“We’re going back to New York City.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
I take a right turn, keeping a watchful eye behind me. “It’s time to face the music.”
She rubs her palms up and down her thighs. “I’m not ready.”
I glance at her for a beat. “You can’t hide forever.”
She blows out a long breath. “I’d like to try, but you’re right.”
“What’s the security like at home?”
She scrubs her hands over her face. “Do I even have a home? For all I know, Darren has moved Karen in there. I can’t go there. Looks like I’ll have to book a room at a hotel until I can kick Darren out.”
“Not a great idea after what happened to you at the last hotel you stayed at.”
“I could probably stay at Claudia or my mother’s apartment.” She sounds unsure. “Although anyone can get into their buildings.”
“Not an option. You’re staying with me. Security in my building is tight. No one can get in, much less to the penthouse suite, without me knowing. There’s also a sneaky back entrance to slip in and out of.” I’ve never had a woman stay in myapartment before. Not even for a night. Yet with Penny, I didn’t even hesitate to offer.
“I couldn’t put you out. You’ve done so much for me already and gotten caught up in my mess. I bet you regret helping me at the hotel.”
Taking my attention off the road for a moment, I gently squeeze her thigh. “I don’t regret it. If I hadn’t taken you with me, I’d still be holding onto so much anger over Garrett’s death. Putting blame where it shouldn’t be.” Up ahead I see a gas station and I pull in. “Will you stay with me?” My heartrate picks up speed as I wait for her answer.
I’m not ready to let her go.
Because when she walks away, I may never see her again.
Chapter Twelve
PENNY
“Penny, wake up.” I feel a nudge on my shoulder, and I jolt up in the seat. Blinking heavily, I stretch my arms in front of me. The long drive and stress of the morning had lulled me to sleep.
Glancing around, I see we’re in a dim parking garage. “We’re at your apartment already?” I ask.
Lucas chuckles. “The travel time goes fast when you sleep through most of it.”
I give him a sheepish grin.
“Come on. Let’s get you settled. I have a private elevator that takes us straight to my apartment. No one will know you’re here.”
Lucas was right when he said I can’t hide forever. And I will show my face again. I guess I have to arrange a meeting with Claudia and my mother to work out how I get back out there after the lies that have been said about me. Until then, I want toenjoy whatever time I have left with Lucas before we go back to our normal lives.
There’s so much I need to think about, but for now, all I want to do is take a long, hot shower with Lucas and curl into bed with him. It’s amazing after only spending a few days together he seems to be all I want to think about and spend my time with. It’s funny how quickly I’ve become comfortable with him.
Getting out of the car, we make our way to the elevator. He punches a code into the keypad next to the door. A moment later the doors slide open, and we step inside. As soon as they close, Lucas presses me against the cool mirrored wall, his body melding into mine.
His lips hover above my mouth. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you for hours.”
“Then do it.” I’m not one to argue.
Lucas tunnels his fingers through my hair, pulling me forward. Our lips meet on an urgent kiss, like we haven’t touched each other in days not hours. I wrap my arms around his waist, holding him tight.
How does this feel so right? I’ve never felt so alive in a man’s arms. If I’m not careful, I’ll want this forever. But Lucas isn’t offering forever. He isn’t even offering a relationship, because he doesn’t believe in them.
I can’t imagine Lucas treating a woman he loves the way his father treated his mother. Not when he’s shown me—a woman he originally hated—compassion and care. I think he’d be great relationship material. Not with me though; I’m not ready to jump into another one. I’ll enjoy this moment and every other moment before it comes to an end.
