To Love An Older Man

“You’ve maxed it out.”

“So this is my fault again.” Tom swore and paced the corridor. “I don’t have any money. I don’t get paid for another week. Can’t you get an advance from your job?”

“You got me fired, remember?”

He stopped and glared, his face distorted with fury. “Dammit, Beth, can’t you accept responsibility for anything?”

Her mouth dropped open. She started to speak but then pressed her lips together and sadly shook her head.

“Go back to Idaho where big brother will make everything all right.” Tom sneered. “Back to the farm where you belong.”

“This isn’t fair,” she said, clutching her fists. “I’m only asking for what’s mine.”

“Life isn’t fair. Haven’t you figured that out yet?” He glanced at his watch. “Now I suggest you get out of here, which is what I’m about to do. I’d hate to have to call security.”

David stepped back. The woman didn’t appear to be in danger, which meant David had no business interfering. Making certain he had his day planner, he got in the elevator and headed for the garage.

He didn’t know Tom Snyder well. Most of their interaction had occurred during the interviewing process, but he knew enough about the young man to be shocked by his behavior. David wasn’t keen on having anyone of that ilk working for his firm. He had every intention of keeping a close eye on the guy. If he stepped out of line once, he was gone. Legally that was about the best he could do for now.

But that wasn’t what weighed on David’s mind. He couldn’t erase the image of the young woman, her shoulders slumped in defeat, her trembling hands unconsciously rubbing her belly, which still appeared rather flat. Or maybe it was a trick of the oversized coat.

He wondered if she truly had no money. If not, where would she go tonight? Would she get anything to eat?

Not his concern, he reminded himself. The city had plenty of shelters and social services to assist her. Maybe Tom had even relented and put her up for the night.

Yeah, right.

The elevator reached the garage and the doors opened. David cursed to himself. He hesitated a second, staring at the Jaguar, longing for the relaxing ride home, and then pressed the button to return to the top floor.

No doubt he’d regret what he was about to do. But if he didn’t assure himself the woman was all right, he’d regret that, too. Hopefully, they’d both be gone and he wouldn’t have to get involved.

Not a sound came from the corridor as he left the elevator. He paused at his office door and listened. Only silence. He stepped out into the hall and immediately saw her. No sign of Tom—just the young woman sitting in a crumpled heap near the public elevator, her head bowed, her long blond hair falling forward and hiding her face.

“Excuse me?” David said, and her head shot up, her big blue eyes startled and wary. “Can I help you?”

“No.” She pushed out of the chair. “Thank you. I was just waiting for the elevator.”

She was young, really young, just as he’d thought. He gave her a reassuring smile. “Are you here to see someone?”

She bit her lower lip, probably to keep it from quivering, and then pressed the elevator button. “I know it’s late. I promise I’ll leave the building as soon as the elevator gets here.”

A swift and fierce hatred for Tom Snyder gripped David. How could the guy have treated this young woman so callously? She was obviously a wreck, and still she tried to protect him. She could have announced why she was here, embarrass Tom. But she hadn’t.

“I’m not concerned about you leaving the building but I’d like to know where you’re going.”

She stared in surprise. “Why?”

He nodded at the small bag on the floor beside her. “Is that yours?”

“Yes,” she mumbled and bent to pick it up. She looked unsteady as she straightened and he reached for her arm. She jerked away, fear darkening her blue eyes.

“I’m sorry.” He withdrew his hand. What the hell was he doing getting involved? Put him in a courtroom and he could make judges weep. Here, he was no better than a bull in a china shop. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

She shrunk against the wall, her gaze darting down the corridor. Looking as though she wanted to make a run for it.

“I better introduce myself,” he said quickly. “I’m David Matthews.” Recognition registered in her face, but he added, “I own this firm.”

She blinked and then her eyes narrowed as she drew back.

He reached into his pocket and withdrew his wallet. “See?” He showed her his driver’s license, and impulsively placed his thumb over his birth date.

She wrinkled her nose. “I believed you. It’s just that you’re not that old.”

“Pardon me?”

She quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing a deep pink, and she jabbed at the elevator button again.

“At this time of night security shuts down all but one elevator. It’s going to be a while.”

She said nothing, only stared down at her battered pink tennis shoes.

“Beth?”

Her gaze flew back to him. “How do you know my name?”

“I heard you and Tom arguing.” He hated that he made her uncomfortable, had put humiliation in her face, but there was no getting around it. “Where are you staying tonight?”

She briefly closed her eyes and swayed slightly. He squashed the urge to steady her. “Please, I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

“You haven’t. From what I heard, Tom was being…” A total ass. “…less than honorable. Is he still here?”

Beth shook her head, wishing the darn elevator doors would open and swallow her up. She should never have come here. What had she hoped to accomplish? Tommy wasn’t going to budge. All she’d done was totally humiliate herself in front of a stranger.

“I’ll be fine, really. Thank you for asking.” She turned her back on his dark penetrating eyes, and faced the elevator.

“Beth? May I call you that?” he asked, and she jumped when he touched her arm.

“Sure.” She shrugged, and shifted away. His voice was gentle, concerned, and she struggled to hold herself together.

“I know you must be embarrassed and a little frightened.” He paused when she refused to acknowledge him. “I know I would be in your shoes. But you do have to think about the baby.”

A sob caught in her throat. She couldn’t speak even if she wanted to. Not that she had anything to say. He was right, but she felt so darn helpless.

“I have a large house with three guest rooms. You’re welcome to stay the night.”

Of course she couldn’t accept his offer but she still couldn’t speak either. If she did, she feared the floodgates would open.

He pushed a rough hand through his short dark hair, and she realized he wasn’t as calm as he seemed. “I assure you this offer is on the up-and-up. My mother has a suite of rooms on the third floor. Our housekeeper has an apartment over the garage.”