16.
ELIZABETH
Maneuvering my car into my assigned parking space at work, I tried to rid my head of thoughts of Daniel when I should have been thinking about my nine a.m. meeting.
Apparently, he had flown back to San Francisco last night after our encounter. I wasn’t sure why exactly, but I’d half-expected to see him again or at least hear from him before he’d headed back to his part of the state. Maybe it was more of what I’d wanted than what I’d expected. Disappointment coursed through me, and that only proved to fuel both my intrigue and my annoyance.
Admitting to myself, if no one else, that Daniel Alexander happened to be growing on me was something I was reluctant to do, especially after last night. Granted, it could have been worse, I imagined. He could have come into my place, screwed me senseless, and then left without a word.
Which would be worse—rejection or being dismissed?
Ugh.
Eight years alone was a long enough time to get used to the idea of being single. All it had taken was one night at a stupid mixer I never wanted to attend in the first place to make me want to throw it all away.
Walking into my office, I flipped on the light switch and smiled at the roses on my desk. Shaking my head to rid it of all thoughts of him, I sat down and tried to focus on my upcoming meeting.
My cell phone pinged, and I looked down to see a text message from an unknown number.
Back in my sucky part of the state. It would be far less sucky if you were here with me. I’m sorry about last night.
Heat coursed through my body, and I felt my cheeks flush. I wondered how he’d gotten my cell phone number, but then I glared out my door at my assistant’s empty chair.
Who is this? Do I know you?
I giggled as I pressed the Send button. I was enjoying this flirtation, or whatever the hell it was, a little too much.
Can I call you? Or are you busy?
Gripping my phone, I stared at his words. I can do this, I thought, trying to convince myself. It would be okay.
You can call.
My cell phone vibrated almost immediately. “Hello?” I practically sang into the receiver.
“Miss Lyons.” His deep voice sounded even sexier through the phone.
“How did you get my number?” I cut to the chase.
He huffed out a quick laugh. “I’m not giving up my sources.”
“I think it’s a short list. I know who to blame.”
“Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not,” I admitted as I focused on a picture of the studio in 1942 hanging on my wall.
“I’m sorry I left like that.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Deny.
Deny.
Deny.
“So stubborn.” His voice sounded smooth and relaxed, almost like he was in bed.
“What can I say? You bring out the best in me.”
“Elizabeth,” he said my name, and I literally felt my body tingle. “I wasn’t in a good place last night. If I had followed you upstairs to your place, it would have ended badly.”
“Why’s that?” That easily, my anger was replaced by want.
“Because I was mad. I was frustrated, and I needed to figure out how to fix the shitstorm of a meeting I’d just walked out of. James was going to be pissed at me for blowing it, and I needed to brainstorm.”
“You didn’t tell me you’d walked out.”
“I walked out.”
“Smart-ass.” Every time he exhaled into the phone, I’d inhale, convincing myself that I was breathing in his air. “All I wanted to do was let you vent. I could have helped. I just wanted to talk.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have just wanted to talk to you, okay? We would have gone to your place, and I would have been dying to get you naked. I want you, Elizabeth. When I finally do get you, it’s not going to be because I had a shitty day at the office, and you’re feeling sorry for me.”
“Let’s get one thing clear.” My voice escalated as agitation bloomed. “I do not feel sorry for you, okay?”
The phone stayed silent, and I pulled it away from my ear to make sure the call hadn’t disconnected.
“Okay?” I asked again.
“Okay.” His voice sounded soft, and I wanted to curl up next to his body and envelop him. “So, do you forgive me?”
“Yes.”
“And we’re okay?”
“Sure.” I shrugged, wondering what that even meant.
“Good. Then, I want to see you again. I don’t care if I have to come down there every week or every day. You will give this a shot, and I’ll make up for last night.”
“Give what a shot exactly?” I questioned, already knowing the answer but desperately wanting to hear him say it.
“Us.”
“There is no us,” I responded, sounding like a brat.
“We’ve started something here. Fight it all you want, but it’s already happening, and you know it.”
I sighed and allowed the silence that followed to speak for me.
“Listen to me,” his voice started again. “I know you’re scared. I don’t pretend to know why, but I want to know. Someday, I hope you’ll tell me.”
“Why would I tell you anything?” I whispered as my mind replayed my dad leaving and Ben cheating, coupled with Daniel denying me last night.
“Eventually—and by eventually, I mean, really, really soon—” He paused, and I held my breath as I waited for him to finish. “I’m going to be your boyfriend. Although, I’m really more of a man, don’t you think? Soon, I’m going to be your manfriend, and you’re going to trust me and fall head over heels in love with me.”
I laughed hard. “You’re hilarious.”
“I’m serious.”
“Delusional much?”
“Not often.”
“I have to go.” I shifted in my chair, causing it to roll to the side.
“Talk to you later, babe. Have a good day.” He hung up before I could respond.
My thoughts recycled his words over and over until I felt almost dizzy from them.