Page 56 of Merrick

“No!” He shook his head. “It’s complicated.”

“Anyone I know?” She asked casually as disappointment lanced through her heart. She had thought that seeing him here and now, was a sign that they would end up in bed and form some sort of relationship.

“No.” Lifting up his wineglass, he took a sip. “It’s really good to see you.”

She hid the grimace and made one last desperate play. He had been on her mind recently and she had thought of getting in touch with him. She was ambitious and driven and existing in a man’s world; it takes guts and stamina to stay in that position. Hooking up with a man with tremendous resources could only sweeten the pot.

“I was thinking we could go upstairs.” Her fingers danced over his hand lightly, seductively. She was a beautiful woman after all, and men were usually susceptible to her considerable charms.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to say - no.” He removed his hand and sent her a regretful smile.

She sighed and picked up her wine. “Just my luck to fail a second time. Whoever she is, I hope she realize how fortunate she is.”

He smiled at that and did not respond. “Tell me about your job as a news anchor.”

*****

“It’s late.”

“I know and that has never bothered you before.” He pushed his way in and went straight into the kitchen with her trailing behind him reluctantly. She was tired, but drinking tea and taking a warm bath had not helped. She was still up, and the Chinese food was still untouched. She was not hungry, just lethargic as hell and terribly unhappy.

“What do you want, Brad?”

“In a minute.’ He dug into the bag and took out the food, looking up at her with a frown.

You didn’t eat.”

“No, mother.”

“Do you mind if I…”

She waved a hand at him. “Knock yourself out. It needs reheating.”

She sat at the table and waited for him to reheat the meal and bring it over. Even the scent of it was making her nauseous.

“Last chance.” He pointed at the food, and she shook her head.

“What’s up?”

“I should be asking you the same thing.” He dug into Chow Mein with gusto, his eyes on her. “You looked haunted and that is the most appropriate word I can come up with and you’re not eating. Are you that gone over this guy?”

“I am tired, this case has me wiped. That is all.”

“And you’re sticking to that story.”

She hissed out a breath and shoved out of the chair to get a glass of water. “He suspects that something is not right.”

“I see. Did he tell you that?”

She took a gulp of water and came to sit back down.

“No. But I felt it. He wanted – wants a commitment and I blew him off.”

Brad stared at her with narrowed eyes. “What sort of commitment?”

“Live together, marriage, the whole works. He said that he is in love with me.”

He stared at her and did not say anything for a full five seconds.

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