Sinful Mates 1-3 novel Chapter 13

　　Making my way down to the now empty car park, I opened my door and ripped the blazer off and jumped into some loose-fitting tights. It was the weekend now; I would have two whole days of trying to fill the time. Just as I was getting comfortable, Tom walked up the ramp, a container in his hand. Tom opened my door and passed the container to me. “Hey, I forgot to give this to you. I heated it up on my way down. Mary made lasagne last night.”

　　“Thanks Tom,” I said, grabbing the hot container from his hand. It smelt delicious. My mouth instantly started to water.

　　Tom lent against my car. “Eat, I have something to tell you.”

　　Opening the container, I dug in. Tom even provided a fork and butter knife, my empty stomach welcoming the lasagne. Mary was a great cook. I could see why Tom was always so excited to get home to see what she made for tea. Tom waited for me to have my mouth full before he spoke. Probably to stop me from cutting him off, forcing me to listen. But what came out of his mouth nearly had me choking on my food.

　　“Theo and Tobias know you’re staying in the carpark; I swear I didn’t say anything,” he said holding his hands up in surrender. I didn’t know what to say, I knew I would need to move on now.

　　“How then if you didn’t tell them?”

　　“I’m not sure. Tobias came and seen me today. I am not sure how they found out, but he asked security to check the lower-level cameras, then came to see me when he realised every day I walk up to the top level and come back with you.”

　　“What did you tell him?” I asked, horrified. They are going to fire me, I know it. I never should have stayed here, and now Tom was probably going to get into trouble because me.

　　“I told them the truth; you shouldn’t have to struggle like this, Imogen.” I nodded my head in understanding. Tobias had done his homework really got up in my business. I wonder if that is why he changed the Medical Insurance Policies?

　　“Well, I will move on. I suppose I will not have job on Monday. I really hope you didn’t get in too much trouble, Tom. I never should have put you in that position,” I apologised.

　　Tom held up his hand stopping me from continuing. “They aren’t firing you; I think he wants to help. He sounded genuinely concerned, which is odd. That man is definitely terrifying, but he seems to have a soft spot for you.” I raised an eyebrow at the last part.

　　A soft spot I thought back to all the times he had scolded or yelled at me. The way he ignored my presence half the time. Something had changed the last couple of weeks though, he had become more intense and watched me when he thought I wouldn’t notice. Then thought to what happened today in his office.

　　I thought back to the meeting when he dressed me like a child. I could feel my face heat up just at the memory making me feel self-conscious and embarrassed.

　　“I don’t need their help; I manage just fine on my own.”

　　Tom shook his head. “Please Imogen, if they want to help let them.”

　　“Great. I went and played golf, probably one the few things I’m actually good at.” He beamed. “And yours?” he asked.

　　“Fine, I have a new friend. Well not the humankind. More the four-legged furry kind that likes to growl and whine. He just keeps coming back.” Tom looked confused a little. “It’s a dog Tom, what did you think I meant?”

　　Tom shook his head. “Oh, nothing dear, was just a little shocked. I thought you meant a person not a pet.”

　　“I don’t know if you could really call him a pet. He comes and goes as he pleases and takes up my bed, but he keeps me warm.” I laughed.

　　Tom seemed lost in thought for a moment, before nodding. “That’s great than, shall we head inside?” I nodded and followed Tom in. When I reached the elevator, just as the door were about to close, a hand stopped it. Theo stepped in. I looked out expecting Tobias to be behind him but couldn’t see him.

　　“You are early today. Where is Tobias?” I asked.

　　Theo watched me for a few seconds. He looked nice very casual today, just wearing jeans and a button up shirt. He smelt amazing in the tight space. I instinctively leaned in but realised what I was doing and stopped myself. He smelt like vanilla and sandalwood, the same as Tobias. I moved further away, my heart was hammering in my chest, and my stomach tightened. I had never had this reaction to him before. Though he looked pretty affected too, his eyes darkened and he moved as far as the tight space would allow.