Page 82 of Devious Temptation
“Wait…” Rhys’ tone turns serious. Suspicious. “What are you doing here?”
I slam the water off, spinning to see Lucy staring at me with rosy cheeks as Rhys’ bright blue eyes dart between us.
“Working.” It’s out of my mouth before he can put two and two together. “I didn’t realize Lucy worked for the company M.I.G. took over. Turns out she’s my new assistant while I’m here.”
Lucy visibly deflates, staring at me with a look that clearly says, ‘this is the time to tell him! What are you doing?’
As Rhys’ gaze swings her way, she flashes him a small smile. Her fingers tangle together, and she twists them in front of her.
“Why areyouhere, then?” Rhys questions her, still watching us both skeptically. If he knows her nervous trait, he doesn’t show it.
“You know service is shit out this way. I asked her to come so we didn’t get our wires crossed if I needed something.” The lies keep pouring out, making me feel like absolute shit as Lucy bites her lip, either to keep her anger at bay or her disappointment.
After a few moments, Rhys makes a huffing sound. “Well, I guess this is just fate, then.” He takes a small step toward Lucy, reaching up to rub the back of his neck. “I’ve been meaning to reach out. You know, I’m movingback.” He beams at her as though he can’t believe his good luck.
“Ye-yeah.” Lucy has to clear her throat before forming a clear sentence. “I, uh, overheard River saying something about it to Rose. Are you excited to come home?”
“I am now.” His eyes fill with that familiar gleam he always used to look at her with. “What are the chances? I was actually going to drop my stuff off, then go into town to grab dinner. Would you… maybe like to join me?”
My stomach roils as her eyes dart to me and then to the stove where our dinner is nearly done cooking. “Lawson cooked?—”
“Don’t mind me,” I interrupt, noting how her eyes shut with annoyance. “Go for it. I don’t mind.”
Rhys is completely blind to the sadness that darkens her face, but I see it. I see it, and knowing I put it there pains me. Silently, I try to convey how sorry I am. This situation took me by surprise, and I’m not ready to blow my son’s world up. This is aharddecision because I love them both so fucking much and don’t want to be the reason for their hurt.
Lucy’s voice is pure steel. “Okay. Let me grab my purse.”
Thankfully, Rhys doesn’t watch her go, so he doesn’t see her enter the room we share to retrieve her things. Instead, he leans on the island and reaches for a green bean.
“It’s crazy that she works for you now. It’s fate, I’m telling you. The universe wants us back together.”
“Back together?” I turn the burner off and pull the potatoes from the oven, careful not to use my burnt hand.
His intentions have my body reacting possessively,wanting to make it clear that Lucy is off-limits. The sound of the oven slamming harder than I intended reverberates through the house.
“I mean, it’s too good to be true, right? I’m moving back. She still lives here. She’s working for you. It was meant to be.” He sounds so hopeful, soexcited, and I silently chastise myself.
How am I supposed to do this?
Lucy reappears, now dressed in a simple navy dress that highlights her assets. Her eyes harden when she looks at me and waves. “Don’t wait up, Mr. Morgan. Have a nice night.”
Rhys raises his eyebrows with a smirk. “Night, Dad.”
Twenty-Seven
Pure,unfiltered rage rolls off me in waves as I pull apart a bread roll. We had the perfect chance to confront Rhys, and Lawson just handed me off like cattle.
Here you go, Son, take my cow out for dinner. I’ve been milking her for the last two months, but you’re welcome to take her for a ride around the pasture.
Okay, I know I’m being ridiculous. But I can’t help but feel so freaking pissed at how Lawson just told me to go. He didn’t eventry.
“You look really good, Luce,” Rhys tells me affectionately from across the table.
I don’t know why his compliment makes me bristle, but it’s a far cry from the way Lawson’s eyes fill with heat as they rove down my body before he tells me everything he wants to do to me.It isn’t fair to compare them. I know that someday Rhys will be experienced enough to make some other woman feel like his father makes me feel—though right now, I don’t feel lovedorspecial.
I feel stupid and embarrassed.
Actionsspeak louder than words, and when the time came, Lawson fumbled pretty fucking badly. Yes, Rhys showing up was a surprise, but again, it was the perfect opportunity for us to tell him together as a united front.
