While talking about various things, Lara realised that there was a problem with her. Nate was right when he puffed because she knew it wasn't normal to fear relationships so much.

It was not even the relationship that was the problem. It was a part of her that couldn't trust him no matter what. In such a situation, it wasn't fair to proceed any further.

How could she pretend to be accepting him if she couldn't believe his words? She was just playing out of cowardice.

She liked being with him, but she didn't feel good enough to let go of her worries. She was in the middle area, a grey zone where she risked staying forever if she didn't do anything in time.

She sipped her juice, peeking at Nate while he was switching the TV back to the original channel.historical

He deserved an honest woman. She couldn't listen to her body's requests without paying enough attention to the signals she was sending. More than everything, Nate wanted her trust.

?You'll be quite busy tomorrow,? she said.

She shouldn't have proceeded any further. She would have gone back to her room that night and dreamt about her wild wishes in secret.

Not until I'm ready, she thought. It was a matter of principles.

?Oh, not really. I have a meeting with the marketing team scheduled in the morning; then two appointments with potential partners. The afternoon is almost empty. We can come back home around three or four in the afternoon. I can finish the rest from here.?

?You work very much,? she said. ?And you're reliable.?

?That's part of the job.?

?A CEO's job??

?Well, I was thinking about an Alpha's job. But it's not that different.?

?You're right. It's not very different.?

He leaned back on the sofa and smiled at her.

?Are you tired?? he inquired.

?No,? she said. But then, she wondered if it was an invite rather than an inquiry. ?Oh, well... A little. Even if I haven't done anything today.?

?You took care of the twins. Isn't that a lot of work??

?It's worse when I'm alone,? she sighed. ?I feel like I'm doing nothing... Your mother helps me all the time, and you're always nearby when the kids need it. I don't know... I'm becoming a little useless; I feel like I'm exploiting your and your family's availability.?

?That's good. You should exploit more. I'm here for them, Lara, and also for you.?

Her smile trembled, but she kept her worries inside. It was not the right moment, and she wouldn't have ruined a peaceful evening.

?If you're tired, we can lie on the bed.?

?Nate...? she whispered, widening her eyes in surprise.

A thrill crossed her spine, and she straightened her back. He knew how to attack when she relaxed, using her weak points against her. She had just said she was tired - not ready to do physical activity - and Nate had already turned the situation around in his favour. If she wasn't confused, she would have blushed and accepted his invitation already.

How could he be so smooth one moment and clumsy the next? How could he use just anything in his favour? Oh, if she had ever overcome her fears, she would be in trouble as his wife.

?Nate,? she repeated, this like louder. ?I'm tired!?

?Yes.? He nodded. ?That's why I say you should lie down. You can relax a little more... Oh, would you like some music? Scented candles? I have a couple somewhere, but I haven't used them ever.?

?I'm fine,? she sighed, getting up from the sofa and reaching the bed. She sat there, still wavering.

Was she falling into a trap? Oh, her mother would tell her often about how boys would first do harmless things like making her sit or inviting her into their room for a coffee. Yet, Nate didn't lure her there. She had offered.

?This aroma should help with sleep,? he continued, placing the candle in a corner. ?If it stinks, I'll turn it off... Do you dislike the scent? Is it too strong??

?It's good, Nate,? she chuckled, her worries disappearing into thin air.

What was she worried about? Nate was trustworthy. There was no trap set for her. And, even if there was, falling into it wouldn't have been so bad.

?Come here,? she said, patting on the spot next to her.

She lay down, getting comfortable.

?You look tired as well,? she added. ?And talking from the opposite sides of the room doesn't sound relaxing.?

?If you think so, I will,? he decided, lying right next to her.

He even surrounded her waist with an arm. He lifted his head from the pillow when he sensed Lara's tensed muscles. He observed her face before pecking her hair and returning still.

She was nervous, and he didn't want her to have a nightmare because of that. Was a kiss enough to calm her? Oh, maybe they could talk.

?What do you think about the clothes we promoted last week?? he asked.

?Uhm? I peeked at the designs, and they look nice. I don't know whether I would buy it, though. It's a little pricey.?

?It's because we're producing something that resembles luxurious brands but has affordable prices. We can't sell it for less because no one would buy it. Like this, the value the customer gives to it is higher.?

?I see. Marketing is interesting. I liked listening to it during college. I had a class about it during the first year, and then again in the second. Too bad I've never finished the second year's courses.?

?Would you like to finish college?? he wondered.

?No, Nate. I'm old for that... Let's not talk about it, okay??

?Sure. What would you talk about??

She should have gone back to her room. Yet, staying there was comfortable. Something not too interesting would have been good. She would have listened to Nate's point of view for a few minutes, and then she would have gone back.

?I don't know,? she said, ?sport??