Page 13 of Caught off Guard

I nodded.

“Please unlock it and give it to me.”

Like the puppet I was becoming around him, I did as he asked. He thumbed through some apps and typed something with both thumbs. He pressed a button and his phone rang. After hanging up, he typed something else in my phone and gave it back to me.

“I entered my cell number into your contacts, and now I have yours. I’m no longer a donor. I’m your friend.” He flashed all his teeth and smiled.

I couldn’t believe he was so forward, especially at my place of work. I was seconds away from reprimanding him until I noticedthe perfection of his bite and flawless skin that made me want to stroke his big body like he was a soft kitten. Had he hypnotized me without my realizing it?

“Zora?”

“Yes?” I shook my head to refocus.

“What do you say?” His soothing voice reeled me into the bubble of concern he created for me.

I wasn’t sure what voodoo he threw on me in such a short time, but I felt as if we were the only two people in the world. I had mountains of work to do but was pricked by Cairo’s words. It was as if he eavesdropped on my conversation with Lena.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

The words washed over me as I took in the fullness of this moment. Maybe God sent Cairo to help me slow down and prioritize my life so I could live longer. More than that, if joining him for a staycation at his estate would allow me to learn more about him, I welcomed his proposal.

“Let me clear my calendar. Although this is unorthodox, I want and need to know more about the generous man who has given such a precious gift to my students.”

And I can partake in the gift that is him too.

“Sounds like a plan.”

Cairo rose to his feet. I did the same.

“One more thing.” He fixed his eyes on me, throwing that invisible, yet palpable, charm my way again.

I stopped in my tracks.

“What’s that?”

“How will Geoff feel about my invitation? When he called to invite me to the luncheon, he mentioned that the two of you were an item. He was pretty territorial.”

I blushed, somewhat embarrassed that Cairo picked up on Geoff’s possessiveness.

“We’re not married, so he will support my decision to do what’s best for the university. This is business.”

I hoped my sterile answer would satisfy his curiosity so he wouldn’t ask any more intrusive questions. My belly flip-flopped when a thin smile spread across his face.

“Good. I don’t want another man to think I’m coming for what belongs to him.”

“I belong to no one.” I snapped without meaning to.

Cairo nodded and smirked as if he didn’t believe me.

“With that, Dr. Zora Langston, I must go. I will be in touch about our next steps.” He stepped within inches of me and reached for my hand, which I offered.

Instead of shaking it, he bowed at the waist and lifted it to his lips, locking eyes with me. The warmth of the gentle kiss seared my skin.

“Oh my.” I placed my hand over my heart as Cairo’s full, delicious lips remained pressed to my skin.

Dumbfounded, I held my breath until Cairo rose and released my hand. I had never met a modern man who was that chivalrous and so appropriately inappropriate. I tried to maintain a neutral face that didn’t match the flurries stirring in my belly.

Cairo was a beautifully built guy whose public act of kindness and larger-than-life presence had me flustered like a young virgin. His height, perfect image, smooth words, and overall swagger held me in a chokehold. No pre-meeting briefing could have prepared me appropriately for the charisma, sexiness, and allure that oozed from his pores. At this moment, every stereotype I had about jocks was shattered. Cairo’s wise words and lovely actions had me seeing life differently. Or at least trying to.

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