Midnight Promise

by Dara Girard

  He followed her. “Let me explain.”

  “You just did.” She slapped her forehead with the palm of her hand. “How could I have been stupid enough to think you really wanted to work with me?” She shook her head. “Don’t worry, you’re not the first. I’m a human stepping stone. Monica wanted to work with Pete. Barry preferred to marry my sister.” She stopped walking and faced him. “And you…you prefer to work with my father. Fine, I’ll put in a good word for you. You’ll get the job. We can end this charade now.” She headed for her room.

  “Naomi—”

  “Do I get to keep the lab?”

  “Of course.”

  “Good. I’ll start looking for somewhere else to live.”

  “You don’t need to do that.” He grabbed her wrist and spun her to him. “Listen, I know I should have been honest from the beginning—”

  “Why?” she shot back as tears gathered in her eyes. “That would have defeated your purpose.”

  “I do enjoy working for you.”

  “Really? Is that why I found you on the kitchen floor, telling me that you wanted to quit?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You said, ‘I can’t do it anymore.’”

  Sebastian shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. I—”

  She took off her glasses and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m such a fool! Why would you want to work with me when you have my father?”

  “Naomi,” he said softly, her name like a plea on his lips.

  “Now everything makes sense.” She turned away from him as if the sight of him pained her. “Why you were so eager to impress my parents with the large bouquet. Why you mentioned my father’s research every chance you got.” She shifted her gaze back to his face, her eyes red but defiant. “You think I don’t know how unhappy you’ve been lately? You’ve hardly spoken to me these last few weeks.”

  He sighed heavily, his voice filled with regret. “Naomi, it’s not what you think—”

  “Do you want to work with my father?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Then I’ll make it happen.” She spun away. “I’m going to change and go to the lab. I have some work I want to do.” She sent him a cold glance over her shoulder. “Alone.”

  Chapter 17

  Josephine only hated listening to one of the voices on the other ended of the phone, the other was calmer and less prone to panic, but she wasn’t surprised by the call. It was bound to happen. She spoke in a low voice as she sat in her bedroom. “You didn’t have to call me.”

  “This shouldn’t have happened,” the calm voice demanded. “Tell me what went wrong.”

  “Nothing.”

  “She has to be stopped,” the panicked voice said.

  The first voice spoke. “There’s nothing to find.”

  “But what if—”

  “She’s nobody, there’s nothing to worry about.”

  “If she keeps digging she’ll find something.”

  “What do you want me to do?” Josephine asked, tired of being in between their argument.

  “He must have mentioned something,” Calm Voice said.

  “Sebastian keeps his promises,” Josephine said, offended. “This is all her. I knew she was trouble.”

  “Why is he working with her?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “We had a deal.”

  “I know that,” Josephine said in a tight voice.

  “If you want us to trust you, you know what to do. We all have something to lose.”

  The line went dead.

  Chapter 18

  Her father? Her father! All this time Sebastian really wanted to work with her father! How could she have been so stupid? Naomi burned with humiliation as she looked at the samples in her lab.

  Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. All the signs had been there, even from the first meeting. The moment he’d seen her father, his expression changed and he’d gushed about her father’s lecture. And when he’d brought up her father’s work and accomplishments, she’d foolishly thought he was trying to impress her with his knowledge.

  The haircut and new clothes had probably been for her father’s sake too.

  That’s why Sebastian had gotten sullen after meeting with her parents. He had gotten bored with her and was eager to pass her by and head to his true goal: the great Abraham Mensah. That’s why he had no interest in her helping him with the BioCorps scandal. He had no interest in her.

  When she’d broken up with Barry and he’d turned his attention to her sister, it hadn’t hurt at all. Not even a twinge. She liked him, but only as a friend. She truly felt happy for her sister. But her father made her feel jealous. Jealous that he’d soon get to spend time with Sebastian and laugh and discuss topics of interest. She’d come to enjoy his company and she liked him. Very much.

  Naomi closed her eyes against gathering tears. She took a deep breath.

  Work. She’d focus on work. She was in her favorite place, doing her favorite thing. She didn’t need a man like Sebastian. She didn’t need any man.

  She worked until the next morning, feeling tired and bleary eyed by the time it was close to the arrival of the first researcher of the team. She’d go home and take a quick nap then return in the afternoon. Naomi opened the front door to her lab and gasped when she saw Sebastian standing there.

  He didn’t say a word, but his expression said “We need to talk” and she knew he wouldn’t let her escape him.

  Chapter 19

  He led her outside, holding onto her arm as if afraid she’d run away. “I want you to listen to me carefully,” he said. “I did—do want to work with your father, but that’s not the only thing I want—-shit!”

  Naomi looked up at him startled, when he suddenly spun them in the other direction. Before she could ask him what was wrong a female voice called out to him.

  “Sebastian? Sebastian is that you?”

  He groaned and increased his pace. Clearly he wanted to avoid the other woman, but Naomi wasn’t in the mood to let him. His shaggy appearance in the past had likely been part of his ploy to get her to pity him. He actually pretended to be surprised in the coffee shop about the women’s attention when he was likely used to it. No man could be that clueless to his own appeal.

  His mother had told her that he’d inherited his father’s successful business; there had likely been plenty of women who’d wanted to get close to him before. She’d stopped herself from being one of them. She was relieved she’d never revealed her feelings; he would have felt sorry for her. She glanced back at the woman and saw she was attractive with cupid bow lips and hair sculpted in a sleek look.

  Naomi stopped walking. “Someone appears to be calling you.”

  “No,” he tugged her forward. “It’s not like that.”

  She yanked her arm free. “I’d hate to get in the way of one of your ladies.”

  He pressed his hands together, his eyes pleading. “Naomi, please let me—”

  “Sebastian Scott?” the woman asked, peering up at him when he lowered his head.

  He sighed and lifted his head, forcing a smile. “Yes.”

  She playfully slapped him on the arm. “I thought it was you!” She playfully slapped him again and giggled. “You haven’t changed. Well, except for the wheelchair. I’m not used to looking up at you like this. You look great.”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets. “You too.” He turned to Naomi. “This is Dr. Naomi Mensah. Naomi, Molly Robb.”

  Molly shook Naomi’s hand. “Doctor, huh? I’ve been looking for a new GP. They’re so hard to find nowadays.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not that kind of doctor,” Naomi said.

  “Oh,” Molly said disappointed then smiled again. “So, what did he tell you about me?” She grimaced. “Poor Sebastian. We were so vicious to you back then. Sometimes I can’t believe how mean I was. But I guess kids will be kids, right?”

  He shrugged nonchalant.

  Naomi didn’t feel the sam
e way. She didn’t like Molly’s arrogance that Sebastian would have told her about Molly or the way Molly was looking at him with a superficial embarrassment for her past behavior. Naomi hadn’t been around other kids her age long enough to get teased or was too oblivious to notice. She felt a little guilty for forcing Sebastian to face a woman who clearly made him feel uncomfortable. Although she was mad at him, she didn’t want him punished like this.

  She leaned forward. “I’m sorry, what was your name again?”

  “Molly Robb.”

  “And where did you know each other from?”

  “Middle and high school.”

  Naomi nodded and laughed. “Oh, maybe that’s why he’s never mentioned you before. I was trying to place you and I just couldn’t but now it all makes sense.” Naomi linked her arm through his. “It was so long ago and unimportant.”

  Molly’s gaze hardened. “I heard about BioCorps.” She made a face. “Poor Sebastian, I read all about it.”

  “Yes, read and likely didn’t understand half of it. The paper can only put so much in layman’s terms.” Naomi pulled out her phone and squeezed closer to him. “Darling, we’ll be late.”

  Sebastian stiffened whether at the affectionate term or her closeness, Naomi didn’t know, but he quickly played along, unlocking their arms and wrapping his around her shoulders. “Right, bye Molly. Like my wife said, it’s all forgotten.”

  It was now Naomi’s turn to stiffen in surprise. Wife?! She was playing his girlfriend.

  Sebastian turned them away from Molly and they walked several steps in silence, Naomi feeling like a tiny sparrow taking shade under a massive oak tree. She’d walked close to him before, but never like this, feeling the warmth and weight of his arm around her shoulders. It felt good. Too good. She had to remember he’d used her.

  Naomi looked back. “She’s gone.” She began to pull away, but he didn’t let her. “We don’t have to pretend anymore.” She released a laugh. “I’m still angry at you, but there was something about the way that woman was talking to you that annoyed me and the nasty tone she used when she mentioned you being in a wheelchair just—”

  She stopped when she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of a shop window. She looked like a mad scientist! Her hair was springing out of its braid, one collar on her shirt stood up while the other was down, even her glasses were slightly askew. Normally she didn’t care, especially after spending all night in the lab, but remembering the sight of Molly’s sophisticated appearance she was stunned the other woman didn’t laugh in her face. You? His wife? No way.

  She straightened and pushed up her glasses. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me I looked like this. You—”

  Sebastian didn’t let her finished. He pulled her into an alley between two buildings, put his arms around her and kissed her. The touch of his lips sent her stomach into a wild swirl, and she reveled in his warm embrace while his slow, soft kiss melted her anger away.

  When he finally drew away, his brown eyes studied her face as if in wonder. “That was Molly Robb,” he said his hoarse voice barely a whisper.

  “I-I know,” Naomi stammered, her heart racing so fast she could hardly breathe. She stared up at him stunned. “I’m sorry.”

  He gently cupped her face in his large hands and kissed her again. “You stood up to Molly Robb for me.” He smoothed down her hair, then brushed his knuckles against her cheek, his voice deepening with emotion. “You beautiful, wonderful...” He kissed her again. And again.

  Naomi didn’t move, not wanting it to end even though she didn’t know what was happening.

  “No one has ever stood up for me like that,” he said, his breath warm against her lips.

  “I didn’t really do anything,” she said unsure.

  He rested his hands on the wall behind her, trapping her in the circle of his arms, a sly smile tugging at his mouth. “That was Molly Robb.”

  “So you’ve said.”

  “She made my life hell in middle school. There may still even be a clip of it online. She always loomed so large in my mind, but you made her look so small.”

  Naomi glanced at the size of one of his arms, positioned near her head. “Compared to you, she is small.” She looked up at him perplexed. “Don’t you realize how attractive you are?”

  He lowered his head embarrassed. “I wish you’d stop saying that.”

  “I’m not flattering you, it’s true.” She ducked under one of his arms, feeling her anger returning. She was ready to leave.

  He grabbed the back of her shirt, and pulled her back in place, lowering his arm so that it was shoulder level. “It wasn’t always true. I was an overweight kid in a wheelchair for many years, then I was a nerd with a rich dad. I don’t think anyone’s ever found me attractive.” A slow smile spread on his face. “Until now.”

  She turned her face when he bent to kiss her. “I’m sure you just didn’t notice.”

  He pressed his lips against the curve of her neck. “I would have noticed,” he mumbled

  She pushed him away, determined not to weaken. He could make her knees weak, but only a few hours ago he’d made her cry. “I’m still mad at you.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” He sighed. “If you don’t want me to work with your father, I won’t.”

  She knew how much that admission cost him. She could see in his eyes how much he wanted to. “But you still want to.”

  He straightened, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Yes.”

  “Then I’ll talk to him,” she said, although she’d miss him as her assistant. She knew it had all been too good to be true. “I don’t like your methods, but I understand your ambition. There’s nothing wrong with going after what you want.”

  His eyes caught and held hers. “Is there anything wrong with wanting to sleep with you tonight?”

  Chapter 20

  “And you ran away?” Elia said when Naomi told her what had happened.

  The two sisters sat in the backyard watching Elia’s daughter Susan slide down her play set.

  “I didn’t know what else to do.”

  “Given him a date and a time?”

  “I panicked.”

  “What’s to panic about? You’ve been working together for months.”

  “Working not dating.”

  “It’s been ‘Sebastian this’ and ‘Sebastian that’ for weeks.”

  “I don’t sound like that.”

  “This is the first time you mentioned a man’s name without also using microbe inspired gobblygook.”

  “It’s not gobblygook.”

  “Why did you run?”

  Naomi took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “Because I needed to get away from him.”

  “You live in the same house.”

  Naomi shoved her glasses back on and threw up her hands. “I know!”

  “Know what?” Barry asked, coming through the glass doors, having put their younger daughter down for a nap.

  “Nothing,” Naomi said, sending her sister a look of warning.

  “We’re just talking about men.”

  He held out his arms. “I’m an expert, if you need any advice.”

  “I don’t.” Naomi nodded towards her niece. “Looks like she wants to be pushed on the swing.” Presently Susan was hanging upside down on the jungle gym, but Barry took the hint and went to play with his daughter.

  Elia took a deep breath. “I don’t understand this. Why do you need to get away from him?”

  “Because I’m confused. He’s confusing me. I don’t know what he wants.”

  “He’s made it quite clear what he wants.”

  “It doesn’t make sense. One moment he wants to use me so that he can work with Dad, the next he wants…you know.”

  “Sex isn’t a dirty word or act.” She winked. “Unless you want it to be.”

  Naomi folded her arms. “I’m going to have to move again.” She rested her head back and groaned. “I’ll probably have to stay with Mom and Dad until
I can find a place.”

  “If we didn’t have guests coming soon, you know we would—”

  Naomi stared up at the sky, watching a plane fly overhead. “I know you’d let me stay here.”

  “But I don’t think you have to move.”

  She sat up. “I’m not going to be used again.” She shook her head. “Not like this. I feel like he’s getting a two for one bargain.”

  Elia folded her arms. “So what?”

  Naomi’s mouth fell open. “So what?”

  “Yes, so he likes you and Dad. So he wants to work with Dad and be with you, what’s the big deal?”

  “The big deal is he’s changed so much since the first time I met him that I don’t feel like I know who he is. Would you risk your heart on a man like that?”

  “So you’re in love with him, then?”

  “Will you stick to the point?”

  “The point is you’ve got a man you’re attracted to who wants to sleep with you and you run to your younger sister like a scardy cat.”

  “All right I admit it. I’m scared. I’m terrified because I do care about him and I don’t want to get hurt.”

  “But that’s not what life’s about. You can’t hide in your lab forever. You can’t stay safe in a neat, sterile environment forever. Life is messy, but it’s also wonderful. Didn’t you once tell me that you loved science because it was about asking questions and seeking the answers? You said you didn’t care if you failed. It was the adventure of experimenting that thrilled you. Love is the same.” Elia shook her head in regret. “I don’t have all the answers and I don’t know him well, but I do know that since you’ve met him you’ve been happy in a way I’ve never seen before.”

  Her cell phone rang. Naomi looked at the number and froze. “It’s him.”

  “Answer it,” Elia said.

  “But it’s him.”

  Elia rolled her eyes. “I know. You’re lucky he didn’t call you right away. Have you forgotten? You ran away from him.”

  Naomi shook her head. “I can’t talk to him.”