My Dad's Rival

I want to give in to these feelings, to let them consume me. For once in my life, I don’t want to think logically. I want to let my heart rule my head and see where it takes me. Because if it gets me closer to him, then it’s got to be worth it.

“Lucy? Can you be ready to head out in about an hour?”

I blink.

I didn’t even realize that Wyatt was talking to me. He smiles at me, almost knowingly. Does he realize that he’s driving me crazy? That he has a power over me? I always knew I’d need a real alpha male in my life to dominate me, to tame me, but I didn’t realize just how easily a man like him could disarm me.

“Sure,” I breathe, trying to keep my cool, but I know that won’t last long. My heart is already speeding up, knowing that within an hour, it’s just going to be me and him. I picture us alone in some fancy restaurant, sitting far too close together, almost touching. I imagine the crackle of electricity in the air between us, the buzz of it sending shivers up my spine.

I’m so nervous that I almost don’t want it to happen at all. If the lead-up is this intense, how crazy will it get if things actually happen between us?

I spend the final hour of the day in a daze, going through the motions. Each action takes me just a little closer to him, to our night together. I keep going to the bathroom to check how I look, giving in to vanity to make sure I look perfect for him tonight. The better I look, the harder it’ll be for him to dismiss me.

I might actually have a shot with him. I just have to show him what I’m worth.

And I’ve only got one night to do it.

Because who knows if I will get another chance.

CHAPTER SIX

Wyatt

This day feels like it’s lasted a lifetime.

Waiting for the hours to tick by, for the workday to end so that I can whisk Lucy away for a nice dinner and get to know her better. The thought of spending time alone with her sends a jolt of excitement through my body, makes my cock as hard as steel, and has me wanting to do things I’ve never even considered before.

I need her like I need to breathe. And now the day is finally up.

It’s a little early for a dinner date, but I just want to get her alone. I don’t want to wait to have time with her. So when I find her waiting for me at the front of the buildings, I hold back a growl of pure animal need and stalk over to her, trying to keep myself under control just a little longer.

I need to hold off until we’re alone before I start making moves. This definitely isn’t the time or the place when everyone can see us.

“Hello, Lucy. Are you ready to head to dinner?”

She nods enthusiastically. And somehow I can tell she’s also finding it just as difficult to keep her emotions in check, but I don’t know if that’s because she wants me as much as I want her or because we’re meant to be having dinner to discuss her future. Maybe she’s just nervous about that. Or maybe this is all in my head, and I’m seeing what I want to see. But I’m secretly hoping it’s got more to do with the fact that she wants me the way I want her.

I hope she’s praying that tonight turns into something more.

And if she is, then I’m more than happy to oblige.

As we head off, one of my senior members of staff approaches me. I almost groan. He’s a good friend, but I know he’s about to try and get in the middle of my plans.

He’s always looking for an excuse to carry on the party, always wanting to head for drinks or dinner after work has ended. Usually, I wouldn’t mind, but there’s no way he’s getting in between my plans with Lucy.

I want her all to myself.

“Hey, Wyatt. Showing the intern the ropes?” Cal asks, a big dopey grin on his face.

I have to hold back on my annoyance. He has no idea that he’s getting right in the middle of where he’s not wanted. I glare down at him, hoping he’ll get the picture.

“I’m taking her to dinner to discuss her future in business. And we’re late.”

“Woah, heading off so soon? It’s barely past five. Surely you’re not eating dinner so early?” he says, grinning, his eyes on Lucy. “Come on, don’t keep the pretty intern all to yourself.”

I feel anger swell inside me. I hate that he’s looking at Lucy like she's a tasty meal. Of course, Lucy’s beautiful, but I hate the thought of any other man's eyes on her. And the way he’s implying that he wants to be around her has my blood boiling and my eyes seeing red. My hands clench into fists.