Redesigning Fate (Revive #1) - A. M. Wilson Page 0,23

trying to understand what he’s thinking.

“I’m not ready for this night to be over. I want to know more about who you are, what makes you tick. I want to do what I can to unleash your beauty on the world without all that pain.” He dips his head to brush his lips gently against mine, back and forth. “I’m drawn to you. I can’t get the image of you staring at me in the lobby out of my head, all sexy and innocent looking. You feel it too, this connection we have. You’re drawn to me too.”

“I’m not good at this Elias. And I’m afraid of how drawn I am to you. At the club, I couldn’t get enough of you. It’s why I pulled away and ran before things went too far. I want to show you who I am, and I want to know who you are. But if I’m going to do this, it has to be slow. And open. I can’t take surprises, I don’t do well with jealousy, and I need to have control.” I blow out a breath.

“That’s all I’m asking for, Marlee. Try. With me.”

I search his gaze, trying to find any hint he isn’t serious about this or that he will let me down. As much as it scares me, I know I need this. Carly has been trying to get me out on a date for weeks to no avail but something in his eyes holds me captivated, and I know this is my chance to heal and move on.

“Okay,” is all I can get out before his lips capture mine once more.

The kiss is sweet, soft, less demanding and heated than the earlier kisses; it is a promise. As if he is sealing my wounds, pouring his hope and understanding into me, urging me to trust him, have faith in him. I kiss him back with equal fervor, my lips whispering what I can’t say with words.

Don’t hurt me; help me; free me; I’m trusting you.

The kiss slows, and he presses his forehead against mine before opening my door and helping me into the truck.

A sliver of a moon hangs in the dark night sky as we pull up outside a newly built apartment complex. The front is mostly a wall of windows, dotted with equally spaced walk out balconies. Elias parks across the street from the entrance and kills the engine.

“I would park in the garage, but I’ll be bringing you home later so this is easier.”

I nod; secretly glad we won’t be venturing into the parking garage tonight. Even though he is with me, the fear still lingers. “Are you ready to go inside?”

“Yeah, let’s go,” I say, opening my door and stepping out into the night. The large modernized building is entrancing. At least ten times better than my crappy apartment. “You seriously live here?” I wince at how judgmental the question sounded.

Elias just shrugs. “Work is good. I help a buddy of mine with odd jobs. The extra cash I earn playing at the bar helps take care of everyday expenses.”

I close the door and round the truck to his side. Pressing into him, I capture his unique scent, relishing in the moment. I wouldn’t have guessed after my interview on Friday that I would be here, about to head into this unbelievable man’s apartment. I’m struck by how uncharacteristically calm I am.

He places his hand on the small of my back, leans down, and presses a chaste kiss on my mouth before moving his lips up to my ear. “I can’t stop kissing these amazing lips of yours.” As if to give truth to his statement, he swoops down and kisses me again.

My heart gives a hard jolt in my chest.

He pulls back and leads me across the street with his hand clasped tightly to mine. We climb the steps to the main entrance, and I reach down to grab my phone to text Carly where I am, but my purse isn’t with me.

“Oh crap, I forgot my purse. I don’t really need it, but I’m not comfortable leaving it on the seat like that. Unlock the door, will you?” I start down the stairs, watching as his headlights blink, showing he hit the unlock button on the key fob. I glance both ways and start across the street.

I use the moment away from Elias to center myself and reign in my emotions. I’m not so sure that if he asked me to have