“I know you will.” She stood on tiptoe and he felt soft lips brush a kiss over his. The shock of her touch almost made him crumble.
Joe cupped her nape and pressed a kiss to her forehead before knocking on the door to her suite. Ryan let them in. The living area was a mess, food and paperwork everywhere. Elle and Patricia were poring over the mummy, while Ed and Ryan watched football on TV. Joe felt Julia cringe as she took in the chaotic sight.
“Get your things,” he said. “I’ll tell your gran you’ll be with me tonight.”
She nodded and headed for the stairs up to the mezzanine, slightly unsteady on her feet. As Joe filled Ryan and Patricia in on their new sleeping arrangements, Julia came back downstairs, her huge messenger bag across her body.
“Ready?”
“Yes. Take me to bed, Joe.” Her sleepy eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed pink. “I mean—”
“I know what you mean.” He was smiling when he placed his palm on the small of her back and led her out into the corridor.
“I got stuck on a fence today,” Julia said out of the blue, sounding more than a little bewildered.
“Yep, you did.” It was a sight he’d never forget—for more than one reason.
“Everyone saw my underwear.” Her brow puckered.
“Not everyone. And those who did better not mention it or they’ll have me to deal with.”
“Thanks, Joe.” With a smile, Julia leaned into him.
Joe kept his promise. It was hell.
Even though Julia hesitated when she realised there was only one bed in his room, she’d still headed on through to the bathroom and came out a few minutes later wearing pink satin pyjamas, consisting of a camisole top and matching sleep pants.
She’d smiled shyly when his eyebrows had gone up at the sleepwear. For a woman who liked to live in grey and beige shapeless clothes, her sleepwear was something else entirely. The dichotomy fascinated him—like everything else about her. Julia was a complex woman who would keep any man interested for the rest of his life.
Joe motioned to the snacks he’d had delivered while she’d been in the bathroom. “I know you don’t feel hungry, but have something small before you go to bed. You’ll sleep better.”
She nodded and headed for the tiny dining table set up by the window, overlooking the city. “What are these?”
“Bite-sized empanadas. They’re deep fried, stuffed with vegetables and have minimal spices.” He paused, wondering if he should tell her the rest, wondering if she’d be upset over his actions. He took the chance. “I asked what temperature they used for their oil before I ordered. I also asked about kitchen hygiene. They meet an international code. The manager said they haven’t had even a mild case of stomach upset since they opened. He also told me the temperature they wash dishes in. That’s okay, right?”
Her eyes shot to his, and she nodded. They stayed like that for a moment, lost in each other’s gaze. The air became thick between them.
Julia blinked and picked up a pastry. “Thank you.” She broke the spell holding them frozen in time. She nibbled at the pastry before gesturing to the food. “You having some?”
“Later.” He came over to sit at the table beside her. “I’ve got some emails to go over and I’ll eat while I do it. Unless it will bother you.” Joe’s room was a standard king; he had a tiny balcony and a bathroom, but no extra space to retreat to. Although the room was big enough that he shouldn’t disturb her while she slept.
“I could probably sleep standing. In fact, if I was still hanging from that fence, I could have slept there.”
He smiled at the memory. His heart had been in this throat at the sight of her hanging there. Every emotion had rushed through him one on top of another, making it hard to think straight. There was horror at her falling, terror that she’d be hurt, relief that she wasn’t and then pure, unadulterated lust at the sight of her curvy ass.
Yeah, best not to think about that.
They fell into a heavy silence, their thoughts loud enough to make the room vibrate.
“Gran snores,” Julia said suddenly, slicing through the thick air.
Joe’s eyes snapped to hers.
“Loudly,” she said. “And it’s impossible to wake her. Or to sleep through it.”
His lips twitched. He wanted to laugh. She was too damn cute. “Good you’re in here, then.”
“You don’t snore?”