Crime & Passion (48 page)

She limped, full speed, toward the exit.
Lilly turned the handle, but Zach’s hand rested against the door
before she could open it.

“Hang on a minute here. What do you mean you
‘must decline?’” Zach shook his head. “I’m sorry if I offended you,
but don’t let emotion cloud your judgment. I need you, and you need
money. I’ll offer a really good wage and I’m less demanding than my
grandma, I’d bet.”

Any concern about the loss of her job faded
against her growing rage. “Sir, if what you are looking for is an
escort, I am sure they have a service you can call.” Anger clipped
each word. “If you are looking for more than a date and need bed
services too, find yourself a hooker.
I am no
prostitute
!”

Zach couldn’t have looked more stunned if
she’d slapped him, and his hand dropped away from the doorframe. “I
truly didn’t mean it like that. I’m so sorry.”

Lilly yanked on the door so hard it flew open
and bounced off the wall. She stormed to the elevator without
saying another word. Fortunately, the elevator doors snicked open
as soon as she touched the call button. She marched into it and
reached behind her back to punch the lobby button, refusing to look
back at him.