Getting to work, I started to unscrew the existing doorknob. Since the thing had probably been there for decades, the screws had layers of paint stuck on them, and they proved difficult to loosen. Leveraging my other hand to hold the door in place, I used all my strength to get the screws undone. When the knob finally hit the floor, I gave myself a mental pat on the back for my handiness.
And Bev thought I might need help.Ha!
I opened the instructions and placed the new doorknob-electric-lock combo in its new home. This part of the process was much easier as there were no ancient screws involved. I was screwing the last piece into place when I felt a presence looming in the stairwell.
Giles was leaning against the wall just outside the doorframe.
“Oh, um, hi.” I fumbled over my words.
I had only seen Giles in passing since he stormed out of here last week. I felt terrible I hadn’t had the chance to apologize. But I had to admit that life was a lot more pleasant when he was avoiding me and not criticizing my every move.
“Bev sent me down here to see if you needed help.”
“Nope, I’m just finishing up.” To prove my point, I screwed in the final screw and took a step back to admire my handiwork. “There. All done. Much more secure.”
He pushed off the wall and stepped through the doorframe to inspect the new lock. “Looks good.”
“Thanks.” I beamed at his minuscule compliment.
“Would look even better if it wasn’t on backward.”
“It’s not on backward.” I looked down in a panic.
He grabbed the knob and gestured to the electronic keypad.
“Shouldn’t the lock code be on theoutsideof the door?”
I faltered. “Shit.”
He chuckled. “Nice try, Florida.”
“I’d prefer it if you called me Mattie.”
“Okay.” The twinkle in his eye told me he had no intention of honoring my request.
His amused expression made my stomach do a little flip. It was a welcome change from his typical scowl. Even though itwasat the expense of my dumb mistake.
“Guess I better fix it,” I muttered.
He grabbed the screwdriver from my hand and tossed it into the box behind me. “Later,” he said. “Bev needs you back at the front desk.”
“Fine. Fine. We’ll just leave the basement as unsecure as ever.”
Before we ascended, I chewed my lip and glanced back at Giles. “I’m sorry, by the way, about last week. I shouldn’t have said anything about your—” I hesitated. “Anyway, I’m just sorry.”
He cocked his head. I was surprised to see warmth in his brown eyes. A small smile played on his lips.
“It’s forgotten.”
My shoulders sagged in relief. “Thanks.”
I turned to head back up the stairs, but my foot caught the ledge of the step, and I felt myself starting to fall forward. Before my face could connect with the ground, large hands were on my waist, pulling me back.
“Woah there.” Giles was now directly behind me, holding me by my sides. The proximity of his warm body sent shockwaves through my veins, and my cheeks immediately flushed. I snuck a glance at him, surprised to see he wasn’t pulling away in disgust. It was impossible to ignore his attractiveness when our faces were only inches apart.
My lips parted, but no words came out as we stood there for another half a second. Before I could say anything, Giles cleared his throat and snatched his hands away from me.
“Th-thanks,” I stuttered, trying to get my bearings. “That could have been bad.”
