Amy took some deep breaths before speaking to Lucas. She repeated to herself that she couldn’t afford to lose her job, and if she was pregnant she couldn’t afford for him to know about it. He could easily prove he could take better care of the child. She didn’t need, nor did she want, a man in her life. She needed to focus on herself. She’d watched her mother go through more men than anyone could count. She’d also watched those men abuse her mother on a daily basis. Most men couldn’t be trusted.
“Are you going to just sit there and glare at me or are you going to behave like a grown up and talk?” he snapped. He wasn’t going to analyze the fact he was the one who sounded like a pouting child.
“First of all, just because I’m an employee of yours doesn’t give you the right to speak to me the way you are. Second of all, I’d never marry you for any reason, especially to torture any child of mine,” she said coldly.
“If there’s a child, you damn well…” Lucas began demanding of her again, but she interrupted him.
“If there were a child, it would be mine and mine alone. This isn’t the old days where a woman has to do a man’s bidding. But a child isn’t something you have to worry about. I’ve already checked my calendar and there’s nothing to fear.”
“Last night was a mistake. I’ve been dating a man for about a year and have been reluctant to take that last step. Since being with you wasn’t too uncomfortable, I can now cement our relationship,” she lied.
Lucas was stunned by her words. He knew she’d been a virgin. The thought of her with another man sent physical pain coursing through him. She had a boyfriend! She sure hadn’t mentioned him when she was moaning his name. He was steaming mad, but maintained an outward calm.
Lucas got a stealthy look on his face and walked slowly to her. She remained standing firmly planted, not backing away again. She’d show strength even though she was shaking uncontrollably on the inside.
Without any words, Lucas bent down and yanked her head back, moving his face to within an inch of hers. He remained frozen until he saw desire return to her eyes. “So, last night was just a test run for you and your boyfriend,” he said in a voice so quiet it was far more frightening than if he were yelling. She could feel the coiled power running through his arms.
She wasn’t afraid of him hitting her. She was far more afraid he’d kiss her again. Her resistance was at an all-time low and if he took her lips again she’d end up begging him not to stop. The heat kept pooling in her body in anticipation of just that happening.
“I don’t appreciate being used, Ms. Harper, not at all, and I really don’t appreciate you lying to my face. Last night may have meant nothing to you, but while I was hard and deep inside your body, there was no other man on your mind. You were quivering for me, and only me. When you lay with this boyfriend of yours, my face will be what you see. He won’t make you quiver the way I did. You can think about that.” He pushed her away and walked out of the apartment.
Amy waited until she heard the door shut before she allowed herself to lose her composure. Once she heard the click of the latch connecting, she slumped where she was and allowed herself a good cry.
Why had she let this happen? If she’d just taken her bath later and not been standing there in only a towel. If only she could’ve been able to say no, then maybe, just maybe, they’d be able to occupy the same room without snapping at each other, or trying to rip each other’s clothing off. Maybe they could’ve stayed completely professional. Even as she thought it, she knew it was a fantasy. The fierce attraction was just too strong, even from the first day.
She remained in the same spot for more time than she should’ve, crying and feeling sorry for herself. Finally, she got up, she wouldn’t let this affect her any longer. She’d go to work and then stay far away from him at all times. It was the smart thing to do.
She’d been smart for the first twenty-eight years of her life; she’d have to forgive her one lapse in judgment. Everyone was allowed to make a mistake once in a while.
Chapter Six
Amy had mixed feelings going into work on Monday. She was floating on clouds because her new car had been delivered the night before and she loved driving it. It was an exhilarating feeling, controlling the beautiful machine, and knowing she’d never have to fight the crowds on public transportation again. There’d definitely been a few times of terror on the bus, when she’d been approached by some less than respectable people.
She was terrified, on the other hand, of the work environment, when stepping through those double doors. Was Lucas going to cause a scene? Was he going to send her packing? Could he fire her? He couldn’t because of their physical relationship.