“Guilty as charged,” I admitted as I powered down the computer and grabbed my purse. “I’ll work full days during the week, but I want you to have some personal time on the weekends.”
Payne led me to his car, parked near mine in the garage. He opened the door to his brand-new Range Rover for me and I slipped inside, inhaling the scent of the leather upholstery. It was a beautiful vehicle and I leaned back as he got inside and started the virtually silent engine with the push of a button.
I looked over the streets as we drove, enjoying the charming stores and restaurants. The weather was cool and the sun bright as I looked over at Payne, admiring the confident way that he held the steering wheel and controlled everything about the situation. Was he like that in bed? Heat washed over my face as he looked at me at an intersection and I raised my eyes to meet his gaze.
I knew that my thoughts were apparent in the pink of my skin and I bit my lip. Payne took it all in quietly before the light turned green, pulling forward when someone honked behind us.
He parked in a small parking lot and I took in the worn building that rested right over the beach. Payne opened my door and ran a hand through his hair as I got out, close to his body. It was longer now and curling slightly around his face, but still looked professional. I started across the parking lot as the wind blew through my hair, forcing me to tuck it behind my ear. Payne moved in front of me to open the wooden door and lead me to the hostess with his hand on my lower back, sending searing heat to my skin and between my legs as I nearly stumbled.
I was relieved when we were seated and ordering drinks, his iced tea and mine a cocktail to try and sort the thoughts in my mind. I tried to read the menu and only saw the primary words that jumped out at me. I blindly ordered the shrimp and crab plate while he asked for steak and shrimp before looking across the table at me. “I am going to give you a raise over the past salary that Carly received from me,” Payne said as I tilted my head at him.
“Why?”
“She didn’t have your degree. Carly was in school when she got the job, but it seems that she blew that off with this marriage,” Payne remarked as I gave him a wide-eyed stare.
“There’s nothing wrong with getting married. You did it once upon a time,” I told Payne as he looked out of the window for a moment.
“I was working towards being a partner then, and you see what stuck. I’m not good at marriage and relationships,” Payne told me as my heart sank, even though I wasn’t certain why. “I work and play when I have a little time, but it’s nothing serious for me.” Payne shrugged. “How about you? There had to be someone over the last four years while you’ve been gone.”
“I was studying,” I explained as he frowned.
“It’s college. You’re supposed to let loose, Vie. You’re a beautiful girl, and I know you had men knocking down your door.” Payne sipped his tea, and I scowled.
“Boys. They were boys, and I don’t want that,” I murmured as he looked at me. “I think that I need someone a little older than college.”
Payne shifted in his seat as something crossed his face. “I can understand that.” That made me chuckle since he was always into younger women. “Dating at your age can be so hard with the way some men act. Boys, as you seem to call them.”
“I was around you and Dad my entire life. I had the best example, and it feels like I’m settling or something. I want someone to rock my world.” I bravely met his eyes as he pressed his lips together.
Payne took me back to my house after the meal, telling me it was because of the drink I enjoyed. He opened the gate with his remote and pulled into the driveway as I looked ahead. “I need my car.”
“Get it later. I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Payne argued lightly as I rolled my eyes. “I hope you weren’t drinking and driving at school.”
“Did you hear me when I said that I had you as an example in life?” I asked before I got out of the car and strode to the front door.
I was fuming when I walked into the house, sensing that it was empty as I closed the door firmly. Sure, I enjoyed some drinking but I wasn’t stupid enough to drive afterward. Dad set a good example for me as well as Payne, making me learn from them that there was a time and place for everything. I knew that with the food I’d eaten and the water along with it, I was fine to get home. Payne was being overprotective and annoying.
I had to admit that it excited me even through my anger. Payne claimed that he didn’t want a relationship, but he’d always cared for me so fiercely. There had to be a part of Payne that wanted something with a woman, something more than just a night.