Desire.
Admiration.
Not love.
I’m lying to myself and I know it.
Drawing a deep breath, I answer the call. “Hi, Lucas.”
“Hi, beautiful.” My heart squeezes at the endearment and my body grows soft at his gruff voice.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Carras?” I ask, keeping things light.
“Adam called. It’s time to visit the museum and see the exhibit in person.”
I wish I can say I put my ex out of my mind, but he’s on the to-do list for the anniversary season events. “I’m surprised he didn’t call me himself.”
There is silence before Lucas says, “I might have told him to stay the fuck away from you the last time I was there.”
I open, then close my mouth before finally bursting out in laughter. “Oh God. I know I should be mad you weren’t completely professional with him but…”
“He said some things about you I didn’t like. Nobody talks shit about you around me.”
My heart skips a beat at the alpha-possessive tone in his voice. Lucas doesn’t apologize for what he said to Adam and I don’t blame him. I like the fact that he stood up for me. Isn’t that why I’d sent him to begin with?
“I wasn’t going to give you a hard time. I’m happy you put him in his place.”
“Good, because even if you were upset, he deserved the warning,” Lucas says.
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Yes, he did. I’m just shocked he listened to you.”
“Despite Adam’s bluster, I’m pretty sure I intimidated him,” Lucas says.
I have no doubt he’s right. “And I would have loved to see that. So, what’s the plan?”
“Can I pick you up and we’ll go this afternoon?” he asks.
“Yes. The sooner we get it over with, the better.” And then I can deal with anything that goes wrong, but at least the long sessions with Adam will be over.
“Okay. I’ll pick you up at two. That work?” Lucas asks.
I glance at my smartwatch. That’s thirty minutes from now. “Sounds good,” I tell him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you. It’s been too long.” His voice drops to a husky whisper.
“It’s been three days,” I tell him, though I feel the same way. I’ve missed the easy rapport we have when we’re together. Phone calls and texts just aren’t the same.
“Three days too long. See you soon,” he says, and we disconnect the call.
Instead of working for the next half hour, I walk into the office bathroom and fix my makeup.
Not for Adam, but for Lucas.
I return to the office. Kaylee had been on the phone when I made the plans, but she’s off now. “I’m going with Lucas to check out the exhibit at the museum.”
She glances up from her laptop. “Promise me if that snake, Adam, tries anything, you’ll knee him in the balls.” She grins at the thought.
Laughing, I say, “I’m sure Lucas will do it before I get the chance.”
