Page 24 of Loved By the Wolf

“Oh.”

Was it just me or did he look disappointed?

“So the rumors are true,” he said.

“What rumors?”

“That the big-time lawyer on this floor got a promotion and is moving to a bigger office.”

“Oh!” I praised myself on having my wits back enough to respond in coherent words. “Yeah, I guess the rumors are true.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, because I was going to ask if you wanted to go to dinner with me this week. I had just built up the courage to ask you.”

“Oh!” For a big-time lawyer, I was really at a loss for words right now. I also didn’t fail to realize I’d said ‘oh’ three times in a row.“I would have loved that.”

“Yeah?” A big grin spread across his face.

“But can we take a raincheck? I’ll still be coming back every once in a while for work. I can let you know when I’m next in town.”

“And I go down to San Francisco from time to time. Can I call on you there?”

“Of course.”

Was it bad that a minute ago I was crying over Brandon and now my heart was beating just a tad faster at being asked out by a really hot guy? One that was courteous and thoughtful too.And—I took another big whiff—smelled like Brandon.

“Great.” He leaned in and gave me a kiss on my cheek.

I felt my skin warm at his touch and blushed at the way he was looking at me.

“Do you need any help?”

“No, I’m already done,” I said in a rush. “Jill went to get snacks.”

“Well, good luck moving.” He flashed me another one of his wonderful smiles and ambled down the hall toward his place. As his door closed, Jill returned, walking down the other end of the hallway.

“What are you staring at?” she asked.

“Oh, nothing.”

Her eyes followed where I had been staring, and the corners of her mouth started rising.

“Don’t even start,” I said, going back into my unit to grab my purse and the last box.

“You’re the one saying it out loud.”

“I am done with boys. They are all a nuisance.”

“Not all—”

I shoved the box into her hands to keep her from talking more. “Yes, all. Just let me have this one, Jill.”

She pinched her forefinger and thumb together and swiped it across her lips. But she couldn’t hide her grin from me. I sighed as I watched her go back down the hallway to the elevator.

Closing my door, I locked it for the last time. Looking down the hallway to where Thomas had gone, I let myself indulge in the feeling of being wanted for just a second. Then, steeling myself, I turned and followed Jill.

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