made me feel warm. “Hey, handsome.”
    He eyed me up and down, not being discreet about it. “You’re looking fine in that dress.”
    “Thanks…a friend helped me pick it out.”
    “This friend has excellent taste.”
    I turned my head to look into Nathan’s office but River’s voice stopped me.
    “Don’t look.”
    I kept my gaze on River.
    “Part of being indifferent is not caring about someone’s reaction. You got me?”
    I nodded.
    “Now, how do you feel about kissing?”
    “Um…I’m pretty sure Danielle said that wasn’t okay.”
    “What if I said I didn’t care?”
    “I don’t know…when did you start asking? I thought you just did what you wanted?”
    He tilted his head. “Good point. Come around the desk and embrace me.”
    “Why can’t I just kiss you from here?”
    “Just do as I say.” His voice was full of threat.
    I rose from my chair and came around the desk, making sure I didn’t look into Nathan’s office. Then I wrapped my arms around River’s neck and came close to him.
    River’s hands went to my waist and he pulled me closer to him, like we were lovers. His hard-on was noticeable through his slacks and I felt it pressed against my lower stomach. Judging the smirk on his face, he knew I could feel it. “What would you like for lunch?”
    The last thing I was thinking about