★Cassandra★ The elevator ride to Nathan’s penthouse felt longer than it should have. My heartbeat got faster with every passing floor, and I hated that it did. I had told myself this was just dinner, nothing more, but my body refused to listen. In fact, I had almost changed my mind, but I was stubborn, and I wasn’t about to give Nathan that sort of satisfaction. When the elevator doors opened, I stepped into the quiet hallway and took a deep breath before I knocked on his door. My hands shook, so I knocked again. A moment later, he opened the door. Soft music drifted from inside, and I could smell something warm and rich. Garlic, butter, and something else that made my stomach rumble hungrily. And then I looked at him. Nathan looked relaxed, if not slightly nervous, which made me feel a b

