Chapter 23
23
Reuben appeared at her desk, surprising her.
“Sir?” she asked, feeling herself growing red.
She still couldn’t believe she’d fallen asleep on his sofa earlier and that she’d napped for two hours. To be honest, today had been a disaster workwise. She was horrified at how little she’d gotten done.
Then she really got a look at his face and saw the strain in it.
“Is everything all right?”
“No.”
“What is it? What’s wrong? What can I do?” She reached for him without thinking about it.
“My sister has been in an accident.”
She gasped, her hand going to her mouth. “Juliet? Is she all right?”
“Apparently, she is. But I need to go see for myself.”
“Of course. What happened?”
“She fell off her bike.” He frowned. “And knocked herself out.”
“Do you need me to get you a flight? A ride to the airport?”
“I’ve called Steven and he’ll be here soon. Alejandro is lending me his plane, but I don’t like leaving you.”
He was worried about her?
There was that caring side again.
“You should come with me.”
She shook her head. “Oh no. I don’t fly.”
“What?”
“I don’t fly. No. Nope. Too dangerous.”
“Baby,” he said in a soft drawl. That tone was almost enough to make her do whatever he wanted.
But she was not getting on a plane.
Not for anyone.
“Do you really think I’d ever let you do something that I thought would harm you?”
God.
He had a way with words.
When he wasn’t being grouchy and bossy, that was.
“I know, but I’m still not getting on a plane.”
“How did you get here from Missouri? You don’t own a car, do you?”
“Oh, no.” She had once but she’d had to sell it to pay off some debts. “I took the bus.”
His eyes opened wide, then narrowed. “Your family allowed this?”
Well, they hadn’t had much choice in it since she’d just up and left, just leaving them a note. “You do know I’m an adult, right? I make my own decisions.”
He gave her a look and she swallowed heavily.
Too much sass?
“Obviously, you shouldn’t have been making such decisions. Since you made the wrong one.”
Jeez Louise. She already went over her decisions, constantly scared of failing again. Having him tell her that she’d made a mistake . . .
Well, she was starting to feel less sad about him leaving.
Urgh, that wasn’t true. She was lying to herself. She really didn’t want him to go, even if that reminder hurt.
“I’ll stay here and keep things going,” she told him.
He nodded. “Don’t work too hard.”
Well, she’d work harder than today.
“I don’t want to leave you,” he stated.
She tried not to read too much into that, but it was difficult with her insides doing a victory dance.
He didn’t want to leave her.
“I shouldn’t be long, though, hopefully.”
“Is she in the hospital?” she asked worriedly. Juliet was so sweet.
“Yes. I’ll go straight there when I land. I want to check on her and make sure she’s getting the best care.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything on this end. And if you’re not back in time for the banquet?—”
He cupped her chin. “We were supposed to talk about your rules tonight.”
“Um, yes.” And she felt like she might have been given a reprieve.
“Listen to me. Just because you don’t know the rules doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”
Was he for real right now?
Unfortunately, she knew he was.
“You realize that I can’t follow rules that I don’t know.”
“That’s true. So I will tell you this. You’re not to do anything to endanger your safety or health. Understand? That means no skipping meals and using Steven to take you wherever you need to go. I’ll call you tomorrow to check on you.”
There was a tenseness in his eyes and voice. Poor guy was torn.
“Go,” she urged. “Everything here will be fine.”
“I expect it to be.” He shocked her by walking around the desk and turning her chair toward him. Grasping her waist, he lifted her up onto her feet.
Her breath caught in her throat as he placed his hand behind her head and kissed her.
Long and deep.
Her toes curled, her heart raced, and her brain turned to mush. There was nothing but him.
He filled her world. Took her breath.
And when he drew away from her, all she wanted was more of him. Her hands gripped his arms. She wished she could beg him to stay. It was all she could do to bite the words back.
“I need to head to the airport,” he said, cupping the side of her face. “Be a good girl and be ready for Steven to take you home at five, understand?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll call. I want your phone charged and on you at all times.”
“Yes, Sir.” Huh, the haze of pleasure was disappearing with each bossy command.
“Look at me,” he told her.
As she gazed up into his gorgeous face. He ran a thumb over her lower lip. “So fucking beautiful. I should make you come with me.”
“No.” This was one thing she wouldn’t give in on.
His gaze narrowed. “You know that word doesn’t exist when you’re speaking to me.”
“Please don’t make me. I can’t.”
His face softened. “Then be a good girl. Don’t make me regret leaving you behind.”