by Coleen Kwan
Cursing her stupidity, she gingerly slid from the bed, careful not to disturb Lex. How awful if he woke up now. She had to leave before he caught her.
Heart in mouth, she gathered up her dress, jacket, shoes, and purse and tiptoed from the bedroom. At the door, she couldn’t help herself casting one final glance at Lex. He was still blissfully asleep, looking like he didn’t have a care in the world. Maybe, when he woke up and found she’d gone, he’d be relieved. Maybe to him she was just a one-night stand, merely an itch he had to scratch. That possibility hurt more than she expected. But it would be better if that were true, because then he’d forget about her, and her brother’s job would be safe.
She hurried downstairs, pausing just long enough to shrug into her clothes and put on her shoes before letting herself out of the house. As the door clicked shut quietly, she caught herself pressing her lips together as if to ward off pain.
The pre-dawn morning was gray with fog, and the air smelled damp and dull, further depressing her spirits. She turned up the collar of her jacket, thrust her hands into the pockets, and began her long walk of shame.
Chapter Six
The sheets beside him were stone cold, meaning Jacinta had left a while ago. Lex frowned down at the dented pillow next to his, the tightness in his gut telling him he hadn’t anticipated this, or liked it. Damn. He’d wanted to wake up with Jacinta beside him. He’d wanted to take a shower with her—a long, lazy shower—and then have breakfast with her. They could talk, and she could ask him those funny speed dating questions again. He would’ve liked that.
But she’d skipped out of his bed while he was still asleep. Last night it had been plain that going home with a man she barely knew wasn’t a common occurrence with her. So maybe she’d left early to spare herself the embarrassment. Whatever the reason, it sucked.
He picked up a long, fine strand of dark brown hair from the pillow and sniffed at it. He could still smell her scent in his bed, on his body. Even after his shower the fragrance would linger in his mind. Jacinta had worked her way into every cell of his body, and it was impossible to forget her.
Which was why, as soon as he got into work, he was going to call her. After last night he didn’t care that she was his employee or that he was courting trouble by pursuing her. None of that was important or insurmountable. The only thing that mattered was that he had to see Jacinta again.
***
Jacinta started as her cell phone buzzed. She’d been trying to concentrate on her work. A futile exercise when her head was crammed with misgivings, anxiety, and longing. She picked up the phone, her hand trembling when she saw Lex’s name on the display. She ought to ignore the call. She was in enough trouble already without speaking to him. But her body seemed to have other ideas, and she found herself answering the call automatically.
“Jacinta.” At the sound of Lex’s all too familiar voice, a convulsive tremble shuddered her from head to toe. “Did you get back home okay?”
“Y-yes.” She gripped her desk for support.
“I was hoping you’d stay until morning.” Was that a wistful note in his voice? Her heart hammered against her ribs.
She licked her lips, finally finding her voice. “Uh, I had an early start today. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“Too late for that. You’ve already disturbed me. I can’t seem to get any work done today.” He paused, then, his voice deepening, said, “Jacinta, can we meet for coffee at Dino’s, that coffee shop I mentioned yesterday?”
“Sorry, I can’t,” she replied, panic beginning to curl in the pit of her stomach.
“Why not?”
Her thoughts roiled in her head. She should just come straight out and tell Lex she didn’t want to see him again. That last night was an impulsive once-off never to be repeated. But the words stuck in her craw. She didn’t like to admit it, but she was deeply flattered that Lex was so eager to see more of her. She wasn’t just a forgettable one-night stand for him. That made her heart bloom with inexpressible emotion.
“I’d really like to see you again,” Lex said, his voice warm and persuasive. “And right now, not later. Dino’s is far enough away from the office. No-one will see us.”
That wasn’t what was worrying her. Why couldn’t she just refuse, as she knew she must? Because she was weak. Because one night with Lex, and she was hooked, she couldn’t say no to him.
Surely there was a solution to her dilemma? Maybe she didn’t have to swear off Lex in order to protect Kevin. If she did it with discretion, she could confess the truth to him in a way which wouldn’t offend him. And once that little hurdle was over, she could have her cake and eat it, too.
“Jacinta?” Lex said. “Just one coffee. I won’t keep you long.” He sounded strangely anxious, like he was desperate to see her.
She was yearning to see him, too. A rush of impetuous emotion made her stammer out, “Y-yeah, sure.”
“Great.” Sounding relieved, he gave her the address of the coffee shop. “I’ll see you there in ten minutes.”
Only after she’d terminated the call did she realize that Dino’s was more than a ten-minute stroll from her office. She’d have to haul ass to make it there. She grabbed her purse and jacket and dashed out, calling to her colleague that she was going on a coffee break.
Fifteen minutes later, she reached Dino’s, pink in the face from her speed-walking, her high-heeled shoes pinching her toes. She paused outside to tidy herself—she didn’t want to look too eager—before pushing her way inside.
Dino’s was small and intimate, its wood paneled interior fragrant with the aroma of freshly ground coffee. From a booth in the corner, Lex rose to his feet, a smile of welcome lighting up his handsome face.
“Glad you could make it,” he said, touching her elbow to guide her to a seat.
God, she was like a teenager, so overcome by his good looks she could barely put two words together. Today he was suavely elegant in pin-striped suit and crisp white shirt, the blue of his tie matching his eyes. He was clean shaven, hair brushed back from his forehead, a perfect dimple in his chin. Last night she’d slept with this gorgeous hunk and had the most amazing sex. Today it hardly seemed possible to believe.
“What can I get you?” Lex asked as a waitress approached them.
“A, er, café latte, please.” Christ, she was having a hard time remembering how she liked her coffee.
Lex gave the order, and when the waitress disappeared, turned back to her. His brilliant blue eyes ate her up, mentally undressing her, triggering a rush of heat in her. She shifted, abashed by his bold stare, and glanced away.
“You look different,” he said eventually, resting his elbow on the table.
She touched her hair self-consciously, glad she was wearing her new two-piece skirt suit in jade. “How so?”
“This is the first time I’ve seen you dressed for work. You look very professional. Competent.”
His gaze rested on the buttons of her blouse, causing her breathing to shorten. Under his stare, her breasts felt full and heavy, aching for his touch again.
“Lex, not here...”
He shook his head, looking painfully aware. “You’re right. I didn’t invite you here for that. But it’s difficult because you’re so incredibly—” He broke off and inhaled as if to steady himself before gesturing with his hand. “Anyway, I asked you here so we could talk.”
Anxiety gnawed at her as she squeezed her hands together. “Talk about what?”
“About us, of course.” His eyebrows lifted, and he tapped his fingers on the table top. He seemed strangely on edge. She’d only met him two nights ago, but one thing she did know about Lex was that he didn’t lack self-confidence, which made it strange that he appeared nervous now. Perhaps almost as nervous as she was. The knowledge sent a spurt of relief through her.
“Is it the morning after blues?” she asked.
“You didn’t stay for the morning after.”
“But this is the same thing.” S
he indicated the half-empty coffee shop. “Meeting in the cold light of day. Wondering if last night was just a lust-fueled mirage.”
He laughed, his shoulders easing slightly. “You read my mind.” He leaned across the table, his eyes turning smoky with desire. “But I don’t think last night was a mirage, lust-fueled or otherwise. Do you?”
His mouth tempted her, challenging her to bend forward and meet him halfway in a kiss. Steady on, she ordered herself. Before things got out of hand again, she had to find a way of telling him the truth.
“That depends,” she said with a small smile. “Before I admit anything, I’d like to find out more about you, Lex Rochester.”
“More speed-dating?” He leaned back, arms stretched wide. “Ask away. I’ve nothing to hide.”
“Spoken like a man oozing with self-confidence.”
“I’m not good at hiding my light under a bushel.”
“Are you any good at knowing your weaknesses?”
“My weaknesses? I’m looking at one right now.” His stare was bold, teasing, almost caressing. “Yup, don’t mind admitting, I can’t remember ever traipsing from bar to bar looking for one woman, not to mention the hoops I had to jump through just to get your phone number.”
She shifted from side to side on the soft banquette. “I think you’re avoiding the question.”
“One man’s weakness is another man’s strength. Anything in particular you’re concerned about?”
She picked up a serviette and toyed with it as she attempted to frame her next sentence. “Well, what if you found out the woman hadn’t been totally honest with you?”
“I’d have to put her over my lap and paddle her bottom, I guess.”
Jacinta flushed to the roots of her hair. “That’s—you’re joking.” She stared at him. “Aren’t you?”
His eyes flared. “Would you like to find out?”
“I don’t let anyone manhandle me!”
“Not without your permission.” Lex stretched his arm out and rested his fingers on her wrist. “Seems I’m finding out about you, too, huh?”
She quivered at his touch, light though it was. Damnit, this man had such a hold over her it wasn’t fair. “So you’re a vengeful person, then?”
He frowned at her question. “No, I wouldn’t say that, but I value the truth.” He curled his fingers around her wrist, his caress feather light and exquisitely torturing. “What are you hiding from me, Jacinta Forbes?”
His tone was conversational, casual almost, but she wasn’t fooled. “Nothing too serious.”
He stroked her skin, and she had to press her knees together to stop the groan of pleasure on her lips from spilling out.
“Your pulse is frantic.” His voice softened. “Hey, you’re safe with me. Nothing that happens between us will affect what happens back at the office.”
“Do you really mean that?”
“I promise.” He pressed his palm against hers and threaded his fingers through hers, the heat from him washing over her. “Now tell me what’s bothering you.”
The feel of his hand intertwined with hers reminded her of their naked bodies coiled together in his bed. His vivid eyes beguiled her, invited her to confess everything to him. She’d do it, she decided, her heart thudding harder as she made up her mind. She was enthralled with Lex. Wanted to spend a lot more time with him getting to know him—really know him. And she couldn’t do that with this crushing secret weighing on her.
She curled her fingers around his, relishing the strength of his hand. “Well, where do I start? The night you—”
Lex’s gaze shifted beyond her shoulder before he let out a sigh. “Jeez, talk about bad timing. Don’t look round, but Dimarco just walked in.”
“Who?”
“Sal Dimarco.” Lex gave her a quizzical look. “IT operations manager. Didn’t know your boss came here for his coffee.”
Jacinta wasn’t the swooning type, but now she fancied she could feel the blood draining from her head. IT operations manager. Sal Dimarco. Her ‘boss.’ Oh, damn everything.
She yanked her hand free from Lex.
Chapter Seven
Maybe Dimarco wouldn’t spot them seated in this far booth. Maybe he’d grab his coffee and go. But the coffee shop was half-empty, and almost at once the man caught sight of Lex. His face lit up with recognition as he hurried over.
“Good morning, Mr. Rochester. So great to see you.” Dimarco anxiously smoothed down his hair and straightened his tie.
“Morning, Dimarco.” Lex kept his tone bland. Dimarco was a competent manager, but he had a way of sucking up to his superiors that jarred Lex. He didn’t like yes-men; he preferred people who held their own opinions. Unfortunately, whenever Dimarco met Lex, his sucking up reached new heights.
Dimarco glanced at Jacinta, who was sitting there like a marble statue—probably embarrassed at being caught having coffee during work hours—but Dimarco didn’t greet her, just gave her an impersonal nod in passing. Lex frowned in annoyance. Was the guy too self-important to acknowledge one of his staff members?
Dimarco had turned back to him, squeezing his hands nervously as he talked about something or other.
“Mind repeating that, please?” Lex said when he realized he hadn’t heard a word.
Dimarco wiped his upper lip. “Uh, I was just saying I hope the problem you had the other night was solved to your satisfaction.”
“You know about that?”
“Oh yes, I go through the overnight support call log every morning, only I wasn’t in yesterday. Today I looked at the logs and noticed you placed a level one call out two nights ago. The resolution hasn’t been entered into the system yet, so I hope it all went well?”
“Sure, it went well.” Lex gestured to Jacinta. No helping this. Everyone in the office would know he and Jacinta had been caught having coffee together, but so what? The only irritating thing was having Dimarco spread the gossip. “Everything was resolved thanks to Jacinta here.”
Jacinta, who’d had her head tucked down, slowly turned to look at Dimarco. Her slightly petrified expression stunned Lex. Was she afraid of her boss? He couldn’t believe that; Dimarco was a lily, and Jacinta was no shrinking violet.
“Jacinta...?” Dimarco echoed slowly, looking bewildered.
“Jacinta Forbes.” The man probably didn’t remember all his new hires, though in Jacinta’s case that seemed unbelievable. “She came in that night and fixed my problem.”
Dimarco gaped at Jacinta for several moments as his face turned gray. Finally he turned to Lex. “I’m sorry, there must be some mistake.” His voice was faint. “There’s no Jacinta Forbes in my department.”
“What?” Lex fired a look at Jacinta. She was pale, hands clasped together in front of her like she was praying. As her penitent posture sunk in, his incredulity gave way before a wave of violent indignation. But even as his rage built, he somehow remained in control of himself.
“You’re right, there is a mistake, but nothing to do with you,” he said to Dimarco. “I’ll take it from here. You can forget everything that’s happened.”
His dismissal couldn’t have been clearer. Dimarco didn’t argue, just nodded and ducked out of the store without even waiting for his coffee.
Jacinta was looking at him, her face screwed up. “Lex, I was about to explain—”
He held up his hand to cut her off. Anger seethed through him, feeding acid along his veins, the biting bitterness new to him. Maybe it was the novelty of his emotions that made him do something he’d never done before—he reached across the table and grabbed her purse.
Jacinta’s mouth fell open. “Hey, what on earth are you doing?”
He didn’t answer her as he rifled through her belongings. What he was doing was despicable, but right now his fury trumped everything else.
“What’s this?” He pulled out a business card and read it aloud. “Jacinta Greene. Consultant. Cyber Security.” His stomach went into freefall. “You’re in IT security?�
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She nodded. Her face was flushed, her eyes glittering with a mixture of pique and trepidation.
Lex leaned back, his heart dropping as the implications of her business card sank in further.
“So,” he said coldly. “You work for an IT security company, and the night before last you entered my office, you gave a false name and false credentials, and then you gained access to our system.”
Through his own PC no less, goddamnit! He’d invited her to sit at his desk, he’d allowed her free rein. She hadn’t even had to crack a password, he’d handed her everything on a platter. Stupid, stupid, stupid! And he’d been too caught off guard by her looks and her sass to be suspicious. No wonder she’d thought him such an idiot.
His head pounded as the pressure inside him built. “Did you plant a virus in our IT system?”
Shit, he’d have to call Dimarco and get him to alert their IT security guys. They’d have to do a full scan of their computers, it could take hours—
“No, I didn’t!” Jacinta burst out, her vehemence surprising him. “I didn’t do anything except fix your printer problem. I swear, Lex. I haven’t done any damage whatsoever.”
Her fierceness was convincing, but what did he know about her really? She might be a very good actress. Maybe the flirting and the mind-blowing sex had been fake, too. His insides twisted. God, he didn’t want to believe that.
“Nice try, but I’m going to call Dimarco anyway.”
“Why would I spend last night with you if I’d already sabotaged your systems? Why risk everything by meeting you again today?” Her hands were fisted on the table, her hair almost crackling with static. “But go ahead if you must. Call Dimarco and put everyone in a spin for nothing. You won’t find anything, unless of course your system already has a virus.”
Lex scowled at her. “Fine. I won’t call Dimarco yet. Not until I’ve heard the full story, Jacinta Greene. I’m assuming that’s your real name, or do you have a habit of printing false business cards?”
She glared back at him. “That’s my real name.” She took a deep breath as if to steady herself. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
