Stumbling toward the bathroom, she flicked on the taps and began to run a hot bath. Turning, she placed her hands on the vanity and stared at the wild-eyed woman in the mirror. The brown eyes staring back at her looked slightly bruised and haunted. Her hair was a tangled mess, reminding her of what had happened earlier in the evening.
She laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound. At least the phone call from her brother had accomplished one thing— it had certainly taken her mind off her problem with Lucas Squires. Staring at the woman in the mirror, she shook her head. “What the hell did you do? Walk under a ladder? Smash a mirror?” There had to be some reason for the cosmic bad luck she’d had today.
Her life had changed irrevocably since she’d awoken this morning. This morning, she had still been excited about her new project and optimistic that she could get her client’s cooperation. She’d felt she’d had a good relationship with her mother— not stellar, but good. She and her mother didn’t really understand each other, but at least they’d had something. Or so she’d thought. And her brother… well, sad to say, but she hadn’t thought about him in a long time. Not really. He’d always been more of a passing thought, a memory that had faded over time.
Now look at her. She’d had the best sexual encounter of her life with a complete stranger and even though they’d never finished, she felt branded by his touch. His hands and mouth had been like magic on her body. She shivered at the thought and a deep, throbbing need began to pulse low in her belly.
Pushing away from the mirror, she yanked off her clothing and peeled off her stockings, letting them drop to the floor. Usually, she was careful with her belongings, but tonight she really couldn’t bring herself to care. Stepping into the tub, she ignored the stinging in her foot as she sat down and let the hot water envelop her. When the tub was full, she turned off the taps and sat back, her mind still reeling.
Okay, so she’d had a sexual encounter with a stranger who just happened to be her new client. She was a professional— she’d deal with it. Starting tomorrow, she’d go and see him and set things back on the right course.
Picking up a facecloth, she soaked it in the water, wrung it out and draped it over her face. She’d have to deal with her mother too. She still couldn’t believe her mother hadn’t told her she’d heard from Justin. The betrayal sat like a lump in her stomach. But she could deal with that too.
As for Justin… well, she didn’t know what she was going to do about that. Did she really want to see him? What did he want? Probably money, the cynical side of her nature replied. If he didn’t want something, why did he wait all those years to contact her? On the other hand, could she live with herself if she didn’t see him?
Her thoughts went ‘round and ‘round until the water in the tub cooled and she thought she would scream. Pulling the plug, she stood and stepped out of the tub. Grabbing a towel, she quickly dried herself, gathered her clothing and padded to the bedroom. Her stockings were ruined, so she tossed them into the trash before she hung her suit in the closet. Her blouse went into the clothes hamper. As she tossed it in, she caught a whiff of soap with a tinge of sandalwood.
Lucas.
Slamming down the lid of the hamper, she dug out a clean flannel nightgown and pulled it over her head. She knew she should clean and bandage her foot, but she just didn’t have the energy. The soap and water would have to suffice for now. Crawling into bed, she hauled the covers up tight around her face. She glanced at the clock and was mildly shocked to realize that it wasn’t quite eight o’clock.
She jerked when the phone rang, but made no move to answer it. Instead, she lay in bed and stared at the phone on her bedside table. She knew the answering machine in the living room would pick it up. When the message finished and the beep sounded, a familiar voice filled the room. “Pick up if you’re there. It’s me.” There was a slight pause. “Candy, where are you, girl? I’ve been waiting to find out what happened. Did you crash the party and make contact with Mr. Squires? Call me.”
Candy snorted. Missy had no idea just how successful she’d been at making contact with Lucas Squires. She almost took her friend’s call, but she knew she couldn’t talk without crying. Not yet. The lump in her throat was huge.
The phone rang again, its shrill sound seeming unusually loud. Once again, she stared and waited. This time the voice was male and deep. “Candy, it’s Lucas. I was just calling to make sure you got home okay.” He paused, but finally sighed and continued. “I want to see you tomorrow. We definitely need to talk.” His tone lowered, becoming more intimate. “Sleep well and dream of me. I know I’ll be dreaming of you.”
With a click, he was gone and Candy was left staring at the phone. How could he? If she dreamed of him, it would be a nightmare. Suddenly the tears she’d been forcing back for the last two hours poured out. Burying her face in her pillow, she sobbed until her chest hurt and she thought she might throw up. Sitting up in bed, she grabbed a handful of tissues from a box on the bedside table and blew her nose before taking a deep breath.
She hadn’t felt this bad in a long time. In fact, not since she’d accused her exboyfriend Gary of cheating on her and he’d stormed off, slamming her for not trusting him. She had absolutely no luck with men. Lucas was just another shining example of that.
Curling back up in bed, she punched her pillow until it was comfortable and then she yanked the covers over her head, willing herself to sleep. She’d get over Lucas and everything else. She’d do what she’d always done. She’d put her head down and work. Rolling over, she closed her eyes, shutting out the world.
Chapter Six
Lucas stared at the closed door in front of him. He contemplated turning around and just walking away. After all, he certainly didn’t need the hassle. He’d been arguing with himself ever since he’d rolled out of bed. He glanced at his watch. That was over four hours ago. It was just past nine and he’d already put in three hours in the kitchen. But there was still time to walk away, go back home and get on with his life. He could pretend that yesterday had never happened.
Shifting the box he was holding, he tucked it carefully in the crook of his arm before raising his free hand to knock. It was too late to turn back now. The memory of Candy’s face, one minute filled with sexual longing and pleasure, and then filled with disappointment and anger had kept him awake all night long. Without giving himself any more time to question himself, he gave two hard, sharp knocks.
“Come in.”
As her voice drifted through the closed door, his cock stirred. He glanced down at the growing bulge in his jeans. It was ridiculous that a woman he’d just met could have such an effect on him. Shaking his head in disgust, he opened the door and stepped inside her office.
Her chair was turned away from the front of her desk, facing her computer, which sat at a right angle to her main workspace. She was currently absorbed in whatever was on her computer screen, staring at it intently. She held up one finger and then furiously continued to type. “Be right with you.”
Lucas quietly closed the door and leaned back against it, content just to watch her work. Nope, she hadn’t been just a figment of his imagination. She’d obviously made an attempt to subdue her curly hair, but several locks had escaped and were hanging down in front of her face. As he watched her, she absently swiped at one of the rogue locks, tucking it behind her ear before continuing her work. It was such an automatic gesture, he knew that she’d done it many, many times before.