The Billionaire Wins the Game(28)

“This floor only has two. They’re bigger than the other units and there are a couple of conference rooms up here, as well,” he replied. “The other floors have quite a few more, but each apartment is spacious. Most of our employees have families and we want them to be comfortable living here,” he finished.

They walked in the door and her breath rushed out before she could stop it. When he said the place was large, he hadn’t been kidding. It was enormous. There was a vast entryway, tiled in comfortable earth tones.

Stepping further into her new living room, she discovered the furniture they’d picked out was arranged, along with a few extra items, such as a large screen television with a bunch of DVD’s on the side. She quickly skimmed the titles and noticed some romantic comedies she was excited to watch.

“Esther said you told her you loved romance stories, so she picked a few movies she thought you may like,” he said in explanation.

That was such a personal thing to do, it touched her. Lucas stood back and let her wander through the apartment. There was a nice-sized room, set up for a guest, should she bring anyone over. The main bathroom was decorated in her new linens, with a few added touches of bath and body washes from nice boutiques.

She opened the door at the end of the hall and was stunned by the master bedroom. There was a huge four post bed in the middle of it, covered in the purple comforter she’d picked. It was the kind of bed she’d always dreamed of owning. She walked over and jumped into the middle of it and let out a giggle.

“I don’t know what to say. I’ve never known a company to be so generous. It makes me feel guilty having all this when so many people don’t have even a third of it. What if the corporation hates me in another six months? What if I’m a complete failure and can’t do the job, after all? This is so much pressure,” she said.

“Amy, we wouldn’t have done this for someone we didn’t have full confidence in. You’ll do an amazing job, you already are, and not to repeat myself, but we do this for all executive positions,” he finished.

Amy smiled. She wasn’t receiving any treatment they didn’t offer other executive’s, and that made her feel better. She didn’t want to stand out. She didn’t want to feel guilty for what they’d given her. She’d enjoy it and try not to feel guilty. For now, it was all hers.

Amy walked back into her living room and Lucas was standing with his back to the wall, watching her. Here goes, she thought. He didn’t look as if he was planning on leaving anytime soon and she just wanted to de-stress and enjoy her new place. If things were different, she’d be able to imagine the two of them snuggling together on the couch, watching one of her romantic comedies, but it would never happen. She needed him to leave, so she could breathe.

She took a deep breath and remained calm. “Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do all you did today. This place is amazing. It’s better than I could’ve ever imagined or hoped for, though, I really don’t need all the space. If you want to move me into a smaller apartment and save this space for an employee with a family, I’m fine with that.” She was talking quickly, so he couldn’t interrupt.

“I’m not saying, I don’t love the apartment, because I do. It’s seriously more amazing than any place I’ve ever even seen, let alone lived in, but it just seems to be such a waste of space for only me,” she continued rattling on.

Lucas knew Amy was babbling so he wouldn’t have time to speak. He figured he’d let her talk herself out and then get his say.

When she finally stopped speaking and looked at him, their gazes locked for a moment. He saw her raise her chin slightly and visibly firm her shoulders, while maintaining eye contact. She seemed angry all of a sudden and he couldn’t figure out why.

“I think you should go now, Mr. Anderson. I have a lot to do, tonight, and I’d like to get settled in,” she said tightly. She stood across the room from him, with her arms crossed, refusing to say any more.

Lucas finally stepped away from the wall and started walking toward her. It reminded her more of a prowl, than a walk. She took an involuntary step back as he got closer. She was furious with herself for showing that little bit of weakness. She decided the best defense was a strong offense.

“Mr. Anderson,” she emphasized his name, “Last night was a mistake. It shouldn’t have happened and it will not repeat itself. I’m sorry if you think you deserve it or that I’m going to roll over on my back in appreciation of your family’s generosity, but I’m not some cheap hooker,” she finished.