She wasn’t sure what to say to him, having never had anyone be so direct in all of her life. She simply waited for him to say something else.
“I will put the ball in your court Lila. I don’t want love and romance or all that. What I do want is you in my bed tonight. You come to me, no pressure. It will be good for us both, I promise.”
She wanted to yell, or be offended, but she couldn’t. He was simply being honest. She nodded in understanding as he left her there. She slumped into the chair her focus on both Andre and the man who had just left her going crazy inside.
Ray
She would come, he knew she would come. She wanted it as much as he did. He was a little put off at the feeling of nervousness he felt thinking about it. It was unlike him to be anything less than confident. She was special, he wanted it to be as good for as it was him. He knew before he did anything he needed to call his lawyer back and firm up the mess back home. He dialed the number quickly.
“Hey Ray I’m glad you called.”
“Do I even want to know man?” Ray leaned back in his chair waiting.
“Well charges are still pending. This guy is holding fast and won’t budge. As for Angie, well she is in the wind. I got the whole of the story too by the way. The whole thing is a mess man I’m sorry. There is a team looking into what is still missing.”
“Yeah, I knew she would fly, it’s what she does best. Thanks, just let me know what I can do?”
“Easy, the guy wants you to apologize formally for what you did to him. I don’t recommend it though. That’s not the kind of publicity you need.”
Ray exhaled slowly. “What about the team? I need to know things are good with my job and my team. If they don’t care, then I’ll do it. I just want this all behind me. If you hear anything about Angie let me know. The last thing I need is for her to make things worse.”
“I got it man, you should be back in NY by next week or so.”
He sat back contemplating his options. The guy had deserved the beating no doubt about it. Unfortunately, he wasn’t above the law despite the money, and the fame. He was still accountable for his own actions and he would have to fix it somehow. He glanced over at the clock, dinner was at 6. He found the routine enlightening, and he had grown to enjoy the family style setting every night, at least during the week. A couple weeks ago, he couldn’t wait to go home, and now… now he was enjoying his time here. He felt the cool excitement creep up his spine. Tonight, she would come… he had made it more than clear what he wanted, and what he offered.
Dinner was a casual affair. Miss Jeannie had outdone herself with the meal. The four of them sat around the table and his mother had never looked happier. He watched her eat with relish, something she hadn’t done as of late and it alone made him smile. He let his eyes wander over to Lila, she was poised and laughing loudly with his mother as she told yet another story. She was beautiful, and full of life and he felt it again the same feeling deep down that had nothing to do with lust.
Relationships were complicated, and none of them had ever given him anything but problems especially his last one. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to try it again, especially now when he was always on the road, and always playing ball. No, every woman who had ever had more than a couple dates had wanted more, and complained about his lifestyle. He had put all of that away a long time ago, and now he just enjoyed life by being up front from the door. He lifted his eyes once more and found hers. She did her best to look away quickly, but he caught her eye anyway.
“I am just tired and ready for bed Lila; can you help me dear?” Miss Margie was noticeably tired and Lila jumped at the chance to help her to bed.
She was avoiding him, but it was all up to her, just as he had said. He made his way to his room, jumping in the shower before he settled in for the night.
Lila
What the hell was she thinking! She stood by his door, knowing that any minute he could come out and see here standing there like some idiot? She wasn’t really sure why she was here at all, she should be in her room where she belonged. But deep down, some part of her wanted him, wanted the way he made her feel. She smoothed down the front of her robe, she had gone to great lengths to try and be perfect, just in case she actually went through with it. She had no business being here, no business risking her job like this. She sighed before she turned around and started back down the hall carefully. When she saw Miss Jeannie in the kitchen, she realized she had no choice but to go back down the hall to his room, or risk being caught!
She walked past his door and gasped as he pulled her inside his room, shutting the door behind her.