Page 6 of Leon
"Oh for crying out loud!"
Lowering her voice, Grace leaned forward, dark eyes spitting fire. "What happened, if it did happen, was years ago. He needs to let it go. He needs to let you go. Allow you to live your damn life."
Brushing back her razor straight black hair, she gave her friend a smoldering look. "He's playing on your emotions. You sacrificed your career for him--"
"I don't regret it. I met Leon."
"There's that."
The anger left her immediately. "But what about the rest? Have you ever brought up the topic of the Whitlocks with him?"
"I did, several times and he looked like he was going to have a heart attack. I have to leave it alone."
"In the meantime, you and your husband are suffering."
Pushing away her half-eaten burger, she picked up her water and took a fortifying sip. She was in no position to be giving relationship advice. She had been married twice and had recently divorced her cheating husband, kicking him out of her place. She was bitter and disillusioned when it came to men but had seen the love between her friend and the man she had secretly married. It gave her hope that one day she could meet someone who wasn't after her taking care of them and picking up the slack and the check.
Glancing at her watch, she gave a start. "I'm due in court in ten minutes."
"And I have a shipment coming in."
She drew out her card before Grace could. "And I'm meeting Leon later. I told dad that you had a crisis and I'm spending the weekend."
"How many crises can one woman have?" her friend mused. "No problem. You already know he's not going to call me."
"Just in case."
Rising, she came around and hugged her friend. "Thanks for being there for me."
"Always."
Grace hugged her back. "Talk tomorrow."
*****
He got there first and was already waiting. He had brought dinner and a bottle of Chianti, her favorite. His apartment would have been more accessible and more convenient, but it was in the middle of the business district with his father's place only a few blocks away. The chances of them being discovered were too many. So, they met at the cottage. A delightful pink and white brick building in the middle of nowhere. They were isolated, with no fear of anyone seeing them.
It had belonged to his mother, and she had passed it on to him. She had bought it on a whim, when they had come for a visit tothe quaint little town. It was in his name. And it was the perfect place for an assignation. But this was not one, was it? He could not help the bitterness corroding his thoughts. All throughout the day, he had stopped himself from calling her. He knew what she would tell her dad and what arrangements she would put in place to ensure he had someone to see to his needs.
Twice a month, they would try and get away to be with each other and a few nights in between. It wasn't enough, he thought angrily. He needed more. He craved more. It galled and frightened him that he was contemplating getting her pregnant, deliberately getting rid of the protection so that they could start a family. He was furious that he was so weakened by her. The power she had over him was astonishing and he was not sure he liked it.
Tossing back the scotch, he watched narrowly as her vehicle stopped behind his. He would usually go out to meet her, take her overnight case, but this time he was not in a very charitable mood. And was dangerously close to losing it.
To issue an ultimatum. Go public or else? Or else what? He greedily noticed the way the faded jeans cupped her derriere lovingly. Her hair was loose, the golden tips shining in the light of the fading sun. She turned then and saw him standing by the window and offered her quick smile. His gut twisted, his kneeswent weak, and he felt his heart pounding. He was hungry for her.
Finishing the drink, he put the glass down and strode to open the door.
"Hi."
Her voice was soft and husky. He had once told her that she could seduce with just it.
"Hi."
His anger was forced back to be replaced by a desire so strong it was overwhelming.
Taking the case from her, he dropped it right at the door. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her straight into the bedroom and went for the bed.
"My, you're impatient."
