“Why don’t you grab the top?” he suggests.
I move to the front of the tree, resisting the urge to punch myself in the face.
“Ready?”
I nod.
With almost no effort, we move the tree through the doors and to the elevator. “Thank you, I can get it upstairs.”
Michael gives me a look that says he’s not so sure of it, which I’ve earned. “I’ll help you get it to the apartment. You know, there are two more doors to get it through.”
I laugh, because what the hell else can I do? “I’m never going to recover from this. This is the most embarrassing thing ever.”
“I’m sure I have you beat.”
“Really?”
He shrugs. “Have you ever been to Cancun for spring break?”
I’ve never gone anywhere outside of Chicago. “Can’t say that I have.”
“Then I promise, you’re not even in my wheelhouse of embarrassing moments.”
I appreciate his attempt to make me feel better, but this definitely blows. If he wasn’t so attractive, maybe I wouldn’t care, or if he wasn’t a guy, it would be fine. However, he is both and I am mortified.
I push the button to go to the twentieth floor and will myself not to say anything stupid on the elevator ride up.
“So, are you new to the building?” Michael asks.
“Yeah, just moved in about a week ago. It was my boss’s old apartment, but since she and her fiancé just bought a townhouse, she’s subletting it to me. You?”
“I’ve been here about a year. I live with a buddy from college.”
“I used to live with my boyfriend, but I don’t now. Nope. Now I’m alone. Totally alone. And single.” I’m also wondering if I can sew my mouth shut to stop myself from blurting out stupid stuff.
Michael gives me a smile and runs his fingers through his hair. “Well, that’s …”
“A lot of info?”
He laughs.
“I swear, I have my shit together most days, but it’s been a rough week.”
“Well, the holidays are either great or total shit, right?”
“I’m definitely on the shit end.”
His eyes roam over my body and his lips turn up as my blood heats under his stare. “Here’s to hoping today shows you it’s not all shit, then. Maybe we can turn your luck around.”
He stands there, holding the trunk of the tree and then the elevator door opens, not allowing me to think any more on that statement.
2
Michael
Do not stare at her ass. Do not stare at her ass.
I try to tear my gaze away, but … it’s really fucking hard to do with those leggings she’s got on.