Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

I should tell this gorgeous woman that I have Harold’s number, but I conveniently forget to mention it. He’s a friend of one of my uncles. I gave him a temporary job before he scored the one in her building.

“What am I going to do?” She rubs her hand over her eyes.

I rake a hand through my hair. I shouldn’t. I fucking shouldn’t suggest it, but I do because it’s what I want most in my life at this moment. “Spend the night with me, Dexie.”

Chapter 27

Dexie

I blink. I don’t know what to say to that.

I can’t tell if he wants me to stay with him because he’s a good neighbor or if he’s picturing us in his bed together.

I’ve pictured it. I’m doing it again now.

I shake the mental image of Rocco’s head between my thighs from my thoughts and focus on the problem at hand.

“My apartment door is unlocked.” I take the few short steps to my building. “My wallet and handbags are in there. Anyone can walk right in and take whatever they want.”

I’m an idiot.

“Why did I forget my keys?” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I put on my shoes and just took off after Sophia. I should have stopped to think.”

I sense Rocco is behind me when I try and tug open the lobby door. It’s locked. Why wouldn’t it be?

I look over at the intercom panel. I could press any random button to ask o

ne of my neighbors to let me in, but it would be futile.

The panel is broken. I know that because Sophia tried it earlier and it didn’t work. She had to call me on my cell so I would buzz her in.

“Did you close your apartment door when you left?”

“I did.”

“Your neighbors will assume you’re fast asleep inside.” His voice is soft and soothing. “I don’t think there’s much of a chance of anyone robbing you tonight.”

That’s easy for him to say. I could hear his keys jingling in his pocket when he walked toward me.

“I need to get up there.” I glance up and down the sidewalk hoping that someone who lives in my building will show up.

“My offer is still open.” He takes a step closer to me. “You can stay with me for the night and we’ll get this sorted in the morning.”

“I can’t stay with you,” I argue softly.

“Why not?”

He’s persistent, but I know that it’s not coming just from a place of desire. I see the concern that’s blanketing his expression.

I could go home with him and stay up all night staring into my apartment. If I do that, I’ll at least feel more secure in knowing that I’m not being robbed blind.

A burst of wind whips over the sidewalk sending a shiver through me.

Rocco reaches for my arm. “A storm is blowing in. You can’t stand here all night. Come home with me.”

I look at his hand. His touch is gentle, his voice comforting. I nod slowly. “I’ll come home with you.”

He leans forward, his breath whispering over my cheek. “You can trust me. You know that, don’t you?”