The Proposal (Forever Bound Book 2) Read Free Page A

not going to get away with this,” he calmly replied.
    Richard snickered.  “Is that another threat, Mayor Worthington?  I could call the cops and have you arrested for trespassing on my property, for removing the eviction notice, and for threatening me numerous times.  Is that what you want?”  He picked up the phone and glared in Derek’s direction.
    Derek shook his head.  “I’m going, but I hope you can sleep at night, knowing that you’re putting a woman on the street.”  Derek turned away from him, leaving the eviction notice on his desk.  He heard him chuckling in the background, but neither one said another word.  He left the office and headed back to his car.  He stopped and stared up at her apartment building.  “Where are you, Charity?” he asked softly, hoping there would be some sort of sign, but he was left with nothing.  He could only leave and hope that eventually she would call him back or show up the next day at work.  Even though he wouldn’t hold his breath.
     

Chapter 2
     
    The next morning, Charity opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.  The previous night happened so quickly that she could barely wrap her mind around it, but she vaguely recalled kissing one another from the living room and knocking each other against the wall as they walked upstairs to the bedroom.
    Damian snuggled up against her, with his arm draped over her body.  His scent brushed the inside of her nose, and she took in a whiff of whatever the fragrance was.  He looked up, as his eyes wafted open.  “Good morning, beautiful,” he replied with a sweet smile.  He kissed her softly. 
    “Good morning,” she softly replied against his lips.  Her head fell back against the pillow, and he turned on his side, so they were face to face and staring at one another.  “Last night was pretty amazing,” she quietly admitted.
    He grinned and nodded his approval.  “You better believe it.  Do you have to rush off to work?” he asked.
    She shook her head.  “Have the whole day off.”  She could’ve gone to work, but she was still trying to figure out how to handle the situation.
    The room turned quiet and then he finally asked a question that had obviously been weighing on his mind.  “So…what happened this weekend?”
    She shrugged.  “Nothing to be concerned about.”
    He chuckled.  “Except…I am.  You’re telling me you are coming over one minute and then suddenly you are very elusive as to why you can’t come over.  Then three days later, you’re at my door and throwing yourself into my arms.”
    She laughed.  “I didn’t throw myself into your arms.”
    He nodded.  “Yeah, you kinda did,” he teased, winking at Charity.  “My point is…I’m a tad bewildered as to the sudden change of behavior.  You didn’t return any of my phone calls, and all I wanted was a little bit of an explanation.  I realize that what we have going on, is totally not relationship related.  I get that, but a little courtesy would be appreciated.”
    She pulled herself up and sat on his bed.  The covers were pulled up with her so she could remain modest as she argued the point.  “I just don’t see why it has to be a big deal.  I’m here now, so why bicker about it?”
    He sighed, pulling himself up next to her.  “I’m not trying to bicker about it, Charity.  Frankly, I’m glad you’re here and whatever the reasons behind what kept you away for the past few days…shouldn’t matter, but I’m concerned about you.”  He hesitated, before adding, “Perhaps more than I should be.”
    Her eyes met his and she felt compelled to give him something to keep him from worrying.  He had no reason to be concerned about her, and she didn’t want him to focus his attention on that when they had better things to do to occupy their time and their minds.  “I had to go on a business trip,” she replied.
    He tilted his head and watched her.  “A business trip with Mayor Worthington?”