Chapter Nineteen

Lucas was in his office, with the connecting door cracked open, and heard the exchange between Amy and Tom. He was surprised at the jealousy coursing through him. He didn’t like how easily she laughed with Tom, and he sure as hell didn’t like the idea of her picking up on other men.

He’d never felt jealousy before meeting Amy, and he was stunned by the tugging in his gut. He’d already convinced himself there was no way they could be a couple, so why would it matter who she went out with? He shouldn’t feel anything toward her, but even after months, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

He sat a little straighter in his chair. He was going out of his mind, which would amuse his brothers to no end. He laid his head in his hands and waited for her to leave. He had no complaints with her work. She’d learned more each day and was doing an excellent job.

He’d entertained the idea of firing her but had thrown the thought out immediately. He couldn’t let her go, not yet. Maybe he’d be able to eventually. He’d get over the strange turmoil his body was going through, and then be able to work with her just fine. If he didn’t soon, he’d have no choice but to move her to another division.

Even the thought of her going to another part of the building made his muscles tense.

Lucas got up and decided to go out for a drink. He’d find himself a nice distraction for the night. Any woman would be happy to come home with him. He was Lucas Anderson, after all. He’d bet there were several messages for him already. He just had no desire to call any of the women he normally did when his body was alerting him that he’d put off pleasure too long.

Even though the thought of any woman besides Amy wasn’t even slightly appealing, he’d just have to work through it. He knew, once he stepped out, he’d begin to feel better, and he was sure some pretty thing would catch his eye, at least enough for one night.

Lucas went to a club he hadn’t been to for a while and sat down. He ordered a drink and was there no more than five minutes when an exceptionally attractive redhead sat next to him. She gave him the look that said, Buy me a drink, and you can take me home.

He threw back his drink before turning to give her his full attention. “May I buy you something?” He placed all the charm at his disposal in his voice.

She rubbed her finger up his arm. “I’ll have a dirty martini, Sugar.”

He bought her several drinks and listened as she tried to charm him over an almost endless hour. He knew all he had to do was crook his finger and she’d be in his car, going home with him. He was trying to will himself to do just that, but he knew it wasn’t going to happen.

Lucas felt zero desire for the woman whose curves were on display to anyone wanting a clear view. “Thank you for your company this evening,” he said as he threw several bills on the table. “Goodnight.”

“In case you haven’t noticed the signals, baby, I’m offering to go with you. Trust me, you won’t regret a night, or more, with me,” she said with a voice of utter seduction.

Lucas just looked at her for a moment and then turned and walked away. He’d felt nothing. Normally, he would’ve taken her home and accepted what she was offering. A no-strings-attached night of great sex.

He would’ve loved to do just that, except for the fact that the entire time he’d been sitting there, the only woman he’d been able to think about was Amy. She was soft and feminine, not trampy and brash. She was also the greatest sexual experience he’d ever had. He wasn’t getting over her.

He walked out of the club and stood next to his car, breathing in the almost icy air. When his body was still burning several minutes later, he knew nothing was going to sate it, nothing but a curvy blonde, who’d somehow turned his world upside down since meeting her.

He quickly pulled away from the club and made it home in record time. He parked and immediately noticed Amy’s car. He was surprised by the feeling of relief washing through him at knowing she was home. Of course, that was short-lived when the thought occurred to him there could be a man with her. She had been going out looking for someone.

Suddenly, he had to know if she was with someone or by herself. He knew if he was with her one more night, he could get over his strange infatuation with her. He needed to take her again.

Lucas was in a rush to get to her apartment. She still hadn’t figured out that the other unit on their floor was his. He’d been very careful about when he came and went. He hadn’t wanted her to know he was that close.

The doors opened, and Fred looked up from his paper. “Hello, Mr. Anderson. How was your day, sir?”

“It was great, Fred. Do you know if Ms. Harper is in her apartment?”

“Ms. Harper is currently in the pool, sir.”

“Thank you, Fred. Have a nice night.” Lucas quickly changed direction.

If she was already swimming, she must’ve only been out for about a half hour. That was a quick night. Maybe the pickings had been slim with it being a weeknight.

It was either that, or maybe she was planning to go out later when the real nightlife began. Well, she could put those thoughts on hold, because he’d decided she was spending the night with him.

He went into the men’s locker room and changed.

Lucas came out of the locker room and stood unnoticed for several minutes as Amy swam in the pool alone. She looked phenomenal in her bright red bikini. It showed her curves off to perfection. He wanted to take her right then, but anticipation was part of the fun. When she was swimming away from him, he dove effortlessly into the pool.

He made little noise, and Amy didn’t notice his entrance. She turned around and was making her way back in his direction. He waded in the water, making sure he was in her direct line, anticipating the impact.

She didn’t disappoint as her body hit up against him. She went down for a second, then quickly came up sputtering water. “Oh, excuse me,” she said as she started to look up. When she saw whom she’d run into, she froze. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought it was a great time for a swim,” he replied and took off at a fast pace across the pool, his body energized. He felt better at that moment than he had in months. He smiled all the way to the other side of the pool, hoping she’d accept his challenge. He’d see if she ran away, or stayed and sparred.