Lovers' Dance by K Carr Read Free Book Online

do serious time. Think about it. A man your age—ha—you wouldn’t last a day in prison. And I’m an American citizen. That’s an international mess waiting to happen.”
    “Ms DuMont.” George was trying for authoritarian now. “I suggest we go into the kitchen where I can make you a calming cup of tea and we can have a pleasant discussion—”
    “First ‘one’, George,” I warned after pressing my screen again. He was acting as if I was the crazy one. “All I have to do is press number one once more and the cops will be here. How are you going to explain this? If you step away from that door right now, I won’t press charges.”
    He tilted his head sideways and surveyed me closely, before saying with the barest hint of amusement, “Seeing as we are in the United Kingdom and not the United States, I’d suggest you hang up and re-key 999, Ms DuMont.”
    Oh, yeah. I’d forgotten that. I chewed my bottom lip. “Thanks for the reminder, but don’t think I won’t do it if you continue to hinder my escape from this madhouse.”
    “I will call you a taxi if I must, Ms DuMont,” he cajoled, his whole demeanour changing into a ‘hail well met fellow’ sort of vibe. “But what would you have me tell Mr Bradley about your departure? I fear he would be most disappointed in me for failing to ensure you were here when he returns. I’ve worked for the Bradley family all my life and never once failed to carry out my duties,”
    Oh my God. He was trying to play me.
    “So, it would be a great help to me if you would but return upstairs while I procure proper clothing for you and you await Mr Bradley’s return.”
    I knew he was trying to manipulate me, but on the off chance Matt did get angry with him…
    “Do you have a pen and paper I can use?” I asked nicely. George didn’t look like he trusted me not to escape as soon as he went looking for pen and paper. Then, he beamed at me.
    “Of course, Ms DuMont, right here.” He skipped—it looked exactly like a triumphant skip—over to the table in the hallway where he  opened a drawer. “Pen and paper as per your request.” He rested a pad of lovely stationery and pen on top of the table, with him between me and the door.
    “George, here’s the deal. I’m going to write Matt a nice, long letter, stating that you are in no way, shape or form responsible for my leaving before he returns. I do have to get to work.” I ended on a pleading note.
    George glanced at me from head to toe. “Then I shall call you a cab at once, Ms DuMont.”
    “Thank you, George. You’re a nice man after all, and I don’t really think you’re a century old.” I flashed him my brightest smile and he looked startled for a second, then a small smile spread across his face.
    “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms DuMont,” he said quietly. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. His face seemed sincere, so I accepted it for what it was and picked my shoes back up before heading to the table and writing Matt a brief letter thanking him for rescuing me last night, apologizing for putting him in an uncomfortable position by practically forcing myself on him, and mainly for taking care of me when he didn’t have to. I felt horrible for leaving without seeing him, but I couldn’t bear facing him. Not after everything that had happened. I folded the letter, put lipstick on and left a perfect imprint of my lips over the two edges. A kiss goodbye for my unexpected knight. I propped the letter up on the table, kissy-side up.
    “Your taxi is here, Ms DuMont.” George was as quiet as a church mouse. I hadn’t heard him approaching. He swept past me to open the door and inclined his head in my direction.
    “Goodbye, George. Sorry about the mess and the drama at the door.” I grinned at him as I walked out of Matt’s place, heels in hand and purse tucked tightly under my arm. “Just think, every time you walk towards this door, you’ll remember me.”
    George’s lips compressed in