Chapter 24

**Brad's POV**

The door sounded and my assistant peered through. “A Mrs. Smith for you, Sir.” I nodded and dismissed my assistant.

“Mrs. Smith?” Scott looked on at me as I began to gather up my jacket.

“Yes. My solution.”

“Solution? To your problems with Angela? I can hardly imagine how the entrance of another woman is to be of any help.” Scott mused.

“Have you lost your sense? It’s something I have been planning for a few days and well I guess the finality couldn’t have come at a better time. You can see yourself out; if you do decide to stay do not touch my desk. You’ll find that I am not as nearly unorganized as you are.” I moved to exit my office.

“You are only tempting me,” Scott called out to me.

“And we all know how little is needed to do that,” I called over my shoulder and heard his rich laughter.

I walked through the office and saw every one stiffen as I passed by. I grimaced, normally they knew not to cast me too much attention yet I suppose seeing me leave my office midday was something of a scandal. I was always the first to come and the last to leave.

I made eye contact with a few and they got the hint. They studiously reapplied their focus on more productive matters.

**Angela’s POV**

These past days I couldn’t face him. I knew my pride was mainly to blame. I hated myself for losing control around Brad. I didn’t want his sympathy.

I didn’t want him to think I was weak!

I avoided Brad and I felt stupid for doing it. Hell, he probably didn’t care I was not making an appearance! I sat on the sofa and tried to indulge myself with a book. These days I was annoyed with romantic novels so I opted for fantasy and silently hoped that love was not a sub theme.

As much as I tried to avoid him, my body burned with need. A restless desire that had me on edge. Every sound caused my heart to race with anticipation. It was nonsensical, I knew I wouldn’t see Brad, I was avoiding him! Yet my body had hope and it irritated me.

I had no right wanting a man who didn’t want me.

Oh but he does want you.

I listened to my conscious and contemplated. Did he really? Yet he hadn’t sought me out these two days.

The man wants you, he isn’t in love with you!

My conscious yelled and I felt a wave of stupidity wash over me. Brad only wanted to bed me. He would never seek out a woman nor would he ever really fall in love.

But was that such a horrible thing? As breathtaking as Brad was, I didn’t love him. I don’t think I ever shall. So it didn’t bother me, I didn’t mind that he hadn’t tried to check on me. I was not really anything to Brad just another woman who would have the opportunity to warm his bed for a fortnight...if so long.

All of a sudden I felt sullen again. I looked around the huge house and allowed my mind to wonder. What I saw was a home. Echoes of laughter bouncing of the walls and footsteps thudding happily in all directions. That is what I always wanted. Kids, maybe someday grandchildren and a husband who...

The thought slipped as the word ‘husband’ came to mind. In order for me to have all of those I firstly needed a husband who cared. I rolled my eyes at myself. I refuse to feel sorry for myself anymore.

Everything happens for a reason right?

My head shot up instantly as I heard the doorbell. I furrowed my brows. Who in God’s name...?

I placed my hand on the doorknob and schooled my features to one of politeness. I pulled the door ajar and my smile faltered. I stepped back as he pushed past me and entered the house, slamming the door behind him.

I was shell shocked to say the least. I knew I had to face him, I wasn’t harboring any illusions there but I had thought it would be on my terms.

When are you to realise? It’s always on Brad’s terms. ALWAYS!

I muttered a few curses under my breath and only realised how close he was to me. His eyes scrutinizing, I wanted to walk away yet I needed to stay. All my pride and anger fell away at the sight of him. Yet somehow, he appeared angry. I hadn’t mistaken the look of content when he saw me but now... it all changed.

“What are doing home so early?” I didn’t sound like myself. My voice was horse and breathless and I silently gasped at the silent message that it would send to any man. I saw the corner of his lips quirk but he turned serious once more.

“I thought you might be missing me.” He smiled this time and I rolled my eyes. Just like him to be so...

Irresistible?

My conscious supplemented and I felt the urge to scream in frustration.

I bit my lip and stared at him. I had no idea what to say. I was missing him as ridiculous as it sounded. We fought all the time, my tolerance, when it came to him was as thin as a piece of thread yet I shamefully found it exhilarating.

“You can answer me later then. Now...” He paused as he reached out and pulled the door open. “We have company.” He finished as my eyes slid over Harvey. A smile, I was sure spread across my features.

“Hey! What are you doing here?” I knew he was supposed to be on a field trip today. Mrs Smith had called so that I wouldn’t venture to the orphanage that day least they be gone.

Harvey’s gaze locked on Brad and I saw some silent communication. I divided my gaze between the two, waiting for the awkwardness to end.

“Why don’t you go upstairs and take your pick of rooms,” Brad advised and Harvey shrugged his shoulders and left, not before giving an amused sideways glance to Brad.

This startled me. Since when did Harvey and Brad share any sort of connection.

“Explain.” I turned my attention to Brad. I knew my tone was accusatory. He nodded and gazed past me. Obviously trying to remember something.

“You remember when you asked if we could get a puppy?” he was so close to me that I felt his breath against my skin. I hardly registered what he had asked.

“An idea you rejected. How could I forget?” My tone took on a harsher note. But it had nothing to do with his response that day rather I was getting annoyed that my body was reacting to his proximity.

He smiled. I silently hoped he couldn’t hear the insistent beating of heart. “I know I rejected it but I have reconsidered.”

I shook my head in confusion. What could this have to do with Harvey...? I stared at him as if he had lost all sense but then clarity found me.

“Harvey.” I whispered to myself and I saw him nod.

“We are now the legal guardians of the little brat.” I stared at him, my surprise enough to ignore the manner in which he referred to Harvey.

“Y-you adopted him?” My voice was small and he nodded once more. On impulse, I felt waves of giggles erupting from me.

“Thank you.” I was sincere. The joy I felt overwhelming me. Before I could stop myself I threw myself in Brad’s unexpecting arms, my lips crashing on his. I knew he hadn’t anticipated that I would do this. His lips remained unresponsive behind mine and I instantly pulled away. What in God’s name was I thinking?

My hand flew to cover my lips. I hadn’t believed I just did that. My eyes were wide with shock as I peered into his neutral expression.

“I am so sorry. I don’t know what...”

And his lips were against mine stopping my plea for forgiveness. He pushed me against the wall lining the corridor. His hands bringing my arms above my head. He held them in place with one hand while the other trailed the length of my body. I felt myself arch against him bring the most intimate parts of our body into contact. As a moan escaped my lips I heard a growl resound throughout Brad’s body.

He pressed closer to me, trapping my lower half rigidly between the wall and him. His free hand locked on my hips, preventing me from arching against him again. Another moan escaped my lips, but in frustration.

Why was he teasing me so?

His lips continued to move against mine erotically, I felt his tongue slip inside my mouth and I was lost in a wave of desire I never thought possible. His lips left mine and I groaned. “Shh or else we will be discovered, it’s not just us anymore.” He whispered against my neck and I shuddered.

I felt the warmth of his kisses on my neck and I bit my lip to stop the moan from escaping. After all he was right, Harvey was upstairs.

My eyes widened as I registered that thought. Harvey! Damn it how had I forgotten?

“Brad.” I knew I said his name, but I didn’t know if a sound came out. “Brad.” I tried again, hoping my voice came out louder. His eyes met mine then and I melted at the passion I saw in them.

Passion and desire for me! My heart oozed warmth, the sensation pooling low in my stomach.

“We should stop and see to Harvey.”

He released my arms and I brought them at my sides. He hadn’t unpinned me from the wall though; his face was still dangerously close to mine, his eyes focused on my lips. They parted involuntarily in anticipation.

I wanted him to kiss me again and never stop. But there were so many reasons why I shouldn’t think that way. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on that. Gaining my composure I opened my eyes and two bright, curious orbs stared down at me.

“Okay.” He seemed pensive. “Are we going to pick up where we are leaving off later?” his eyes compelling me and I wanted badly to say yes, but I couldn’t.

“No.” I responded and escaped his grasp. I made my way upstairs, not a glance behind.