A Rose in Bloom

Ah, so she didn’t remember her nocturnal activities. She was obviously suspicious. And nervous. This could be fun.

“Yes, everything was okay.”

“Good. That’s good.”

“Well, except for the refrigerator.”

Her eyes opened like round saucers. “What…” Her voice cracked. She swallowed and cleared her throat. “What happened with the refrigerator?”

“Nothing really. It was just sort of strange.”

“Strange?”

“Yes, I think something must have shifted and fallen in the refrigerator. The door was ajar, and there was this plastic container of cake wedging it open.”

“Cake?” Her voice cracked again.

“Yes, chocolate cake.”

“Chocolate cake,” she repeated.

“What’s that on your mouth?” He asked, reaching toward her lip.

*****

Her heart stopped when his finger brushed her mouth. That blasted tingling happened again. Why couldn’t she control her body around this man? And what was on her mouth? Hadn’t she washed the chocolate off her face? She hurried to the sink and wet a paper towel, scrubbing at her mouth until it was almost raw.

“Elyssa?”

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She jumped at his voice right behind her. Turning around she found herself trapped as he leaned on the counter with one hand on either side of her. She lifted her chin, which certainly had to be clean by now.

“What do you want? You’re crowding me.”

“I only wanted to suggest we get together tonight over dinner and talk about our buildings.”

She bristled. The building—he still wanted her building. She was getting more and more attracted to him, and he was getting more and more attracted to her building.

“I don’t have time with the wedding this weekend. I have lots of work to do.”

“I thought we might eat here, and you might be willing to help me clean out the refrigerator.”

“Why? What are you talking about?”

“Well, you know… Everything spoiled inside since it was ajar all night. Of course you’ve got a lot of work. It’s just that it’s a big job, cleaning the entire fridge, and my roommate is out of town. But I understand if you’re too busy. I shouldn’t have asked.”

Arghh! Of course it was her fault everything had spoiled in the refrigerator. Did he know? She stared at him, trying to discern something in his enigmatic expression. She could swim in those blue eyes of his, and he looked so masculine with his unshaved face. His dark hair fell in sexy waves across his forehead, still damp from his shower. She had an urge to bury her nose against his chest and breathe his fresh, clean scent.

“Okay, I’ll come help you.”

He grinned, straightening up and allowing her to escape from her armed cage.

Crossing her arms she pasted on her most stern I-mean-it expression. “But I’m not selling my building!”

Part 9: Divided Attention

“HEY MACK! WHY DO YOU keep looking out the window? Are you expecting someone?” Nate leaned against the desk, arms crossed, casually observing him.”