The playboy crush

s on the outcome of her meeting with Shane. "I have already prepared gifts in readiness and anticipation of your reply," Meredith said with a delighted twinkle in her eyes. "Is it a yes?" L

ation smoothly, changing the subject of discussion. Lara checked the time displayed on her phone screen. "Four thirty," she replied. Meredith and Kyle had an inquiring look on their faces. "Four thirty!" Lara exclaimed, leaping to her feet. "I'm not prepared." She raced to her room. "Mmnn." Meredith looked at the direction Lara had gone. "What do you think, Meredith?" Kyle asked with an exuberant smile on her face. "I think our friend is about to tread an interesting path in her life's course, and of course, I will be happy to be entertained by this evolution." Kyle beamed at her. "So will I." __________ "I'm sorry I'm late," Lara said almost breathlessly as she met up with Shane at the location he had texted her. Her eyes darted to the time on her watch, a soft whistle escaping her as she realized she was on time after all. Shane had watched as she pushed out of the taxi swiftly yet gracefully and hastened her strides to meet him. "You could have been, but you are right on time," he stated, extending a hand to the vacant seat. "Have a seat, please." "Thank you." Her chest heaved as she settled down on the chair. "I hope you don't mind. I was hoping you could have lunch with me before we set out. I've been holed up all day in my office with work, and I assumed the same would have been for you." "Pardon..no, really. I do not mind." Lara swallowed. "I see." He stared at her. Lara felt her insides squirm with his gaze intent on her. It would have done her good had it been Meredith and Kyle had not told her his help could have been due to the fact that he was attracted to her. It shouldn't really unnerve her that he was attracted to her. Countless men have professed their affection and attraction for her over the years, and she has promptly avoided them. The thought of being involved with a man scared her utterly. She believed her mother had been charmed by her father into believing he was attracted to her. What had then become of her? She wanted no such thing for herself. She was determined to devote her mind and attention instead to her career and build a future for herself rather than indulge in damnable involvements with men. However, she didn't see herself escaping Shane any number of years from then. She had a long way to go before her debt was utterly repaid, and she was absolved of it and granted the freedom for which she had always longed. "Is it just around me, Lara, or are you naturally nervous?" "What?" Her lips parted with a muffled gasp as she raised her gaze to meet his. "I... Ah!" "Lara." She swallowed, pressing down on her lips tightly. "I'm sorry. This is a meteoric change for me. I will get used to it immediately. I'm not nervous." "You are not." She licked her lip ring. "At the moment, I must admit I am, but it's just excitement. As you've said, I will get used to it with time." "Lara, look at me. If we are to work together, we need to be comfortable with each other. Don't you agree?" "I do. My apologies I've been acting less than professional in my conduct with you." "You may not see me as your boss. Perhaps that's what intimidates you about my presence." "But you are my boss." "For a more favorable consequence, I feel you should regard me as a friend instead. Maybe that may ease you into being more comfortable around me." "I don't think..." She looked at him. "Am I assured you have no ulterior motive for your supposed philanthropic act?" "We are back on that matter." He sighed. "What makes you doubt the integrity of my proposition, Lara?" She flattened her lips. "Never mind, then. I look forward to working with you." "So do I. We had better take our lunch now un