CHAPTER 6

*EVELYN'S POV*

The engine buzz faded as I parked my car in front of Lucas's condo and stepped out. His apartment was at the end unit downstairs. Oak trees surrounded it from the driveway up north.

I'd earlier sent him a text requesting his address this morning with an apology for leaving him abruptly yesterday.

I caught a movement from behind one of the oak trees and soon a figure emerged from the shadows,

"Good morning, Evelyn," a deep voice called from behind one of the trees. I turned to see Lucas standing there with a mischievous spark in his eyes as he adjusted his pants.

He brazenly stood there allowing me to have a glimpse of the well-built naked chest.

"Good morning, Lucas," I tried to remove my gaze and rather focused my eyes on the soil beneath my feet.

"I hope getting here wasn't that difficult for you," he asked as he approached me.

The morning air brushed against my skin and my cheeks burned just thinking of a naked man in front of me. He was too eager to show off his smooth skin but I tried to focus on anything but his body.

"My GPS still works, you know," I said, "All I need to do is to input your address."

"And here you are," he said, "I went for a run this morning; like a proper werewolf, you know."

I finally composed myself and faced him. "I can see that. But then, this morning is for business. So let me have a look inside."

"Of course," he said, "It's an invite. I would love to race you one day."

"Indeed," I chuckled as I raised an eyebrow. I am a Beta's daughter and I've never been scared of losing a race, I thought to myself.

"Are you saying you'd win?" He asked as if reading my mind. He came closer as if to intimidate me with his physique.

"I never said such," I said as I took his shirt from his shoulder and pressed it into his chest, "Put this on so we can get down to the business of the day."

"Business, of course," Lucas said as he gathered himself and swung the shirt on his shoulder ignoring my request.

He was heavily built and handsome. But then there was something about him that looked off to me.

He gave me a short tour around the back of the house and then we went inside. He had two caretakers working for him but they soon disappeared as we entered the condo. More intriguing was the fact that I was more surprised by the sophisticated aesthetic decorations and the elegance of the condo.

"Why exactly am I here again?" I asked as I shifted a curtain to let in sunlight, "I will be doing a disservice to you if I change anything here."

Lucas shrugged but his eyes lingered on my body. "I want a second opinion or something, you know. And like I said in your office, I would rather leave this for the Mrs. to decide. A woman's perspective won't be bad after all."

"If your wife has put you up to this, then I need to speak with her," I said in a calm voice. He drew closer to me as if to trap me near the window, "You are married, aren't you?"

"You don't get it, do you?" Lucas said as he held my shoulders in both hands. I could feel the seduction in his voice.

"Get what?" I quivered. This scene reminded me so much about Thomas and his antics. I just hope I was strong enough today not to fall for that trick.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I was grateful for that interruption as I broke free from his grip.

It was my secretary, Dora, calling.

"Your 10 AM is here already," Dora said, "where are you?"

I looked at the time on my phone. It was almost 10 AM. "Shit!" I yelled, "Tell the client to hold on, I will be there in a jiffy."

"But where are you?" Dora asked.

I was sure I didn't tell Dora about this impromptu inspection I promised Lucas.

"I will explain when I get to the office," as I switched off the phone. Then I turned to Lucas, "I have to go."

"There's no problem," Lucas said. He was fully dressed now and looked more serious, "Like I said, take a look around and give me a second opinion. I would love your feedback before the end of the week."

I made a mental calculation. "That won't be possible," I blurted out.

"Why is that so?" Lucas asked.

"The full moon will be out by then and I have a part to play then," I said.

"Well then, you have to hurry," Lucas said with a grin, "I didn't say start decorating. Just give me what needs to be changed and then we can work out the rest including that 50% discount you offered me yesterday."

I headed towards the door. There was something about this meeting I didn't understand. "The discount was dependent on you providing a form of service for my firm. I hope you remember that."

And with that, I worked out of the door. Lucas followed me without uttering a word. I was sure he was pensive.

When we got to the car, Lucas opened the door for me and said, "Let's go out on a date later today."

I didn't reply as I got into the car and turned on my ignition. Who the hell asks a woman out for a run first instead of a date?

He knocked on the window and I whirred down.

"Let me make it up to you," Lucas said. I could feel the frustration of a man who failed in his first attempt.

"I make no promises, but I will think about it," I said as I put the car in motion and drove out of the driveway. In my mind, I knew it remained to be seen if I wanted Lucas to be part of my life.