Chapter 215 Chapter 215
Chapter 215 Chapter 215
Though she didn’t pick up an Americano for Lucas, Wynter did buy a scone for Edwin before riding the elevator to Rutherford.
“Morning, Ms. Ferguson.” He removed his headset. “You’re a godsend.” He rolled his eyes heavenward, and with his accent, he was completely charming. “I’m afraid I didn’t have time for breakfast, which means I shall enjoy every bite.”
In that case, she was glad she’d put aside her tumultuous emotions and think about others.
“Mr. Rutherford is expecting you, though I wouldn’t mind keeping you to myself for a bit longer.”
The exchange with Edwin had given her a momentary respite from the upcoming unpleasant meeting with his boss.
“Go on in. He’ll be happy to see you.”
She doubted that.
After a quick knock, afraid of losing her courage, she entered his office. He looked up and met her gaze.
Tiny lines were grooved next to his gray eyes. Stress from what he’d been dealing with?
Still, he was shockingly handsome. His white dress shirt was open at the throat, and he’d turned back his sleeves to expose his forearms. “You’re a beautiful sight, little one. I’ve missed you.”
God help her. The sound of his rough voice, combined with the way he raked his gaze down her body, sent skitters down her spine. She gave herself a mental shake.
“I’m glad you’re here. Did you decide you couldn’t wait any longer for me to paddle your sexy, tempting little ass?”
She craved him and his touch so much that she ached. To protect herself, she had to harden her heart, exactly like he had done since his divorce from Ileana.
Remembering how dangerous the guest chair was, she precariously perched on the edge. “How are things with your dad?”
At her change of subject, he scowled. “Is he still in the hospital?”
“He went home yesterday.” Drumming his fingers on his desk, he studied her. “My mother will be back from Italy tomorrow, so my sister will be leaving then.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize your mom wasn’t in the country.”
“His stroke didn’t seem to be a life-or-death situation. So she opted to continue her baking retreat as scheduled.”
The calmness with which he delivered the words made her reel. It was as if no one in his family expected Mrs. Rutherford to interrupt her vacation.
Now she understood him on an even deeper level. He’d seen disinterest modeled in his parents’ relationship. For his whole life? No doubt Lucas’s behavior was more than a result of the disastrous marriage to Ileana.
Thank God Wynter’s mother hadn’t been willing to accept her father’s chilly attitude. For the first few years of her life, Wynter’d grown up much the same way as Lucas had. But the joy her mom found once she got out of the relationship had been contagious. The laughter in the household rewired Wynter’s expectations of what happiness looked like.
The two of them did everything together, were there for each other, no matter what. Wynter couldn’t imagine her mother staying overseas if something happened to her husband.
“Now that pleasantries are out of the way, and you’ve been polite…” He leaned forward again, lancing her with his intensity. “Why are you here, Wynter?”
She needed to get this over with as quickly as possible. “I know you like to discuss your personal business in private.”
“Go on.”
With a sigh, struggling to hold back her emotions, she pulled out her phone, opened the app, and slid the device across to him. “I’m here to introduce you to Julianna.”
“She’s attractive.”
“Not too tall. Not too old.”
“And?”
“Lucas, this doesn’t happen often. Julianna is a hundred percent match for you. A marriage has an extraordinary chance of success.”
He gave the phone a slight shove, sending it back in her direction.
“I’m happy to set up a meeting.”
Did he see her lie and how much the words cost her?
“Not interested.”
“Not…?” She blinked.
“We need to stop this goddam charade. It’s you, Wynter. You’re the only one I want.”
“You want to stop the charade? Fine.” She cloaked herself in the same energy she’d called on at the meet and greet. “We are not a match. While you’re Prestige’s client, it’s my job to find you a wife. If she’s not satisfactory, I’ll keep searching.”
“Cancel my contract. I don’t care how much the fee is. Get that bullshit out of the way. I want you, and I intend to marry you.”
Frantically she shook her head. Then she stood. “This is goodbye, Mr. Rutherford.”
She made it all the way across the room before he caught up to her and put a hand on both the door and the frame to prevent her from escaping.
Drinking in ragged breaths, she turned toward him.
He was so close. His spicy, masculine scent engulfed her. His face was all hard angles, set in determined lines.
“Don’t do this to us, little one. What we have is perfect.”
“No.” Frantically, desperately, she shook her head. “It’s not. Can’t you see?” She lifted her hand to put it on his chest but changed her mind. She didn’t dare allow herself to touch him. “If I give you what you want, you win. And what do I get?” Not waiting for a response, she rushed on. “A lifetime of hurt.”
That little tick in his temple became a harsh throb. “That’s a fucking lie and you know it. I’m offering you the world. Support and security until the end of time.”
“But you’re denying me the thing I won’t live without. Your only nonnegotiable.”
“Wynter—”
“You wondered why I’d kept my virginity? I wasn’t interested in investing time with someone I wasn’t in love with.” Needing to get this out, she rushed on. “You may not think you’re capable of it. But I’ve seen it with your sister, and in the tenderness you’ve shown me. Like you, I won’t settle. I deserve a match that’s one hundred percent right for me.” She choked on a sob. “Step aside, Mr. Rutherford.”
With his famous resolve, or maybe obstinance, he remained where he was.
Her eyes burning with unshed tears, she looked up at him. Through her pain, she uttered the one word that would make this whole thing stop and allow her to protect her shattering heart. “Red.”