Page 28 of Van Cort
“You like the outdoors. It’s not something I’d have assumed.”
“Is that because of the way I look, or the job I do?” I ask, pushing back the ruffle of annoyance.
“Both. But I guess I’m asking how much of it you like? For some, it’s enough to appreciate the beauty of a still lake, thequietness of the forest.” His words are intriguing, and I think about what he’s saying. He took me to a place with a stunning view, after all.
“I certainly wouldn’t say no to a hike in the mountains or a swim on a hot day in that lake you’re imagining if that’s what you’re asking. I don’t shy away from hard work, in and out of the office.” I bite my lip.
“Good to know.” He drops his eyes to his plate. “Work ethic is important. And you won’t reach the top without it.”
“Says the man who inherited his family’s wealth.”
“I hope that isn’t an assumption that I don’t work for it. Believe me, I work damn hard because of it.” For once, I want to pull back my dig at him. Regardless of his personal behaviour, he does seem overly strict in his business demeanour. “And I’m sure you have to work harder than most of the people in your office.”
“And why is that?” I know he knows, but I want to make him say it.
“You’re a woman, a beautiful one. We both know that a lot of men will have a problem with or take advantage of that fact.”
“Unfortunately, that’s true. And maybe I don’t want to be at the top.”
“Don’t lie to yourself. You’re ambitious. Unless you see yourself settling down with a husband and children and foregoing ambition?”
“I didn’t say that. Although I would want to have children at the right time,with the right partner.” My brows furrow. Did he trick me into answering that?
We spend the rest of the meal skirting easier topics and edging back towards the comfort I felt at the beach. But it feels like he’s holding back again. As always.
The journey home raises the tension in me. It’s nearly the end of the date, and while we’ve spoken of new starts and futuredates, I don’t think I’m going to believe it until I hear from him after this date.
Yet, there’s a part of me that wants to grab hold of him while I can. Just in case…
He slips into gentleman mode and escorts me to the door.
“Good night, Andie.”
“Despite myself, I want to offer you coffee. Maybe we can make it to the bed again this time.” My words come out nervous rather than sexy.
His jaw tenses, and I hope it’s with the memory of his hands digging into my flesh, or the breathy moan he pulled from my throat.
“As appealing as that sounds, I said we’d start over. You made it clear that there’s no assumed trust, and I listened, so I’ll leave with a good night.”
I watch his eyes, waiting for a break in that coolness, but there’s nothing. Disappointment sinks to the pit of my stomach. Despite my complaints and arguments, I thought dinner went well. Well, enough to make me want to see him again. “Very well. I guess the next move is in your court, Mr Van Cort.”
“Indeed.”
CHAPTER NINE
EVERETT
By the time Andre pulls up outside the building, I’m about done with every person on the planet. I should be pleased with the day’s dealings, and the relatively informative evening with Andie, but I’m far from satisfied with either. Probably because I’m not in control.
The ride up in the private elevator gives me time to stare at myself and remember times past. Mirrors surround the inside of the space, amplifying the reflecting image. Eye’s – pale green. Hair – black as the night. Skin – a never-ending light tan that hollows under sharp bones. It’s all served me well. Women have always liked it, and it delivers enough of a vacant expression to never give anything away. Yet under all that are memories anda haunted counterpart. He lives in constant reflection, always analysing, always attempting to reveal the reality.
The moment the elevator doors open, I realise something’s wrong. Or right.
My hackles pitch in recognition, and I look around the darkened space.
Everything’s still and as it usually is, but I know these genes in me, and they know who they’re missing.
The corners of my mouth tip up as I move into the kitchen area and dump my wallet and phone. I’m not sure if I thought this day would ever come, and whilst part of me has been content with that, the other has been desperate for reconnection.
