I don’t know why I said I would. Simon Young had grabbed my attention from the moment I saw him on the plane, and even three months later, he still had it. But he wasn’t the type of man I was looking for, if I was even looking. He was just another rich man who wanted to hold all the power and control with everything in his life. He was the type of man who would use people to get what he wanted, and I had the feeling he wanted me. To him, it was harmless flirting, but to me, it was harmful, not only emotionally but physically as well. I had to make a promise to myself not to succumb to him, no matter how hard he tried. Because, damn, he was already trying. I would never trust another man again after what Brendon did to me. I could never believe that anyone would ever be capable of loving me. Love was a need that consumed me and look where it got me the first time. Six years of my adult life spent living in the shadows of someone who pretended to love me. Someone who got off on tearing me down and tearing me apart. I was too vulnerable and too weak, and the last thing I needed was to fall in the arms of someone who was more than capable of hurting me again.

Chapter 11

We took a seat on the wooden bench outside my apartment building while Simon waited for Patrick to pick him up.

“Tell me about Gabrielle McCarthy.”

“There isn’t enough time.” I softly laughed.

“I have all the time in the world to listen to you,” he softly spoke as he tilted his head and looked at me.

“Maybe another time.” A small smile escaped my lips.

“Then tell me one random thing about you. Just one.”

“I have a photographic memory.”

“Really? That’s pretty cool.”

“How about you? Tell me something random about Simon Young that the world doesn’t know.” I smiled.

He sighed. “Let me think. The world knows just about everything. Ah, I know. Now, don’t laugh.”

“I would never.”

“I secretly like tea.”

“What?” I laughed.

“You promised you wouldn’t laugh.”

“I’m sorry, but why would you not admit that you like tea?”

“Because tea isn’t a man’s thing.”

“Who says?”

“Men.” He chuckled.

Just as I was about to say something, Patrick pulled up to the curb. Simon stood and took hold of my hand, helping me up from the bench. But he didn’t let go.

“Remember, that stays between us.”

The warmth that filled my body by the touch of his hand felt amazing, yet it scared me.

“Your love for tea will never escape these lips.”

“And what beautiful lips they are. Good night, Gabrielle.” He let go of my hand and climbed into the limo.