Taking His Woman(12)
“I thought the crap I was saying all these years was the truth. How could I know my true feelings? I love her, Chris. The thought of living without her is fucking killing me inside.”
Chris heard the pain in his father’s voice. For him to be talking so openly, Chris knew his father was on the verge of giving up.
“Then prove it to her by your actions. Your words have done more damage than they’ll ever repair. Show her with your actions what you mean.”
David nodded, and Chris knew he had no idea how to prove his love to Molly. “When was the last time you took her out to dinner?”
“Years. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever taken her out to dinner. Not even on our anniversary.”
Chris shook his head at the older man’s stupidity. Over the years he’d seen the way his parents responded to each other, and he had thought that was love. What he’d seen was the love Molly held for her husband.
“Thank you, son. I appreciate it.”
“Don’t screw it up. I know what it means to hurt the woman you love.” Chris drained his glass and stood. He went to his bedroom and froze when he saw Cassie seated by his door.
“I wondered when you’d get back.”
“What does Blaze think of you waiting outside of his brother’s bedroom?” he asked.
She gave him a condescending look, which he thought was cute. “I’m making sure you haven’t hurt Erica in some horrid way.”
“We had fun. I took her out to dinner and then dropped her off home. We’re seeing each other tomorrow.” He let himself in, not surprised when she followed him inside. Befriending her was a big mistake. When he sat down and thought about it, Cassie was the only friend whom he trusted.
“No lip locking action or feeling up?”
He pulled his jacket off then turned to face her. “I’m sorry, but when did my private life become part of your life?”
“When you began meddling in my own life and I had no choice but to deal with it.” She sat down on his bed.
“You’re happier for my meddling. You’ve got Blaze, and that bitch, Francesca, is out of your life.”
“I know. I’m meddling because I think you’d screw up your own life.”
“Charming.” He couldn’t argue with her. When he was around Erica, he always managed to say the wrong thing.
“Where are you taking her tomorrow?” she asked.
“Picnic on the beach. I’ll need help preparing one for tomorrow.”
“I’ll help. I’ll get all the gossip from Erica, you know?” Chris knew. He liked the thought of Erica having someone to talk to instead of being alone. “Okay. I’ll leave you alone, but only because I need some sleep. I can’t wait to see how you are tomorrow.”
She was at the door ready to close it behind her. “Cassie?” She turned to him. “How have my parents been?”
“They’re always silent or shouting. Blaze Jr. tends to leave a room when he hears them. I think Blaze wants to leave early because of the shouting.”
Chris nodded, said goodnight, and watched as the door closed.
His father had so much stuff to make up for. They both did. At the thought of Erica, Chris cheered up and got settled into bed. Tomorrow he would begin the seduction he should have done three years ago.
Chapter Five
Monday morning, three years ago
Chris stared out of his office window. Staff were coming in and getting ready for the day ahead. He’d spent all weekend making love to Erica Black. He’d dropped her back home Sunday night. Her eyes had been filled with love for him. This morning, he’d driven by her house, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. The way she invaded his every waking thought scared him. No woman controlled Chris Sinclair. He loved women and discarded them.
He walked back to his desk and slammed her personal file shut. By the end of the day she’d be as far away from him as possible. Her virginity, her pleasure, would become a distant memory like so many others. Chris was determined not to turn into his father. A love-sick fool who stayed devoted to one woman. Molly suffered daily because of that bastard. Chris was determined not to suffer the same fate as his parent.
She arrived at the office at eight-thirty. Her suit was pristine, moulding to every delectable curve of her body. A body that he’d had the pleasure of awakening. She placed her bag by her chair, her jacket on the rail by the corner. Her computer was fired up. He’d observed her morning routine many times, and he knew she’d be entering his office shortly.
On time, a coffee cup in hand, she entered his office. A blush stained her cheeks, and a smile graced her lips. She looked so happy. His stomach took a dive. She looked so in love. He refused to believe he could feel the same. Love was for fools who didn’t know how to control themselves.