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“I…It’s nothing really,” she hesitated as she rung her hands in her lap. She sighed deeply and decided she could not hide it from him. What was the point? Clearly this man was not going to let up any time soon. And neither of them would get anything done. The sooner she came out with it, the better. Then he’d realize that it was all a silly situation not worthy of additional attention.
Maxine spent the next few minutes explaining everything to Lucas. She noticed his poker face and then later his grim expression.
“But it’s nothing really. Detective Lindle is going to look after everything and that’s that. Probably some hoax. Maybe one of our competitors got my address somehow and simply wanted to scare me off.”
Lucas said nothing for a moment then stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I’m going to look into this myself. I know people who can check this out. In the meanwhile, I don’t think you should be alone.”
“Alone?” Maxine was offended. “What makes you think I’m alone?” Which she was, but how dare he insinuate that she was frail and vulnerable and had nobody else in her life who was capable of supporting her.
“Don’t you live alone?”
“How did you…?”
“You just told me.”
“Okay. So I live alone. Doesn’t mean I’m vulnerable. I live in an apartment complex. We do have security. It's not like anyone will try to break in to the building and come up to the eleventh floor and try to abduct me or anything.”
"Do you realize what you are saying? This is a little bit dangerous for you, don't you think?"
“Maybe, but it's up to me to make that decision. Thank you so much for your interest, Mr. Romero.” Maxine was tormented by conflicting emotions. What was with this guy? Her emotions were out of control. Strange and disquieting thoughts raced through her mind. A part of her wanted to beg him for help. But she was way too independent for that. She was no damsel in distress, that was for sure. Oh, it was tempting all right. A sexy, rich guy like Lucas Romero wanting to help her out. He didn't actually say it, but she knew what he was implying. She'd heard about his reputation. And that was something she wasn't going to touch with a ten-foot pole.
He looked intently into her eyes and her heart flipped in response. She could feel the sexual magnetism between them; it was undeniable. The same way he'd made her feel at Lucy's wedding only six months earlier.
Besides, she also had her mother to think about. Her home may be modest but it was her place and the place where she and her mother stayed for so many years.
"So you're just going to go back to your apartment knowing that someone knows where you live?"
“I'll be fine ... really,” Maxine stuttered. Gosh, the man was making her nervous as hell. Her mind was drawing a blank. She was about to say something else but then she was completely distracted by his refined assets.
“I don't think you'll be fine. I want to help you, Maxine. Let me help you," he ordered.
Maxine was attracted to this gorgeous hunk in front of her, but man, he seemed as if he wanted to control her. No, thank you, sir. I can take care of myself, thank you very much.
“Thank you so much, Lucas. I really do appreciate it, but really, I'm good,” Maxine murmured. “Now, about this new software program,” Maxine shifted the topic. “Your grandfather mentioned you would be able to help Dream Weddings, Inc. revamp into a more digital-friendly service?"
Lucas looked more annoyed than anything else. Did she just offend him?
Maxine surveyed Lucas’s sexy, dark eyes. There appeared to be a mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes. It was delicious but seemingly dangerous. She hoped he wasn't going to do anything behind her back.
Lucas moved behind the desk and he leaned over Maxine. His palms were spread out on the desk as he bent over her laptop. Oh, that sexually charged scent of his heady cologne. It was tantalizing Maxine's nose. She wanted to ask him what cologne it was. But she stopped herself. The last thing she wanted him to feel was that she was flirting with him. Rumor had it he had enough women throwing themselves at his feet. She did not want to be one of them.
She was inches from Lucas. This was crazy. She didn't know if she could actually contain herself How would she be able to focus with Mr. Sexy so close to her, inches from her? His voice was husky when he spoke to give her instructions on which webpage to log on to.
