But I was once the wife of a policeman. Steve gave his life to save the city from crime and it seems dishonorable to date a man who admits to breaking the law. I need to know one thing before I can answer.
“How will my answer affect our working relationship?” My job as Munchkin’s caretaker is lucrative, and the money Sam pays me is the only reason I’ve been able to catch up with the mortgage on my house and keep Austin in private school. There’s a part of me that wants to quit. Knowing my boss is a criminal, even a well-intentioned one, makes me feel like an accessory to his crimes. But I did swear to do whatever was necessary not to uproot my son. So, if Sam doesn’t fire me for turning him down, I guess I can bear it.God, I feel like such a hypocrite!
“It won’t,” he says. “I swear it. Munchkin loves you and you’re so good with him. I swear, I think he’s starting to love you more than me.” He gives a rueful chuckle, though it doesn’t raise the cloud from his beautiful eyes.
“Okay,” I say slowly, drawing out the inevitable. Sam reads my answer on my face and his expression falls before I’ve even voiced my reply. “I’m sorry, Sam. I just don’t think I can be with someone who steals.” The sadness that ripples from him is palpable, and heartbreaking.
“I understand,” he says with a hollow voice. Then he signals to Michael for the check.
“I’ll take you home,” he says as we walk outside, but I shake my head.
“I’d rather you didn’t, if you don’t mind? I need...I need a bit of time to myself.” I gnaw on my bottom lip. If I linger near him any longer, I may lose my resolve. I breathe a sigh of relief as he reluctantly nods his head.
“I’ll order you a cab,” he says. “I think I’m going to take a walk. We’re not too far from my place anyhow.”
We stand awkwardly until my ride arrives. He steps forward to open the door for me; for a second, I almost wonder if he’s going to lean down and kiss me.Please don’t kiss me...I want to feel his lips so desperately, but I know I couldn’t stand that. It’s all I can do right now to hold the tears back. Instead, he reaches up and brushes my cheek.
“I’m sorry,” I say. It sounds completely lame.
“Me, too,” he replies, then turns and walks away.
