Murder_ A Sinful Secrets Romance - Ella James Page 0,26

over me before I can even blink.

“Whoa…” I wobble back.

“What the fuck?”

I blink a few times, taking in his bloody head and wary eyes. He gives me a long look, then lowers his arms.

“I’m sorry. I thought…” My cheeks sting as I try to remember what exactly I was thinking mere minutes ago. I wanted you to make me feel the feels. Not just that, I tell myself defensively. I did want to check on him.

“You thought what?” He looks steely. Guarded.

I rub my temple, peeking at him under my curved hand. “I thought maybe you passed out or something.” I look down at my feet, then back up—just in time to see him shut his eyes in what looks like exasperation. His jaw tightens. A millisecond later, he opens his eyes. They look blank. Not angry, just…unreadable.

“Where’d you get the key?” His tone and stance are neutral now. As if we’re talking about weather.

And still, my stomach flutters with anxiety. “It’s the spare one from the flower bed outside.”

I watch his face for clues as to how he’s feeling, and a drop of blood spills down his brow.

“Oh no! It’s still bleeding?” I look him over, wondering if he’s grumpy because he’s about to keel over. That’s when I see the small tube in his hand.

I frown and lean a little closer. “Is that Dermabond?”

“It is.”

“You’re going to glue it up yourself?”

His hand goes to his forehead, long, strong fingers rubbing at the blood there. “Yes.” His eyes burn mine. I get the feeling he’s using them to tell me something vitally important, but I can’t decipher what.

I say the first thing that pops into my head. “Let me help.”

His eyes widen.

“I know, I know. It doesn’t seem to make sense, but I have opposing thumbs and I can see it from an angle you can’t. And anyway, I did this…so I should fix it.”

My throat tightens. My eyes feel hot, and all I can think is someone new moved in, a really pretty guy moved right next door, and what do I do? I go make the worst impression possible!

Holy hell. I cannot believe I’m on the verge of crying. What a lunatic. That’s what he thinks, you know that’s what he thinks, you’re such a freak. I refrain from blinking, willing the few tears my eyes have brewed to disappear.

His dark brows scrunch, giving him a vaguely eagle-like look. I can see the moment he notices the feelings pooling in my eyes, because his sharp expression gentles.

“What’s the matter?”

I cover my face and shake my head. My heart is pounding. Only you, I snarl at myself.

I suck a small breath in, rub two fingers over my eyes, and pull my hands down. (Why hide now?) “I’m sorry. This is not my day.” I shake my head. “I know it’s not yours either. Let me help you fix it. Then I’ll go.”

He looks mystified. Maybe concerned. I don’t know which. He steps closer and I get so hot, I think I might catch fire.

When there’s just a foot or two between us, he tilts his head. I force my wet gaze to hold his gorgeous blue-gray one. Which, I can’t help noticing, is filled with nothing but what I’m coining concerned curiosity.

I have the urge to roll my lips, or cover them with my hand. I’m not sure when I last stood so close to a man who wasn’t my brother or Jamie’s boyfriend. I sigh. “This whole thing is embarrassing, and unfortunate for you, I realize. I am really sorry. I’m just— I’m your weird new neighbor.” I tilt my head back, rolling my eyes at the ceiling. “Heaven help you.”

When I dare to look at him again, I find that same kind concern in the press of his lips and the tension at his brow.

“I swear, I’m not always such a nutjob. Sit down—if you want to. I’ll do what you tell me to if you’re a Dermabond pro.” I hold my hand up. “I’m just here to lend a hand.”

I wipe my eyes and paste on an apologetic smile.

It occurs to me a half-second too late that I am snariling at him. Perfect. My eyes shut—on their own accord.

I suck a big breath in and hold it in my chest. I’m lonely, I realize. It hits me with gale force as I stand here in my neighbor’s bathroom.

I’m so lonely, I could shrivel up and die.

That’s when I feel a light touch on my cheek.

EIGHT

GWENNA

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