“Me too. It’s a shame I missed dessert though. I’ll have to get a raincheck on that course.”
She laughs at my comment, but makes no offer of a redo. I’ll work on that one, though. “Come, let me show you to your room.”
I walk over to where I placed her bag and pick it up. She takes another glimpse of the view before following me. She only makes it a few metres before she stops in her tracks. “You have a grand piano,” she says, like she’s in awe. “Can you play?”
“Hardly,” I scoff. “I bought it for my niece when she started piano lessons.”
“Wow. How old is she?”
“She’s seven.”
“How sweet.”
I see her fingers glide over the black gloss finish as we pass. It has me wondering what her fingers would feel like against my skin. I can’t let my mind go there.Your best behaviour, Cavanagh,I silently remind myself.
I’m acutely aware of her closeness as we climb the staircase that leads to the bedrooms. We walk down the long hallway, passing the other rooms as we go. I’m going to put her in the room closest to mine because I don’t want her too far away. I know my building is safe, but this whole situation doesn’t sit well with me. Is Jake really behind all of this? Then again, she may not even be in danger, but that’s a chance I’m not prepared to take.
Opening the door, I turn on the light. “This will be your room for the night.”
Placing her bag down, I stand just inside the doorway. Again, her eyes are everywhere. “This room is exquisite,” she says, smiling. I love how she appreciates the littlest things. Some of the spoilt brats I’ve dated over the years would have expected nothing less. I chuckle when she sits on the side of the king-size bed and bounces, testing its comfort. She has no idea how adorable she is.
“You’ll find everything you need in the en-suite.” I point to the far door.
“Wow, even your spare rooms have their own bathroom?”
I shrug. “It’s a penthouse.” I grew up with money, so I’m used to the grandeur. “If there’s anything else you need, I can have my housekeeper pick them up for you in the morning.”
“Your housekeeper?”
“Yes. Jill.” She smirks like she finds that amusing for some reason.
“Thank you for letting me stay here tonight; I really appreciate it.”
“It’s no problem. I’m happy to have you here.”
“I mean it,” she says. “I know it may not have seemed like it earlier, but I really am grateful.” Her gaze moves down to the carpet. “I probably wouldn’t have gotten much sleep at my place.”
When her eyes meet mine again, the vulnerability I see hits me straight in the chest. I take a few steps towards her, holding out my hand to her. When she grabs hold, I gently pull her into a standing position. Without even thinking, I wrap her in my arms. “Everything is going to work out,” I say. “I promise you that. I won’t let any harm come to you.”
She doesn’t reply, but I feel her arms tighten on my waist. I hold her for a while, but eventually I reluctantly let go.
A smile forms on her face as her eyes lock with mine. “Are you always this wonderful, Mr. Cavanagh?”
“Absolutely,” I answer, dazzling her with my charming smile.
“Of course you are,” she says, laughing.
I take a step back before I do something stupid, like kiss her. “I hope you’re comfortable in here tonight.”
“Are you kidding me? It’s going to be like staying in a luxury hotel.”
Her response makes me chuckle. She’s like a breath of fresh air. “Goodnight, Brooke,” I say, turning and walking towards the door.
“Goodnight, Mr.… I mean Logan.”
Grasping the door handle, I turn. “My room is just next door if you need anything during the night.”
When I see her eyes slightly widen, I quickly close the door behind me without waiting for a reply. A few seconds later, I hear the lock latch on her door.