“What about you? Is there anyone I should know about before this gets too deep?”
He doesn’t have to tell me he’s surprised by my question because the way his head snaps in my direction is evidence enough.
“I wouldn’t be here if there was anyone else I wanted, Lilah.” The rare sound of my name falling from his lips is intoxicating. It resonates like a silky, sexy promise every time he utters it.
Before I can get too swept up in my thoughts, an unwelcome image of Natalia pops up in my head.
“Not even Natalia?” I hate myself for asking but I have to know.
Laughter is the last thing I’m expecting as Andrew throws his head back and lets it roll out of him thunderously.
I’d really love to know what about my question instigated such an obnoxious response. His colossal shoulders are even shaking up and down.
Annoyed, I try to yank my feet off his lap but his strong hold is unyielding.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He asks, his voice turning dark.
“What’s so funny? I asked you a serious question,” I grumble lowly, beginning to frown.
Andrew sobers and replies, “Natalia isn’t a factor. You have nothing to be worried about.”
“I don’t know, she seemed pretty into you from the way she was practically caressing you that night.” My irritation begins building as I recall it all too vividly.
His hands still as he processes what I’ve just said and I can tell he’s had an epiphany.
“Is that why you ran off?”
My cheeks grow warm at that particular memory assails me.
“Maybe.”
“Maybe, my ass,” he snickers, shaking his head. “You’ve got it all wrong. I’m not her type by a long shot.”
Yeah, right. He’s everybody’s type.
“There’s a certain piece of my anatomy that she isn’t too fond of. She asks about you every time we speak though. Can’t stop raving about how gorgeous she thinks you are.”
My mouth is gaping so wide I’m afraid I’ll start attracting flies soon. Andrew just looks on dangerously quiet, until he parts his lips to give me a scintillating warning.
“I suggest you close your mouth right now if you don’t want me stuffing it with something.”
It’s my turn to throw my head back and laugh with everything in me.
I never want this night to end.
Eighteen
LILAH
Yawning, I stare at my screensaver and fight to keep my drooping lids open. I’m tired as all hell after getting in at five in the morning, but if Andrew asked me to do it all over again tonight, I’d probably volunteer to drive this time.
I’m still daydreaming about the night before when there’s a knock at my office door.
My hand tightens around the pen in front of me as my shoulders stiffen. I hold my breath and tell the person to come in, fully expecting to see Edward.
When Charli peeks around the door, flashing her megawatt smile, my sigh of relief is audible.
She’s picture-perfect and full of sunshine in her white short shorts and crochet top. Her already rich skin tone is even darker thanks to her days by the pool. Huge aviator glasses are covering her eyes and she’s carrying several bags from our favorite diner on the outskirts of town.
She loves me.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, getting out of my chair to greet her.
Hasty pleasantries are made and then I’m rifling through the bags trying to take inventory of all the goodness inside.
“You drove thirty minutes out of your way to bring me food?!” I ask, my voice overflowing with delight.
Charli snickers at my excitement and releases the greasy bags into my possession.
“I figured you could use a break from your sad cup of noodles.”
“I love you,” I tell her, blowing air kisses before shuttling back to my desk to lay out our spread.
“Nice digs,” Charli whistles sharply between her teeth. She’s making her way over to my desk much slower because she’s too busy surveying every nook and cranny of my office.
I watch as she finally takes a seat across from me.
“You know, for this to be a temporary gig, they really hooked you up.”
Grunting half-heartedly, I pop the lid off the gooey macaroni and cheese.
“It’s a little sterile for my taste.”
In truth, I’d much rather spend my days sequestered in my brightly decorated classroom. Thankfully, my days here are numbered.
Forty-three more days to be exact. Forty-three days until I’m back in the classroom. Forty-three days until I’ve secured the money to launch my dream on the scale it deserves. Forty-three days until my product is available to teachers across the country and not just my coworkers here in Connecticut.
Forty-three days isn’t sounding so bad anymore.
I can do this.
I have to do this.
This isn’t just about me.
“What’s new with you?” I ask before taking my first bite. Recently, every time we meet up I’m the sole topic of discussion. I have no idea how her summer’s going because I always dominate the conversation.
Charli dives into a story about a guy she met at a yacht party last week. Her eyes light up when she tells me all about how gorgeous and sweet he is.
“We have a date tonight,” she gushes and the look on her face makes me smile.
I hope it works out for her. Charli has the worst taste when it comes to men but I’m hoping she’s exiting that phase any day now.
“Text me after. I want to hear all about it,” I instruct, wiping the corners of my mouth with a napkin.
I’m so full I can practically burst, but she brought dessert and I’m seriously debating unbuttoning my pants in order to enjoy it comfortably.
That is until I think about the fact that Edward could pop in at any moment and I don’t want to add any more fuel to his fire. He’s cranky and unbearable enough as it is.
I’ll just take the strawberry shortcake home and eat it later while I’m binge watching Friends for the millionth time.
“What about you? How are things going with you and Andrew?” she inquires, leaning back
