Chapter 52 The Truth That Broke The Night
"Amanda, please don't take that to heart. I didn't even mean it that way." Rowan said.
"I have heard you, boss, but please I want to get down." Amanda snapped.
Rowan sighed. There was nothing more he could do at that point. It was as if he was holding her against her will. He gestured to the driver to stop.
The car pulled over to the side of the road and Amanda quickly opened the door. "You don't have to do this, Amanda," Rowan said softly.
She stepped out and slammed the door shut, walking away on the sidewalk, her arms crossed and her anger palpable.
Rowan watched Amanda walk away, a sense of frustration washing over him. He knew he had made a mistake with his words, and he needed to make amends.
"I think you should give her time," His driver said as he tried to get out of the car.
Rowan sighed in frustration, "Follow her"
The driver parked a few steps from where she was. Amanda had walked a short distance, her steps brisk. Rowan exited the car, hurrying over to her. She didn't look back, but he quickly caught up to her.
"Wait, Amanda," he called out as he approached her.
I didn't mean what I said earlier like that."
Amanda was still fuming, her cheeks flushed. "So what did you mean then? You are my boss and because I work for you, you decide the turn my life takes?"
"No!" That was the only thing Rowan could say because Amanda continued talking. "Then what? You hit on me and then I fight for myself and the next thing, I am in trouble. Is that it?" Amanda yelled, her eyes watery.
"Is this still about you moving in with me and not working anymore?" Rowan asked, confused. Amanda is not someone to get angry that way which left Rowan confused.
"I am not hitting on you, Amanda." Rowan began. He did not know how to address the issue so he stuttered. "Look here, I like you..a whole lot and you know that. I am doing this with you because I do. Okay?"
Amanda wiped her tears. "I bet you do," she mumbled.
"Is this about Mr. Kenny?" Rowan asked, his gaze focused on Amanda as if he was trying to read her. Amanda looked away and Rowan knew he was right.
"Hey," Rowan said softly. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that it was still eating you up. I thought we have passed that. Mr. Kenny was an idiot. He didn't deserve what happened to him but that has nothing to do with you."
Amanda's crying intensified. "The detective thinks I might be in danger too.
"What? Why did he think that you are?" Rowan asked, trying to maintain his composure. He is obviously shocked by the revelation.
"Mrs. Laura was attacked," Amanda responded.
"Wait…what!" He stuttered. "What does that have to do with you?"
"Detective Wills thinks that the same person who kidnapped me attacked Mrs. Laura. He says he might come back for me as long as he has not been apprehended.
Shocked, Rowan's eyes widened. "And you are just saying this? I have been allowing you to do this all by yourself, exposing you to danger."
Amanda looked at Rowan with a mix of sadness and frustration. "I didn't want to involve you, Rowan. It's my problem, and I thought I could handle it on my own."
"Amanda!" Rowan called out softly.
Amanda continued, "But with what happened today, you making that comment about me quitting my job, I was frustrated. I realized I do not have control over my life anymore and can't keep going this way.
Rowan felt a surge of protectiveness. He couldn't believe he hadn't known about the danger Amanda was facing. "I'm so sorry Amanda. I didn't know. I have been so selfish about making things right with my parents that I stopped caring about what you are facing.
Amanda wiped her tears away, trying to regain her composure. "I didn't want to burden you with my problems, and I didn't want this relationship, though fake to be tainted by all of this."
"You are not a burden, Amanda." Rowan sighed and continued, "I am here for you. Nobody is going to hurt you under my watch."
"As my boss," Amanda remarked.
"Oh, come on. Don't be petty" Rowan exclaimed softly. He reached out to touch her arm gently. "Amanda, you know that's not what I meant. If I didn't come in like that, my mom would have insisted you stay with her. That is worse and you know that. It wasn't about taking control, I was just trying to put the situation under control. I'm sorry for the way I put it."
Amanda sighed, her anger slowly fading. "I know you are my boss and I am not going to disrespect you because of our relationship but I expect you to do the same. I do not want you to start making life decisions for me."
Rowan nodded. "If you want this to work, Rowan, you can't relate with me as my boss. I am dedicating a part of my life to do this, I think I deserve to decide how it goes." Amanda added.
Rowan nodded again, feeling remorseful. "You're absolutely right. I shouldn't have assumed or made decisions for you. It was a thoughtless comment and I apologize."
Amanda softened, she watched Rowan with surprise. She fell in love with him again. Seeing him apologize like that despite their status made Amanda smile.
"Is my apology accepted?" Rowan asked when he noticed Amanda's smile.
"Yes boss.' She responded. Her smile broader.
"Jeez, you are going to taunt me with that forever," Rowan said.
"Yeah, somebody catches on quickly." She replied, laughing.
Rowan chuckled, "Of course, Amanda. Let's get you home please." Rowan said, pointing to the car door. "Sure," she responded. The tension had subsided, and they were back on track
She was about to enter the car when a call came in from her mother. "Amanda, there is someone at the house. He won't go away. Please do something." Mrs. Roberts said, panic hovering in her words.
"What?" Amanda exclaimed.