Northern Rebel Daring in the Dark - By Jennifer Labrecque Page 0,1
it’s not.”
“Baby, there’s no need to keep hiding it. God, I’m going crazy wanting you, thinking about you.”
“But Macy...Chesney....” He definitely needed to be reminded of his wife and child right now because he obviously wasn’t thinking clearly.
He caught Delphi’s hand in his. “I can’t leave her. Her father has too much influence. He wouldn’t ruin my career but he could—and would—do some damage.” Delphi tried shaking off his hand but he had quite a grip going. A seed of panic bloomed in her chest. “Besides, Macy would screw me out of everything and ream me on child support for the next fifteen years. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be together.” The sly glimmer in his eyes was as disconcerting as his words. “I’ve found this great condo between the office and my house. I could set you up there. The title would be in your name, but I’d cover the payment....”
She finally regained her voice. “You want to set me up as your mistress?”
“I know it’s not the same as being married, but it would be just for a few years, until I’m more firmly established and Chesney’s a little older.”
He thought her outrage was because he wouldn’t marry her? “You already have a wife.”
“That’s what I’m saying. We can work around it.”
It? “You’re so missing the point.”
“I know the condo isn’t as big as where Macy and I live.” He’d taken on a supercilious tone, much as if he was the mighty physician trying to explain a complicated illness to a simpleton. “But it’s bigger and much nicer than where you are now—”
“Really?”
He reached over onto his desk and handed her a color brochure. “I think you’ll like it. Gated. Great location. A sound investment.”
Stupefied, she took the brochure and glanced at the property while he prattled on about them buying furniture together. It was definitely nicer than where she was now.
“DeWitt, I—”
“I know.” Before she could stop him, he had pulled her to him and was kissing her frantically, plunging his tongue into her mouth.
After a moment of shocked paralysis, she used all of her strength to shove him away. “Stop!”
Her hands were shaking. Her trusted employer and friend had turned into someone she didn’t know...and didn’t want to know.
As he reached for her again, she darted around the second guest chair, putting it between them. “Delphi? What’s wrong?”
He looked wounded and confused, as if she’d slapped him in the face.
“DeWitt, I thought we were friends. Why would you even think I was interested in anything more?”
“Delphi, we don’t have to play this game. You don’t have to be coy.” Impatience threaded his voice.
There was that word again—coy. “I’m being honest. Outside of work, we’re friends. Nothing more. You’re married.”
“I told you, baby, Macy won’t be a problem. You’ll see.”
He just wasn’t getting it. “The only thing I see is that you’re not the man I thought you were.”
He shrugged. “What’s the big deal?” An arrogant smugness settled on his face. “All powerful men have a mistress—it’s part of the personality of leaders, men of importance. Macy knows she’s lucky to have me.”
He was serious. Delphi felt physically sick to her stomach. It was one thing if that was how he saw the world, but that he’d think she would feel the same way...
He and his idea were repugnant.
She wanted to tell him that was the most ignorant, obnoxious thing she’d ever heard come out of a man’s mouth. He was, however, her employer. She chose her words carefully. “DeWitt, I’m not interested in you that way. And even if I were, I’d still never act on it because you’re married and that means something to me.”
“Do you understand what I’m offering you?”
“It has become crystal clear. And I hope it’s crystal clear how I feel about your offer.” She moved toward the door, her heart thunking hard in her chest.
“Sleep on it.”
“I don’t have to sleep on it.” She opened the door.
“You’re making a mistake.”
She was so upset she ignored the not-so-veiled threat in his words. “The only mistake I’ve made was thinking you were someone else. I feel sorry for Macy. She deserves better than you.”
She closed the door behind her, quickly and quietly exiting the office suite.
* * *
DELPHI WALKED THROUGH the employee entrance the next morning, greeted by the familiar scent of antiseptic. Despite exhaustion, she was resolved. She’d hardly slept, if at all. She’d tossed and turned, looking at it from every angle. Had she inadvertently led him on? Had she