She smiled sweetly. “Because you assholes can’t fly.”
That’s my girl. Ryder held open the front door, and Luna walked inside with Rocky trotting along behind. He wanted to kiss her, but he waited until they got into the elevator, although the dog wanted in on the action too and jumped up on both of them.
“Don’t be jealous, little guy,” Ryder told him. “We can share her.”
Luna leaned against the mirrored wall. “I can’t believe how much my life has changed.”
“You and me both.”
“I wish I had more time today.”
Luna had a session with her vocal coach after lunch, and then she was scheduled to get a spray tan at the Nile Palace’s spa. After that, she’d have her hair and make-up done, then warm up with her dancers. Those trolls on the internet who thought she did nothing all day had no idea. She worked just as hard as anyone, and she did it in the glare of the public spotlight.
She was exactly the type of girl Ryder should have avoided at all costs.
And the one woman he’d never get enough of.
The elevator doors opened on the fifth floor, and Rocky yipped excitedly. Considering how badly people had treated him in the past, it was amazing he didn’t bear the mother of all grudges against the human race. Luna started out of the elevator, but Ryder put a hand on her shoulder.
“Behind me.”
“Don’t you think that’s overkill? We’re inside?—”
She saw the bag hanging from her door handle a second after he did. A pale pink gift bag with ribbon frothing around the handles.
“W-w-what’s that?”
“Stay there.”
The hallway was silent. Ryder stole forward, every sense on high alert, and noticed the faint aroma of chocolate. Brownies. The bag contained chocolate brownies. Chocolate brownies and a note.
Luna,
Hope you enjoy my new recipe!
Love, Marcel
What the actual fuck?
“It’s okay.” Ryder beckoned her forward.
“Is it him? Is it Mark Antony?”
“It’s Marcel.”
Although… Mark, Marcel. Was it possible…?
Ryder got Luna and the dog inside, locked the door, and called Shani. Marcel bringing random gifts to Luna’s door was not okay.
“It’s Ryder. How well do you know Marcel?”
“Uh… Not that well? But he’s harmless.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Why? What happened?”
“He left a bag of brownies at Luna’s door with a note.”