Chapitre 20: Chapter 20

Nathaniel wanted to open the door to Paige's car for her, but he wasn't sure which car it was and she was too quick for him to get to the driver's side. She had a tiny white sedan. She unlocked the car after pulling a key out of her cleavage. Nathaniel had stared for approximately 5 seconds before realizing and quickly turned away and got into the passenger's seat.

Paige entered her car, checked her backup camera and reversed out of the parking spot. She was nervous about having Nathaniel over at her place but it would be a big test for the success of their relationship. Paige wanted to make sure that he could handle the potential income rift between them.

She drove towards her apartment with the radio low and turned into the complex. She entered the gate code and drove to her parking spot and parked.

"You weren't lying when you said you lived nearby," he commented. The drive only took 8 minutes because no one was on the roads.

"That's why I offered for you to wait here while the parking lot empties out. Also, it's past 2 am, so hardly anywhere would be open right now," Paige said as she led him to her apartment. "This is me."

Nathaniel watched as Paige unlocked the door. She went inside and held the door for him. Inside was very tidy and there was newer modern furniture. But, there was a lack of decoration or personality. Paige led him to the couch, taking off her gloves and her boots. He followed and watched as she became almost 5 inches shorter. He chuckled and she turned to look at him questioningly.

"You shrank about 5 inches," he teased. He sat down on her couch and took off his gauntlets and crown and placed them on her coffee table.

"I did not shrink. I just took off shoes that provided the illusion that I was taller," she said decisively. She then unpinned her crown from her hair and sat down next to him. She really wanted to get out of her corset but she felt bad because he didn't have any spare clothes. She pouted. Nathaniel reached over and touched the side of her mouth with his thumb.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently. Paige took hold of his hand and interlaced his fingers with hers. She put her other hand on his and gently rubbed her thumb on the back of his hand.

"Nothing. Would you like a beverage? I have tea, water, almond milk and coffee," she offered.

"Water is fine. But something is wrong and you are avoiding answering me," he said. Paige stared into his eyes, then looked down before she got lost in them.

"I feel bad, but I want to change out of this corset," Paige said softly.

"You should feel bad because you're depriving me of the vision that is you, but you can change. I don't mind. Besides, it seems uncomfortable," he said. His voice was so warm and deep but sweet.

"Ok, I'll get you water and change. You can use the shower after me. Thank you," Paige said. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, then got up, prepared him a glass of water and handed it to him.

As she walked out of the room, Nathaniel watched her leave. Her butt and hips were like a siren calling to him. He quickly looked around more. He noticed that there was another area past the kitchen, so he got up and walked over there. There was a small eating area with no decorations. 'Paige's home is very functional, but not what I was hoping for,' he thought. He had hoped for pictures of her and her family and friends or maybe art that she liked. He sat back on the couch.

Paige returned wearing leggings and a loose tank top. The arm holes were oversized and Nathaniel could see the sides of her sports bra. She was also barefoot. Her hair was down and her makeup was gone. She was radiant. He had never thought anyone looked beautiful with and without makeup before, but Paige did. 'Why is she utter perfection?' he thought.

"Follow me. I have some sweatpants and a shirt you can change into. They were going to be a gift for one of our security guards but I'll get him something else. This is an emergency," Paige offered.

"This really isn't my style, so I agree. Lead the way," he said.

They walked through her room, which was perfectly orderly like the rest of her home, to the bathroom. There were clothes and towels laid out for him as well as a hair dryer.

"I'll leave you to it, then," Paige said. She walked out of the bathroom and back into the living room and fixed herself a cup of tea. Nathaniel was back very quickly. The clothes didn't really fit him, but they were more comfortable that what he was wearing before.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" Paige offered.

"I'd rather talk, if that's okay? I want to get to know you better," he suggested.

"Ok. But I reserve the right to not want to talk about certain things yet, as do you," she said firmly.

"That's fair, but I'm an open book, so I'll tell you pretty much anything," he said with a smile. Nathaniel found himself smiling so much with this woman. He liked it.

"That's your choice. You can ask the first question," Paige said decisively. She looked down at his hand and grabbed it. He looked down and smiled.

"What's your family like?" he asked. Paige immediately looked down and tensed up. She took a deep breath

"I don't want to talk about that. I will tell you that we're estranged, but that is the most I want to say at this time," she said softly.

"I'm sorry I brought it up. I hope one day that you can talk about it with me, and I'll wait for that day," he said gently. "Now you ask a question."

"Why are you so warm?" she asked. "Temperature. Your hands are so warm."

"I'm not sure. Are you cold? Come here, I'll hold you and warm you up," he offered, holding out his arms. To Nathaniel's delight, Paige climbed into his arms and snuggled against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, realizing that she was cold.

"Your turn," Paige said softly.

"Do you have a blanket? You're very cold and I'm worried you'll get sick," he said in a worried tone.

"I feel like that's a waste of a question, but that's your choice. Yes, I have a blanket," Paige said reaching the bottom of the couch. It was a drawer and it had a blanket inside. She grabbed it and closed the drawer. Nathaniel helped wrap it around her.

"Happy to use a question to make sure that you're taken care of. Your turn," he said with a laugh.

"Why do you like me? I mean, you could have any girl that you want," she said softly. Nathaniel snuggled her closer inhaling her scent.

"For starters, you are one of the few brilliant and capable people that I've met in this world. Also, the way you care about people. You make me want to be better and help others. You are also very kind. And, it doesn't hurt that you are drop dead gorgeous," he said simply.

Paige watched as he looked her in the eyes and bared his heart to her. She felt guilty and scared. She did not want to hurt this man. But simultaneously, her heart skipped a beat, hearing the words it needed. It was like Nathaniel healed a part of it with his words.

"My turn," he said while she was lost in thought. "What, if anything, do you like about me?"

"Who said I like you?" she countered playfully.

"Would you have a man you didn't have some affection for hold you like this, baby?" he said softly.

"You're too clever for your own good," she pouted.

"But you like it. You like that I can match wits with you," he said playfully.

"I actually do," Paige said, looking up at him. She looked into his eyes and placed her hand on his cheek. "I like your intellect. I like your confidence. I really like how you are so honest with me and tell me how you feel. I also really like how you promised not to hurt me."

Paige felt tears prickling in the corners of her eyes. "You forgot to mention how dashingly handsome I am," Nathaniel said, trying to cheer her up. Paige laughed.

"You think you're handsome?" Paige teased.

"I know I'm handsome. You also think I'm handsome, but I want to hear you say it," Nathaniel said playfully.

"Do you possess some form of telepathy that I should be aware of that brought you to that conclusion?" Paige didn't want to give in and enjoyed teasing Nathaniel. But then, his hands moved to her sides and he started tickling her. Paige squealed in laughter. She tried to get away but she was laughing too hard.

"I'll stop if you tell me I'm handsome," Nathaniel said firmly.

"You… your… hand… some!" Paige managed to choke out between laughs. Nathaniel immediately stopped and pulled her back to snuggle him, wrapping the blanket around her again.

"Thank you. I'm glad we agree," Nathaniel said sternly. He looked down at the woman in his arms and he couldn't remember the last time he felt this happy. This was a moment that he would cherish forever and he was at peace within it.