Kate gathered her strength. She moved her eyes from his fist to his face.
“This is sexual harassment,” she stated, trying to cool the heat he had generated.
He smiled and shook his head. His voice calm and soft, he said, “I just wanted to tell you what a good job you are doing and to keep up the good work. Your job is not in jeopardy. Don’t assume that I’m trying to seduce you. I was merely discussing my art collection. I haven’t propositioned you.”
Kate’s face flamed as she realized he was right. She also realized she wanted him to pursue her. He’d neatly trapped her. Her desire and frustration made her angry.
“I’m tired. I’m leaving.”
At the door, he moved in front of Kate and stopped her. “Have you been here since last night? Do you plan on driving?”
Kate could literally feel his concern winding through her torso, warming her. When was the last time any man had shown her any concern? Unexpectedly touched and ready to melt, she fought off the feeling. She shook her head and pulled herself together. “Yes I’ve been here since last night and yes I’m driving,” she said. “I’ve gotten home in worse shape. I’ll be fine.”
“No. I’ll drive you home.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” Kate just wanted to get away from the confusion he caused.
“You don’t understand. I’m not offering. I’m telling.”
Kate looked into his eyes and saw implacable determination. The same take-no-prisoners attitude he’d used earlier.
She shrugged and said, “Fine.”
He opened the doors as they descended to the parking garage entrance. Kate wanted to protest but knew it would be futile so she politely said, “Thank you,” after every door.
The parking garage was a dim, cavernous space. Footsteps echoed and wind whistled between the pillars. Kate had to admit to a certain level of comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone. Then she stiffened as she realized Michael’s company might not be safer than an empty garage. What was she doing? Was she seriously considering letting him drive her home? All her instincts for self-preservation kicked in and as much as she might want Michael, she wasn’t quite ready to take that step. She hadn’t even known him for twenty-four hours but she knew he was too domineering and controlling for her tastes. She ignored the fact that her body screamed otherwise. Besides, the conversation in his office had left her shaken.
Kate spotted her car and pulled away from him. She got her keys ready.
He put a hand on Kate’s arm. “What are you doing?”
Kate turned toward him and met his eyes. “I’m going home. In my car. Alone.”
He started to protest. Kate interrupted.
“George,” she nodded her head toward the lit booth at the entrance, “is a notorious gossip. He doesn’t care about accuracy either. It’s bad enough he saw you walk me to my car. If you give me a ride, by tomorrow everyone in the hospital will assume that we are having a torrid affair.”
“That could be arranged.”
Kate stiffened even as her heart raced. “You said you weren’t propositioning me.”
“I wasn’t propositioning you in the office. I’m not propositioning you now. I am merely responding to your need and offering my services.”
Anger washed through Kate. He had trapped her again. She wanted to jump him right here on the concrete floor. She couldn’t deny his attraction. But she’d spent her life being cautious and logical. She wasn’t going to abandon her beliefs now. “I didn’t get my current position by sleeping with the boss. I won’t keep it that way either. Even the appearance of being with you could wreck my career. I’m not prepared to do that for any man. Good night.” Kate pulled away and climbed into her car.
Michael stepped forward before Kate could close the door.
“Run if it makes you feel better. I love a good chase.” Then he backed off and closed the door for Kate. She started her car and backed out. She waved to George as