Chapter 10
SHANELLE
He sighs and his blue gaze pierces through me, feeling the intensity that makes me shudder.
“Why are you behaving this way? We had a great time on Friday night. Why are you acting like you want to distance yourself from me?” I don’t know what to tell him, but I know I can’t continue like this. I can’t let the attraction I feel for him cloud my judgment. I have to keep things professional between the two of us.
“I have to go, Liam. I can’t keep doing this.”
“Don’t do it, Shanelle.” His voice is low and soft, but don’t be fooled, there’s a ring of threat and authority in his tone.
He nods resignedly and gestures for me to open the door, but I don’t move. We stare at each other in silence for a few seconds until I start the car, which roars to life. The ‘Don’t do it’ reflected in his gaze hurts my heart, but I know I have to do it. It’s for the best. I put the car in gear and quickly drive away from the place.
My heart races and my mind is confused. This attraction between us is dangerous for my poor heart, and I know I need to stay away from him if I want to keep my sanity and my job intact. But the temptation to yield to the pleasure his body offers is so strong that it feels irresistible.
When I arrive at my apartment, I’m surprised to find my best friend Marc in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and it smelled delicious. His smile was warm and instantly made me feel calmer.
“Hi, Shane! How was your day?” he greets me enthusiastically while stirring something in a pot on the stove.
“Hi, Marc. It’s been a complicated day, but I’m okay. What are you making?” I respond, moving closer to see what delicious surprise he is preparing for me.
“I’m making your favorite dish, pasta Bolognese. I thought you’d like to enjoy a good meal after a tough day,” he explains with a smile.
“Thank you, Marc, you didn’t have to do that. But the truth is that I really needed it.”
“I’ll be here whenever I can to pamper you,” I give him a small smile and head over to the bar for two glasses of wine.
“Do you want a glass of wine?”
“Of course, it would do us both some good.” I pour the red wine, move back to his side, and hand him a glass.
“I’ll go take a shower, I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Sure, babe, but don’t take too long, dinner is ready.”
He responds with a nod and runs toward my bedroom. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my life, so I need a good bath to clear my mind. The first thing I do is go to the bathroom to fill the tub, and while it’s filling up, I take off my clothes and wrap myself in a towel. The tub still needs more water, so I go to my closet and look for pajamas to wear after the shower, placing them on top of the bed. Then I return to the bathroom, where the tub is already full. I set my glass of wine aside and add some essence to the water, then I get in. An hour later, my body is free of tension. I put on my pajamas, style and dry my hair, and finally go to have dinner with Marc, who came about five minutes ago to tell me that dinner is ready and set on the table. I open the door to my room and head to the living room.
“Let me call my boss to tell him I won’t be going to the opening tonight.”
“Why not, if it’s the project of your life? I don’t understand, Shane.” My best friend expresses his discontent and makes various faces, going from confusion to anger.
“I’ll explain in a moment, Marc, don’t get mad.” I reply to Marc and signal him to keep quiet.
After two rings, my boss answers, and I explain that I’m not feeling well and that I won’t be able to attend.
“Sweetheart! Are you feeling better now? I’m finishing up some things and heading over there.” It’s the first thing Rocco tells me as soon as he answers.
“That’s why I’m calling you, I can’t go. I was in a meeting at a client’s house when I had to rush home. Something upset my stomach and I’m in bed right now. I won’t be able to attend today, boss. I swear I’ll make it up to you.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry to hear that. You’ve worked so hard on this project; I can say it’s your baby. Are you sure you can’t make it?” I wanted to scream, cry in frustration. But the embarrassment of seeing the owner of the place and the possibility of losing my job held me back.
“Yes, I can’t go. Everything is ready. I’m sending you an email with a list of everything I’ve done in the attic so you can present it to the owner.” Damn.
“Alright, sweetheart. Don’t worry about that. I’ll speak on your behalf with Mr. Thomas and I’ll handle the presentation. You just take the rest of the day to rest and recover.”
“Thank you, Rocco.”
“Take care.” He ends the call. At that moment, I realize Marc has been watching me with a murderous expression for a while now.
“Alright, Marc, I’m going to put you in the picture and explain why I’m not going to that opening…” We have dinner while I tell him everything. Now my best friend, who was previously looking at me angrily, is looking at me in surprise.
“That’s a load of crap, babe.”
“It is.” I agree with him.
“What do you plan to do?”
“Stay home for two days, wait for this to pass, and on Wednesday I’ll go to work like nothing happened. Hopefully, that man won’t remember me.”
“And what about his mother?”
“I’ll give it to one of my colleagues, and that’s it.”