Shit. I want to end this conversation so badly my hands are clenched. And I’m suddenly reminded that I’m allowed. I don’t have to talk to this woman. I can just walk away. I’ve never liked her, and I’ll probably never see her again. “I’ve got to go, Lori,” I say. “Take care.”
“Oh. Okay. I’ll ride up in the elevator with you.”
I manage not to groan. A car has just come in through the entrance, so I step out of the way automatically.
I’m surprised when the car parks in the spot next to mine, until I realize it’s Damian’s midpriced SUV. He’s coming back from the library, and he gets out of the driver’s side just as we’re approaching the elevator.
Lori shoots him little looks. Of course she does. She’s always been one of those women who keep hot guys on their radar even if they’re in a relationship with someone else.
“Hey,” I say, giving him a wave as he comes up to where we’re standing in front of the elevator doors.
His eyes move from me to Lori and then back again. I’m not sure what he sees, but whatever it is causes him to step close to me. “Hey, baby,” he murmurs, tilting his head down and giving me a kiss.
It’s not a deep kiss. It’s light and brief and perfectly appropriate for the context. But it sends shivers of pleasure running down my spine anyway. My breath catches in my throat as I stare up at him with wide eyes.
“Hi,” I say stupidly.
Damian straightens up and looks back at Lori. “Who’s this?”
“This is Lori. I went to college with her.”
“Oh. Okay.” He nods at Lori and slides an arm around me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Damian. Her fiancé.”
Lori is speechless. Literally speechless. The elevator doors open and we all traipse in. Damian keeps his arm around me as we ascend to the twentieth floor.
Just before Lori gets off, she says, “It was great to see you, Mel! We’ll have to keep in touch.”
“Sure.” I give her a wave, relieved when the doors slide closed. “Ugh.”
“Did I read that right?” Damian asked, immediately taking a step away from me and dropping his arm. “You don’t like her, right?”
“Right. I can’t stand her. You read it exactly right.” I sigh and close my eyes as the elevator starts moving up again. “She always made me feel small. Although I shouldn’t be so insecure that I need to have a hot guy to hold my own with her.”
“You don’t need a hot guy. But why shouldn’t you use any tool you have at your disposal?” He slants me a teasing look that makes me giggle.
“Are you saying you’re at my disposal?”
“Of course I am. What else am I here for?” He’s got that little smile brewing on his lips. “But I can’t believe you’d be insecure around her. Look at how brilliant and successful and amazing you are.”
I give a little laugh. His tone was matter-of-fact—not like he was trying to flatter me—so it’s hard not to believe he meant it. “Yeah. I suppose. But I don’t think insecurity works that way. It’s not about circumstances.”
“No. It’s not.” He gestures to let me walk out of the elevator first when we reach our floor. “But I honestly didn’t realize you’d be insecure. You’re always so...”
I stop in the middle of the hall to peer up at him. “I’m always so what?”
“So contained. Sure of yourself. You say what you want and do what you want and don’t let anyone’s expectations stop you.”
I had no idea he would think about me that way, and it makes my chest buzz with a new excitement. “I’m sorry to disappoint you then.”
“You didn’t disappoint me,” he says, reaching up to tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m actually glad to know you’re occasionally like the rest of us.”
I’m gazing up at him, ridiculously breathless. “Like the rest of you?”
“Still feeling like a kid in school, looking for the right place to sit.”
My heart is racing. I’m having to fight not to put a hand on his chest. I want so much to feel the heat and firmness of it. “Are you saying you’ve felt like that?”
“Felt like it. Feel like it.” His expression is deep and warm. “I think maybe everyone does. We’re always looking for that place where we feel...”