Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,38

of the lobby with his arms crossed over his wide chest, he watches with his ever present smirk twitching the corner of his full lips. He’s the last person I want witnessing me at my low moment. Frustrated and annoyed beyond belief, I’m barely holding the tears at bay. I throw my arms straight out at each side, yelling, “Do you like what you see, asshole?”

His gaze skims over my face before trailing lower, hovering on my chest. He tips his head to the side and grins. “It works for me.”

Glancing down, I notice that the light blue blouse I’m wearing has become almost transparent from the rain. I might as well be standing in only my bra. A maniacal laugh slips from my lips before I spit, “Just. Fucking. Perfect.” I should’ve stayed in bed this morning.

Adam comes toward me, stripping off his black Winters Custom Renovations shirt.

Even my shitty mood can’t keep me from stealing a glimpse of his chest and shoulders.

“Roxanne, it’s okay. We got this,” he reassures me. “Let’s get this shirt on you, so you can get up to your office and dry off.” He holds each side of the neck opening.

Dumbfounded, I stare up at him. “But what about you?”

“I always keep an extra shirt with me. Never know when you might need a makeshift bandage.” He winks.

I don’t say another word as he carefully slips the shirt over my head and helps guide my arms through the openings, as if I’m unable to do so myself. I reflexively go along with it, which isn’t like me at all.

In fact, I don’t know why I allow it. Maybe it has to do with how nice it feels to have someone take care of me for a change.

He pulls the black material down until it drapes to mid-thigh. His hands cup my hair, drawing the still wet length from underneath the neckline of his shirt.

Tenderly tucking a stray lock behind my ear, he smiles down at me, as if I’m the most perfect thing he’s ever seen. Despite the mess that I currently am, I feel beautiful at this moment.

My chest fills to overflowing with a plethora of emotions, gratitude at the forefront of them all. Adam gave me the shirt off his own back so I would be more comfortable. And he hasn’t even mentioned how awesome he looks without it.

I swallow past the lump in my throat and whisper, “Thank you.”

Pupils resembling carved jade peppered with emeralds, his gaze wraps me with comforting warmth. “You don’t need to thank me. Why don’t you head upstairs, and I’ll get back to work.” His hands come to rest on my shoulders. “If you need anything, I’ll be here.” I nod my agreement and he turns me around. Five steps later, I’m in the elevator pushing the button for my floor. Our eyes stay connected until the double doors come together.

Gasping, I drag in a deep breath. And then another. The comfort I experienced with Adam has dissipated and all that remains is uncertainty. Seeing a new side of him, a deeper, more caring side, has shaken me. While I’m grateful for his help, I don’t want any more reasons to be attracted to him.

16

Adam

“Hi.” I smile at the receptionist. “Is Roxanne around?”

“She is. Who should I say is looking for her?”

“I’m Adam.”

“Okay, Adam. I’ll be right back.” She disappears around a corner, and I take in the decor while I wait. A navy blue loveseat and two small floral patterned chairs are set around a small coffee table. Neat stacks of magazines align across the top.

I’ve never been one to get nervous around women. I’ve always taken the attitude that if someone doesn’t like me, there are plenty of other women who will. But as I wait for Roxanne, my stomach stirs uneasily.

What if she’s not happy to see me? She barely tolerates me on a good day, and this morning was a disaster for her. Buried underneath her disdain I know she’s attracted to me. The kiss we shared proved so, and I’m hoping that’s enough for now.

Rocky appears and my lips automatically curve upward. Hair up in a ponytail, face free of makeup streaks, and her blouse dry, she looks as fantastic as ever. If I hadn't witnessed what a mess she was earlier, I’d have never suspected anything was amiss.

“What’s up?” she asks, all business, and my smile grows. There’s the ball-busting girl I’m used to.

“It’s still raining. I thought after this