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“I know,” I cry. “I guess I was just... ashamed,” I admit. “You warned me not to go there, and I didn’t listen.”
And therein lies my biggest regret. I’d been warned, and for the first time in a very long time, I didn’t listen to her.
“It sounds like it was unavoidable. The universe was throwing you together from the beginning.”
“Mom, please don’t start,” I beg.
She’s always been very spiritual. She believes some people are placed in our paths for a reason. The last thing I want to hear is that the universe wanted something to happen between Charles and me. We’re not destined like she and my dad were. We’re simply a momentary lapse. A mistake that should’ve been avoided because I’m smarter than this.
“He’s my boss.”
“And you had no idea who he was that first night. We can’t help who we fall for.”
It’s something I’ve told myself numerous times. That way, the situation doesn’t feel so taboo. But I didn’t fall in love. I fell into a lust trap. Something a stronger woman could’ve easily walked away from.
“I didn’t ask for this.”
“Exactly,” she says.
“I don’t have feelings for him. It was a one—okay, two—time thing.”
I’m on a roll, stamping down my hurt and forging a will of steel.
“You don’t?” My mom cuts in, confusing me.
“Don’t what?”
“Have feelings for Charles?”
She doesn’t sound convinced. If anything, her voice has a hint of challenge, and I don’t like it.
“Of course not,” I bite out, tone full of indignation. “It’s lust, pure and simple. He’s charming, gorgeous, and a smooth talker with that stupid British accent of his. Probably has a string of girls he beds, here and across the pond. I practically threw myself at his feet, begging to be one of the numbers.”
That thought is a serious blow to my ego. I’m not that girl. I don’t do random hookups with men I have no shot at a future with.
What was I thinking?
“You know me, Mom. That’s not the sort of thing I would allow. It is so out of character.”
“Mm-hmm,” she says, not saying a word more, so I continue.
“A simple fling is supposed to remain just a one-time thing. After the night at Silver, I never should’ve seen him again. This is New York City, not some small town.”
“True,” she offers.
“It’s not every day that your fling turns out to be your boss.”
“Excellent point, Raven. I’m glad you’re coming to terms with the fact that fate made this happen.”
I completely ignore her. That’s one thing we’ll never agree on. Fate had nothing to do with this.
“I told him not to kiss me again.”
At least, I think I did. It was strongly alluded to, at the very least.
“And he didn’t listen?” Her tone turns lethal. You don’t mess with her baby and get away with it. “You don’t want a guy like that. If he does this often, he’s not for you. No matter how good-looking or charismatic he is.”
“Right,” I say.
