Passion in the Heart (8 page)

He tilted his head back. “Coffee is behind you.”

She found two mugs of java waiting on the center island. One was half empty while the other was full. She lifted the cup with the most coffee.

Phillip came to her side and placed two pieces of lightly buttered toast in front of her. “Have you got a busy day planned at work?”

“No. Not really. The usual. I’m meeting Melanie for lunch. What about you?”

“I’m going to check in on a few things and that Toronto issue. I had a request for a new site in Nevada, so I’ll need to review it and do some research. Make some contacts. The usual sort of thing.”

“Sounds like you need an assistant.” She drank more java.

“The business grew so fast I continued to do most of the leg work and set everything up. Then, I’d follow up and resolve all the issues. I could delegate some of my duties.” He shrugged. “I just never took the time to find someone and went with the flow.”

“Commitment to your business is not a bad thing. And look how well it’s turned out. The company is highly profitable and it’s because of your efforts, Phillip.”

He slid his arm around her waist. “Yes, it is. And I suppose if I want more time to enjoy the finer things in life I should consider an assistant.”

She bumped her hip against his body. “Well, if you had another person to help, you would have more time to do as you please.”

“Hmm…I can think of plenty of things I’d like to do.” He lowered his hand to her ass and squeezed it.

“I can think of plenty for you to do, too. To me. But that would be selfish.”

He groped her butt again. “I like how you think.”

His lips were close to her face. Desire built within her, as it usually did with him.

She twisted and pecked his cheek. “I have to go.”

He sighed heavily as she lifted her toast on the napkin.

“I’ll be home at the same time.” Holding her breakfast, she grabbed her keys and purse.

He followed her to the door and opened it for her. Before she left, he kissed her one last time. “Have a good day.”

“You too,” she said then stepped into the garage.

Phillip watched as she settled into the car and started the engine. Each time she glanced at him she felt the urge to stay home. It was Thursday and she feared he might leave on Friday even though he hadn’t said he would. The issue in Toronto didn’t seem too pressing, but Phillip took his business seriously and resolved all the major problems. If he thought the one in Toronto would worsen, he’d probably hop on a flight immediately. Then she’d be without him for who knew how long.

She tried not to think about him leaving as she drove to work. But she couldn’t help it. She enjoyed being with Phillip. Her independence had been a blessing, but now that she had a man who wanted her every night… She longed to be with him.

Gwen buried the thoughts after she arrived at work. She focused on her job and the time passed as she reviewed files and logged data. Late in the morning, the receptionist from the firm’s entrance strolled into her cubicle carrying a vase with roses.

“These arrived a few minutes ago for you, Gwen,” Morgan said with a big grin on her face. She set the vase on the desk, far enough from the files piled nearby.

Melanie strode into the cubicle. “Who sent the flowers?” She sounded breathless as if she’d run from her side of the office. Gossip always traveled fast.

Gwen headed toward the ladies and the gift Morgan had delivered. Her heart raced as she claimed the envelope from within the red flowers. She tugged the card out. Melanie came to a stop close to her side, touching Gwen’s arm as she gazed at the note.

I want you. Be mine. XOOX Phillip.

“Phillip’s the bill—”

“Yes. Thank you, Melanie,” Gwen said before her friend spilled the beans about her lover. She didn’t want the entire office knowing about Phillip and his fame, especially his wealth.

“Are these from your new boyfriend?” Morgan asked.

“Yeah. Thanks for bringing them,” Gwen said.

“No problem. It’s always fun to bring flowers to people,” Morgan said.

Gwen slid the card back into the envelope. “I appreciate it.”

“I have to get back to my desk. See you later.” Morgan disappeared, leaving Melanie alone with Gwen.

“Is that not sweet, or what?” Melanie asked as she stared at the roses.

“He’s very sweet. And please don’t mention who he is or what he does or…”

“Sorry about that. It slipped.”

Gwen set the card on her desk. “He’s so amazing.” She sat in her rolling chair.

“Are you getting attached to him?” Melanie asked, with a slight curve to her lips.

“I am. Which is going to make it difficult for me to cope with when he leaves.”

Melanie drew closer and leaned her ass on Gwen’s desk. She crossed her arms. “Maybe he’s interested in more of a commitment. Maybe that’s why he hasn’t left. Has he said anything to you?”

“Oh, we talk all the time. Well, except when we’re…you know. But we don’t discuss the future. We live in the moment. Enjoy it.”

“He’s been here a week. From what you’ve told me, I think things could be getting serious between you too.”

Gwen leaned close to her friend. “He’s a billionaire. He could have any woman at any time. Why would he give up his freedom for someone like me?” She kept her voice low to avoid others hearing her.

“Because he loves you. You read the card.”

“Yeah, but…”

“But what? You dig him, right? He digs you. Go with it and see what happens.”

Gwen shifted her gaze and shook her head. The signs indicated Phillip cared for her. But love? Their playful words were just that. Did he really want to spend every night with her? The idea seemed too unreal.

“Do you love him?” Melanie asked. “Could you see yourself happy with him all the time?”

The answer to the second question came quickly. Gwen would undoubtedly be happy with him. But did she feel love? She cared for him with her heart. She wanted to be with him. She would do anything for him and to please him. He was a good lover and friend, someone she would cherish always. Could she give up her independence and commit to one man, though?

“What Phillip and I have is special, but…”

Melanie stood. “It’s special all right and you should do what makes you happy. Think about it.” She headed out of the cubicle. “See you at lunch.”

Gwen inhaled a deep breath. Maybe it was time to have a talk with Phillip about their future. The sooner the better since he might have to leave Friday. At least she would learn where he stood in their relationship.

She dug her cell phone from her purse and called his number.

“Hello, lovely lady,” he answered.

“Hello, my handsome man.”

“How’s work?”

“It’s going well. I received flowers a few minutes ago.”

“Who would do such a thing? Let me guess. They are red roses.”

She chuckled softly. “Yes. And thank you. They’re beautiful.”

“Though not as beautiful as the woman.”

“You’re sweet.”

“Am I, now?”

“Mm hm. And I’ll be sure to lick and devour you later.”

“Woman, you make me happy. I’ll plan to receive your delightful treatment tonight, that is, if I don’t have to jump on a plane and go to Toronto.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Is the problem bad?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ve made a couple of calls and I’m waiting to hear back. Did you like the card?”

The change of subject did little to ease her concern. She wasn’t ready for him to go. She swallowed hard and pushed the thought aside.

“Yes. Of course I liked it.”

“And what is your answer?”

“I’m yours. All yours.” Screw independence if she could have him. He was worth it.

“Good. I need you. My cock needs you.”

She giggled. “I’m afraid our needs will have to wait a little while longer.”

“Unacceptable. I want… Hold on.” There was a brief pause. “I’ve got a call I need to take.”

“No problem. I’ll see you after work.”

“All right. Bye, love.”

“Bye.”

The call ended and she recalled his last words. He’d used the word
love
instead of referencing her as his woman. What had he been going to say before another call had interrupted him?

Gwen’s anxiety grew to a new level. Perhaps he truly loved her. The relationship she’d initially wanted suddenly morphed into something greater—a commitment. Although they’d spent little time together in the grand scheme of things, they knew each other well enough. They were adults and successful at their jobs. She trusted him and he seemed to trust her. Any decision would not come on a whim, unless it was in the bedroom. If he seriously wanted her every night, she’d give him his every desire.

She swiveled in her chair and tapped a key on her keyboard. The screen illuminated. Filled with elation, she resumed her work. She hoped the time would pass quickly so she could return to the man who loved her.

Chapter Eight

Gwen sped along the interstate on her way home. A breeze blew into the car and tossed strands of her hair. The sun peeked from the clouds and cast rays of light toward the ground. The soft rock tune on the radio was one she knew well, so she sang along and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. By all accounts, life seemed good. She was going home to a man waiting to hug and kiss her, among other things. Yes, life was spectacular.

She exited the highway and drove through the city until she reached her neighborhood. Joggers passed by and several groups of kids were playing outside. The bliss flowing within her began to dwindle as she approached her empty driveway. Where was Phillip’s vehicle?

She drove into the garage with her pulse beating excitedly. Had he left already for Toronto? She had checked her phone before she’d left work and she’d had zero messages or missed calls. Surely, he would’ve communicated to her if he had to leave.

Hurrying, she cut the engine and grabbed her purse. She slammed the door on her car and strode to the entrance of her home. Her heart raced. She wondered if he’d left a note for her. The keys jingled as she quickly inserted them into the lock. With a twist of her wrist, she unlocked and pushed the door open.

“Phillip,” she called out as she headed for the center island.

The house was silent. She surveyed the kitchen, looking for a message from him. The refrigerator had the usual photos of her daughters. The countertops were clean. Nothing stood out as clue to where he’d gone.

She left her keys and purse in the kitchen and strolled into the dining area. “Phillip?”

She stopped and waited for sounds of movements upstairs. Hearing nothing, she searched for his laptop. He’d always left it in the kitchen or on the dining table. She found nothing. No computer bag or a single clue to indicate where he’d gone.

Heart pounding, she dashed for the stairs. Maybe he’d left something for her in the bedroom. She climbed the staircase then rushed into her room. The bed appeared the same as it had when she’d left it, with the covers tangled. Spotting the reading chair empty gave cause for alarm. Her chest felt as if something was pressing a ton of weight upon it. He’d brought one piece of luggage with his clothes and shaving supplies and had placed it on the cushioned seat. Now, the bag was gone along with the jeans and shirts he’d strewn over the chair.
Not good.

With a sliver of hope still thriving, she checked the nightstands. After finding nothing new on them, she glanced in the bathroom. Again, she saw no signs of a note and his shaving supplies had disappeared.
Damn it.

Gwen returned to her bed and sat on it. Dread coursed through her and ignited a light throb in her head. He’d left and hadn't bothered to let her know. Why? She suspected the Toronto issue would have forced him to go, but he could’ve sent her a message. If he truly loved her, he would’ve notified her. And that was the worst part. Since he’d failed to communicate with her, it was clear love wasn’t part of the equation. It was a passionate sexual relationship between friends. Nothing more.

She pressed her lips together as tears filled her eyes. She shouldn’t have gotten involved with him. He was a busy billionaire. She didn’t fit into his lifestyle. His company was his priority and it always would be. She was stupid to think he had feelings for her, other than carnal ones.

A tear rolled down each cheek and she wiped them away. The time they’d shared had been nice. Well, more than nice. But she needed to move on just as he had. She guessed he’d contact her later and fill her in on what had happened. Maybe they’d find a way to meet again for some naughty adventures in bed. If they did, she’d keep her heart out of their relationship and remember they were only friendly lovers.

“Gwen?”

The male voice jarred her head toward the door. Her heart pounded.

“Gwen?”

She wondered if she were in a dream.

“I’m up here,” she finally replied.

Footsteps thudded on the staircase. Anxiety coursed through her, spiking her pulse. She held her breath as she listened and waited. Why was he back? Where were his bags? Why hadn’t he sent her a message as to what was going on?

He stepped into the room and she fought the urge to jump into his arms. He’d donned a pair of jeans, and a blazer covered most of his green button-down—sexy as always.

“Sorry I’m late. I was stuck in traffic,” he said as he walked toward her.

Gwen stood and stared at him. She swallowed hard since didn’t know what to say. If she complained about the lack of a note or his missing clothes he might take offense.

“I know what that’s like,” she said as he came to stand in front of her.

He narrowed his gaze and took her face into his hands. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

His soft voice made her heart leap and her eyes teary. “It’s nothing.” She lowered her head, but he gently nudged it back up.

“Your eyes are red and your cheeks are damp. Something’s wrong.”

“It’s stupid really. I didn’t see your car so I thought you’d left. And when I didn’t see your bag or clothes or shaving supplies…”

He pressed his mouth to hers. “I’m so sorry.” He kissed her again, then each cheek. “I had to take a video conference call this afternoon and the Internet wasn’t working right. I took my laptop with me and thought I’d be home before you, but I had to make a stop at the store too. Anyway, before I left I tossed all my clothes in the laundry. My bag is in the laundry room. And I moved my razor to the bathroom in the hall. I kept making a mess in yours, so I thought I’d switch to the other room. I’ll still clean it, though.”