Saved By The Glass Slipper Read online

  “Let’s see.” He flashed me his adorable smile. “Besides carrying my baby, after last night, I got the distinct impression you wanted to date me in the worst way, so I think I’m going to be dating you.”

  “Why did you get that impression?”

  “From some of your comments. You really like my eyes and body and told me what you’d like to do to me.”

  I stared at him with my mouth agape. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. I’d love to show you what you told me, but…” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  “But what?”

  “You also told me about your past.”

  “My past?” Oh great. I could only imagine. “What did I tell you?”

  “You’ve only dated Connor and as much as he wanted to take your relationship…um…to the next level, you didn’t let him.”

  “Oh no! I told you—”

  “And I promise I won’t be the one to take that innocence away from you, unless you ask me or the relationship changes.”

  “So you’re kicking me out the door without even going out with me?” What kind of guy was he?

  He chuckled, the scum. “No. We spent most of the day together yesterday and we’re spending time together today. I’m not kicking you out the door, but you can kick Connor out of the state if you want.”

  “Oh, I intend to do that. You’re much nicer and cuter—” I covered my mouth. “Sorry about that.”

  “You can tell me that any time.” He parked in his garage and turned to me as the garage door went down. “You’re adorable yourself.” He pulled my chin toward him with the side of his finger and kissed me lightly on the lips. Oh, he was hot, and the feeling of near-seduction hit me like a lead balloon, even though it was just a kiss. Everything ached for him, and my stomach was suddenly home to an entire flock of butterflies, if there was such a thing.

  I felt him leave my lips and slowly opened my eyes. “Do that again?” I begged.

  Mark laughed and kissed me again, but with more power. I was definitely under his spell. If he were the enemy, I was in big trouble.

  ~~~~~

  Chapter 3

  “You’re amazing,” I said, looking at my newly written résumé later that afternoon. “I could never have done this. What kind of training do you have to make me shine like this?”

  Mark sat back in front of the computer and smiled. “Years of experience, and you, my dear, don’t need a résumé to shine. You shine all by yourself.”

  “Me? I don’t think so.” I studied the beautiful piece of paper in my hands. “Are you sure Madcap will want to see this? I feel so inadequate compared to that company.”

  Mark chuckled then pulled me to his lap. “I can guarantee they’ll make you an offer. Now, would you like to make dinner with me?”

  I laid the beautiful piece of parchment on the desk and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yep.” His lips were gentle on mine as he stared at me. “Steak on the grill?”

  I frowned. “I don’t do grills. No experience there.”

  “No?”

  I shook my head. “What else do you want to eat?”

  He helped me off his lap and stood up. “Let me surprise you.” He took me by the shoulders from behind. “You go in the living room and find something to watch on TV and I’ll make dinner.”

  I shrugged, figuring this was a good test for the guy. If he couldn’t cook, he was out the door. “Sure. Whatever you want.” Having a slave wasn’t that bad an idea, either.

  I walked into the living room and flipped around the dial, eventually stopping on the local news.

  “So, tell me the latest on the people in the Devon jail?” a female reporter asked the man sitting beside her. The bimbo acted like it was a fun story, making me disgusted.

  “Well, we’ve heard they’re from mainland China and the police are looking into the possibility that they’re terrorists. They were heavily armed, but since they only spoke Chinese, they’re waiting for an interpreter and a federal official.”

  The footage of two Chinese men flashed on the screen and my heart suddenly stopped beating. “Mark! That’s one of the guys down at the beach!”

  “Who is?” Mark asked, walking into the living room.

  I pointed to the television set. “That guy! That Chinese guy! They said these guys were heavily armed too!” I turned toward him. “I was near a heavily armed man?”

  He picked up the remote and turned the television off. “I wouldn’t worry about it. Ready for dinner?”

  “But you just started making it!”

  “Yep. It’s about done.” He took my hand and walked into the kitchen with me. The huge dark wooden table was set with fine china and a centerpiece of red roses.

  “Where did you get the flowers?”

  “Outside,” he said, pointing. I walked over to the sliding glass door and saw huge flowerbeds containing roses of every color, manicured with decorative mulch and stones around each stalk.

  “Gorgeous,” I whispered.

  “Yes, you are,” he answered, walking past me with a plate. He slid the doors opened, walked outside and returned with two giant steaks, right off the grill, putting them on the table.

  “You think I’m gorgeous?” I couldn’t let that one slide.

  “Yep. Ready to eat?”

  “But…”

  He walked right up to me and put his face in front of mine. “Are you ready to eat?”

  I swallowed hard, just from the presence of this man. “I guess so. Are we eating in front of the television?”

  He stepped away with a chuckle. “I was going to eat where the plates are, but if you want to go in there, that’s fine.”

  “No, the table’s fine, but I’m just not used to having one. I was curious about the Chinese guy we saw. I can’t believe I was that close to a terrorist.”

  He grabbed some baked potatoes from the microwave and brought the plate to the table, then pulled a salad and dressing from the refrigerator. “Why don’t you have a table?”

  “It’s too hard to move.”

  We both sat down and he began to eat his baked potato. “Care to explain?”

  “No.” I ate a bite of the meat. “You make a great steak.”

  Mark took a drink then turned to me. “Why don’t you have much furniture?”

  “I didn’t need much. Besides, it’ll be easier to move when I’m done with school.”

  “I’d love to know your past,” Mark said, leaning up to me.

  “No, it’s boring.” I avoided his eyes. It would be too dangerous for him to know anything more about me. “So, tell me about this house?” I looked all around. “I bet you had someone decorate it for you, didn’t you?”

  “Sort of. The builder did it and I just moved in, pretty much. I’m not much of an interior decorator. As long as it’s simple and functional, it’s good enough for me.”

  “Why aren’t you married? Don’t you date?”

  “I used to, a long time ago.” He ate another bite. “But I’ve never found a woman I could settle down with before. I’m looking for a prize, and she’s got to be something special.” His eyes met mine, as if he was figuring out what he wanted from life.

  “What kind of special? As in looks?”

  “Not really, but I like blondes.” He reached over and touched my hand. “And love blue eyes.”

  Even though he was describing me, my eyebrow rose while I studied him. “Like the bimbos in the restaurant?”

  He began to laugh. “No, not quite, because brains really do intrigue me. I wonder how bright you really are?”

  I popped a bite of steak in my mouth, the juice oozing out everywhere with incredible flavor. “I don’t know and don’t care. Intelligence tests are rigged to make you look smarter than you are, because they’re written by amateurs.”

  “Amateurs? Have you ever taken any?”

  “Sure, but that’s not important. It doesn’t get you a real job and doesn’t pay th
e bills.”

  “How about college prep tests?” he asked. “What do you think of those?”

  “Easy. Almost too easy. I could write better ones that would weed out the riff-raff before they even got to college.”

  He shook his head slowly with a grin. “Madcap wants to see you, for sure.”

  “Why is that?”

  “We’re thinking of writing an intelligence test game, and need someone to stump the best of the best. We want the brightest people brought down a few pegs. That way, customers will buy the product, trying to prove themselves.”

  “That would be fun,” I said. “When it’s done, I want to be in a room with the person who gets the highest score and take them down.”

  “Oh, I bet. I’d like to see it, too.” He finished his meal then he stood up from the table and took his plate to the kitchen. “Are you about done? I’d like to get your car if you’re game.”

  “Sure.” I stood up and grabbed a few plates, walking them into the kitchen, as well. “I’ll stop for some dessert on the way to my place.”

  As I returned to the table to get more plates, he studied my face from across the table. “Your place? I was hoping you’d spend the night here.”

  Lifting my half-full glass, I took a quick drink then stared over at him. “You come over to my place and I’ll get you dessert.”

  Taking a few steps, he stopped right beside me. “You’re such a tease.” He moved in front of me, his hands going to my upper arms while his eyes met mine. “What dessert did you have in mind?”

  I swallowed hard, realizing what I’d just said. How could I be so intelligent yet so dense. “I didn’t mean…” I shook my head with a sigh. “Want some ice cream?”

  His hands moved to my shoulders, then he pulled me in for a hug and kissed my neck. “I’d rather have you, actually.”

  I definitely went too far. “Me?” The sound of my voice came out more as a squeak than a question, making me clear my throat.

  He moved his mouth upward and nibbled on my ear. “No pressure. I was thinking we could watch a movie on TV together. That’s it. You, me, and the couch.”

  “I need to get my car,” I whispered, closing my eyes. I felt the burn from my head to my toes, hitting everything important the whole way down.

  “Yeah. That.” He stroked my hair. “You know, you’re the type of woman I could—oh, never mind.”

  “Could what?” I grabbed my glass and wiped it on my forehead to cool off my libido, then took a drink.

  He picked up some dishes and walked into the kitchen. “Fall in love with.”

  I choked on my drink and tried to breathe, but it was tough, so I leaned on the table and tried to suck in some air.

  Mark ran to me and patted me on the back. “You okay? Did you swallow wrong?”

  “Uh…” I coughed and tried to breathe. “It depends.”

  “Depends on what?”

  “What you’re dishing out.” I straightened up and stared at him. “Did you just say that I’m the type of woman you could fall in love with?”

  “Sure did. Why?” He seemed so nonchalant, making me wonder about him. That wasn’t something most people just dished out.

  “Oh, it’s just kind of shocking,” I said. “I’ve known you for what, a day?”

  Dipping his head, he kissed me with his arms surrounding me in one fell swoop. When he backed away, his blue eyes seemed to go straight through me.

  “Yep,” he said. “I work fast. I know what I want and go for it. That’s how I got to where I am today.”

  I shifted my weight to one foot and crossed my arms. “Which is…”

  “A secret for right now. Ready to go to your place so you can get some clothes and stay here with me tonight?”

  “Mark, if you’re suggesting—”

  “It was just so nice to have company last night that I was going to ask you if you’d just join me tonight.” His eyebrows actually danced.

  “And go to church tomorrow? I’ll feel guilty!”

  “No, you won’t feel guilty. I’ll even join you.”

  He must be smitten, for sure, but I was enjoying this game for some reason. “So, if I spend the night with you, you’ll go to church with me tomorrow?” I asked.

  “Absolutely. I’d love to.”

  “And it would be innocent tonight?”

  “Yes. You can even sleep in a different room if you want. I don’t like the idea of you sleeping with a baseball bat in your possession because you don’t feel safe.”

  “I keep it beside the bed, and if I stay here, I’ll be on the couch.” I even pointed so he’d get the message.

  “The couch. I don’t think so,” he muttered. Mark shook his head and cleared the rest of the table while I helped him put the dishes in the dishwasher. “Let’s get your car.”

  I grabbed my purse. “Sure. I think I can drive now, in case you’re wondering.”

  He walked me toward the door. “But the question is, will your car make it?”

  “That’s the million dollar question, and it’s always an adventure with that thing.” We walked out the door and he helped me into the passenger’s seat, then got into the driver’s side, lifted the garage door, and headed out, toward the bank.

  “So,” he finally said. “Did that hangover cure work?”

  “I guess so. I feel better, if that’s what you’re asking.” I had to collect my thoughts. “So how embarrassing was I last night? I have to apologize for that, because I’m nothing like that.”

  “You weren’t too embarrassing. If we were married, it would’ve been even funnier. I know you’re not like that—”

  “Married? What are you saying?”

  “Oh, nothing. Just know I really enjoy being with you and think we make a great team.”

  “Team. As in couple?”

  A smile lit his lips as he glanced my way. “If you want. I’m letting that up to you. Just know I’m game for whatever you want.”

  I crossed my arms, looking out the windshield. “You don’t understand. As soon as that diploma’s in my hand in the next few weeks, I’m moving out of state. I have to hide out and getting off the grid is my first priority.”

  “Why is that?”

  “No reason you need to worry about. After seeing that terrorist guy on television, it might be sooner than I think, too. I might have to get out of town and have them send me my diploma for a better job.”

  “Madcap wants to talk to you, remember.”

  “Yeah, right. You know they won’t want me, right?”

  He shook his head. “Someday, I’ll explain this to you. You’re dead set against a place that really will want you, as if you’re not worthy. But after looking at your résumé, I know better.”

  “How do you know better? Do you know the owner or something?”

  He chuckled. “Something like that.” He pulled into the parking lot across the street from the bank. I opened my door and got out as he leaned down to see me. “I’ll follow you. Don’t speed or I’ll call the cops.”

  “Very funny. My car barely goes the speed limit.”

  He laughed as I closed the door. I got into my car, and he practically tailgated me. I glanced in the rearview mirror, seeing him talking on the phone the whole time. I couldn’t imagine who he’d be talking to, other than his bodyguards. I just hoped he didn’t have other women on the line, or I’d be ticked. Yeah, I was jealous and no one was standing between this nice guy and me. My time in Devon was limited, so he was just a boy toy until I had to get out of town.

  As soon as I parked in front of my apartment and got out of my car, Mark joined me and we entered my building.

  “What type of car do you want?” he asked as we walked up the stairs together.

  “Why? I like my car, as long as no one notices the muffler falling off.”

  “You need a new car, and I think I’m going to buy you one. What kind do you like?”

  “You’re not buying me a new car. I don’t want to owe you that m
uch money.” Besides, I’d be able to afford another car when I moved out.

  He grabbed my waist, turning me toward him. “You owe me nothing. I’ll worry about you in that car, because it’s going to let you stranded some day. What kind of car do you want?”

  “None.” I turned back to go the final two steps, but he stopped me with his hand on my arm.

  “If you don’t tell me, I’ll buy you what I like. Do you want that?”

  “No, because my car’s fine.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Relax.”

  He muttered while I walked to my door, then walked up the stairs to meet me, taking my hand. “I’m serious.”

  I reached out for the doorknob to my apartment, but when I touched it, the door swung open a few inches and my heart stopped.

  “We locked that, right?” Mark whispered.

  “Yep.” I reached into my purse and grabbed a small can.

  “You keep mace in your purse?” he whispered, staring at the label.

  “Yep.” I pulled out a long knife as well, putting it in my other hand. Mark stared at me with complete shock on his face.

  Just as I was about to push the door open, he grabbed the knife, put it back into my purse, took my arm and dragged me back outside. While punching in a number into his cell phone, he forced me into his car and ran to the other side, then locked our doors and spun out of the parking lot.

  “Yes, that’s the place,” he said into the phone. “Someone broke in and I want it checked out. They may still be inside.”

  I crossed my arms. “Let me guess. The miniature army that protects you, right?”

  Mark smiled and ended the call. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Thank them from me. I hope they’re armed.”

  “They can take care of themselves, so don’t worry.”

  “I will worry. Do they have—” Two police cars with sirens and lights came speeding past us. “I guess that’s a yes.”

  Mark smiled as he glanced at me. “They have backup. Remember, I know their boss.”

  “About your army men. That one from this morning was the same guy who followed me at the beach. You never answered me before and I want an answer.”