Dare to Forgive(8)

She felt the hand on her knee and Will gave it a squeeze. Immediately her breasts felt full, her nipples hardened, and her pussy was on alert. All from a simple touch.

She instinctively pushed his hand off her knee and scooted slightly to the right.

He looked insulted, maybe hurt, and she turned away.

“Adel, let me help you out with the fan. If you want to give the company fifty bucks to feel better about it then do it. I can get over to your place to install it this weekend,” he told her then took another bite of his lunch.

She was shocked that he offered and realizing how she reacted to his touch, there was no way she could let him in her home never mind her bedroom to fix the fan.

“That’s okay. Steve said he could help me out with any installations I need.”

He squinted his eyes at her and seemed pissed off. “Steve is not going to your place to help you with anything.” He emphasized the word help like there was so much more meaning to it. Then it hit her. He knew Steve flirted with her. Maybe Will thought Steve would make a move at her place. Hell, Steve would make a move on her at her place and especially in the bedroom.

She worried her lower lip.

“Maybe you’re right. Steve is a flirt and he could take me asking for his help the wrong way, but you wouldn’t do that,” she challenged him and tried to read his facial expression.

“Of course not. You’re our personal assistant. My brothers and I have told you numerous times that if you need any help with anything, just ask.”

“Of course, but if you’re sure you’re not too busy. I mean I know how you enjoy a lot of parties and social events on the weekend.”

He appeared insulted at her comment.

“Not this weekend. Helping you comes first,” he said then took another bite of his sandwich. She closed her iPad and then finished her lunch.

“So, any plans for tonight?” he asked.

“Just meeting my friends at Spencer’s for a few drinks.”

He smiled.

“Well, I could get that fan for you and come over to your cottage tomorrow if you want? It won’t take long to install.”

“Tomorrow? That soon?” she asked, surprised that he could get it done that quickly.

“Sure. How about eleven? Will that give you enough recovery time from drinking tonight?” he asked with a smirk.

“I don’t tend to drink a lot. In fact, I don’t like being around people who drink a lot either. It makes me uncomfortable,” she told him.

“Well, I don’t blame you. People sometimes act differently when they’re drunk.”

“Yeah, some people act like idiots and can be hurtful.”

“Sounds like you’ve had some experiences with that?”

She looked at him and those sexy hazel eyes, the way he sat there appearing so big, so accomplished and capable. She let the words leave her lips without thinking.

“I’ve seen people do some terrible things when they’re drunk. Even the nicest guys could turn into monsters.”

As his eyes widened and then scrunched together she realized what she said. She was thinking about Bentley and how he hit her, grabbed her forcefully, and made demands on her in a drunken state.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked her as he placed his arm over the back of her chair. She felt his thumb caress against her bare skin on her arm and she cleared her throat.

“I’m great, but I think lunch is over. I’d hate to get your brother angry by showing up late.” She started gathering her things and he seemed hesitant to leave. Was he enjoying their conversation?

As they stood up and gathered their garbage, Will touched her hand.

“Hey, not all guys are assholes. Sometimes alcohol just reveals who they really are.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” she said and chuckled as they began walking back to the office together. As they got to the sidewalk toward the front door her phone rang.

She answered it without looking at the caller ID.

“Hey, baby. I’ve missed your voice.”

She heard Bentley’s words and his voice and she stopped short. Tears hit her eyes and Will stopped short.

“Adel, are you there?” he asked.

“Excuse me. I need to take this call,” she told Will.

He nodded and she turned around and headed to the side a bit.

“Why are you calling me? I told you not to,” she stated firmly.

“Baby, don’t be like that. I’m worried about you, and so are your parents.”

“Yeah well, I’m fine and I certainly don’t need you checking up on me.”

“But I care about you. I worry about you. Are you working?”

“That’s none of your business. I asked you to leave me alone. Why can’t you just do that?”