Chapter 26

Nathaniel had closed the deal, ensuring that Paige and Second Chances were protected. He had already gotten a start date for breaking ground on the construction of the housing next door. He had texted Paige immediately after she told him that he had permission to call her and told her to let him know when she was ready to take the call. His date with her was planned, the details were sent to his assistant and all he needed to do was confirm when Paige could meet him. He even got to complete all the duties that he normally did for his global business. It was a productive day.

He was home and eagerly awaiting Paige's answer to when he could call her. He had already eaten dinner, showered and was in bed, staring at his phone. He watched as he received other messages, including one from Scott, but it wasn't from the person he needed to talk to. He wasn't even sure what to say, he just knew that he needed to fix things. His phone screen illuminated and the message was from Paige. He eagerly dialed her number. It rang twice before she answered.

"Nathaniel," she whispered as a greeting.

"Paige," he said softly into the phone. "I'm so sorry. I should've talked to you about it first. We could've figured it out together."

Paige listened to Nathaniel's words while she sat in bed and then asked the question she needed to hear the answer to. "Why did you buy the land in the first place, Nathaniel?"

Nathaniel sighed. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but I wanted to help make your dreams come true. When that guy told me he wouldn't take my loan or any other loan to build the housing and that he wanted to leave it as is until there was an offer to buy it, I felt so upset. Then, he wouldn't sell unless I bought both pieces of property, so I just bought both. I'm impulsive because I, unfortunately, have the ability to get most things that I want instantly. I didn't even realize how that it could be damaging to us until the deal went through." He was earnest in his reply. He didn't make excuses. He prayed that she understood.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me right when the deal was happening? I had to learn about it in the newspaper," she said sadly. He could tell that she was about to cry.

"I'm so sorry. I got wrapped up in just enjoying my time with you and forgot the world. I should've told you and I'm an idiot for not," Nathaniel said, trying to prevent Paige from crying. His heart was breaking even more.

"You're just a dummy," she said laughing. "An impulsive dummy because you never had anyone make you wait before." His heart fluttered at the sound of her laughter. She was right; his impulsiveness made him do things that he wouldn't do if he waited sometimes.

Paige felt hypocritical for two reasons. The first reason was that she strongly believed in the redemption of all people, hence her shelter. She knew that anyone, given the right tools, could break any pattern and become the person they were meant to be. Nathaniel was no exception to that. The second reason was that Paige had a secret, and it was something that she needed to tell Nathaniel because it could very well destroy their relationship.

"Nathan, I forgive you. Just, please talk through things like this with me, okay?" Paige said.

"Baby, I will text you anytime I have to make any decision if that's what you want. I'm so sorry." He meant it. Nathaniel had rarely ever been apologetic in his lifetime; he had a lot of pride. But, he readily admitted his faults and asked for forgiveness from Paige for upsetting her.

"That's not what I want. I just need you to talk decisions about me and our relationship through with me, okay?"

"I can do that. No, I will do that," Nathaniel said firmly.

"I forgive you, Nathan," she replied, easing Nathaniel's heart with her words.

"Thank you, Paige. I'll be worthy of that forgiveness," he said gently.

"Hey, Nathan?" Paige said suddenly.

"Yes, baby girl?" he replied softly.

"Thanks for the flowers. They're beautiful." Her heart fluttered at him calling her 'baby girl'.

"They're nothing compared to you. You are the most beautiful thing in existence to me. Everything pales in comparison." Nathaniel gushed these words out. He hoped that she didn't find him cheesy.

"What am I supposed to say to that?" Paige laughed.

"Nothing, just accept my compliment," he said, laughing with her. "I missed you today. I wish I was there with you now."

"I wish you were here, too, but it's better that you're not. I can't stay up all night talking again. I'm meeting the mayor tomorrow, you know," Paige giggled.

"Who says we'd have to talk?" Nathaniel smirked. He was learning a lot of patience from Paige, even if she was not aware. He had a high sex drive, but he would patiently wait for Paige to be ready.

Paige heard his words and pictured his naked torso again. She bit her lip. "What would we do instead of talk?" Paige whispered breathily.

"I could make love to you all night long," Nathaniel suggested. His tone was innocent but his words were the opposite. Paige shuddered and quickly went to her wit as a defense.

"I need to see what your facial expression is because there's no way you said that with a straight face," she teased. Her phone instantly alerted her that she had an incoming video call from Nathaniel. She answered, not backing down from her words.

"I could make love to you all night long," he said as she appeared on the screen. Paige looked at his face while she bit her lip. He was serious. She was feeling hot and flushed.

"Do you really have that kind of stamina? That a big flex," she said. Her voice dipped low and sounded more sultry than she intended. Truthfully, Paige didn't know what she was doing. Well, she'd read about it. She was a virgin. She hadn't really done anything other that give a blowjob to her college boyfriend. She never trusted him enough to actually have sex with him. But, Nathaniel was a different story. He was extremely sexy and she wanted him. She had to admit that to herself after the make out session that she initiated.

"You're the one that fell asleep the other night, not me," he said, studying her face. Nathaniel was horny and Paige was the object of his desire. He was going to test the waters.

"Maybe if I was entertained better, I would've stayed up? I could've danced all night," she teased.

Nathaniel remembered Paige grinding against him and instantly felt himself getting hard. "I remember the dancing. I remember how you grinded that beautiful ass against my dick," he said huskily.

Paige felt herself get very wet and let out a soft moan. Nathaniel heard her and felt his dick twitch. He lightly stroked himself above his boxers. "Was there a moment when you wanted me, Paige?"

"Yes, there were several," she said in a whisper.

"Tell me, baby," he encouraged in his husky voice.

"When you sent that picture of the outfits," she whispered. "That was the first time."

"Did it get you wet, baby?" He was holding back from touching himself but he was so turned on by this woman that it was taking all of his strength. He wanted some kind of a release and it would be during the phone call or after.

"No. That was when we kissed and I felt you for the first time," she said. She felt like she was giving a dirty confession and she was blushing so much. She was sure she looked like a tomato. She was rubbing her thighs together.

"Paige, you are so sexy. Do you have any idea how incredibly hot you are? I got hard the first time I ever saw you. That's never happened before. I'm very professional but you caught me off guard," his husky voice teased.

"Are you hard now, saying all these sultry things to me?" Paige asked.