Page 36 of Love Under Protection

“Fuck,” I hiss and swallow hard. Damn if she didn’t call my bluff. I never should have doubted that she wouldn’t back down.

“Yes, that’s exactly what we did. And now you want to play like we don’t even know each other.”

Her lips are mere inches from mine. I could lean down and capture her in a kiss. Would she let me?

“Trust me, darlin’, there is no forgetting a woman like you.” I surprise even myself with that confession.

“Tell me something, Harley. What would you say if I told you to prove it?”

The elevator dings, and Raylynn steps back, making a quick exit as soon as the doors open onto the rooftop deck. Like a lost puppy, I chase after her, thankful that it’s empty up here tonight.

“Raylynn. Wait!”

She stops and spins around. “What is it, Harley? Cat got your tongue?”

I take three long strides until I’m standing in front of her again. “You’re playing with fire,” I warn.

“Won’t be the first time I’ve gotten burned,” she murmurs.

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”

She blows out a breath. “I know. I know. Listen, it’s been a day. I came up here for some peace and quiet. I wasn’t expecting to bump into you. I’m sorry, I’ll just go back down to the apartment. I can hang out in my room.”

“You don’t have to go.” I brush her hair back from her face. “I can leave. Or I can promise to sit back and keep my mouth shut.”

Hell, I was headed for the gym, not the rooftop deck, but if she needs me, then I’m here.

“Fine. You can stay. On one condition.”

I raise a brow. “Go on.”

“Hmm. Maybe two conditions. First, you sit and look pretty. No talking. Second, are there security cameras up here?”

Jesus Christ. Surely, she can’t mean what I think she does with that last one.

“Of course, there are cameras,” I grunt.

“Any blind spots?”

“Depends on why you’re asking,” I reply, taking a seat in one of the oversized lounge chairs. I do my best model pose, which is actually pretty shitty if you ask me but the corners of Raylynn’s mouth twitch and she tries hard not to laugh.

“Noted. We’ll come back to that.” She slips into the chair across from me and leans back, looking up at the sky.

As promised, I keep my mouth shut and let her work out whatever it is she needs to. I’ve lost track of how much time has passed when she finally speaks again.

“You can’t really see the stars around here, can you?”

“Uhm,” I mumble, unsure if I’m supposed to answer her or if she’s talking out loud to herself.

She laughs and looks at me. “You can talk.”

“Oh. Yeah, you can’t really see the stars too well, with all the pollution and city lights.”

“Hm. I think that may be one thing I miss about back home.”

“There are other places to go see the stars. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the city for a while.”

“But not for too long, right?”

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