Seducing Her Beast

Lily chuckled then glanced down at the card. Wayne was dodging her, and if going on a date was the one thing to grab his attention then she was more than willing to do it.

****

Lily pushed the black dress down to cover more of her legs. Richard and Scarlet had already picked the kids up, and she was alone waiting for John to turn up. She hated using a man like this. Regardless of what Scarlet said she was going to make sure John was okay with everything.

She checked her reflection in the mirror. Wayne usually commented on her dress, or he’d come up behind her grabbing her ass or cupping her hips. Lily pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind.

A knock at the door stopped any chance she had of escaping this night. She took a breath and opened the door. John stood there with a dozen red roses.

“John,” she said.

“Hi, Lily. You look dazzling.” She smiled then tucked some hair behind her ear. He wasn’t Wayne, and no matter how hard she tried, she felt wrong doing this.

“They’re holding our table until eight-thirty, and then they’re giving it to someone else.”

“Right, I didn’t expect them to hold tables for longer. They can get quite busy at night.” She grabbed her jacket from the rail. The December chill was seeping into her bones. Her hands were shaking. She locked the door then followed John to his car. He stopped, opening the door.

“Crap, these are for you.” He handed her the roses.

“They’re lovely, John. Thank you.” She lifted the roses to inhale their scent.

He climbed into the driver’s seat then turned on the ignition.

“Wait,” she said. John turned to her. “I can’t do this. I know, Scarlet set all this up, but it’s only been a couple of days since Wayne left. I don’t want you to think this is a date.”

He reached out taking hold of her. “I’m not under any illusions, Lily. Yes, I care about you. If things were different I may take a chance with you myself. I’m not stupid, and to reassure you, I’m not in love with you. Scarlet called me and told me what was going on, and I wanted to help. Wayne’s biggest problem is his head. He over-thinks everything. If I can help and bring him to his senses then I’m more than happy to do that.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked.

“Lily, if in a year’s time we’re here again, and there is no chance for you and Wayne, then I’ll give it a shot. Until then, I see this as two friends going out for some good food and drinks.”

She sat back in the car finally feeling relaxed. “I can do this. You’re really good company, John. Why did your wife divorce you?” she asked. “Shit, sorry, I shouldn’t ask. Sorry.”

He chuckled. “It’s nice to be around a woman who speaks her mind. My wife left me because I was never home, and I couldn’t stand her laugh.”

“How did you last so long together?”

“Because I was always out of the house, and she liked my money.”

“Sorry, that must have been awful for you,” Lily said.

“No, there were other matters, but I’m not going to go into it. They’re private.”

“You’ll find someone, John. A woman who loves you for you, no matter your money or job.”

“I hope you’re right.” They talked about the weather and the upcoming festivities and then turned to Wayne.

“What do you think you’ll do this year if this doesn’t work?” he asked.

“My dad will spend Christmas with us, and I’ve got the kids. I don’t know. I don’t want to think of a Christmas without him. I love him, John. My feelings for him are not going to change.” Lily rubbed her palms over her dress. They were damp, and she didn’t like feeling insecure about her feelings. Wayne really was her rock, the other part of her heart and soul.

“Do you think another woman is involved?” John asked.

“I didn’t even think of another woman. I hope not.”

“Why?”

“Because then I’ll kill the bastard for cheating on me,” she said, making herself laugh.

John joined in.

They were both happy when they pulled up to the restaurant. It was quiet, which was one of the reasons Lily loved it so much.

The valet took the car from John, and they both walked into the main foyer. The maitre d’ looked shocked to see her, and she knew Wayne was already there. She squeezed John’s arm for support as they followed the man to their table. Lily kept her eyes down as John seated her. She didn’t know if Wayne was there. John leaned down to her ear. From where he stood to others it looked like he was kissing her neck.

She bit her lip and tried not to move away.

“He’s spotted you. Wayne is here and has his eyes on you.” John turned from her to take the seat in front of her.

“Thank you,” she said.

“What for?”

“For taking the seat facing him. I don’t think I could have done this while seeing him.”

John reached across the table. “I don’t know if he can lip read, but I think you’re right. This is not about another woman. He loves you and wants to tear me apart from being near you.”

Tears filled her eyes, and Lily batted them away. Tonight she needed to be strong. Wayne was going to have to deal with her whether he liked it or not. He’d turned her into a woman who fought for what she wanted. Maybe he’d live to regret his decision.

She hoped with all of her heart she could win him back.

Chapter Five

Wayne glared at John. He knew his older friend saw him. It was clear in the smile John sent his way. The son of a bitch leaned over taking Lily’s hand. Wayne’s hand tightened around the wine glass he’d been given. The business meeting had been in celebration of the latest acquisition for his company, the same business merger he’d shared with Lily. She’d advised him on what course to take in getting through to the older man sat opposite him. She’d never met the man, and she’d known exactly what to say to get the man on his side.

He nodded at what the woman on his right said. His main focus was on his gorgeous wife. Wayne knew it was Scarlet’s and Opal’s doing that she was on a date. He’d not done this for her to go on a date. She had a beautiful voice worthy of a contract or two.

Does she want that? She’s always said otherwise.

The waiter went to their table. John reached over giving Lily’s hand a squeeze. Wayne wished he could see her face. How was he going to get through the next few hours watching them behave like a couple?