"That's not good. Damon doesn't seem like the kind of guy who's okay with having news sprung on him."
"Yep. He was rightly pissed. We had a big fight."
"Are you guys a couple? I mean, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
"Yes. We were. Not sure what we are now. It was ugly."
"My fault?" Philip leaned forward, pressing his elbows to the table.
"Not really. More my fault for not being clear with him about Sadie. I think you were just the cherry on the sundae."
"How so?"
"He thinks we're seeing each other behind his back." She popped the last of the donut in her mouth and stood as her name was called. She thanked the barista and walked back to the table. A quick sip of her drink left her tongue burnt and curse words slipping from her mouth.
"Did you tell him that we're not?"
"Yes, but he didn't hear me. I think I did." She took the top off of her drink and blew at the hot liquid, steam rolling off the top.
"Is there a chance that we might start anytime in the future?"
She smirked at his confidence. His voice was beautifully different, his features so handsome. Yet he wasn't a playboy. He didn't feel the need to lord over her sexually and make her crazy. Was he an option?
"No. As much as I wish it were a possibility, I'm crazy about Damon. I hate that I am. He sure as hell doesn't deserve it, but I am nevertheless. I want to break into the core of his heart and steal his breath like he steals mine." She set her coffee down, closing her eyes for a moment to stop the flood of emotion headed her way.
"If anyone can reach him, I bet it would be you."
She looked up as the tears rolled over onto her cheeks. Philip offered her a napkin, laughing as he shook the donut crumbs from it first.
"I think it's over between us. He's damaged goods and I'm pretty close to it. He plays games with me and really every woman that he's with, from what I hear."
"Most guys that are hurt do. It's a way to test the girl and save yourself another heartbreak." Philip shrugged, breathing in deeply as he watched her closely.
"I don't know how to pass these tests."
"Sure you do. Just push and remain agile when he pushes back. Meet him in the middle and show him what he's up against. He doesn't want you to break, Beth. He wants to see how far you'll bend with him. It's natural."
"Why are we having this conversation?"
"Because I was being honest when I said I wanted a friendship if nothing else." Philip laughed and nodded toward the pastry counter. "More donuts?"
"Yeah, I think we need them." She smiled as he got up. Her phone buzzed. Her mother letting her know that Kent had called and wanted to talk.
"Great..."
Chapter 2
The conversation the night before had gone much better than she imagined it might. Where Damon had been accusatory, Kent was understanding and willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. How Damon had turned out to be so different from his father would be a mystery if she hadn't had a heart-to-heart with Matt.
She finished packing her things, the house quiet. Her mother was most likely at church. Not having heard from Damon, Bethany walked to her small dresser and picked up her phone, growling softly. She would have to get in touch with him to see when the flight was, if nothing else. She dialed his number, her stomach flipping in circles and pushing against her chest.
The phone rang three times before he picked up. She almost assumed he was asleep or just unwilling to talk to her.
"Bethany." It wasn't a question of who was calling, but a declaration that he was all business with her.
"I need to know what time to be at the airport today."
"Change of heart?" His voice was deadpan, the lack of any emotion toward her stabbed hard at her. She let out a soft, shaky sigh.
"Yes. I spoke with Kent last night. We both feel it's a good thing that I continue on with the firm."
"I agree. I'll be there in an hour to pick you up. Be ready. I don't like being late."
The phone went dead. Bethany pulled it from her face and growled. He was back to being an ass. Memories flooded her - one in particular. Damon almost looked shocked the day before as he stood at the door, his face a mixture of emotions.
"You love me?"
Did he not think himself worthy of receiving love or had it just scared the hell out of him? Was he willing to love her back or was that proof that he was too self-absorbed to consider such a fallacy as love? She didn't know, and part of her didn't care. Emotions flying all over the place left her confused and feeling out of place in the middle of the large mansion, in the middle of this new life.
She focused on packing for the next bit and dressed in a comfortable, but business appropriate, cream colored dress. Damon would most likely be dressed to impress. Looking like a has-been next to him wasn't going to fly. Bethany dropped her small suitcase in front of the door before walking to the kitchen in search of food. She ran her fingers through her long, chestnut locks, wanting him to notice how she had worked on her appearance to touch on the things he liked best about her.
The sound of the front door opening had her heart stilling in her chest. She reached up and brushed her fingers over her upper lip, a shaky breath lifting from her. Everything was fine. They were going on a business trip. He would treat her like an associate and she would treat him like her wicked hot boss. She looked over her shoulder as her stomach tightened. No matter how much she wanted to hate him, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
His blue slacks hugged his thin waist. The white polo shirt that slipped in just above his belt brought out the tanned creaminess of his skin, the darkness of his gaze. He reached up and ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes never leaving her face.
"You ready?"
"Yes. Just hungry."
"We'll grab a coffee at the airport. Let's go." He turned and walked from the room as Bethany reached out and touched her hand to the counter. She needed something to ground her, to pull her back into reality. Should she apologize? It seemed trite, and honestly he was as much at fault as she was for what happened between them the day before.
She grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator and walked into the hall in time to see him pick up her suitcase.
"I can get it."
He looked over his shoulder and chuckled, the sound not joyous at all. "I have it."
She shrugged as he walked out the front door, her eyes moving to the perfect curve of his ass. Remembrance flooded her. Watching him undress in the open door of his closet, his body the most beautiful she had ever seen. How badly she needed to connect with him physically even if they were miles apart emotionally.
Bethany walked to her side of the car, breathing in deeply as she passed him. He looked up and turned his head toward her as if questioning her actions. She chuckled and got in the car, rolling her eyes at herself when alone. Was she really going to use their physical attraction to heal whatever happened between them?
Yes.
Even if it didn't assist in creating a long-term relationship and fostering love. The sensually delicious man getting into the seat beside her was every painfully good fantasy she had ever had. If he was slipping away, she wanted to create a few more memories before he was gone.
Was she acting bipolar? Yes.
Did she care? Fuck no.
Damon got into the car and closed the door, started the car and pulled out without so much as a grunt toward her. She reached up and turned on the radio and the air conditioner before settling back. If he thought the silence between them was going to cause her to choke up an apology, he was wrong. She would surely give up eventually, but she wasn't near that breaking point just yet.
*
The drive to the airport should have been uncomfortable, but it wasn't. Sitting in silence and simply listening to the sound of him breathing had almost offered relief. She was lost to him and no matter what stupidity she threw at him or empty promises of being done, she wasn't. Her fingers ran along her thigh, her eyes closed as she contemplated reaching over and touching him.
His breathing pattern shifted slightly. Looking over at him subtly, she wished for a different situation altogether. Would it still contain explosive attraction if their relationship wasn't so taboo?
"What are you thinking?" He glanced over at her, the deep timbre of his voice sliding between her thighs and stroking. She bit at her lip and shook her head.