Discovering Lucy

by Laura Dunaway

  He ran a hand through his waves. “Shit, I was afraid of this.”

  That got my attention. “What do you mean?”

  “I met her at a social function for Armstrong’s a few weeks before I met you. I wanted to get to know her better, so I asked her for her phone number. I called her and we set up a night to go to dinner. She was funny, so I asked her out again. When she started texting me, I thought it was cute, but then she became clingy. She was acting as if we were exclusive, and it got to the point where I’d barely acknowledge her because I didn’t know what else to do. What else did she say Lucy?”

  “It doesn’t mat—”

  He held up a hand. “Don’t, just tell me.”

  I let out a breath. “She saw the dress and figured it was you who sent it, and freaked. She pretty much threatened me, and said that nothing was going to stand in her way.

  His fist pounded the table and he cursed again. “I don’t believe this,” he said, running a hand down his face. “I seriously wish I’d never asked her out in the first place. She doesn’t mean anything to me.”

  I started to shake my head. “It doesn’t matter, Knox. I just don’t need her in my face all the time and threatening me.”

  He lightly ran his knuckles down my cheek. “Of course not, it won’t happen again. I’ll talk to her.”

  I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. “Thank you,” I whispered.

  He pressed his lips to my forehead, then brushed them against my cheek. “She doesn’t mean a thing to me. The only woman who does matter is sitting right here.”

  My heart beat a little faster. The feelings inside of me were overwhelming. Knox was the real thing.

  KNOX WALKED ME BACK TO my counter and Mindy glared at us. She was with a customer, but definitely hadn’t missed seeing him holding my hand. If she could shoot lasers from her eyes, our hands would be long gone.

  I walked behind the counter and set my purse down. Surprisingly, there weren’t any customers lined up, so I had a minute to thank him.

  “So,” he said, raising his eyes to me. “If you could have anything from your counter, what would it be?” I saw the gleam in his eye, and knew he was up to something.

  “Not telling.”

  He smiled and walked closer to me. “And why not?”

  I flipped my hair behind my shoulder, pretending to straighten a display of eyeshadows. “Because after the dress, there’s no way you are getting me anything else, Knox.”

  He shook his head. “So stubborn,” he said under his breath.

  Mindy slithered up right then, like a snake on the prowl. She wrapped her arms around Knox, staring into his eyes. I rolled mine while I got a cloth and spray cleaner to wipe off the glass counter.

  “Knox,” she cried, stealing a glance at me. “I’ve missed you, baby. Where have you been?”

  He undid himself from her clutches and stepped back, looking at me as he ran a hand through his hair. I smiled, letting him know it was okay. When he looked back at Mindy, his eyes darkened.

  “We need to talk, Mindy,” was all he said as he walked toward a sofa in the corner by the escalators. She looked back at me with victory in her eye. I kept a straight face, knowing that victory was the last thing she’d be feeling after their little chat.

  Customers came in droves then, so I wasn’t able to watch their conversation, which was a good thing. Knox and I still hadn’t talked about what it was we were doing, but I could no longer deny I had feelings for him. In a matter of days, I went from not caring if he were with Mindy to caring very much.

  I heard stomping and looked up to see Mindy rushing by—she didn’t look at me. Knox came up a minute later, but I was with a customer, so he hung back, waiting patiently.

  “Mr. Taylor, do we have a meeting today?”

  “Hello, Mrs. Bresden, no, not today. I’m here to see my friend Lucy, and possibly buy her something.” I saw him wink at me, which sent jolts of fire blazing through me.

  Mrs. Bresden turned to look at me, and smiled. “Lucy, hello. How are you, dear?”

  My customer walked away, so I was able to talk for a minute. “Hi, Mrs. Bresden. I’m well. How are you?”

  She smiled. “I’m doing very well, thank you. It’s so good to see you again. How is your job going here?”

  Knox walked up behind her, his eyes sparkling. If I weren’t careful, I’d be losing myself completely in those eyes before long. I already felt myself falling hard. I gulped as I looked at him, wondering how all of this had happened.

  Mrs. Bresden cleared her throat.

  “I’m so sorry, yes, it’s going great. I am learning so much and feel very comfortable here.”

  Her smile widened. “I’m happy to hear that. I knew there was something special about you. I told Priscilla to keep you around.”

  I felt the blush appear on my face. “Thank you so much.”

  She turned to Knox. “She’s a keeper, Mr. Taylor.” She winked.

  Keeping his eyes on me, he replied, “I think you may be right.”

  “Oh, Mr. Taylor, I just remembered something I needed to ask you,” Mrs. Bresden chimed. “Do you have a minute?”

  “Of course,” he responded. He gently took her elbow and led her to some chairs across from my counter.

  “Hey there, Lucy.”

  Turning, I saw Justin from the club the other night. My eyes widened at seeing him again because I’d forgotten all about him. I looked over at Knox and saw he was watching us, his eyes darkened once again. He was still paying attention to Mrs. Bresden because I saw him responding to her, but he definitely was watching me too, which I liked.

  “Hey,” I responded, turning back to Justin. “How are you?”

  He leaned on the counter, giving me a flirty grin. He was dressed in a navy suit with a red and navy striped tie. “I’ve been good, really busy at work. I’ve wanted to come by here for a few days, but just now had the chance. How have you been?”

  I stole another glance at Knox and saw him running his hand through his hair, nodding at something Mrs. Bresden was saying. He looked stressed. Suddenly, fingers appeared in front of me and snapped a few times. I turned back and saw Justin smiling, trying to get my attention. I felt stupid and started to laugh.

  “Sorry about that,” I told him. “The former CEO’s wife is close by and I want to make sure I’m doing a good job.” I wasn’t going to mention that Knox was the main reason I was distracted.

  He chuckled. “Understandable. So listen…I’m sorry I ran off the other night. I got upset when your friend interrupted us.”

  Memories of that night filled my head. It felt like that was the night things started to change for Knox and me. The fact that I hadn’t given Justin a second thought since he stormed off showed me how much Knox had invaded my head, and was starting to invade my heart.

  “It’s okay.” I meant it.

  A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. “Well, I want to make it up to you. Dinner tonight?”

  “Um…” I stuttered, trying to come up with an excuse.

  “She’s going to dinner with me tonight,” Knox said, appearing out of nowhere, and taking my hand.

  My eyes shot to him, wondering what he was doing. Justin’s eyes shot to him too, frowning when he saw who it was. He looked back at me, clearly confused.

  “I thought you said you guys were just friends.”

  “Uh…”

  “Let’s just say that it took Lucy some time to realize her feelings for me,” Knox told Justin. I dug one of my fingernails into his palm, making him flinch.

  Justin looked between us. “Oh…well, I guess that’s cool,” he said, making Knox laugh.

  “Yes, it is.” Knox released my hand and put his arm around my waist. “Lucy is stubborn and wouldn’t give in for the longest time, but lucky for me, she finally caved.”

  I was half laughing, half dying inside, but I did my best to smile and act happy. “Well, it wasn’t exactly like that, but we don’t need to get into it,
” I said, digging my elbow discreetly into Knox’s side.

  Justin stood back from the counter, running a hand over his head. “Uh, well, congrats then. I hope this doesn’t mean we can’t hang out sometime? A group of us?”

  That surprised me. Before I could reply, Knox took care of it. “Sure, man, whenever. Here’s my card, just text when you know of something going on.” That was obviously Knox’s way of keeping Justin at bay with me, by not giving him my number. I was glad he’d done that.

  Justin took it but seemed disappointed. “Sure, sounds good. Well, congrats again,” he said to Knox. Looking back at me, he continued, “Can’t blame a man for trying.”

  Knox pulled me closer as I answered, “Thanks, Justin.”

  Knox extended his hand for Justin to shake. “I don’t blame you one bit. I’m just glad I found her first.” They both laughed a little and Justin said good-bye, walking away without looking back.

  I instantly turned to face Knox, my hands on my hips. “What was that all about?” I asked, trying hard not to smile at the goofy grin on his face.

  He raised a brow, pretending not to understand my question. “What was what all about?”

  I gave him a glare. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. It took Lucy some time to figure out her feelings for me,” I repeated.

  He laughed. “Well, what did you want me to say? Lucy’s not interested, so back off?”

  He had me there. I crossed my arms and leaned on the counter. “Well, no,” I said, too stubborn to give into him completely.

  He mimicked my stance and crossed his arms over his chest. “You know, saying thank you would be appropriate here, just saying.”

  “Thank you? For what?”

  He took a step toward me. “For bailing you out of what could have been an awkward situation with him and letting him know you’re not available, so he doesn’t keep asking you out.”

  I was ticked to realize he was right. “How did you know I was trying to think of a way out of going on a date with him?” I asked.

  He took another step toward me. “I’ve told you,” he said softly. “I know you better than you think.”

  But how?

  “Lucy, dear, there you are,” Priscilla said, appearing out of nowhere.

  I couldn’t hold back the smile at her poofy, bleached hair and heavy makeup. “Hi, Priscilla, is there something I can help you with?”

  “I’m hoping so. Mindy has suddenly taken ill and can’t finish her shift at the perfume counter. Would you mind going over there until your shift is over?”

  Mindy was ill my ass. I looked over to Knox and by the roll of his eyes, I could tell he thought the same thing. I gave Priscilla a smile and nodded. “Sure, no problem.”

  She let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much. Kathy will be fine here on her own I’m sure. Just enter your employee number in the register like usual. Ta ta,” she said as she sashayed away.

  Knox’s eyes gleamed at me. “She’s a character,” he said as he walked me to the perfume counter. I punched in my employee number and looked back at him.

  “Don’t you have to be back at work?” I asked.

  He looked at his watch. “Actually, yeah, I do. What time do you get off?”

  “At nine.”

  “Are you planning on riding the subway home?”

  I chuckled. “Yes, like I do every time I work.”

  His brows drew in. “I don’t like you doing that at night.”

  I shrugged. “Why not? I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.”

  He walked over to me. “I’m sure you can, Lucy, but I still don’t like it. I’ll pick you up out front at ten after. That should give you enough time to close.”

  I wanted to argue, but the thought of not having to ride the subway was too good to pass up. Plus, it meant spending more time with him, something I was getting more and more used to.

  “Lucy, I won’t take no for an answer.”

  I looked up at him and batted my eyelashes. “Well, then I guess I won’t argue, Mr. Taylor.”

  He growled, then leaned over the counter and brushed his soft lips against mine. “I’ll see you outside at nine-ten, Ms. Simmons.”

  I watched him walk out the exit, not being able to stop the smile from coming over my face.

  TRUE TO HIS WORD, KNOX was waiting outside Armstrong’s at nine-ten. He was leaning against his car looking at his phone, and when he saw me, he opened the car door.

  “Your ride awaits you, m’lady,” he said, leaning into my ear and planting a chaste kiss on my neck, making me melt.

  I sat down and watched Knox shut my door then walk around the car, sliding in next to me. Maxwell was in the driver’s seat and greeted me with a warm smile. “How are you this evening, Ms. Simmons?”

  I smiled back. “I’m fine, Maxwell. How are you?”

  “I’m doing well¸ thank you. Are we taking her home, sir?” he asked Knox, looking at him through the rear view mirror.

  Knox took my hand in his, brushing his lips across my knuckles, never taking his eyes off of mine. “Yes, Maxwell, we’re taking her home.”

  Maxwell eased into traffic as Knox continued to stare at me. I was surprised at how it wasn’t making me so uncomfortable anymore. I noticed he’d loosened the light-blue tie around his neck as well as the top two buttons of his white button-down shirt. I found I wanted to touch the exposed skin of his neck, but was too scared to make a bold move like that.

  “What are you thinking, Lucy?” he asked me quietly.

  My eyes shot to his, embarrassed that he’d caught me staring. There was no way I was going to tell him what I’d really been thinking. “Nothing, really,” I lied.

  His finger touched the bottom of my chin, lifting my gaze to his. “Your eyes tell a different story, angel. Tell me.”

  Butterflies took flight in my stomach, and my palms started to sweat a little. I shook my head. “I can’t,” I whispered, a small smile on my face.

  Seeing my smile made his lips turn up as well. “Well, well, Lucy, were you thinking something dirty perhaps?” His dark eyes twinkled as he teased me.

  I blushed a deep red—I could feel it. Not wanting to let on that he was exactly right, I sat up straight and took my hand out of his, looking out the window.

  “No, not at all, Mr. Taylor,” I teased.

  I heard him sigh. “You and that Mr. Taylor shit.”

  I smirked as I turned to him. “You love it.”

  He scooted a little closer to me, igniting a fire in my veins. He raised his hand to the side of my head, threading his fingers through my hair. “You have absolutely no idea what you do to me.”

  “Don’t ever let a man sweet talk you, Lucy Jane,” my mother told me for the millionth time in her gravely voice. “They’ll tell you anything and everything they think you want to hear to get in your pants. Don’t let them.”

  “Mom,” I sighed, trying to finish my homework. “Not every man can be like that. There are some good ones out there, you know.”

  She stood up and marched over to the table, resting her palms on it in front of me. “No, Lucy, there are no good ones, trust me. You can only depend on yourself. Don’t get me wrong, men are good for some things, like sex, but you can’t EVER depend on them.”

  My eyes widened. “Mooommm,” I whined. “Don’t say things like that to me. Jeez.”

  She gave a hint of a smile. “You’ll see I’m right someday, my dear, but not anytime soon, please. The last thing I need to deal with is you and an unplanned pregnancy.”

  I slammed my textbook shut. “Mom, please! I’m not even dating anyone let alone having sex. That won’t happen to me, okay?”

  Maxwell suddenly slammed on the breaks, tossing us forward. Knox’s arm bolted protectively in front of me.

  “I’m so sorry, sir. Someone darted out in traffic. I’m just glad I saw him in time.” He started moving again as Knox relaxed back in the seat.

  “It’s okay, Maxwell, this is why I have
you drive for me. I’m very glad you saw him too.” Knox looked at me, and raised a brow. “Are you okay?”

  I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. Between him doing that protective gesture and the memory of my mother, I really was a basket case. I twisted my hands together, trying to move past the moment.

  “Hey,” he asked, ducking his head to look in my eyes. “Everything’s okay. We’re close to your building now.” He raised his hand to cup my cheek, running his thumb along my bottom lip. He leaned in and nuzzled my neck, inhaling. “You have no idea what you do to me, I can tell, especially when you twist your hands together in your lap. It makes me want to take your fingers and thread them through mine as I take your earlobe between my teeth and nibble on it.”

  Then he did exactly that.

  Calm down, Lucy. He didn’t say he wanted to screw your brains out. I took a deep breath and felt my heart rate slow down.

  Maxwell pulled up to my building, and put the car in park. “Here we are, Ms. Simmons, Mr. Taylor.”

  Knox raised his head and ran his index finger down the side of my face. He opened his door and walked around to open mine. I took his extended hand and got out.

  “Come to dinner with me tomorrow night,” he said as he walked me to the entrance.

  A voice in my head kept telling me to tread lightly, don’t get invested, but I shoved it aside and let the excitement of being asked flow through me.

  “Where?” I asked, trying to hide my smile.

  He lowered his forehead against mine. “You can’t hide that smile from me, Lucy. To answer your question, I have a gala at the Ritz Carlton, and I can only survive it if you come with me.”

  A gala? While I was flattered, I’d never been to anything like that and had nothing to wear, but I didn’t want to tell him because it made me sound pathetic.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” he said softly. “You will fit in perfectly, angel, and you have the dress I gave you, remember?”

  “Right…well, tomorrow I work until three, so the rest of the evening is yours.”

  His eyes hooded. “Oh, Lucy, you better watch what you say.”