Page 5 of Undone

“Coming!” I called out, hastily clearing away last night’s takeout.

Another knock, louder this time, just before I opened the door.

And there he stood—a man unknowingly competing in my mind for the title of the most attractive person I’d ever laid eyes on.

Over a foot taller than me, with broad shoulders and the kind of physique that made a worn T-shirt look like it was tailored just for him.

His dark, wavy hair fell over his forehead, effortlessly tousled. A shadow of stubble dusted his strong jawline, softening the sharp, chiseled angles of his face and giving him a rugged, almost mesmerizing appeal. And then there was his mouth—the curve of a smile tugging at his lips, sending my stomach into a flutter Ireallydidn’t want to acknowledge.

His calm yet intense demeanor made me simply forget how to speak.

Snap out of it. You have a boyfriend.

He eyed the apartment number at the row of doors marking each unit.

His eyes, a rich deep brown, absorbed everything as they locked onto me, like he was reading me without saying a word.

I managed a hesitant greeting. “Um… hi.” It was as if every thought escaped my brain, leaving nothing but complete emptiness.

“Noah, right?” He peered down the hall. “Apartment thirteen?” he asked.

“Yup, that’s me,” I replied.

He arched a brow and cleared his throat. “You okay?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe, his gaze briefly dropping down my face.

A flush of warmth spread across my cheeks. “Uh, yeah. Sorry, long day. You must be Dotty’s brother?”

“Yes, ma’am. Dorian James. Pleasure to meet you.” He extended a hand, and as I took it, the warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you,” I smiled, trying to focus, but it was hard with him standing there, so… present.

“Well…” He let out a rich chuckle. “Can I come in?” he asked politely, and a heat crept up my neck.

“Yes, yes… sorry.” I stepped aside. He nodded in thanks and walked through the threshold.

I suddenly became self-conscious of the small apartment I shared with his sister. It wasn’t the most extravagant place in Seattle, but it was ours. Soft light spilled from various lamps, casting a gentle glow on the worn wooden floors. I walked toward the kitchen to the right. It was small, complete with that stupid, slowly dying herb garden on the windowsill.

Dorian cleared his throat, glancing around the space, and he seemed even more imposing up close with a confidence that made me both nervous and strangely drawn to him.

“The conference I’m attending ends Sunday, so I will be out of your hair by Monday morning at the latest.”

I tried to remember a single thing Dotty told me about her brothers. He didn’t give off sports vibes, so I doubt this was the brother in the NFL. That left the detective or…

Wait, what did the other one do?

“Are you the cop?” The words spilled out, and I immediately regretted every single one.

Dorian laughed softly, the sound easing the tension.

“Wrong brother. I’m the vet.”

“Right,” I said, trying to shake off my embarrassment. “So, you like puppies then?”

Another wonderful fucking question, Noah. Not weird at all.

He chuckled again, and the sound vibrated my spine, sending flutters through me.

“Sure, I do. Though, my daughter might disagree. She’s still mad I won’t let her get one.”

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