Irresistible, Susan Mallery [mini ebook reader txt] 📗

and drew in a breath, as if trying to control his temper. “You’re not fine,” he repeated. “Something is wrong. Do you think I’m stupid? Whatever it is had to be pretty damn big for you to go to that kind of extreme just to change the subject. What is it?”

“Nothing I want to talk about with you.”

“Look around. You don’t have anyone else. You need me.”

She didn’t need anyone. Never had, never would. “Talk about an ego,” she told him, stepping forward so she could make her point without raising her voice. “I was doing just fine before you came along.”

He made a sound that was suspiciously like a growl. “I’m not talking about money or the fact that I can unfasten lug nuts. I’m the one person you can talk to. Who else are you going to tell? Mrs. Ford?”

“I don’t make it a habit of talking about my problems.”

His gaze narrowed. “So there is something wrong.”

“No. I meant in a general sense. Look, Walker, if you want to make a complaint, put it in writing. Otherwise—”

He dropped his hands to his sides. “Do not tell me to leave.”

“It’s my house.”

She could feel the frustration building up inside of him. Despite his physical presence and strength, she wasn’t afraid. He would never hurt her.

“Something happened at the craft fair,” he said. “I know and you know. So can we please stop playing this game so you can tell me what the hell it is?”

She opened her mouth to tell him no, but suddenly she couldn’t. He was right—she didn’t have anyone else in her life.

“Zoe’s father showed up on Sunday,” she said quietly. “He’s in Seattle with some band. He wanted money. It’s the same thing every time—either I pay him off or he’s going to become a part of Zoe’s life.”

“Did you give him money?”

“All I’d made that day.”

“And you think he’ll be back?”

“I know he will.”

Instead of speaking, Walker moved close and put his arms around her. She resisted the embrace.

“I’m fine,” she insisted. “I can handle this.”

“No one doubts that, but even the Marines sometimes call in reinforcements.”

He pulled her against him and she gave in because she didn’t have the strength to keep standing on her own.

“I’m so scared,” she whispered.

“I’m right here. We can handle this. I’ll help.”

She wanted to make him promise that he meant what he said. That he wouldn’t change his mind.

She was a woman who didn’t trust men in her life and he was a man who didn’t trust himself. But her gut said to go with him. Despite everything, Walker was turning out to be the best kind of hero.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DANI SPENT SO MUCH TIME on her hair and makeup that she felt like a beauty contestant. Ryan, aka the weasel loser, had called in sick for the past couple of days, but he was expected back and she needed to be braced to face him. Hence the extra time spent on her appearance, along with the decision to dress in a killer pair of black slacks and fitted silk blouse. If there was any kind of spillage from the kitchen, she would be crushed, but the risk was worth it. She wanted Ryan to regret what he’d lost. She wanted him to pay.

Unfortunately she’d yet to find out a way to make that happen, but she was working on it. Eventually something would come to her.

She got into work at her regular time and noted his car wasn’t in the parking lot yet. Good. She could load up on coffee and brace herself.

About a half hour later, while she was editing Edouard’s suggestions for specials, she heard familiar footsteps in the hallway. She didn’t glance up, but she took a second to brace herself to confront the lying cheat.

“Dani,” he said, his voice low and seductive. “Hi.”

She looked at him, at the handsome face, the killer eyes and knew she’d been duped by a master. “Ryan.”

“How are you? I’ve been worried about you.”

Had he? Oh, goody. Her life was now complete due to his amazing concern.

“Why?” she asked.

He stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. “Because of what happened. Jen coming here like that.” He sighed. “I really didn’t want you to find out that way.”

Oh. My. God. His words were so familiar, it was almost eerie. Were all men chronically unable to take responsibility? Hugh had said the same sort of thing to her, saying he felt so awful about her finding out about his affair but never apologizing for actually cheating, the bastard.

Like Hugh, Ryan wasn’t sorry for what he’d done, he was just upset about being caught.

“How did you want me to find out?” she asked cheerfully. “Or were you hoping I never would?”

“I, ah…” He looked startled, as if he hadn’t expected the question. “Dani—”

She cut him off with a flick of her fingers. “Here’s my question. Have you ever been faithful to your wife? Did you at least wait a couple of months before starting to cheat? Because there’s no way in hell I’m the first time. You’re too smooth at the lies.”

He stiffened. “I love my family.”

“Of course you do. I can see it in every move you make. Sleeping with me was such an incredible act of love. Is Jen grateful?”

“Are you threatening me?” he asked. “Are you going to tell her?”

“Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind. I think you’re hurting her enough for both of us, so I don’t need to. Now that I realize what an asshole you are, I would like to tell her the truth, but I suspect she wouldn’t believe me. I’m sure you’ve convinced her you’re all things wonderful. It’s funny. When I first found out I felt really sorry for myself, but I don’t anymore. I feel sorry for her. I’m in a position to walk away and never look back.”

He swallowed. “You’re going to have your brother fire me, aren’t you?”

“Not necessarily. You’re a decent