CHAPTER4
“No, this looks like I’m asking to be screwed,” Belinda said to her reflection in the mirror. She looked at all the abandoned outfits on the bed and threw up her hands in exasperation before walking back into her closet to find something that would be perfect for a ‘I don’t know why we’re going out to dinner, but I want to make the right impression’ dinner.
When the doorbell rang, she dashed back out of her bedroom. She wasn’t ready. Her hair! Trying to smooth her tresses after trying on a dozen outfits, Belinda walked quickly to the door. She peeked through the peephole to see Pedro Morales looking back at her.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. “Hi! I’m almost ready. Would you like to come inside?”
“You look lovely. Take your time. I brought this over to secure to your railing so Tinkerbell won’t go past your balcony. You still okay with him coming to visit?” Pedro asked, holding up a clear piece of what looked like a thick plastic shield.
“I’d love it. Please do whatever will keep him safe. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Belinda hurried to the bathroom and heard Pedro open her sliding glass door. She tamed her hair and refreshed her makeup before picking up her shoes and bag from the bedroom. One last glance in the mirror made her shake her head. She’d have to do. It was too late to change again.
Emerging into the living space, Belinda found Pedro at her sliding glass door, looking out over the Edgewater campus. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Easton has created quite an incredible place. I’m very happy to be here.”
“After all the travel and lectures you’ve done, I’m sure you’re tired of living out of a suitcase,” she commented.
“Definitely. And Edgewater Industries had a special appeal for me,” Pedro shared.
“Really? What was that?”
“Let’s go to dinner and I’ll tell you,” Pedro suggested.
“Alright. Where are we going?”
“Knox clued me in to a special place to try. Are you up for a mystery date?” Pedro asked.
“That sounds like fun. Let’s go for it.” Belinda liked the thought of him checking with Knox for a recommendation. Pedro had planned this dinner. He wanted it to be a success.
She led the way to the front door and allowed Pedro to open it for her before hesitating. “I didn’t even look to see what you did on the balcony.”
“We can look at it when we come home. I locked your sliding door.”
“Thanks. I never bother with that.”
“Your safety is important, Belinda,” he commented softly as he watched her close the apartment door securely before turning to join him in the hallway.
“Everyone has to go through security and I’m on the seventh floor. I think I’m well protected here. Not too many cat burglars on staff,” she pointed out, leading him down to the elevator.
His responding low laugh sent a shiver down her spine. She felt his hand press against the small of her back as he stepped into place next to her. Belinda loved his old-fashioned manners. Heat radiated from that light touch, having a dangerous effect on her body as her nipples tightened inside her bra. She hoped the padding would disguise her arousal.
When the doors opened, she inhaled softly as she passed him and immediately regretted it. A hint of spicy cologne did nothing to mask his personal scent—earthy and masculine. Her arousal that had flared to life at his touch grew.
Help me not make a fool of myself, she thought.
Belinda settled against the far side of the elevator to give herself a bit of breathing room. Pedro selected the ground floor and leaned against the opposite wall. He scanned her outfit, doing crazy things to her heart rate as they stood in the quiet enclosure. The thirty-second trip felt like five minutes as she struggled to find something light to say to interrupt the sexual tension building between them.
“It’s going to be okay, Little girl. I know it’s risky because we haven’t known each other for long, but you can trust me,” Pedro assured her.
“Why do you keep calling me a Little girl?” burst from her lips.
“I’ll need more time to address that. May I delay that conversation until later?”
He pushed away from the metal surface and walked toward her. The car shimmied slightly as it came to a stop. Belinda nodded to agree to his suggestion, feeling a connection—she didn’t understand but couldn’t deny—snap into place between them. When the doors opened, Pedro held out a hand for hers. “Let’s go have a wonderful meal and get to know each other.”
With a nod, Belinda intertwined her fingers with his. She allowed him to lead her into the large open space where the Littles had gathered the evening before. Waving at the guard on duty as they passed him, Belinda walked with Pedro out the door and to the parking lot.