AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"What?" I growl.
"Ivan, please. What happened between us,” she trails off. “It was unlike anything I’ve experienced, but we can't be together. You know that."
I run my hand along my chin. "I know the risks, and I've battled with them myself, but no one needs to know. There's nothing wrong with having a good time."
She frowns. "That’s exactly it. I want more than just a good time. I want a husband and kids someday. Our goals are different." She takes another step back. "We have to keep this platonic."
"Who is this Damian bastard?"
"Don't be like that. You can't give me what I want, so don't be a selfish jerk."
Her words take me aback, but I know she’s right. That still doesn't stop me from wanting her.
"I think you're afraid to be with me. You care more about what your father wants than what you want. This is your life, Cassidy, not his."
She jabs me in the chest with a manicured hand. "You don't know anything about family. You’re at odds with yours and have sex pictures of yourself and women splattered all over the interest. Forgive me if I don't take your life advice."
My jaw clenches. "At least I'm honest."
She shakes her head. "I'm done talking about this. I need to get back to un-packing. My first day of work is tomorrow, and I don't have time to argue with a man that has had everything handed to him."
Without waiting for a response, she turns and walks away. Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.
"If that's how you feel, I'll leave you to it."
I leave, closing the door with more force than necessary.
Cassidy has lived with me for nearly two weeks, and the energy between us burns with tension. The rare times I see her, our words are short and clipped. I don't have time for her childish attitude. I'm ten years older than her, which may explain my low tolerance for her behavior.
I've lived with a ghost for the last fourteen days. And if the act continues, she will have to find somewhere else to live. This isn't what I had in mind when I invited Cassidy to live with me.
I could understand if she was busy at work. I know for a fact that she's not busy with work because she is in the house ignoring me.
When I walk by her room, I overhear her on the phone with her friends, definitely not work calls.
She never joins me for meals and rarely speaks to me.
In some ways, she's the ideal roommate, but not for me. This is my opportunity, my chance, and every day I don’t have her in my arms is like watching my hopes go down the drain.
I haven't been with a woman for what feels like ages. I refuse to bring anyone home because the only woman I want is Cassidy.
Today my thoughts are consumed by her, causing me to have a bad day. I left the office and chose to work from home. It is best for all my employees if I'm in a bad mood to work at home. I used to have the reputation of being an asshole at work, but I managed to get myself in line over the years. However, there are days when that old Ivan comes out.
Working is a source of pleasure, but I can't get my head in the game today. I don’t usually spend a ton of time worrying about my investments and the people whom I give my money, but today set itself apart from the ordinary when I receive a call from the owner of Busy Bees Day Care.
"Hello, Mr. Petrov. How are you?"
"I'm well, and please, call me Ivan."
It was Mrs. Martin, the owner of the day care. I rarely directly interacted with the owners beyond the initial interview, but Mrs. Martin is different. Her day care can potentially change parents’ children’s lives. Also, when I interviewed her, I could see her passion for children and education in her eyes. She isn't just here for the money. She actually cares, and that's rare in my world.
"Of course. Ivan, I have some concerns that are personal in nature."
My stomach tightens, and I start to regret taking the call. No way did I want to hear about her personal problems.
"One of my employees brought this to my attention a couple of weeks ago, but I was unsure how to address it with you," she continues.
I wait, and when she doesn't continue, I prompt her. "Go on."
