Page 28 of Richard

“Neither could I, and I am not ashamed of anything. Certainly not what happened between us.” His expression softened. “I know what you must be feeling–”

“No, you don’t.”

“Then tell me.” His hands cradled her face. “Are you afraid I am going to end things–”

“There is nothing to end! Please, just let me go.”

“No, dammit. Not until we hash this out," he ground his teeth in frustration. After sharing something as wonderful and potent as the lovemaking, he couldn’t believe she was still putting up resistance. “Look, you need time to process–”

She grabbed that. “Yes. I need time and space.”

“How much time?”

“Two weeks.”

“No–”

“One week, then.”

“You want me to give you a week?”

“You promised.” She reminded him desperately. She had to get away from him. His very nearness, what they just did was beyond her, and she needed time to recoup and think. She had never done anything like this before, and she was bewildered by her wantonness with a perfect stranger.

“I will call–”

“No,” she said swiftly. “Please, just give me the week, and don’t call me.”

He stared at her for so long, she held her breath wondering if he was going to say no.

“Alright," he conceded. “One week and no communication.” He tried to smile at her teasingly. “What if I need to speak to you regarding the account?”

“Send me an email.”

“Collette–”

“Please!” her voice rose, and she had to take a breath to steady herself. “I-I just need some time. I am not used to this.”

His hand cradled her cheek, and she held her breath, wondering if he was going to kiss her. If he did, she wouldn’t be able to leave. And she had to. She must leave now.

“You never have to be afraid where I am concerned.” His quiet reassurance almost made her weep. “I am never going to hurt you.”

“Please let go of me.”

He considered holding her captive. Something told him that she was frightened and if he allowed her to leave, she would try and avoid him. But he was not going to let that happen. He was going to hound her, using threats and bribes, if necessary, but he wasn’t letting her go. He would grant her the week and after that, all bets were off.

Sliding out of her was the most difficult thing he had to do, and he did it swiftly, turning his back on her so that she could get dressed. When they were both clothed, he walked swiftly to open the doors. She would have passed him without saying anything, but he gripped her arm and kissed her roughly. “One week," he whispered hoarsely.

Chapter 7

She had no idea how she made it out of the office and into the elevator. And only the knowledge that there were cameras everywhere, including the super-fast car, stopped her from giving into tears.

Firming her lips, she lifted her head—Oh God! Her hair. Her hand flew into the tangled mess and had her drowning in humiliation. He had scattered the pins when he was–

She braked on the thought and somehow managed to assume an air of dignity when the security desk came into view. To her immense relief, the man only gave her a cursory nod before returning to his computer screen.

No doubt, he was accustomed to seeing women coming from his boss’ territory looking as if they were tumbling from his bed or in her case, his sofa.

She made it to her car and practically wrenched the door open sothat she could tumble in. Sitting behind the wheel, she allowed the tears to fall. What she had done was unthinkable.