Big Shot(53)

God, what made her think she could have a fling with Wes and remain unaffected? That she could keep her emotions out of the equation when she’d loved him for so many years? And why did it hurt so damn much that she hadn’t heard a word from him since walking out of his office last night?

Because it’s over, Natalie.

“Hey, you okay?” Richard asked, his concerned voice making her open her eyes again.

“Yes . . .no,” she added truthfully as all the pain inside of her bubbled to the surface. “Everything about this situation sucks. I never should have suggested an affair with Wes, because my stupid heart doesn’t know how to sleep with a guy and not get involved.” She grabbed one of the throw pillows on the couch, set it on her lap, and gave it a frustrated punch. “Oh, who am I kidding? My heart was involved way before we had sex.”

Richard gave her a sympathetic look. “Yesterday, when you saw Wes, did you tell him how you feel about him?”

“God, no.” She was sure her horrified expression spoke for itself. “And make things even more awkward between us than they already will be? So he’ll feel sorry for me for being in love with him for . . . way too f*cking long? I’ve already been in a one-sided relationship and have no desire to go through that again.”

“Whoa,” Richard said, trying to settle her down. “I doubt there’s any comparison.”

No, there really wasn’t, she admitted, slumping lower on the couch. She was just angry at herself for believing that things could be different between her and Wes. That the two of them were heading toward something more promising and intimate. That he’d take a chance on her, on them, and realize that all relationships didn’t reflect that of his parents.

After a while, Richard let out a sigh. “Look, if we’re not going to go out, then you’re going to listen to what I have to say.”

She gave him a wary look, wondering if she ought to grab her purse and drag him out the door so she didn’t have to hear his lecture. “Then get it over with.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep it quick and simple and to the point,” he assured her. “Remember when I told you not to be so quick to walk away from something or someone that could mean more to you than a job?”

“And I believe I said Wes isn’t that someone.”

“I think he is,” Richard refuted. “But he can’t be that someone if he doesn’t know how you feel. If you don’t tell him how you feel. Don’t let your fears possibly rob you of the man of your dreams. Because let’s face it. That man is dreamy.”

Natalie laughed and realized through her stubborn frustration that, yes, Richard was right. If she didn’t open up and tell Wes what was in her heart, she would never know how it all might play out, and there was a fifty-fifty chance that they could get it right. Before she left for Atlanta, she owed it to herself to find out if her time with Wes truly was just a fling or if there was potential for something more, like a future together.

A knock sounded at the door, and Natalie groaned and dragged her fingers through her hair. “God, I hope that’s not my brother. I managed to avoid Connor when I took the walk of shame out of Wes’s office last night, but he knew something was wrong, and I figured it was only a matter of time before he’d start prying.”

Another knock, and Richard got to his feet before she did. “I’ll get it for you.”

He walked to the door and looked out the peephole, then glanced back at her with a huge grin that both confused and worried Natalie.

“Who is it?” she asked.

“Mr. Big Shot,” he said, and his delighted expression grew. “And I’m betting money that he’s here because he came to his goddamn senses and realized that you are the best thing that’s ever happened to him.”

Natalie wasn’t so sure, but she was definitely interested in what Wes had to say . . . and yes, she had something to tell him, as well.

*

When the door to Natalie’s condo opened, the last person Wes expected to see on the other side was Richard. And for the smallest, briefest moment, he experienced a jolt of possessiveness that stiffened his entire body—until he reminded himself that Richard was gay and had no interest in Natalie that way.

Thank God, because he wouldn’t hesitate to fight to the death for what was his. Okay, to the death was extreme, but ever since his conversation with Connor last night, and coming to some insightful realizations about his own feelings for Natalie, Wes was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure that she knew she belonged to him and with him.

And seeing her standing behind Richard in the living room, looking beyond beautiful and like everything he’d never known he needed only cemented every feeling he had for her and every decision he’d made since she’d walked out of his office last night. Never again would she walk away from him with the intention of ending their relationship. He’d make damn sure of that.

“Hey, Wes, what brings you by?” Richard greeted him affably.

Wes switched his gaze back to the man in front of him, realizing by the amusement in his eyes that Richard was totally messing with him. He obviously knew what had happened between him and Natalie, so it was pretty clear what Wes was doing there. But just in case Richard needed him to spell it out, he did.

“I’m here to talk to Natalie,” he said. “Privately, if you don’t mind.”