Page 25 of Reclaiming Love

Chapter 13

She’d been thinking of Noah for most of the day. Even during her busiest time, typing minutes, assembling brochures, submitting expense claims, she’d replayed their conversation and the whole scene from this morning over and over in her head.

Not only had he been a welcome sight first thing in the morning, he now provided a distraction for her that was much needed.

Each time she thought of Matt, regret trampled all over her.

Noah seemed the opposite. He was light to Matt’s darkness. But then in the beginning, before she’d really gotten to know him, she’d thought Matt was the best thing ever.

Maybe she was just lousy at reading guys.

Heather had seen through Matt straightaway. So why hadn’t she? Maybe she was taking this little infatuation too far. What was the point of looking further when she hadn’t officially declared her present relationship over?

Things with Heather were still awkward, and they had avoided seeing one another in the morning as she left for work. She didn’t relish the thought of walking into her home. No more than she looked forward to bumping into Matt. So far she hadn’t bumped into him at work either. Nor had he sent her any emails or texts. For that she was thankful. Each time she heard the faint ding of the elevator in the distance, her heart stopped, as she wondered if he’d stepped onto their floor. Where once she’d enjoyed looking forward to his visits, now she dreaded the thought of seeing him again.

She needed to finish it. But something told her it wasn’t going to be as easy as speaking the words out loud.

Concentrate, Melissa. She attempted another read through of the report she’d typed up for Nadine. At this rate she’d never catch any errors and Nadine wanted to submit it to Mr. Zimmerman and the senior management for tomorrow’s meeting. The Flight people would be in, which meant Nadine wanted everything one hundred and ten percent perfect.

“Hi.” Her insides shrank at the sound of that voice. She glanced up. The sight of Matt removed all traces of expression from her face. He looked wary, cautious, and without his usual hint of haughty arrogance.

“Hi.”

“I didn’t see you all day.” Matt waited, hands by his sides, a looped up cable in one hand.

“I’ve been busy.” Her body tensed in her chair.

“I’m sorry…about yesterday.” It was only because she saw the whites of his knuckles that she noticed he gripped the cable tightly. She trailed her gaze from his hands to his face. “I’d never hurt you, Mel.”

You already did.

She said nothing, because she didn’t want an argument or a debate. He’d come to declare his side of things so that she’d see things his way—that was how he normally operated.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, putting down the cable on her desk and leaning towards her. She felt her knees quake, as fear washed over her. She moved back a little in her chair.

“I’m busy. I have to check something for Nadine.” She silently willed him to go away.

“Mel, I’m sorry.” His eyes softened. “I wish we didn’t argue. Let me make it up to you.” He leaned in further so that his thighs rested against the edge of the desk.

“Can we talk about it another time? I have to get this to Nadine—”

“Or else,” he said. “I know. I know she’s a pain in the butt.”

“She isn’t. She’s a perfectionist, and she’s my boss. So I’d rather you didn’t bad mouth her to me.”

He appeared to scrutinize her carefully. She’d normally let things pass, all of his snarky comments and hurtful remarks, whether they were about her or someone else. For some reason, the way he spoke about Nadine caught her at a bad moment and she wasn’t ready to hear crap from him.

“Can I see you tonight? We could go out for a drink or something?” The pleading in his voice caught her off guard and she considered going with him—to have that talk now rather than later. Her hesitation seemed to throw him. She glanced back at him, knowing the familiar pattern. He’d want to make up, and she’d give in. And then after a while, he’d say or do something else that pissed her off. If there was to be a break, it had to come from her. What she needed was some distance.

“Not tonight. It’s been a busy day.” She never wanted to be in that situation with him ever again.

“I’m away tomorrow, and for the rest of a week, on a course. We’ll be staying there so I won’t see you for a while.”

Her heart leapt with joy and she tried not to bring to the surface the smile that lurked beneath.

“We can catch up when you’re back,” she said easily.

He looked disappointed. “I was hoping we could catch up tonight. Just dinner. I promise. A week seems like a long time to go without seeing you. Please, Mel. I’m sensing things are a bit weird between us.” It wasn’t in his nature to beg, so she gave him her full attention.

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