Page 41 of Fireworks & Forehead Kisses

“Of course, that’s my job.” Lucas smiled.

As I walked back around the corner, I saw Big standing at the elevators waiting for me. I drank in his dark, brooding stare,broad shoulders, perfect lips, chiseled forearms, and strong hands. He was dangerously sexy, but somehow, I felt totally safe.

With a small grin, I stepped beside him, and when the doors opened, we entered the elevator. He waved a card in front of the sensor, then hit the button to the top floor. Neither of us said a word on the ride up. I watched the numbers appear as the elevator climbed, and my anticipation escalated with them. Today had not gone as planned, but I felt like the man standing beside me was the universe’s, or fate’s, way of saying sorry. And I was more than happy to accept its apology.

14

DECLAN

As we steppedoff the elevator and walked down the hallway to the presidential suite, I held my breath, hoping we didn’t run into any staff. If we did, it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but I’d rather avoid it if possible.

Thankfully, we made the short walk with no unwanted interactions.

I opened the door, and Carrie walked in ahead of me. When she passed by me, the faintest scent of fresh berries and flowers drifted through the air. I closed my eyes and found myself leaning forward into it. As quick as it came, it also went. When I opened my eyes again, she was across the room, looking out over the city. There was a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the cityscape.

“Wow, this view is amazing.”

Her hourglass figure was in perfect silhouette. I wanted to commit the frame of this moment to memory.

“Yes, it is.” I could hear the gritty rasp in my own voice.

She glanced over her shoulder, and her head dipped in a shy smile, indicating she knew I wasn’t talking about the buildings that were lit up.

“Would you like something to drink?” I offered.

“Water, please.”

Again, she surprised me. I’d never met a woman who was so refreshingly innocent yet seductively sensual at the same time. It was a paradox I was very eager to explore. I retrieved a bottle of water out of the mini fridge, opened it, and handed it to her.

She took several drinks and then set it down.

“Would you like to listen to some music?”

“Sure.” She nodded.

I synced my phone to the speaker and pulled up my favorite playlist. “How do you feel about nineties R&B?”

“Are you serious?”

I knew that I was older than her; I wasn’t sure by how much, but maybe she wasn’t into that music. “I can choose?—”

She reached out and grabbed my arm again. “No! Ilovenineties R&B. It’s literally my favorite music.”

When she dropped her arm, I startedAnytime, Anyplaceby Janet Jackson and set my phone down.

She took a step toward me but then stopped. “Before we do this, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“And the answer doesn’t matter; it’s just something Fatima said…” She glanced down at the floor nervously.

“What?” I wondered if Fatima had told her who I was, and maybe she was wondering why I had told her a different name. I would just explain that I’d used my middle name because I was just tired of being me for the moment.

Her eyes lifted back to mine, and I once again felt myself getting lost in clear aqua pools. “Do you do this a lot?”

“Do what?”

“Take women up to your room?”

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