Page 113 of The Stranger
“I need?—”
“You don’t need the money,” I say, cutting her off. “I’ll make a deal with you … you quit your weekend job, and I’ll stop going into the office on Saturdays. I’d much rather spend that time with you.”
I’m waiting for her resistance, or a bunch of baseless excuses that often follow this subject, but when she says, “Okay,” I’m left speechless.
“Really? You’ll quit your job and come with me?” Iask, propping myself onto one elbow and gazing down at her sweet face.
“Yes. I think getting away for the day is exactly what I need.”
Tossing back the covers, I leap out of bed and reach for her hand, helping her up. I need to get her out of this apartment before she has a change of heart.
I briefly fold her in my arms and kiss her, but the moment I let go and take a step back, a growl permeates in the back of my throat. My eyes track her every move as she scoops down to collect the skimpy lace outfit she had on last night.
When she turns to leave, I reach out and lightly slap her bare arse, causing her to yelp. “Scoot,” I say, “before I change my mind and take you back to bed. And pack some clothes for the office tomorrow. We can stay the night and leave first thing in the morning, so we’re back in time for work.”
She glances over her shoulder and gives me a sweet smile, and my heart skips a beat, because even that organ in my chest recognises she’s the one.
Chapter 34
Delilah
Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. We left the estate at the crack of dawn this morning, but because of an earlier multi-car accident, several lanes on the highway were closed. The last time we went to the estate, we arrived at the office before all the other employees. On this occasion, we weren’t so lucky.
Spencer didn’t have to report to anyone. It’s his company, after all, but I had to call Marcy and let her know I was caught in traffic and would arrive late. Normally, that wouldn’t be an issue, but when I walked into the building with the CEO just after nine, and Shay-lee gave us both a knowing look, a sense of foreboding settled in my gut. I had a sick feeling this was going to create an issue.
I’d managed to shut down any rumours that had circulated, including the ones regarding my initial relationship status on Facebook—which, understandably, caused a bit of a stir when I first started working here. But since then, many people had seen me either arrive or leave for the day in the back of Spencer’s limousine.
Even though most of the time I was alone, it still gotthe tongues wagging. I simply told them we lived in the same building, and since parking in the city was horrendous, he’d been gracious enough to offer me his driver.
I’m sure some still had their suspicions, but I did my best to steer clear of Spencer during the day. I forbade him from making any more unprompted demands for me to visit his floor during office hours. Thankfully, despite not liking the idea, he’d obeyed my wishes. It didn’t stop him from sending flirty, and often dirty, messages, but that I could handle.
They were private, and for my eyes only.
I’ve simply been protecting his reputation. I know how much his father’s unwanted advances towards the female staff in the past have upset him. Spencer was nothing like that man, and I refused to let anyone believe otherwise.
When I reach my desk, I stow my handbag in the drawer and then pop my head into Marcy’s office. “I’m here,” I say. “I’m sorry I was late.”
“It wasn’t your fault. I had a look online after you called, but I couldn’t see any major accidents reported in the area.”
“It was on the M5.”
Her eyebrows jump. “The M5. I thought you lived locally.”
“I do. I was away … my sister’s engagement party was held over the weekend.” This is not the reason I was on the M5 motorway, but technically, it isn’t a lie. “I left super early this morning, which should have had me back here in plenty of time.” Normally, I wouldn’t go into so much detail, but this is Marcy. I’m confident she wouldn’t be involved in idle gossip. I’ve noticed in my time working for her that she keeps to herself. “Is there anything I can do for you before I get started on my work?”
“Not at this stage, no,” she answers.
I soon forget the events of this morning as I get stuck into my work, but that all changes around 11 am when Shay-lee buzzes me from reception.
“Delilah,” she whispers down the line. “Eloise Prescott … Mr Prescott’s mother is on the line for you.”
Shit.I inwardly cringe. This is not what I needed today. I must remember to give her the number for my direct line.
“Oh,” I say, trying to act as casually as I can. “I wonder why she’s calling me.”
“I don’t know. Do you want me to ask her?”
That is the last thing I want; I can’t trust she wouldn’t unintentionally say something to make this situation worse. “No, that’s fine, Shay-lee. Put her through.”
