Page 13

Suddenly, the elevator jerks back to life and lowers. We spring apart, breathing heavily, just as the doors open to reveal a group of confused-looking firefighters.

"Are you folks alright?" one of them asks, concern etched on his face.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Without looking at Dominic again I thank the firemen and then head up the stairs. I’ll be taking those from now on.

I make my way to Rachel's office, my mind still reeling from what just happened. The painting feels heavy in my arms, a tangible reminder of the emotions I've been grappling with since first meeting Dominic.

I leave the painting propped against her desk with a note, then hurry back to the stairs. What if Dominic is still down there? I shake my head, annoyed at myself. So what if he is? I'm a grown woman. I can handle running into him again.

But when I get back down to the lobby, it's empty. I feel a mix of relief and... disappointment? No. I refuse to be disappointed.

As I step past the elevator, I catch a whiff of his cologne, still lingering in the air. I close my eyes, memories of our kiss flooding back. His hands on my waist, the taste of his lips, the way he looked at me like I was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen…

As I step out of the building into the cool night air, I hear a familiar voice.

"Gia," Dominic says, his voice low and sultry.

I jump, startled to see him leaning against a sleek black car, hands in his pockets.

"It's dangerous for you to be out this late alone. Let me take you home."

My heart races, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through me. "I... I can manage, thanks."

He pushes off the car, taking a step towards me. "Please, Gia. It would make me feel better knowing you got home safely."

I hesitate, torn between my better judgment and the undeniable pull I feel towards him. "I appreciate the offer, but I really shouldn't."

Dominic's eyes soften, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his confident facade. "Come on, Red. Just a ride home. No strings attached."

I bite my lip, weighing my options. The responsible part of me knows I should decline, but the memory of our kiss in the elevator is still fresh, making it hard to think straight.

"Fine," I concede, against my better judgment. "But just a ride home. Nothing more."

A smile spreads across his face, not quite hiding the triumph in his eyes.

As I slide into the passenger seat of his luxurious car, the scent of leather and his cologne envelops me. The interior is spotless, and I suddenly feel self-conscious about the paint stains on my clothes.

"So," Dominic says as he pulls away from the curb, "where to?"

I give him my address, and we fall into a charged silence. The city lights blur past the window, and I'm acutely aware of Dominic's presence beside me, his hands resting easily on the steering wheel.

"That was quite a painting," he says after a while, his voice low. "I meant what I said earlier. Your work is truly extraordinary."

I feel a blush creep up my neck. "Thank you," I murmur. "I didn't realize you were such an art enthusiast."

He chuckles softly. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Gia. I'd like the chance to change that."

I turn to look at him, studying his profile in the dim light. He's undeniably handsome, but it's more than that. There's a complexity to him that intrigues me, despite my reservations.

"Dominic," I start, then pause, unsure of what I want to say.

He glances at me, his eyes intense. "Yes?"

I take a deep breath. "This... whatever this is between us. It can't happen. You know that, right?"

He's quiet for a moment, and I wonder if I've offended him. But then he speaks, his voice soft but determined. "I know it's complicated, Gia. But I can't ignore this connection between us. Can you?"

Before I can answer, we're pulling up outside my apartment building. Dominic parks the car but makes no move to get out.