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“Let's save it for a less emotionally charged day, okay?” he says gently. “Would you like me to drive you home?”
And once again, I feel nothing but respect for this man. He could have taken me home and did anything he wanted, but instead he's more concerned about my well-being, safety, and state of mind. He’s not willing to take advantage of me, and I love that about him.
Chapter Twenty-three
Clifton
I can't believe that jerk Sterling had the nerve to show up or the balls to harass Emma - he was told not to come back, does he really think he’s okay to slink around the parking garage?
Not that I think it matters. The guy’s a stalker; he thinks the laws don’t apply to him, and I worry that his behavior is only going to escalate. I'm afraid for the safety of the woman I've come to deeply care for.
It's not like she can be more clear about being done with him, but he can't - or won't - take no for an answer.
I hope I didn't step on her toes by coming out and diffusing the situation. I have no doubt that she can handle herself, I'm just worried about what he might do. The man was standing between her and her car, no doubt in an effort to cut her off from escaping him until he said his part.
“He's going to tell everyone.” She sounds terrified and upset, but I can't help but wonder if it'd be so bad if the world knew about us. I am worried that my father might be disappointed, or that he’ll have to fire one of us to make an example, but I’d gladly put my neck on the chopping block to stop having to hide what I feel for her in the shadows.
But things are more complicated with my father in the hospital - he is not here to take disciplinary action, and while I’m leading the firm, I worry about breaking rules. My father needs me to run things in his absence, I don’t want to let him down, even if it costs me happiness. But I don't like that it costs Emma happiness, peace of mind, or gives Sterling something to threaten her with.
I wish I could make her understand that no one's going to believe him; he has no proof, he made a fool of himself in our office, and I meant it when I said everyone will think he’s trying to get even or save face because of that fiasco.
The guy is just desperate and pathetic, and I wish he'd walk out of Emma’s life for good. She's still clinging to me, trembling in my arms and breathing too fast. I can still hear her voice asking me to come home with her. But I also know that I wouldn't feel good about that. She is in an emotionally vulnerable place - understandably so - and I don't want to take advantage of her. That would make me no better than Sterling.
But being determined to do the right thing doesn't change her saying those words that made my heart skip a beat. I wanted to say yes. I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her deeply until we were both tipsy with desire. I wanted to make her forget about Sterling and everything else that had her stressed out. I wanted to show her how much I cared for her.
And I think I had... by not taking advantage of her.
Now, as she clings to me, desperate for comfort, I’m so very aware of the cameras watching us. If Sterling did spill our secret, then these videos would be incriminating, and add validity to his claims.
The cameras were everywhere, watching our every move, and if I held her close or kissed her, someone might notice. People might talk. They might uncover our secret.
I didn't want to risk it. I didn't want to jeopardize our careers, our reputations, even our futures. But I didn't want to hurt her or let her ache without offering some warmth and safety when she needs it most. My father's words ring in my ears. Life is too short to waste on regrets. I should follow my heart and be happy. I should find love and hold on tight.
He is right; life is too short. And what I feel for Emma is deeper than anything I’ve felt for a woman before. Deeper than what I felt for my ex, even, who’d I’d forgotten about until this moment. Emma had touched a place deep within me that I thought would be sealed off from people for good after the betrayal I’d suffered.
And I make a decision. I stand here, patting her shoulder awkwardly, trying to act casual. Then I wrap my arms around her. I hug her tight, feeling her warmth and her heartbeat while whispering in her ear that I’m sorry for what happened and that I'm glad she's okay. I tell her that she's strong and that Sterling can never tear her down or ruin her life. I also tell her that I'm here; here to protect her, here to stand by her side, here to help in any way she needs me.
“Would you like me to drive you home?” I ask again.
She nods her head while softly sniffling.
I pull away, taking her arm and leading her toward my car. She gets in with a smile up at me, saying something about taking an UBER to work tomorrow, and I nod. Of course, I can pick her up, but I want to get out of this place before we keep talking under the watchful eye of whatever security guard is monitoring the cameras.
I walk around the front of the car, opening the driver side door and dropping into the seat. As the engine roars to life, I back up and head for the exit with her by my side. She stares out at the city as I drive, lost in thought as the silence stretches out between us.
I glance at her from time to time and see the worry and pain in her eyes. Sterling has put her through so much and I wish I could just take all that stress, pressure, and pain away. The man is a menace.
My thoughts drift and I wonder if she really wants me to come home with her, or if she's just looking for comfort and distraction. I don't doubt she wants me there; it's the reason why that worries me. I would hate for this to be a decision made on impulse in the heat of the moment that she would later come to regret.
So I'm going to hold back, for now. But I meant it when I said that we could get together on a less emotionally charged day - as soon as she’s ready, I’m here.
I decide to break the silence. I want to talk to her, to know how she's feeling, what she's thinking and what she wants to do next. I want to make sure that she feels safe going home as a new thought dawns on me - does she want me to come home with her because she's afraid Sterling is going to be there? Because if that's the reason, I'm going to feel terrible for turning her down.
“Emma,” I say, glancing at her before returning my attention to the road once more. “Are you okay?” Holding the steering wheel with one hand, I reach for her with the other. Her fingers are cold and she wraps her hands around mine.
“I’m okay.” As she says the words, she gently squeezes my hand.
“I just want to check in; is your reason for wanting me to come back with you because you're afraid of Sterling? Because if you are worried about your safety, I will gladly come with you.” I glance at her again, trying to gauge her thoughts from her face. But she's locked down tighter than a government office after five.
