Page 60 of Enigma: The Complete Collection
He chuckles a hearty laugh that bellows down the corridor. Removing my arm from the crook of his elbow, I push the down button on the elevator dashboard. Although we spent the majority of our night discussing work-related matters, I enjoyed the past two hours in his company. Brandon is a great guy. He is very witty, and our conversation flowed as freely as the wine.
“I appreciate you getting me that file, Brandon.”
It would have taken Brandon a lot of wheeling and dealing to get me that file, and he came through for me.
“No worries, Izzy. I was happy to help.”
A thick cloud of awkwardness plagues the air when the elevator dings, announcing its arrival to my floor. Sensing Brandon’s apprehension, I lean in to place a peck on his cheek. Just as my lips brush his cheek, he tilts his head, and his lips land on mine. I freeze in shock when his tongue glides across my gaped mouth. His lips are smooth, and his tongue is laced with the red wine we drank with our dessert.
Placing one hand on my neck and the other on my back, he pulls my body closer to his. Unexpectedly, a moan simpers from my throat, my body choosing its own response to Brandon’s slow and tantalizingly teasing kiss.
My eyes open when he draws away from our embrace. His cheeks are pink, and his eyes are glossed with lust.
“I’ve wanted to do that for months.”
My lips curve into an apprehensive smile. Brandon’s kiss was touching, and he is a brilliant kisser, but our embrace didn’t create the knee-wobbling reaction I get when I kiss Isaac.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Brandon says, noticing the worried look on my face. “I shouldn’t have been so stupid to think someone as stunning as you would be interested in me.”
My heart slithers into my stomach. Brandon is a wonderful guy. Any girl would be lucky to have him.I’m the only stupid person standing in this corridor.
Slinging my arms around his shoulders, I hug him fiercely. “If my heart weren’t foolishly seeking an unattainable man, I’d have forgone my three-date rule and dragged you back into my apartment.”
He chuckles before his hazel eyes seek mine. Although his gaze still shows his confusion, the hurt in his eyes has lessened.
“So, I was too late?”
I nod. “That’s the only reason, Brandon. Any girl would be privileged to date you.”
“Can you get me their numbers, then?”
I giggle at his playful comment.
“I’m not joking. Have you tried dating these days? It’s a battlefield.”
I don’t reply to his statement. I simply shrug and grimace. ‘Battlefield’ is too kind of a word for dating in this new age. When the elevator dings again, Brandon and I end our night back in friendly territory. After a kiss on the cheek, we embrace each other with a brief hug.
Once he walks into the elevator, he turns around to face me. “If it doesn’t work out with Mr. Unattainable, let me know.”
I smile and nod. “Without a doubt.”
Brandon grins as the elevator doors snap shut.
Upon entering my apartment, my long strides halt. Isaac is in my dining room. His fists are balled at his side, and his narrowed gaze is roaming over the empty dishes and wine bottles sprawled on the wooden tabletop.
“What are you doing in my apartment?”
My voice quivers, not just in fear but because of how quick my pulse is racing from seeing Isaac again. This is the first time I’ve laid eyes on him in person in over two weeks.
“How did you get in?” I interrogate, stepping toward him.
I’m sure I locked the door on my way out, but even if I didn’t, you don’t just enter someone’s apartment without permission. I halt again when Isaac’s icy eyes lift to mine. His gaze shows his undeniable anger.
His jaw ticks when his eyes travel over the long-sleeve jersey dress I’m wearing. I chose this dress to ensure Brandon knew our date was more a casual get-together between friends and not a romantic date. From the snarl forming on Isaac’s lips, I’d say my clothing choice was a mistake on my part.
“Who was the man in your apartment?”
“How do you know it was a man?” My anger rises as the images of Isaac with a bevy of blondes rushes back to the forefront of my mind.
