Fat Cat Liar

“I can be demanding, but I’d like to think I’m fair.”

“Doesn’t seem fair that you don’t like to get dirty.”

There’s a flash in his eyes, and he steps closer, eliminating the space between us. The heat in his glare intensifies as he tilts my chin so our faces are only an inch apart. My breath hitches at the touch, my pulse racing.

“Who said I didn’t like to get dirty? Give me a chance, and I’ll show you just how dirty I can be.”

I swallow hard, my knees ready to give out. His words burn into my brain until I feel lightheaded. How do I respond to that?

His eyes fall to my mouth, and I know Haley was right about the lip gloss. He runs his tongue along his bottom lip and I do the same.

“I have a confession to make,” he mumbles, the warmth of his breath coating my lips.

A little shiver runs up my spine, and the hairs on my arm prickle. “What is that?”

“I volunteered to inspect the progress today. It was an excuse to see you.”

I think about pointing out he saw me two nights ago but remain quiet.

“Or, should I say, see you again,” he clarifies.

“When you said you’d call, I didn’t expect a personal visit,” I barely whisper. “I’m glad you’re here.”

His eyes flare at my response, and his thumb runs lightly across my chin. “I also wanted to invite you to dinner tonight. Are you free?”

“Yes.” I reply without delay.

“What’s a good time?”

“Actually, I’m done for the day.”

“Great, I’ll follow you home.”

“I took the subway today.”

His expression changes, his eyes growing darker. “Then I’ll drive you home. It’s not safe to be on the subway alone.”

“It’s perfectly safe,” I argue. “And I don’t have to deal with the traffic.”

“Well, tonight, you have me as your mode of transportation.”

“Fine with me. Come on, I’ll get my things.”

As we pass through the section, I spot the three salesclerks from earlier peering behind racks of clothes, watching us intently. There’s no way to miss their disappointment that he’s forgotten them so easily.

When we get to my office and I open the door, he lets out a low whistle.

“This is nothing like I expected.” He observes the room. “You can’t even tell you’re in a department store.”

“That’s the point.”

“Greer? Are you back?” Haley yells from the other room.

“Is that your new employee?” Lawson asks.

“She will be permanently mine in a month. Come meet her.”

We don’t have to go far until Haley is sliding around the corner with her bag over her shoulder. When she sees Lawson, she stops dead in her tracks, her jaw dropping.