Page 24 of No Control
I stare at his mouth, my name sounding like heaven coming from it.
And he chuckles.
“What?” I blink a few times, heat flushing to my cheeks.
He runs a finger across the top of the table and sighs. “You seem like you’re struggling to keep your thoughts in order today. You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah.” My gaze flicks up to his eyes, and the amusement is nearly more than my heart can take. Those grayish blue irises dance across my face like a flame, leaving my skin feeling hot.
What would it be like if he actually touched me?
I play with the idea. I am single now. Nothing is stopping me from making terrible decisions. He’s frightening, yeah, but there’s just something about him that makes me want to test those dark waters.
“What would make you comfortable?” he repeats himself, this time his words sharpening.
Blinking a few times, I push away the thoughts of his hands on my body. “I already told you. I’d rather work on the project remotely. I rarely travel for the books I write—and when I do, it’s not with my client.”
He purses his lips. “I can’t bend to that. I’m more than happy to up the compensation and accept your dog, but I can’t let you work on the project remotely.”
My shoulders fall. “Then I can’t do the project.”
And I don’t want to, anyway.
The muscles in Henry’s jaw grow taught and his eyes dart from mine, shifting to the exit of the coffee shop. I can’t tell if he’s going to jump up and leave, or if mentally, he’s tearing me to shreds over this rejection. Either seems plausible—or maybe both. I don’t know, but the tense moment has my hair standing on end.
“I’m sorry to put you out,” I begin, the people pleaser in me showing its hand. “I’m more than happy to compensate you for your time and travelling.”
If I can afford it.
He laughs sardonically and dark, shaking his head. “I don’t need your reimbursement, Lydia.”
Well, okay then.
I swallow hard and look away, my face flushing with heat. I’m the kind of woman who used to cry when I got embarrassed—and this is one of those times, a lump beginning to form in my throat. Thankfully, after years of being with Mason, I’ve learned how to deal with it. I count to ten in my head, focusing on anything but the demeaning laughter coming from Henry.
And then, I replace the embarrassment with anger.
“This meeting is over,” I level with him, challenging that mind numbing gaze of his. “I think it’s clear we can’t agree on this.”
His expression darkens as his tongue runs along his bottom lip. “You’ll regret this, Lydia. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“Maybe, but I’m not changing my mind.” I slip my hand into my bag and pull out the contract. “I’m certain you can find someone else who will agree to your terms. I’m not the most talented nor the most proficient. For this kind of money, it should be easy to find just about anyone.” I slide it across the table to him, but his eyes remain on my face. “Again, I’m sorry for wasting your time.” As I go to stand, he finally responds, his voice low and severe.
“And you’re sure this is what you want to do?”
I pause, my heart thumping in my chest like a hammer to my ribcage. “Yes, Henry. I’m sure.”
His eyes flicker with something undiscernible. “The offer will remain on the table if you change your mind.”
I sling my bag over my shoulder. “I’m not changing my mind. I already said that.”
“Mmm” is all he says, pulling his eyes from mine.
“Have a good rest of your day and have a safe flight home.” I start for the door, bracing for him to reach out and grab me, stopping me from leaving.
But he doesn’t.
He lets me go, and a few minutes later, I’m greeting Duke, who was sleeping in the backseat of my SUV the entire duration of the meeting.
