Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Valerie
I sat in my SUV until Lucas drove past. The odds of us living in the same neighborhood were astronomical, but apparently, we did because Lucas didn’t turn around but disappeared down the street. Was that a good thing? I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
Pushing aside my thoughts, I climbed out, walked up the brick walkway, and took two steps up into my home.
It was a small two bedroom, more than enough for me, and it wasn’t like I ever had overnight guests.
Not that it mattered to me. I dropped my purse on the table, locked the door, and walked to the patio doors.
This is what sold me on the house. The patio.
I opened the sliding door and took a deep breath.
Fresh air filled my lungs and instantly calmed the riot of emotions racing through my mind. My view wasn’t of the ocean, but the water of the Sound soothed me just as much. I had a small table and chairs out there. On weekends, I took my coffee there and watched the movement of the water.
I yawned. It had been a long day. Heck, a long week. Finding out I would be working for Lucas followed by the instant attraction to him, both situations raising hell with my nerves.
An attraction I thought was long dead. Nope.
It was as if those five years apart had disappeared.
And that light kiss tonight… What did that mean?
Lucas’ earlier declaration that he was serious about me had thrown me for a loop.
I hadn’t expected his confession, definitely not in front of his friends.
Five years ago, I’d thought we were in a serious relationship until he walked away from me.
The pain at the time had doubled me over.
Over the years, it had become nothing more than a dull ache, and then only when a stray memory crossed my mind.
Since reconnecting with Lucas, though, I couldn’t stop thinking about his betrayal.
Had he truly changed? We were both older now, but were we wiser? Was I smart enough to protect my heart this time? I doubted it.
It wasn’t like I hadn’t dated other men in those five years we were apart, and I was sure Lucas had been with other women. He’d had a high sex drive when we were together, and I’d pretty much matched it.
The men I dated since Lucas paled in comparison, and while their laid-back personalities shouldn’t have mattered that much, they did. I wanted so much more than the men I dated could offer. Would Lucas give me what I craved?
Oh yeah, my body chimed in. That light kiss made my skin tingle and my pussy clench with need. And that was just a kiss. Cassie’s and Emma’s comments about dominant men popped into my brain.
Having known that about Lucas, I smiled. During our time together, our bedroom activities were pretty kinky, and I enjoyed it. Lucas had that commanding aura around him that I loved in the bedroom.
Could I have sex with Lucas without endangering my heart? Should I? I shook my head. Enough. I had all weekend to dwell on what I was going to do. It wasn’t going to be an easy decision. I worried that no matter what I choose to do, one of us was going to get hurt.
* * *
The next morning, I took my coffee mug and went out to the patio. The crisp air made goosebumps rise on my skin. I sat down in the chair and cradled my warm mug in my hands.
It was barely seven, and I was surprised I’d woken so early, as tired as I was last night. My dreams were filled with Lucas and all the naughty things he could do to my body. Was one kiss all it took for my body to be so turned on it wouldn’t stop?
Sipping my coffee, I stared out at the water.
What was I going to do about Lucas? How did I leave my personal feelings at the front door?
Finding a way to do that wasn’t going to be easy.
I didn’t want to give up this job. In just a week, I was intrigued by the mystery behind this potential company.
Plus, I genuinely liked FI and the people who worked there.
I couldn’t quite figure out what bothered me about the audit. The company financials were good, but there was something off. I’d talk to Lucas on Monday. He’d have more information about the company, and we could bounce ideas around.
Money flowed in and out, but there were certain days that their books didn’t completely balance, but then they would the next day. I’d triple-checked my numbers, and it happened about every two weeks.
Forensic accounting focused on discrepancies and irregularities, with an emphasis on documenting misconduct.
In a corporate merger, a forensic analysis made sure the financial slate was pristine.
I had been contracted when discrepancies were found during the regular examination of corporate books prior to the proposed merger with the company FI was courting.
The deeper I dug, the more complex the issue became, which meant this project was nowhere near complete.
I guess this meant I was going to be at FI awhile. So, my next decision was Lucas.
My body perked up. I closed my eyes and released a long sigh.
It was one of sadness. Did I really want to get involved with Lucas again?
Oh, who was I kidding? I was already involved.
But that didn’t mean I had to take it to the next level.
He’d made his intentions clear. The choice to proceed further was now mine.
I opened my eyes and stared at the early morning sunlight on the water. Movement caught my attention. Male. The confident stride, then the way his eyes locked in on me as he turned to saunter from the beach to the steps at the foot of my yard where it joined the beach.
Lucas.
I stayed in my chair when he stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Good morning. I was right. You do live close. May I?” He gestured to the steps.
“Sure.” Why not? Maybe outside the office and without others around, we could clear the air.
The memories had been a major distraction since my first day at FI, and now was no different.
“I recall you liked being close to the water too. I remember when we rented that beach house in Ocean Shores.” The details were as clear as if that trip had happened yesterday as he sat in the chair next to me.
“That was fun.” He looked at me. “I’m glad I saw you sitting here, because I wanted to talk to you.
To clarify what I revealed last night. I’m sorry if I upset you with my declaration.
I realized later that I shouldn’t have spoken out like that in front of everyone, but I really do want us to try again.
I want you. But that will not affect our working relationship. I want you on this audit.”
Leave it to him to broach what I’ve been working around in my brain. “I’ve been thinking about that.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I’m still confused why you chose me.”
“I told you: I didn’t; my boss, John, did. Besides, everyone says you’re the best forensic accountant around.”
“And when you found out it was me, you still let the contract go through, even in the face of our past together.” Something inside me needed to know why.
“Valerie,” he started. “Regardless of our past together, I’m going to do what is best for Fantasies, Inc.
It’s my job as the financial director to make sure not only that we’re secure, but any company we plan on bringing into the fold is a good fit for us.
It wouldn’t make sense for us to merge with someone up to no good. ”
Tilting my head, I studied him. “Most wouldn’t think that way. Failing companies are ripe pickings.” I’d seen enough companies going after failing companies—buy ’em cheap, break ’em up, sell the pieces at a hefty profit. Turnaround acquisition at its finest.
“Yes, but they’re failing for a reason. My boss’ philosophy is to find sound companies that fit in with Fantasies, Inc. and that’s not always easy.”
“I would say not. How did you get involved with FI?”
A grin played around Lucas’ mouth. “I came on board shortly after I walked away from you.” Was there was a touch of regret in his voice? “I heard about this start-up company. With all the new laws and such, it sounded like fun.”
“I know the company fulfills fantasies, but exactly how do you do that and stay within the law?”
“Very carefully.” He grinned.
I laughed and took a drink of coffee. “Where are my manners, would you like some coffee?”
“I wouldn’t mind a cup.”
“I’ll be right back.” I stood with my mug in hand and went inside.
While I made coffee, I glanced out the window.
Lucas looked very relaxed, staring out at the water.
Seeing him sitting there made me smile. Why wasn’t I as relaxed as he seemed?
And why was I fighting against the attraction I felt for him?
Fear. Fear of not being good enough for him. We were both older now—and hopefully wiser. I knew I was. Lucas seemed different too. I thought back on that first day in the lobby; he’d ignored the receptionist when she tried to flirt with him.
Then why did I have a panic attack when he declared his intentions out loud to the group? All at once my brain had short-circuited, and I couldn’t breathe, especially when Lucas took all the blame for what happened in our relationship.
I’d been so insecure at that time. I learned over the years that my family was the cause of my insecurities; the longer I stayed away from them, the more confident I became.
That phone call I overheard in his office still bothered me. Had he been talking to his sister? I should just ask him, but something inside me held back. Lucas and Mindy had always been close, especially because Lucas raised Mindy. Maybe it was time to ask. To put the past behind me. Live a little.
Being around Lucas made my heart sing. The coffee finished, and I picked up both mugs and carried them out.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.” He took the cup and then stared at it.
“Did you need milk or sugar? You used to drink it black.”
“I still do. I’m a little surprised you remember.”
I set my mug on the small table and settled in my chair.
“Of course I do. I’ve also seen how you get your coffee at Daily Perks.
” I sipped my coffee and set the mug back on the table.
Time to address the elephant on the patio.
“Lucas, I know our breakup affected both of us negatively, but I’m willing to let the past go and work with you. ”
“Only work?” His voice was tinged with surprise.
“For now.” I had to give myself an out. “Tell me more about Fantasies, Inc.” I wasn’t ready to get too personal.
For the next hour, we sat on my patio, talking about the company and enjoying the world coming to life. I’d missed having company like this. That was the tough thing about not being close to anyone. Being alone, a lot.
“So interesting,” I said when Lucas finished. “Do employees use the company’s services?”
“We’ve had a few. And, for your information, I haven’t.”
My cheeks heated. “I wasn’t asking that.”
“I wanted to set your mind at ease.” Lucas shifted and stared at me.
A shiver went up my spine as arousal heated me at the intensity in his gaze. Resisting Lucas wasn’t going to be easy, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to.