Page 14 of Passion

His touch was so gentle, his eyes so calming. How could I resist him? And how could I move into a man’s house—who lived like a king in the lap of luxury—and make him sleep on the couch?

“This has to be like a twelve-bedroom house.”

“Four bedrooms, actually, but I had the wall taken down between two of them and I turned it into a home theater. It looks just like a movie theater.” He winked at me. “Really, I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.”

“No. That’s nonsense.” His touch on my arms reassured me. He hadn’t done anything to pressure me or make me feel like he was unsafe. “You’re not sleeping on an uncomfortable couch. I’ll be fine.”

I wasn’t positive I’d be fine, but I was certain I didn’t want to make him feel like I was being ungrateful. I renewed my smile and glanced around the room. “So, where will I put my clothes? And you’re right about shopping. I will need a few things.”

Lucas let me go and pointed at the far end of the dresser. “I had Ella clear out that half. All for you, for as long as you want it.”

I felt awkward when he said that, as if I had chosen to move in with him and not been forced against my own better judgment to take charity from someone. None of this was how I saw my life going. I was supposed to be happily engaged to Daven, not moving in with a man I just met. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, I have to head to my home office to finish up a few things. I’ll be ready for dinner at six. We can sit by the pool after that, if you’d like.”

I was taken by surprise when he leaned in and kissed me. I wasn’t expecting it. His lips were firm and delicious, captivating my full attention and making my entire body swoon for him. And then he was gone, and I was left in shock. If he wasn't so perfect, I might have been offended, but his attitude, the way he carried himself, the way he cared about me—it screamed “Marry this man now.”

I couldn’t help the stupid grin on my face. I touched my lips to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

12

LUCAS

Ityped the email and hitSend, hoping to hear from the recipient no later than this afternoon, though given the circumstances, it was likely it would be days. Vera had been with me now for four days, and while she was adjusting just fine, I knew she wanted her things. We had a trip to the store to buy her a few things she’d need, but she refused to let me pay for anything, stating that she had some savings to fall back on. I doubted it was enough, but I didn’t push the issue. I loved that she was fiercely independent.

A knock at my door pulled me out of my thoughts, and I looked up to see Henry entering. He stopped in multiple times a day to discuss work or just shoot the breeze, never using the phone or intercom if he could help it. I never knew why he showed up, but I never felt bothered by it.

He walked in and sat down across from me without speaking, though his eyebrows were raised in an “I am going to lay down the law” sort of expression. I paused my work to speak to him, relaxing back in my chair.

“What brings you by, Henry?”

“Well, Lucas, I just got off the phone with Barbra Carey.” He picked at his teeth with his tongue, a rude habit he had.

“Yeah? And what did she want?” Barbra was a board member, and a very vocal one at that. She had expressed her distaste for my work ethic multiple times. I’d have rather she just been cut from the board, but she had excellent ideas at times, and bedsides, she kept me on my toes.

“She wasn’t happy you ditched the meeting for that phone call.”

“Well, is she ever happy about anything?” I turned my chair, looking out over the city, the ocean as the backdrop. My corner office wasn’t just a perk. It was the throne room of this establishment and I the king. “Barbra needs to remember where we came from and who brought us here.”

“Yes, I agree. And I have no qualms about your skipping out on meetings where you’re not needed, but she has a valid point.” I turned back to face him as he continued. “You haven’t sat through an entire board meeting in months. The board thinks you aren’t taking things seriously.”

I chuckled. “I take this company more seriously than anyone. I just hire the smartest people to work hard for me so I can play hard. That’s all.”

The red light on my phone lit up, indicating that my line was ringing, but Tina always screened calls for me to ensure I wasn’t bothered. I looked at Henry with a serious face. “I’ll make sure I’m at the next meeting, okay? This company wouldn’t have gotten where it is without me being me. I built it from the ground up, and I’ve never neglected anything that truly needed my attention. You know that as well as I do.”

Henry shifted in his seat, looking more at ease. “We just have to keep the board happy. Since we went public, we both risk losing our positions.”

“But not our patents or shares. Remember that. They can do nothing without us. We still own everything.” My phone chirped, and Tina’s voice came across the intercom.

“Sir, an Edward Pinson for you.”

I pressed the intercom button and said, “Thanks, Tina.” Then I held up a finger to Henry. “One sec, Henry.” I lifted the receiver and held it to my ear. “Mr. Pinson, I’ve been waiting for your call. I sent a few emails.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.” The man sounded tired, his rumbly voice barely audible. “I apologize for keeping you waiting, Mr. Smith. I wasn’t aware that one of our tenants had connections to you.”

“Not to worry. I just need an update on the building. Ms. Davids is eager to hear about her possessions and her home. How soon can she move back in?”

Henry’s eyes pried at me. I could tell he was going to ask a million questions when I was off the phone. I hadn’t mentioned any names to him, but I had told him I had met someone on the island, and Tina had name-dropped at lunch yesterday when asking how things were going. He hadn’t questioned me then, but we hadn’t been alone.

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