Page 39 of Making Home with You
Without waiting for him to say anything more, I duck back into my office, grateful for the lack of attention he is suddenly giving me.I gather my stuff quickly and call a good night to him through our adjoining doors as I make my way to the elevators.
But I should’ve known I wouldn’t be let off that easily because just as the elevator is about to close, Andrew steps in.
“Did you say you you’re meeting some friends in Rockport?”he asks, as he shifts his laptop bag into his left hand and presses the floor for the parking garage.
I let out a quiet sigh, again grateful for the fact that I’m exiting at the ground level and his unwanted attention will be halted in its path.
“Yes,” I reply trying not make eye contact with him, but I fail and look over as he moves closer to me.
“Did you drive here today?”Andrew asks, his fingers reaching out to tuck a wisp of hair behind my ear.I cringe and even though I try not to show my disgust, I can feel it sweep across my face and I suck in a hard breath.
“I’m taking the train.”
“Oh, you’re never going to make the 5:50.Let me give you a ride,” he says, never asking me if I want a ride, but rather assuming I will accept his offer.
And when the elevator door slides open on the parking garage level, Andrew places his hand on my lower back, pressing firmly as he tries to guide me out.
I step to the side, but the elevator isn’t big enough to avoid his roaming hands and I’ve now practically placed myself in the corner.
Nice job, Sarah.
I begin to review all the ridiculous self-defense moves Ryan taught me, wondering if I can break his nose and run, but I talk myself down.He hasn’t done anything other than make me feel uncomfortable and I’ve never once mentioned to him that he does.
“I’ll take the train, thank you though.”
I lean forward and press the ground level button again hoping it will get him to move his ass, but of course not.He stays as the doors close and once more I’m trying to remember how to break his nose.
He corners me, pinning me in with his arms, his hands on either side of my head and I swallow hard, repeating to myself, open palm, drive hand up.
I want to close my eyes and scream out loud, but I’m stunned into silence by his boldness.
“I don’t like the idea of you walking to the train in the dark, Sarah,” he says, his voice low and deep.“I also don’t like to be told no.”
His breath is hot against my face and he smells of cough drops and bourbon, and I want to gag.
“Listen,” I say firmly, finally finding my voice.“I’m not certain what you’re referring to, but my answer will always be no.”
I shove his arm out of the way as the elevator door opens revealing the security guard and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Without looking back at Andrew, I exit and hightail it to the train station.
I walk into the inn, but can’t seem to find Kelsey or Erin.It’s busier than I expected it to be given it is winter, but I guess that’s good for Kelsey.
I ask the desk attendant and she directs me to Kelsey’s office in the back where I find Erin and Kelsey sitting at a small round table with a bunch of takeout containers.
“Ordered from the bar again?”I ask, pulling up a chair and flopping down into it.
“Currently Erin will only eat the corned beef tacos Ryan makes,” Kelsey laments, taking a bite of her burger.
Erin rolls her eyes but shrugs her shoulders and adds that baby wants the tacos every single day.
“Shit, you look exhausted,” Erin says as she hands me a container with my usual order of Shepherd’s Pie.When Ryan took over the menu at O’Loughlin’s the place really took off.He added tons of Irish fare but with a twist, like adding pico and cilantro lime aioli to the corned beef tacos.His ability to plan meals and create recipes is still astounding to me.
Not only am I exhausted but I’m also starving, and I waste no time digging in and the room falls silent for a few minutes as we all eat, taking the edge off our hunger.
“Why are we in your office?”I ask, looking around at the business cards and mailers that are scattered on Kelsey’s desk.
“Because Kelsey never stops working,” Erin says answering for her.
