Page 66 of Enthrall
“Richard placed the guy in a chokehold,” said Lotte. “Meanwhile, the old woman’s wandered off to go get her shopping basket with no concern for the gentleman who saved her from the egomaniac.”
Penny roared with laughter.
Lotte waved her hand through the air. “Anyway, the guy apologized to Richard and trotted back to his car to find another space.”
“Let’s hope you don’t bump into him during a shopping trip,” said Penny.
It wasn’t so much that Richard had stepped up to help a stranger that amazed me, but the fact he shopped at Costco. It sounded so ordinary.
“So you guys got everything we need for the party?” Penny asked her.
“Yes. Catering’s booked so we’re set,” said Lotte.
“Did you ever find someone to housesit your friend’s condo in Malibu?” said Penny.
My ears pricked up again. Though having poured sugar into Richard’s coffee, I no longer had an excuse to be in here. I headed toward the door with Richard’s drink.
“It’s impossible,” said Lotte. “You’d think with the low rent and view of the ocean you’d get a bunch of applicants.”
“Bet it’s that damn fish tank that’s putting everyone off,” said Penny.
And I was out, heading into Richard’s office and wondering about this ocean front condo.
I paused at his door.
After a few deep breaths, I made my way in.
Richard was typing away on his keyboard. He leaped up from his seat and trotted past me and closed the door. “Good morning.”
I placed his coffee on the coaster. “Hi.”
He nodded, his head bobbing away as though so were his thoughts. I wondered if easing past him and leaving would be considered rude.
“Last night...” he began.
“You mean when Cameron tried to ship me off to Italy? Or you, me, and Winston searching for your phone?”
“Senator DeLuca’s from Sicily. Trust me, I’d be more worried about him. His head would probably explode.” He smiled at his own joke. “I was talking about our kiss.”
A thrill slithered up my spine.
“As I told you last night,” he said. “That was out of character for me. I’m sorry.”
“I liked it.”
“It certainly felt different.” His brow furrowed. “Different in a good way. Mia, I just don’t think that it should happen again. It’s imperative we keep our working relationship professional and um...well, that’s it really.”
“You and me--”
“Mia, there is no you and me.”
My heart sank. “I absolutely agree. What happened last night was a once in a lifetime occurrence.” I really did sound mature even though I hated myself for not sharing my true feelings. “It was my fault.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.” Richard cocked his head. “Then we’re back to normal?”
“Normal? I’d never associate that word with Richard Booth.” I gave a wry smile. “I’m excited about going to the party. Lotte’s going to help with my outfit.”
He strolled over to his desk and picked up his mug. “I’m not sure it’s something you’re quite ready for.”
