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.
