My executive assistant, Helen, answered, anticipating my question. “I’m a mile away. The car is a hybrid, but not top of the line. I made sure to keep the cost under fifty grand and not too flashy.”
“Well done.”
Going back to my window, I shoved my hands into my pockets. A few minutes later, Helen pulled into my reserved spot with a black, blah vehicle. Nothing about it screamed class or money and it was exactly what I’d need on my date. If I showed up with my Audi, I might not get the honest answers I wanted from Mara. Like how close she and her good friend Sam had been.
I should be disgusted, not only at the thought of Mara and my dad but at the forty-year age difference between the two. But Sam was gone and Mara was almost like my last connection to the man—the man, not the corporate tycoon.
My phone buzzed. Withdrawing it, I saw a text from Helen, giving me details on the movie I planned to take Mara to.
A lawsuit. That greedy woman.
The conundrum it created in my mind aggravated me. Was there someone in her life driving her to rob an old man and continue trying even after his heart had failed him? The Mara I’d taken to bed, with the sick mom and the tiny house, wasn’t the avaricious Arcadia owner who’d latched onto Sam.
Even my mom had withdrawn her claws from Sam’s empire after the funeral. Because I had gotten everything and now she played the part of a doting mother, one she sucked at.
A tap on the door yanked my attention away.
“Come in.” I knew it was Helen. She was the only one with free access to the building and didn’t need to be buzzed up.
The older woman breezed in, her cheeks flush with excitement. A car woman, I’d known to call her when I needed a normal car for my date. If I was inclined, I’d feel sorry for the car salesman. Helen drove a hard bargain and was tenacious as fuck.
Just to hear the story, I made sure to ask. “You got a good deal, I presume.”
I didn’t care. The cost of the car was pocket change.
She chortled and flopped down in the chair Franklin had vacated. “The guy tried to talk to me like I was a little old lady.” Helen pinned me with an amused stare and patted her bun. “It’s the reason I don’t color my hair. Gray hair equals underestimation and I can eat ’em alive.”
It wasn’t just the gray hair, but also the extra pounds she carried and the matronly way she dressed. Helen’s love of sweets often invaded my office and people stupidly assumed a few extra pounds meant fewer IQ points. She’d been jobless when she’d applied for her current position, having stayed home with her kids until they’d left for college. No CEO would hire her with her lack of experience, age, and “frumpy” appearance.
Idiots. Helen’s no-nonsense attitude and razor-sharp intellect were obvious and a refreshing change from the interviewees who’d eyed me like hungry tigers, planning ways they could use me to move up in the business world.
She pulled out her laptop. “Franklin asked if I could go over what’s going on with your plans in New York with you.”
I chose the seat next to Helen. If Franklin had passed off the project to Helen…it was serious enough to take my mind off Mara.
Chapter 8
Mara
My house came into view and I frowned.
Was that Sam’s car sitting in front?
Dammit, I knew I was running late, but combined with him being early, I groaned. Tonight was supposed to be fun and relaxing. Instead, he was waiting and I looked a hot mess.
Pulling behind him, I paused as he unfolded his long frame from his vehicle.
Fading evening sun glinted off his glossy hair and cast shadows over his hard features. After what we’d done together, I shouldn’t get nervous, but the predatory intensity of his gaze set my butterflies on fire. They burned up into ash and I gulped.
He was walking to meet me but the flow of his movements was more like he was stalking me.
Managing to gather my stuff before he opened my door, I smiled up at him. More fluttering in my belly. His expression said he planned to chew me up, spit me out, and gobble me back down.
I grasped his outstretched hand and he pulled me out.
“Sorry, I’m running late.” I’d been locking the door when Ephraim had called. My new lawyer.
He cocked an arrogant eyebrow and crowded me close to the car. “You’re not late,” he murmured before dropping his head.
My lips parted and met his. I was not in making-out condition. Frazzled, stressed, and dusty from a day of unpacking and relabeling inventory for clearance.
Sam must not mind. His tongue coaxed mine out and if he carried it any further, I’d drop my purse and tote and climb him like I was King Kong and he was the Empire State Building.
I flattened a hand on his chest and pushed myself back. His gaze sharpened, dipped down to my lips.
How badly did I want to see that movie?
If this thing between us had a chance, hiding for sex marathons wasn’t going to allow it to grow.
And I really wanted something between us. Not because he was a fifteen out of ten on the hotness scale. Because I felt comfortable around him. None of my quirks gave him pause, he’d been helpful while Mom was sick, and I felt sexually free with him like I hadn’t felt in years, or ever.
I hadn’t realized how important that was. It was a sign that my past didn’t rule me.
I mentally sighed. Must also mean I should start filling out applications.
He was still staring at me, waiting for me to make a move.
“I need to get changed.”
Stepping back, he held up the hand he still clutched and twirled me. I released a giggle.
“Look good to
