"Well, I know you're in college, but I was worried. When you're staying here with us just make sure you text me and let me know that you'll not be coming home."
Bethany reached over and picked up the half-eaten pieces of buttered toast on her mother's plate, making quick work of it.
"I will, mom. Sorry for making you worry."
"So... who is he?"
"Who is who?" Bethany sat back, licking at her fingers.
Her mother pointed to a spot to the side of her neck. Bethany tugged at her shirt, looking down to see a bite mark on her shoulder, the indention red and puffy. She stifled a sound of lust at remembrance of Damon's mouth on her - all over her. He obviously enjoyed drinking her down, why had he stopped?
"Who bit you? The co-worker have a dog that needs to be put down?" Her mother's eyebrow lifted as a smile tugged at her lips. Bethany chuckled and pulled her shirt up, shaking her head and moving to stand.
"His name is Philip. He's a new intern at work. He's handsome, smart and just my kind of guy I guess. I shouldn't have stayed, but it's been a long two years of not dating anyone to focus on my grades." Bethany shrugged and reached for the last piece of toast as her mother lifted the plate toward her.
"I think it's great. You need to let your hair down and enjoy yourself some." Her mom laughed softly, the older woman's cheeks coloring a bit.
"I think my hair down is half the problem." Bethany took a bite, butter running down the side of her hand. She moved to lick it as her mother waved her off.
"No details. You and your tongue get out of here. I'm still your mother."
Bethany chuckled and turned, walking from the kitchen and rushing around to get ready for what was sure to be an awkward day at the office.
Chapter 17
The dull ache between her thighs pulled her back into the depravity of her night with Damon, every subtle movement causing it to revive. She pressed her back to the elevator, praying that no one she knew would get on. The door opened to her floor and she walked off languidly, her eyes scanning the area to see who was in and who hadn't made it yet. It was late and by then she would usually have been a couple hours into a project. She would have to catch up with Ben later and see how the rest of the intern party had fared. That, and give him a good excuse why she rushed off without saying goodbye after having just arrived at the club.
The 'sick mom' card would work. It always did.
She dropped her purse in the empty seat in front of her desk before dropping down in her comfortable leather chair. Her stomach growled loudly, the rumble reminding her of a cat being mauled. She smiled at the thought and reached over to turn on her computer as a knock resounded at her open door.
Philip.
"Hey Cinderella." He smiled and pointed to the chair across from her. "Mind if I come in?"
"Not at all." Bethany stood, reaching over the desk and grabbing her purse. She dropped it beside her desk and smoothed down the front of her gray suit, the light sapphire shirt accenting the pinstripes in the material. She felt like she owned the world when wearing a suit. Might as well act like it as well.
"So what happened last night? We got on the dance floor and I had to run to the restroom. I come back and you've disappeared." He laughed, his smile warm and safe. "I looked everywhere for you. Ben was worried too. No glass slipper. No breadcrumb trail or anything..."
She laughed and reached over to type in her password, the need to get started on something and take her mind off of Damon pressing against her.
"My mother texted and said she wasn't feeling very well." Bethany glanced over at him. "My father left us a long time ago, so when she needs me I usually overreact, which I did last night."
"Oh. Sadie said she thought you left with some guy. I figured that couldn't be right, but you know she's always trying to start something."
Bethany turned toward him, her smile dropping at the mention of the redheaded intern. It was only a matter of time before she had an ass-whooping headed her way.
"Well, she was wrong. Sorry to disappoint." Her tone changed, coldness that Philip didn't deserve sneaking into her words. He held up his hands and shook his head as if surrendering.
"Hey, no worries here. I was just telling you what she said. I'm just glad you're alive and well. How's your mom doing?"
"She's good. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that." She leaned back in her chair letting out a soft sigh. Not sleeping more than a couple of hours, mixed with the torrential flood of questions the night caused, left her exhausted.
"It's no problem. So... was she sick?"
"Yeah, throwing up and stuff. I took care of her most of the night. I'm honestly beat from it."
"You should have stayed home."
"Maybe, but I don't get paid for staying home." She stood up and reached for her bank card. "I'm thinking I want to test fate. Want to join me?"
He stood as well, a soft chuckle leaving him as he nodded. "Always wanted to fuck fate, but testing her out first sounds like a more prudent way of doing things."
"I'm just talking about testing my new bank card. You sound like you have much bigger plans." Bethany walked around him and through the door, looking over her shoulder at the handsome boy. "You look nice today."
"And you look stunning, but I didn't want to be overbearing and tell you."
"I like that type of overbearing. Let's get something down in the cafeteria." She moved into the elevator, turning to watch him walk toward her. He was interested. By the look on his face, his smile reaching into his eyes, he was ready to take a next step and ask her out. She would need to nip it in the bud, but wanted to be careful. Not having too many friends in the office yet, it was nice to be around him. He would be a great work friend if he was willing to see her differently.
"I like the overbearing way you danced last night."
"Overbearing?"
"I guess overwhelming would be better. You a dancer? Take lessons as a kid or something?"
"Oh, I thought you meant pole dancer. I should have been one... easier way to pay my classes in college." She reached up to push the button on the elevator panel, Philip having moved close to her side.
"I'll keep my thoughts to myself on this one."
She laughed and wrapped her arms around her chest. Philip reminded her of her ex-boyfriend, Jake, but a version she would consider dating if her step-brother hadn't stolen her completely. His ways were unethical, using lust and his sex appeal to leave her panting after him. She needed to figure out how to return the favor.
"Hey... did I lose you?" Philip waved in front of her as he held the elevator door open. Bethany moved toward him, shaking her head.
"Oh sorry. Got lost in my thoughts for a moment."
"Not thoughts of pole dancing I hope." He laughed as she swatted at him.
They grabbed a coffee and a few donuts to share, Philip picking up the tab and not giving her a chance to pay. Bethany sighed, rolling her eyes at him.
"I thought you guys from Australia were domineering and made your women do everything."
"You considering yourself to be my woman?"
Heat rushed up her neck. She reached up and tugged at the top of her shirt to make sure the evidence of her night was fully covered. They sat down at a small table near the edge of the large white-walled cafeteria.
"No. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant women in general."
He grinned and reached for the only chocolate donut. He almost had it to his mouth as she gasped, reaching for it.
"Hey. I wanted the chocolate one."
He pulled it out of her reach and smiled so big it had to have hurt his face. She reached again, moving out of her chair as he laughed loudly.
"No fucking way. I get the chocolate one."
She put her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she eyed him and then the donut.
"I'm not playing with you. I'm eating the chocolate one." She reached again as he stood too, extending the donut behind him. He trapped her to the front of his lithe frame with a hug, his laugher contagious.
"Not even if you were my woman, Beth. I'll buy you another one."
Bethany moved away from him, the moment sweet and almost too precious.
"Well, isn't this a plot twist?" Sadie's voice grated on her like nails on a chalkboard.
"A plot twist? You read?" Bethany turned to face her nemesis, a sweet smile slithering across her face. It was time to mess with the girl a little.