body before settling at my groin. I glance down to see what has captured her interest and realize that I’m sporting a massive boner. Since there’s no shame in my game, I let her look her fill. Propped up on her elbows, she makes a pretty picture lying there all naked and flushed.
I really need to get out of here before I dive headfirst back into bed. I grab my athletic shorts and yank them up my thighs before tugging on my T-shirt. Now that I’m dressed, the situation feels less explosive. It’s like I’ve got a protective shield in place.
Once I’ve got my slides on, I retreat from the room. “Is a mocha frappe still your preferred drug of choice?”
Her lips tremble at the corners as she relaxes against the mattress. “Yeah, it is.”
There’s a sliver of comfort in the knowledge that while some things are completely different, others stayed the same.
“Okay. I’ll be back in fifteen.”
With that, I disappear from the bedroom and out of her apartment. I make a quick pitstop at my place and grab my wallet before heading to my BMW parked in the lot. As I slide behind the wheel and shove the keys into the ignition, the vehicle purrs to life. That’s three hundred and thirty-five horses waiting to break free under the hood. I rev the engine before pulling out and heading up the street about half a mile before swinging around the corner. There’s a little coffee shop off the beaten path where the locals stop for java. I have no idea if Alyssa has frequented the place, but I know her penchant for coffee, and I’m pretty sure she’ll enjoy it.
At this time on a Sunday morning, the shop is fairly quiet, and I’m in and out in a matter of minutes. All I want to do is get back to Alyssa so we can spend the day together. I don’t give a crap what we do. I just want to be with her. I want our relationship to feel like it did before I blew everything to shit, even if it’s just for a few fleeting moments.
As I park the convertible in the apartment building lot, I grab our containers of coffee along with the fresh-baked almond scone I picked up for Alyssa and head inside the lobby before beelining for the elevator. Normally, I would take the stairwell, but my hands are full. Using my elbow, I hit the button and wait for the car to arrive. Once it does, I hop onto the platform. I almost shake my head when I find myself whistling a little tune.
Whistling, for fuck’s sake.
I can’t remember the last time I did that. Or felt this happy. And it has everything to do with Alyssa.
“Hold the lift!” someone yells just as the doors slide shut.
Without thinking, I wedge my foot between them. The metal bounces off my shoe before sliding open. A dark-haired guy with a suitcase jumps onboard. He’s slightly winded as if he’s just run a mile. Although that’s doubtful since he’s wearing pressed khakis and a crisp, light blue-colored button-down shirt.
“Thanks, mate!”
Hmmm. Interesting.
British accent, if I’m not mistaken.
“No problem. Seems like you’re in a hurry,” I say, making idle conversation.
Once inside, he glances at the control panel but doesn’t press another button, which probably means he’s getting off on the third floor. I’ve lived here since July and haven’t seen this guy around before.
He cracks a smile. “I’ve just come straight from the airport.” Before I can ask, he offers, “I’m here to visit a friend.”
A prickle of unease blooms in the pit of my gut as I study him more carefully.
“Oh?” I try to keep my tone nonchalant. More than likely, there’s nothing for me to worry about. “Your friend lives on the third floor?”
“Yes.” Once the doors slide open, he glances at the drinks in my hands before placing a palm across the metal threshold. “After you.”
“Thanks.” I roll my shoulders, trying to shake off the thick tension that has gathered between them before stepping into the carpeted hallway. The air gets clogged in my throat as I give him a bit of side-eye, waiting to see which direction he’ll head in. If he turns to the right, then I don’t have—
Fuck.
Not only is he walking in the same direction I am, but he’s pulled up along-side me. With every step that brings us closer to Alyssa’s apartment, my apprehension ratchets up until I’m practically vibrating with