Until I Met You (20 page)

“I wasn’t supposed to be doing this to you, was I?  I’m sorry.  I just can’t help myself around you.  You make it hard to ever stay away.  You magnetise me.”

“Seth,” I whispered breathlessly. 

“I love it when you say my name.  Say it again.”

“Seth,” I sighed again, wanting so much for his mouth to be on mine. 

And he didn’t disappoint.  Within an instant he leaned in that little bit more until our lips were practically brushing with one another.  My stomach was on fire—the need to have him was too much.  Just as I thought he was going in for the kill, the sound of the doorbell rang through the apartment.

Squealing, I jumped out of our embrace like a naughty child that’s just been caught.  Seth chuckled and rubbed his fingers through what little bit of hair he has on his head.  Even that was sexy.

It took a couple of deep breaths, and some uncanny thought that I had to sort my clothes out before we could open the door.  We were only nearly kissing each other.  Why did I feel so guilty all of a sudden?

The two viewings we had went well.  Both clients seemed to really like the place, and who could blame them?  The wife of one nearly had a heart attack when she clocked Seth in the kitchen.  He brandished his best megawatt smile and I think I even saw her wobble a bit.  I couldn’t blame her for that.  I had virtually the same reaction when I first met him.  I still do.  I think the fact that his furniture was staying was a clincher as far as she was concerned.

By the time they were all gone I relaxed a bit, and Seth seemed glad that we were finally left on our own.  I knew I couldn’t stay here much longer because I knew exactly what would happen if I did—and I really didn’t want to be another bunny on his bedpost.

“It’s okay; I’m not going to pounce on you.  This isn’t the right time, or the right place.  I know what you’re thinking; you don’t have to say it.  As I have said—on more than one occasion—you’re more special to me than that.”

How did he do that?  How did he seem to know exactly what I was thinking and feeling?  What he was saying would be very romantic if it wasn’t for the fact it scared the shit out of me.

“Do you read minds or something?”

Seth regarded me with an amused smile.  “No, I’m just very good at what I do.”

I rolled my eyes.  “Modest, much.”

Seth rolled his eyes, too.  “Sarcastic, much.”

We both started laughing, easing the sexual tension between us a little. 

My phone took that opportunity to chime, so I quickly retrieved it to find my mum calling.  Oh shit, I forgot to call her first thing.

“Hi, Mum, sorry I didn’t call you.”  I looked up at Seth and could see him mouth, “Say hi to her for me.”

“Angelina, I’ve been worried.  Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, Mum.  Seth says hi.”

“Oh, is he there?” Mum squealed.  “Let me talk to him.”

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Angelina Bradshaw, don’t disobey your mother.  You know that’s not good enough… now hand him over the phone.”

Sheer panic started to rise inside of me.  I didn’t know what to do.  If I said no, she would get suspicious and demand to know why.  If I said yes, when I handed him the phone, he’ll know something’s wrong.

Seth could see my change in posture and he arched his back in full alert mode.  “He’s just this minute gone out, so you can’t speak with him.”  Seth really stood up now.  Too late, he already knew there was something wrong.

“I don’t believe you, but I’ll have to take your word for it.  Just tell me, are you okay?  Is Seth keeping you safe?”

I could see Seth’s unease and I had to look away.  The tension was building back up rapidly and I knew that Seth could sense it.

“Of course he is, Mum.  I’m fine, honestly.  I’ll speak to you later tonight, okay?  I promise.”

“Okay, sweetie.  Take care of yourself and say hi back to Seth when you see him.”  I ended the call and looked in Seth’s direction.  “She said to say hi.”

“Why did you say I wasn’t here?”  I could see the hurt in his eyes and it was torture to look at.

“It would just complicate matters, okay?  Listen, I have to get back to work.”

He looked frustrated and I couldn’t blame him.  “What’s so complicated about it?  There’s something wrong, isn’t there?  Will it take me to drive down to your parent’s house to find out what?”

I stood rigid, my eyes widening.  “No, you can’t do that.”  In my panic I raced to gather my coat and bag, just wanting out of there.  “I have to go.”

I was out of the door as quick as a flash with Seth calling after me.  I didn’t want to deal with this right now—I couldn’t deal with this right now.

I was in my car in no time at all racing away from Chester Square.  I knew at some point he would question me about this, but I couldn’t cope with that thought at the moment.  The news of Jaden’s release was still so fresh in my mind.  I had to get the idea of that round my head first.

In my haste to get away, I quickly remembered that Seth and I were supposed to visit the penthouse together after the viewings.  Things just couldn’t get any worse.  Jonathan was only saying yesterday that Seth and I together was okay as long as I kept it professional at work.  Within twenty-four hours, that notion has already flown right out the window.  I felt terrible, but I couldn’t help but run. 

Just like I always did.

When I got back to the office, Jonathan was all smiles.  He called me in and I sat dutifully down, opposite his desk.

“The Miller’s called and put in an offer.”

I felt pleased but I still couldn’t help the anxiety coursing through me.  “That’s great, Jonathan.  How much?”

His smile widened.  “Five point one.”

I gasped.  “You’re kidding me?  I think that’s more than what he was expecting.”

“I know, they must have really been impressed.  Do you want to call Seth and let him know?”

I fidgeted somewhat, not knowing what to say.  I didn’t want to speak with him right now, as I knew he would fill my head with questions I didn’t want to answer.

“Can you do it?  I want to get some lunch.  I haven’t eaten anything yet.”

Jonathan leaned over the desk with concern on his face.  “Of course I can, but is there something wrong?  Is everything okay between you two?”

“Fine.  I’m just really hungry that’s all.  I get grumpy when I’m hungry.”  I smiled weakly at him and I knew for sure he was unconvinced. 

I said goodbye to him anyway and headed straight for the door.  I needed coffee and to sit somewhere on my own to think.

I was sat by the window after ordering my Americano when a familiar face walked past.  It was Paul.  When he glanced my way he waved enthusiastically and came in to join me.

“Angelina, hi.  So nice to see you again.”  He leaned in, giving me a peck on the cheek, and sat down beside me.

“I’ve been trying to call you.”  I gave him a face that told him I was more than unimpressed.

He shook his head, and I could see the frustration as he sighed.  “That’s nice to know, but do you want to know why I haven’t answered?”

“Tell me.”

“Well, the night we met, my phone miraculously disappeared.”

In an instant I knew why.  Seth had this uncanny knack of being able to sneak phones into people’s bags.  Would it be so preposterous that he would also be able to steal them?

“Seth,” was all I said.  Paul’s reaction immediately confirmed my suspicions.  “He told me that us having coffee wasn’t going to happen.”

Paul erupted with laughter as he ran his fingers through his golden brown hair.  He certainly had the charm like Seth, but they didn’t hold any resemblance.  “I think we should change that right now,” he said, patting me on the shoulder.  “Do you want another?”

“No, I’m fine.  I only really just sat down when I saw you walking past.”  He ventured off to order a coffee, leaving me to shake my head at Seth’s obviously lack of etiquette.  I couldn’t help but chuckle a little.  For some reason it made him even more irresistible, if that were at all possible.

“He’s a giant ass.”

The sound of Paul’s voice had me jumping out of my skin, and nearly knocking my coffee over.

“I’m so sorry.  I didn’t mean to scare you.”  Paul wrapped his coat over the chair and took a seat beside me.

“It’s okay.  I was in a world of my own, thinking about what Seth did.”  I smiled politely at him, but I knew I was a bundle of nerves.  I’m never normally this jumpy.  I have an evil, sadistic monster to blame for that.

“You know he likes you, right?  I had no idea just how much until I heard he went to Cornwall at the weekend.  Most people didn’t know why, but I remember you telling me that was where you were from originally.  I put two and two together.”

My tension eased a little as the laughter erupted.  “Yes, he did follow me.  I was actually running away from him.”  I couldn’t believe how candid I was being with Paul.  I’m not normally this open about things, but Paul somehow had this ability of making me feel comfortable around him—even though this is only the second time we had met.

“Can I ask why you were running?”  He took a sip of his coffee and stared at me for a while until I answered.

“I can’t believe I’m telling you this.  Even Seth doesn’t know how I feel yet.  Please don’t say anything to him.”  With my look pleading, he nodded his head and gestured for me to proceed.

“I really like him.  I can’t believe I said that out loud.”  I chuckled a little, but it was more of a defeated chuckle then a genuine, hearty one.

“You don’t need to feel ashamed of that, Angelina.  I can understand your caution with my nephew, but deep down, he’s not a bad man.  He’s been through some stuff that no one should have to go through.  I can’t go further than that, but what I will say is—he has learnt to shut out the outside world.  He doesn’t let anyone in to care enough about them.  I think he’s frightened of losing something—something solid—something real.  I think you might be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.”

I was in complete shock.  In my time with Seth, he gave no indication that he was just as damaged and broken as I was.  I had this urge to reach out to him, but at the same time something was pulling me back—telling me not to get too close.

“I had no idea.  He never gave anything away.  He always seems so cool and so in control of everything.”

Paul took a sip of his coffee and glanced out of the window for a moment.  “I’ve probably given away more than I should, but you’ve got to know that this is the persona he has learnt to live with.  He’s had demons weighing down on him for many years.  I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough, but it isn’t going to be from me.  Just rest assured that I’ve never seen him like this with anyone, the way he is with you.  I only want to say that if you like him too, please don’t hurt him.  He really doesn’t need to suffer anymore than he has already.”

I was speechless.  I didn’t quite know what to say.  I was so busy worrying about my own problems that I failed to realise that Seth might actually have some of his own to deal with. 

All of a sudden I felt a huge weight on my shoulders.  It felt like a lot to take in and endure.  It was way too much—almost suffocating.  Right then I didn’t quite know what to do for the best.

“Look, I know it’s a lot to take in.  You seem like a really nice girl.  That’s why I warned him off you when you first met.  Now I know how much he likes you, things have changed a great deal.  I don’t want to upset you in any way.  I just want you to know that there’s more to Seth than meets the eye.  He hurts just like the rest of us, and I care about him—even when I’m calling him an ass.”

I looked into his sincere eyes as we both started laughing.  I know what he’s saying.  He approves of Seth and I as long as I don’t fuck it up.  Strange how the tables have finally turned.

“I appreciate you telling me, Paul.  I don’t want to hurt Seth either.”  And that’s exactly why I felt I had to walk away.  I couldn’t let Seth get embroiled in my mess when he had his own demons to face.  It just didn’t seem fair.

After giving Paul a hug and thanking him for his time, I went back to work in a daze.  The pain gripped at the thought of never seeing Seth again, but it was what I had to do—and I had to do it to protect us both.  It wasn’t just about me anymore.  I just couldn’t do that to him.

By the time I was back at work I felt physically sick.  I knew it wasn’t because I had eaten something bad as I had hardly eaten a thing all day.  I was love sick—pining over someone I had finally let into my life.  Someone I had learnt to fall in love with.

Shelly was at my desk as soon as I walked in.  She looked concerned and I could tell she really wanted to say something, but knew how serious I looked.  This wasn’t a discussion to be had at work.

“Jonathan told me that I must tell you to go and see him the minute you get back to work.  He says it’s urgent.”  She gave me an apologetic look as I stumbled out of my chair and knocked on Jonathan’s door.

“Come in!”

Shutting the door behind me, I quickly noticed how unimpressed Jonathan seemed.  When he saw how I looked though, his face softened.

“Angelina, has something happened?”  He shot out of his chair as quick as lightening and rushed over to be by my side.