Read Online The Arrangement by Simon Smith-Wilson - Free Book Online Page B

strange,’ she admitted. ‘I haven’t
spoken to anyone like this in years. Even my ex-boyfriend and I had a
hard time communicating, but we have talked each other’s ears
off.’ She looked him dead in the eye and smiled a smile that
caused certain things to happen below his waist. ‘You’re
fiancée is a lucky lady.’
    Lucas
smiled from ear to ear. ‘Thank you.’
    ‘I
wish I could find a man like you,’ continued Emma.
    ‘I
am sure you will find someone much better than me.’
    ‘Don’t
sell yourself short.’ It was her turn to look him up and down.
‘You are a gorgeous guy. I have only known you for a day, and I
know you’re a really nice guy. It is rare that I find someone I
like so quickly. It is just a shame that your already taken.’
The atmosphere in the car was starting to take a strange twist.
‘Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?’ she
asked.
    Lucas
could feel his heart stop.
    Emma
had said one thing, but they both knew she meant something else.
    ‘I-I,’
he stuttered nervously.
    ‘And
if you don’t like coffee I am sure we can find something else
you like.’
    A
big part of Lucas was screaming for him to say “Yes” and
go up into this sexy woman’s home, but another part of him. The
part that loved Scarlett unconditionally said “No” it was
time to go home.
    ‘I
should really be getting home.’
    If
she was disappointed by his answer, she didn’t show it.
    ‘Yes.
It is late.’ She popped open the car door and stepped out onto
the side walk ‘Thank you so much for the lift home.’
    ‘Don’t
worry about it.’ She went to close the door and head inside
when suddenly he blurted out uncontrollably. ‘I could pick you
up in the morning if you want?’
    The
smile returned to her face. ‘I would like that.’
    ‘Okay
then. Tomorrow morning it is.’
    ***
    Lucas
returned home to a silent house. It was so quiet you could hear a pin
drop. Flicking the lock on the front door, he kicked off his shoes
and hung up his coat. The welcoming smell of a home cooked meal
tickled his nostrils and teased his empty stomach. Something smelt
good. Without turning on any lights he headed across the hallway and
entered the kitchen.
    A
hollow sensation sank into the pit of his stomach.
    The
lazy glow of the moon poured in through the kitchen window and
illuminated the feast of a meal that Scarlett had prepared for him.
At first glance he could instantly see how much heart and hard work
she had put into this dinner. No small detail had got unprepared.
Scarlett had picked out her favourite table cloth, favourite cutlery
and the posh plate set that she only used for when they had guests.
    She
had done all this, and where had he been?
    He
had been staying at work to avoid her, whilst flirting with his new
secretary.
    ‘I
really am a scum bag,’ he told himself.
    Lucas
walked out the kitchen and back into the hallway. He headed upstairs,
silently as a ghost in the night. Upon reaching the landing he found
the bedroom door ajar. He paused before entering.
    How
upset would she be?
    But
the real question within his mind was what could he say to her?
    Lucas
pushed open the door and looked at the angel of beauty. She was
sprawled out on covers of their double bed. A sad smile appeared upon
his face. Scarlett was wearing a beautiful dress, but it wasn’t
the dress that was special. It was her. She made everything she
touched special. It broke his heart to watch her sleeping like this.
She had gone to so much trouble for him and the time he should have
spent with her he had spent learning all about Emma.
    ‘Oh,’
Scarlett moaned in her sleep.
    She
shifted uncomfortably on the bed.
    Her
eyes remained shut.
    ‘Lucas,’
she muttered.
    ‘I’m
here,’ he spoke softly.
    ‘Lucas,’
she repeated his name.
    ‘I’m
sorry I got in so late.’
    ‘Lucas,
why don’t you love me?’ she turned in her sleep.
    A
ton of guilt fell upon his shoulders. She was having a dream? But she
was having a dream