A Rose in Bloom

The moment the words left her mouth she regretted them. Blood rushed to her face and throbbed in her temples. He grinned and took a step toward her, his crystal blue eyes darkening.

“Was that an invitation?”

“No! It wasn’t!” She moved back, away from his overwhelming presence.

“Are you sure? Because now that I’ve saved your behind, I wouldn’t mind taking a little peek to see if it was worth my effort.”

“You’ve got it all wrong. Like I said, I saved your behind, not vice-versa.”

“In that case, I’ll give you a little peek.” He moved closer, and she retreated toward the stairs.

“I’m warning you… Get back or I’ll use this pepper spray.” She whipped the little can out of her pocket and brandished it with trembling fingers.

He laughed. “Come on Elyssa—you know I’m only teasing. Anyway, that pepper spray wouldn’t stop me. I’m a Marine—I had to train to stand that stuff.”

“It would stop most people, wouldn’t it?” Her nervousness at his proximity vanished, replaced by a sudden concern that her pepper spray might truly be ineffective if someone broke into the shop.

His smile disappeared. “It might not stop a guy, especially if he were under the influence of a drug like PCP. I wasn’t kidding when I told you I was worried about you.”

She swallowed hard, her mouth abruptly dry and sticky. “Fine. I really will get the lock changed tomorrow. I’ll call first thing in the morning.”

“And tonight?”

What would she do tonight? She didn’t have any friends in town, only acquaintances from her floral business. Maybe she could stay one night in a hotel.

“I’ll get a room somewhere.”

*****

Her nervous habit of chewing on her lower lips was adorable. But she was shaking from head to toe. Good. At least she was finally taking things seriously. He had an unexpected urge to pull her into his arms and soothe away her fears. Ha! That would be like hugging a porcupine. She bristles every time I get near her. Still, he at least had to try to be a gentleman.

“I may regret this… but you can stay the night at my place. Wait—I’m not propositioning you. You can sleep in my roommate’s bedroom. He’s gone this week, and there’s a lock on the door.”

She opened her mouth, already shaking her head. He knew she was going to refuse. She was too stubborn for her own good. She would turn him down out of pure obstinacy, and he wouldn’t be able to stop worrying about her. He probably wouldn’t get a wink of sleep.

She spoke in a small voice. “Okay.”

He drew in a sudden breath, choking in surprise. Now he really wouldn’t get a wink of sleep.

Part 7: Sleepless Night

ELYSSA SNUGGLED into the soft comfy bed with fresh clean sheets. She was exhausted. She couldn’t wait for sleep to overtake her so she could get some real rest. And so she could stop thinking about the yummy guy sleeping just across the hallway… The pushy, controlling, arrogant, obnoxious, yummy guy. Although he had been pretty nice to check on her lock and let her spend the night at his apartment for safety’s sake.

When he’d helped her put new sheets on his roommate’s bed, they’d brushed hands once or twice. She’d had to work hard not to react when those little tingles shot up her arm. He was so aggressive. If he’d known he was having that kind of physical effect on her, he probably would’ve suggested he join her on that bed. Then she would’ve had to slap him. And then she would’ve had to find a hotel room for the night. At least she hoped that’s what would’ve happened. Jaxon McCall was dangerous—he was the kind of guy who could make her lose control if she wasn’t extremely careful. Thank God she was extremely careful.

Why was she attracted to him anyway? It’s not like he was the only guy out there with a handsome face, blue eyes, dimples, and a knock-‘em-dead gorgeous body. Anyway, physical looks weren’t all that important. She needed a guy who was supportive and sensitive and… Wait—what am I saying? I don’t need a guy at all. I’m fine by myself.

If I ever need a male perspective, I can always call my brother.

She glanced at the clock. After midnight and I’m wide awake. With a sigh, she got up to rummage through her bathroom kit, relieved to find the small bottle of prescription sleeping pills. She hadn’t needed them in a long time, but this was an emergency. She couldn’t follow her normal routine for insomnia, having a cup of chamomile tea, because she didn’t want to risk running in to Jaxon in the kitchen. Especially since he’d almost certainly be shirtless. There’s no way she’d be able to sleep after she got another eyeful of those well-defined chest muscles and rock-hard abs. She swallowed a pill and lay down to wait, knowing she’d be sound asleep in twenty minutes.

*****

Jaxon tossed and turned. Within a few minutes he’d practically torn all the sheets off his bed. He couldn’t get comfortable for some reason. Had he grabbed the wrong pillow? Who was he kidding? He couldn’t sleep because he couldn’t stop thinking about the gorgeous girl sleeping in his roommate’s bedroom. He kept picturing her in his mind… Her eyes closed, with her thick eyelashes brushing her cheeks. Her shiny blond tresses splayed across her pillow. Her pouty lips barely parted as she breathed in sleep, with no sharp, sarcastic words shooting out.

In fact he’d enjoyed the few moments he’d spent helping her make up his roommate’s bed. She hadn’t spoken a single harsh word. She’d seemed almost… nice. She acted like she didn’t hate him with every fiber in her being. Maybe this would be a breakthrough in their relationship. Maybe she’d be so grateful for his help, she’d be willing to talk to him in a civil manner and discuss the possibility of selling him her building. He’d love to take her to dinner and help her see the advantages of trading buildings. Who was he kidding? He’d love to take her dinner and spend time with her. If she’d leave that acid tongue at home.

A crash in the kitchen broke into his reverie. Had something fallen? He hoped the noise hadn’t woken Elyssa up—it was after one a.m. He opened his bedroom door and peered across the dark hallway. Elyssa’s door was closed, so hopefully she’d slept through the clamor. Another clang rang out from the kitchen. What was going on? Could it be a rat making that racket?