I laughed and took a drink of coffee.“Where are my manners, would you like some coffee?”
“I wouldn’t mind a cup.”
“I’ll be right back.”I stood with my mug in hand and went inside.While I made coffee, I glanced out the window.Lucas looked very relaxed, staring out at the water.Seeing him sitting there made me smile.Why wasn’t I as relaxed as he seemed?And why was I fighting against the attraction I felt for him?
Fear.Fear of not being good enough for him.We were both older now—and hopefully wiser.I knew I was.Lucas seemed different too.I thought back on that first day in the lobby; he’d ignored the receptionist when she tried to flirt with him.
Then why did I have a panic attack when he declared his intentions out loud to the group?All at once my brain had short-circuited, and I couldn’t breathe, especially when Lucas took all the blame for what happened in our relationship.
I’d been so insecure at that time.I learned over the years that my family was the cause of my insecurities; the longer I stayed away from them, the more confident I became.
That phone call I overheard in his office still bothered me.Had he been talking to his sister?I should just ask him, but something inside me held back.Lucas and Mindy had always been close, especially because Lucas raised Mindy.Maybe it was time to ask.To put the past behind me.Live a little.
Being around Lucas made my heart sing.The coffee finished, and I picked up both mugs and carried them out.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”He took the cup and then stared at it.
“Did you need milk or sugar?You used to drink it black.”
“I still do.I’m a little surprised you remember.”
I set my mug on the small table and settled in my chair.“Of course I do.I’ve also seen how you get your coffee at Daily Perks.”I sipped my coffee and set the mug back on the table.Time to address the elephant on the patio.“Lucas, I know our breakup affected both of us negatively, but I’m willing to let the past go and work with you.”
“Only work?”His voice was tinged with surprise.
“For now.”I had to give myself an out.“Tell me more about Fantasies, Inc.”I wasn’t ready to get too personal.
For the next hour, we sat on my patio, talking about the company and enjoying the world coming to life.I’d missed having company like this.That was the tough thing about not being close to anyone.Being alone, a lot.
“So interesting,” I said when Lucas finished.“Do employees use the company’s services?”
“We’ve had a few.And, for your information, I haven’t.”
My cheeks heated.“I wasn’t asking that.”
“I wanted to set your mind at ease.”Lucas shifted and stared at me.
A shiver went up my spine as arousal heated me at the intensity in his gaze.Resisting Lucas wasn’t going to be easy, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to.
Chapter Eleven
Lucas
Her body flushed at my stare, and I decided to take the plunge.“Can we explore a more personal relationship?”I held my breath after I asked the question that had been burning in my mind all week.As far as I could tell, she didn’t have anyone in her life but now would come the moment of truth.Would she even accept a relationship with me?
Her eyes grew wide, and she looked away.Like a balloon, I deflated.I was hoping we could start over and find pleasure in each other again.Maybe it wasn’t possible.Maybe she wasn’t ready to trust me again.
“I’ve already told you I’m not ready for that right now.Besides, ask yourself: Is that really a good idea?”Her voice was soft and gave nothing away.
“To me, yes, but I understand why you’re not so sure.”I didn’t look away, and when her gaze met mine, my heart dropped.There was sadness, profound sadness.Damn, I’m the one who caused this chasm between us, and I needed to fix it.If I could.
“I’m not.”Valerie closed her eyes and then opened them.“I was hurt when you walked away.”
“I’m sorry.”What else could I say; it was the truth.My heart clenched.“It wasn’t my intention to hurt you.I was scared.”
“Of me?”
