Page 9 of Flawless Lyric

Locking the door behind her, I head into the makeshift kitchen and throw a ramen bowl into the microwave. Once it’s done, I sit at the small table and eat my lunch. Novalee buys tons of them, and since I didn’t feel like making anything, I stole one of hers. Doubt she notices it’s missing.

As I scroll through my phone, I notice a missed text. It’s from Ruth. She’s running late so she won’t make it back to the office today. No worries. Most days she just drives from one appointment to the next so she’s rarely here. I’d like to think it’s because I’m good at organizing. Since all of my work is done for the day, I plan on catching up with my jewelry orders. I always bring whatever I’m working on just in case I have some down time.

Once everything’s cleaned up and I unlock the door, I open my case and get right to it. I’m making a double bracelet with silver and turquoise beads for one of my favorite customers. Donna’s my best friend and the one who inspired me to start a business.

I have plenty of time to think as I twist the wire the way I want, then add a cluster of beads, bend it again, and continue the process. I love it when it starts taking shape and my vision comes to fruition. I’m sure it’s the same feeling any artist feels when whatever they’re working on is starting to take shape.

With that thought, I think of Micah. Not the musician but the man. The one who played my body like an instrument. Plucking my chords and strumming my notes. Creating a beautiful piece of music and composing a new song. Not with his piano but with his very talented hands. My nipples pebble at the thought of his lips and hands all over me.

Shaking my head, I try to focus on my jewelry and not sex, but now that my body is aching for his touch, it’s not working. Why does this man have such a hold on me? As hard as I try, I can’t answer that question. Other than the fact that it was the first time I’ve had sex with someone other than my ex in over twenty years. That’s got to be it. Right? Or am I just grasping at straws? Maybe, but there’s no other explanation.

Well, it’s over and done with. It’s time for me to move on. The chances of me running into him again are slim to none. As much as I hate to avoid Ruth’s parties, if I need to, I will. Once or twice a year I might be able to handle seeing him, but any more than that and I’d be looking for trouble. God knows I have enough drama going on in my life right now without more finding me.

Time passes by quickly once I concentrate on my work and before I know it, it’s after five and time to lock the door.

It takes me twenty minutes to organize the office for an easy start in the morning. Then I give everything a quick once over, pack up my bag, and get ready to head out.

Once I find my keys, I open the door and someone blocks my way. When my body reacts long before I do, I know I’m in trouble. He smells like the salt and the sea and it’s doing crazy things to my libido.

“Afternoon, Beauty. I’ve come to pick you up so you can have dinner with me.”

4

MICAH

It’sobvious from the expression on her face that she wasn’t expecting me. Maybe she thought the flowers were enough of a calling card for today. Well, she doesn’t know me yet, but she will. Soon.

“I can’t. I have plans.” I know for a fact that she’s alone since Novalee went to her dad’s. Okay, so maybe I’m stalking her a little bit.

I step back so she can lock the door, but I don’t give her too much space. I want her to feel the heat against her back. A day of sailing and thoughts of her have stirred something inside of me. Making me feel reckless and wild. It’s a sensation that I haven’t felt in a long time.

When she turns around, I’m lost in the sparkling depths of her beautiful eyes. Unfortunately, they’re not burning with desire like the other night. They’re full of fire and disdain. At me.

“The flowers are gorgeous, but I’m not sleeping with you again.” She holds her stance even though she’s trembling. She’s desperate for my touch. I don’t know it, I feel it.

Bending down so we’re eye to eye, I whisper, “Oh, Beauty, we didn’t sleep a wink that night. We were far too busy getting down and dirty and having orgasms.”

“It was a one and done,” I snap back. “Now move on.” She tries pushing me aside, but I don’t budge. Yeah, I’m invading her personal space and being an asshole, but I can’t let her walk away. So I follow her to her car.

“Lyric, I’ll settle for a drink. One drink can’t hurt, can it?” Her hands are shaking as she tries to unlock her door and fails miserably. Grabbing her keys, I just hit the unlock button on the key fob. Then I hand over her keys.

Leaning against her car, she stares up at me. There’s no doubt in my mind that her body is saying yes but her mind is talking her out of it.

“You’re my boss’s son, and once was enough. If Ruth ever found out, she’d be furious, and I wouldn’t blame her. I have to decline the drink but thank you for the beautiful flowers, M.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“My mom’s pretty cool. I don’t think she’d mind if we had a drink. I’ll tell you what. Give me your phone number and we’ll call it even.”

“No, I’m not giving you my number.” She doesn’t realize that I can be very persuasive.

“Okay, I’ll just ask my mom or one of my sisters since they have your business card.” Oh, if looks could kill I’d be dead right now.

“You wouldn’t dare!” My hands hit the hood of the car, boxing her in. And I don’t have two fucks to give if anyone drives by and notices us.

“I would and I will. They’d be thrilled if I told them I was commissioning you to make a trinket for my girlfriend.” If I had one.

“You…You’re dating someone?” She looks devastated, but that was the reaction I was seeking.

“I don’t cheat, Lyric. So no, I’m not. But I’ll make up a fake one if they give me your number.” That’s when I see her façade cracking. Soon, I’ll have her walls crumbling down and I’ll be the one to pick them up, brick by brick. Not her asshole ex who apparently did a number on her.

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