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“How did you know I was thinking that?”
“Doesn’t matter how I know, just that I do. You’d better not show up here, or I will hurt you.”
“Dang, baby. You don’t have to get violent.”
She chuckled. “I won’t if you keep yourself in L.A. Besides, you need to rest. I’m sure you have plenty to catch up on.”
“I hear you, and I promise to stay here. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“Me, too.”
“Well, I’d better let you go. I don’t want you to stay too late.”
“I won’t. I’ll probably leave in less than half an hour. I only plan to spend a couple of hours here tomorrow morning.”
“How are you getting all your stuff home?”
“Devin has a truck. He’ll be by during his lunchtime tomorrow to take everything home for me.”
“Good. I’d hate to break my promise about not coming to help you.”
“I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you.”
“I have a few suggestions,” he said in that deep, sexy voice. “Would you like to hear them?”
“Um...I don’t think so,” she answered breathlessly. “I should get off this phone.”
“Yeah, probably. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay.” Janae disconnected and tossed the phone on the desk. Rubbing her temples, she muttered, “A fantasy, a onetime excursion—that’s all this was supposed to be. This has gotten so out of control. Why can’t I resist this man?” His softly spoken words had been filled with so much heat, she could feel it through the phone.
She sat there a few minutes more, then worked awhile longer. After stacking everything in one area, she shut down her computer and collected some papers from the printer. She picked up a small box containing a few personal items and her purse, then locked up for the day.
Janae met Karen as she walked to the office.
“Hey, girl. You leaving?”
Karen blew out a long breath. “Yes. I am so tired. I think some stuff multiplied throughout the year, because I know I didn’t buy all that.”
“I hear you. I have to come back tomorrow for a couple of hours and then I’m done.”
“I may be here a little longer, but hopefully not much more. Have you talked to Terrence yet?”
“Yeah. He got back last night and called with my itinerary for the weekend.”
“When are you leaving?”
“Sometime Saturday morning. He emailed it to me a little while ago, and I haven’t looked at the information yet.”
“Ooh. Let’s see,” Karen said excitedly. She peered over Janae’s shoulder as she took out her phone and scanned the email. “Oh, my goodness. He has you booked in first class.”
Janae put her phone away quickly.
“What are you guys going to do during the day? The party doesn’t start until eight, which leaves lots of time for fun.”
“I have no idea. I told him whatever he planned would be fine.” Janae stopped next to her car, unlocked it and placed her box on the backseat. “You know, I’m still a little uncomfortable with this whole thing. I should have told Terrence I couldn’t come.”
“Why? The two of you seem to enjoy each other’s company, and you said he’s a nice guy.”
Because I love him, and he’ll never love me back. “I just don’t do this sort of thing, that’s all.”
“Well, go and enjoy yourself. I’ll be expecting details.”
“I’m sure you will,” Janae said wryly. “Maybe you should go in my place.”
“I would, but I don’t think my face is the one Terrence will be looking for at the airport. Girl, the way he looks at you makes me warm.” Karen fanned herself.
“Whatever. You are such a nut. I’m going home to paint.”
“See, that’s why you don’t have any fun—you’re always in the studio. Although I have to admit, those paintings are beyond amazing. If I don’t see you before you leave, have a great time.”
“I will.”
Later, Janae lay in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. How had she allowed herself to fall in love again, especially after what she had gone through the past two times? In reality, she’d never stood a chance resisting Terrence’s charm. The man had a way about him that made the most determined woman surrender her soul. Now, if she could only get through the weekend without him knowing her feelings...
Chapter 13
Terrence checked his watch for the umpteenth time. “What’s taking so long?” he mumbled under his breath. Janae’s plane had landed twenty minutes ago. He surveyed the area near the escalator again, but still didn’t see her. He had never met anyone like her. No other woman talked to him as if he were a regular guy. She didn’t seem to care about his status, something else he could add to the list of reasons why he was so attracted to her.
