Page 57 of Be My Valentine

“I think we should resume old habits. You can call me Lawyer Arrow, Mrs. Carson.”

She blinked with that feigned innocence that Mark had learned to recognize too late.

“You don’t mean that. The world is full of women ready to throw themselves at your feet, you shouldn’t have to fret over a…”

“Choose your words well.” He interrupted her by curbing the urge to strangle her.

“For someone like you, a scholar with her head in the clouds who doesn’t know what it means to be in the world. You need an experienced woman, Mark, who can stand up to you and be by your side in any situation.”

“I just told you to address me in another way.”

“All right,” she said piquantly, “but that doesn’t change what I said, attorney.”

“What you said is irrelevant, my personal life does not concern you now or in the future. Have I made myself clear enough?”

“You won’t get rid of me, I have an impeccable record, you can’t fire me.”

“But I can make your life very difficult.” He threatened her.

“Or I can make your life decidedly pleasant.”

“Get out!” yelled Mark, “Now! And pick another desk. I can’t work if the view isn’t to my liking.”

“You can’t tell me…”

“I can!” he ranted again “I’m not demoting you; I’m offering you a better location. And if you refuse to obey me, I’ll have a good reason to fire you. Perhaps it would be best for you to stay where you are, after all.”

“One day you will understand. She was no match for you, I did you a favor.”

Before Mark could rail again, she disappeared and cleared the desk.

Mark ran a hand through his hair, restless beyond belief. He was out of breath, missing her.

“Ms. Penn, can you join me in my office?” He used the internal line.

Meg walked in and Mark noticed that she lowered her shoulders after peering at him. No, he was definitely not at his best.

“Close the door, please, and have a seat.”

Meg obeyed but stood.

“Do you know where she is?” There was no need to specify who he was referring to.

“No, sir, I’m sorry.”

“Did you speak to her? Did you hear her voice? How is she?” The questions rolled madly out of his mouth.

“Yes, I talked to her.” Mark gasped “She told me what happened;” her voice dropped with embarrassment “She’s not well, I’d say neither of you are well.”

Mark slumped behind the desk.

“I just wanted to help her.”

“I can understand that, but you lied to her about something that was no small thing.”

“She lied to me, too.” He reacted angrily, flippantly, like a child intent on stepping on toes.

“She would have told you; she was waiting for the right moment. Perhaps I have a share of responsibility in all this. I suggested she wait until after the reception, but her passion for books betrayed her.”