She got out of the vehicle and walked next to him into the vast store. “I really don’t need any decorations. I’m sure the apartment is fine as it is,” she tried to tell him. She wasn’t comfortable with all the things she was receiving. It felt far too much like assistance.
“One of the perks is to get the place furnished. Let’s get this done,” he stated in a voice that said deal with it, it’s going to happen.
She soon found it was much easier to go along with him than to argue. He took her through each department, asking her preference on colors and styles. As they continued on he seemed to be enjoying himself.
When they were finished in the store Lucas made arrangements for the items to be delivered to her apartment immediately. “We’re ahead of schedule Amy. It looks like you may be able to move into your place tonight,” he said as they exited the store. “I’m hungry. Let’s go get lunch.
The car lot may take a while,” he commanded.
He didn’t ask if she was hungry. He didn’t ask if she wanted to share a meal with him. He simply stated she would go to lunch with him and that’s what would happen. If she hadn’t been so hungry she would’ve refused to eat just to prove a point but she knew he wouldn’t even notice and then she was the one who’d be suffering the rest of the day.
They ate their meal in awkward silence until; thankfully he received a phone call, which occupied him for the rest of the time. She was relieved, as she didn’t want to try and make small talk. The pressure from the day was beginning to settle on her shoulders and she was looking forward to having some time to relax on her own.
They headed over to the car lot after lunch. She’d never owned a car before. She’d never even priced one. She knew she would get one after college but she hadn’t had the money yet. She’d taken a few drivers training courses while in college so she knew how to drive but wasn’t real comfortable behind the wheel.
She didn’t want Lucas to know of her insecurity about it though so she decided to suck it up and brave the situation. “Do you want a manual or automatic?” was the first question he asked her.
“I would prefer an automatic.”
“If you want my opinion I think you should go with the Mercedes ML450 Hybrid SUV. I’ve done some research the last few days and it’s highly rated in safety. It gets great gas mileage and is recommended on the consumer reports,” he offered, sounding like a cars salesman.
“I really don’t know anything about cars, Lucas. I wouldn’t know where to begin,” she answered. His head spun around to look at her but she was looking out at the car lot like a lost child so she didn’t notice. It was the first time she’d ever used his first name. He found that he liked the sound of it on her lips.
He knew she didn’t realize what she’d said. In her nervousness at being there she’d temporarily let her guard down. He liked that side of her. This Amy, minus the armor, seemed much sweeter and more innocent and he wanted to wrap her in his arms. He wanted to protect her. He was finding he wanted to be with her, more than as just an employer. He liked that she wasn’t jaded to the world. He found her refreshing and was finding it harder and harder to believe she could be a manipulative woman with an ulterior motive like so many others. There was no way a woman could act that well. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her again.
He stopped himself, barely. He was in no way ready to open his heart to anyone. He would remain in control of himself and he would be able to forget about what they’d done the night before. Neither of them needed to enter into some affair that would end with her losing a job and him with regrets. He would figure things out when he had more time to think.
“Well, if you don’t know much about cars then I hope you’ll take my advice but the choice is yours. You’ll be the one driving the vehicle,” he simply stated.
Lucas walked her into the building and skirted around the salesmen, heading straight to the manager’s office. “Lucas, it’s good to see you again. You’re early but I’ve already pulled out the car you asked for,” said the gentleman behind the desk, who had a genuine smile and stood to shake hands with both of them.
“Thanks Frank, I appreciate it.” Lucas was already turning to lead Amy back through the showroom and out the side doors.
They walked out the door and sitting there was a beautiful crimson vehicle. Lucas led her over to it and opened the driver’s door for her. She looked up at him with surprise in her eyes. The car was so pretty. She was trying to be practical but it was just so pretty. She would prefer it any day over his expensive Porsche.
Amy felt her eyes start to sting a little and quickly put her head down and took a walk around the vehicle to clear the tears away. She got herself under control and pulled herself into the driver’s seat. Before she started the car, she made sure to locate where everything was.
Suddenly her face broke out into a huge grin and she looked for the ignition. “Where do you turn this on?” she asked, while looking at him with a confused, yet ecstatic expression on her face.
Lucas laughed and explained that it was a push button start.
“One of the new features of the hybrid cars are they run on electricity when you’re traveling at slower speeds. The gas will kick on when it’s needed,” he finished.
She pushed the button and the lights came on but there was no sound. She looked at him again with confusion on her face. “How do you know it’s on if there isn’t any noise?” she asked him, genuinely puzzled.
Lucas couldn’t help himself. He laughed out loud, really enjoying himself. She was just so unlike any other woman he knew. His open laughter at her wiped the smile from her face. She didn’t like being laughed at. “I’m not laughing at you. I just find you to be a breath of fresh air.” He continued chuckling. “Place the car in gear and trust me, it will drive for you,” he said.
“What is this, a space car?” she muttered under her breath. He managed to keep his laughter from bursting out that time and pretended to not hear the comment. They drove around for about an hour. She loved it. It drove like it was on glass. Even once the engine kicked on there was only a purr. It was amazing and she didn’t want to stop. She almost forgot Lucas was even there with her, which was a pretty amazing feat in itself.
“Amy, it looks to me like you love this car. Why don’t we head back to the lot and sign some papers so you can take it home?” he asked her. She looked a little disappointed that the ride would be over but nodded and turned back towards the car dealership. She didn’t want to get out once they got there but reluctantly left the vehicle.