Four Shades of Recovery: Boxed Set by J. S. Luxor

toiletries in his sports duffel. We leave the condo from the front. He snuggles me in his arms as he would with Kim. We head to his car and drive away slowly. I hope Michael or his tail thinks that I’m Kim.
     
    Instead of heading directly to Matt’s place, Ron drives us to the parking structure next door. This parking area is linked to another high-rise development. He drives up to the mid-level and parks near several other vehicles. No other car enters or leaves the location.
     
    I slide down to the floor of the car, open the duffel bag and take off the hair and hat. I put on my jacket and a scarf for my head. I change into a skirt and then put my things into a paper bag that was folded within the larger sports bag.
     
    I get out of the car alone and slip out of the parking garage. I cross over to Matt’s condo while slumping a bit and walking casually with what appears to be a bag of groceries. I buzz the service entrance and Jared Rush meets me at the door. Within moments, I’ve entered Matt’s penthouse. Matt greets me with a kiss.
     
    He calls Ron once I am safely ensconced at Matt’s place.
     
    “She’s arrived without any incidents,” Matt reports.
     
    “I don’t think we were followed but I’m waiting within the parking structure for fifteen minutes to throw off anyone outside. I’ll head to my own place for the evening.”
     
    “Good job, Ron. I owe you!” Matt states with gratitude. Then he turns to me with consternation.
     
    “Megan, why in the world would Michael Kingsfield be stalking you? How did you bewitch him?” He’s beside himself with jealousy. I need to nip things in the bud so I state the obvious immediately.
     
    “I didn’t sleep with Michael, ever. He never even got beyond kissing and petting me.”
     
    “Why has he shown up in Portland then?” Matt asks the question in a sarcastic manner.
     
    “At this point, however, I think he’s gone off the deep end. I guess he thinks I’m going to take the role of his deceased wife. Apparently, he’s trying to convince me that I’ll want him.”   
     
    “OK, so you didn’t sleep with him. That. Is. Good.” His eyes look relieved. ”But, why did you even want to date him?” Matt appears more than frustrated with the situation.
     
    “Abby thought it would help our business. In retrospect, dating him was a mistake. He did give us a lot of marketing support after he met me. There’s no doubt that the ad campaign gave our condo project a boost.”
     
    “Oh, Megan. You let money issues dictate your social life?” His hands are running through my hair now.
     
    I try to explain the complex set of issues that influenced my decision to see Michael. “Matt, if it were just me alone I would never do that! However, real estate is Abby’s lifeblood. She can’t afford to offend major players like Kingsfield. I wanted to please her, to get her approval and I also wanted Kingsfield’s support in the real estate field.” I tell him to account for my actions.
     
    “Your mother manipulated you, Megan. She also played with Michael Kingsfield’s emotions. She should know better than that.” Matt frets and paces as he works through the schema in his mind.
     
    “I need your help, Matt,” I beg.
     
    “I guess I don’t have much choice in the matter. You’re being stalked by some misguided middle aged fool. He’s got a lot of resources at his disposal and he wants what’s mine.”
     
    I run to Matt and put my arms around his neck. He sighs and looks deeply into my eyes. His hazel orbs smolder. “You return to me but bring a lot of baggage, Megan.”
     
    I blink my eyes at him with relief. “At least I’m not boring. Also, I really want you, Matt. Michael Kingsfield may be wealthy and talented but he leaves me cold. The thought of his hands on me nauseates me.”
     
    “The thought of Kingsfield’s hands, anywhere, on your gorgeous body more than nauseates me. It makes me want to erupt. Don’t even go there,”