We moved with the crowd toward the platform edge as a train approached. Bodies shifted around us in the humid press of people.
Someone behind me stumbled, pushed forward by the wave of commuters. Before I even registered the motion, Micah’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me tightly against him so I didn’t fall.
My breath caught, and every nerve ending lit up.
His hold was instinctive. And protective. Something I’d never really experienced before.
He released me slowly, his fingers brushing my hip before dropping away. My heart thudded, yet it was more from his touch than the close call. “Thanks for coming to my rescue again.”
“You’re welcome.” His eyes searched mine, something shadowed and intense beneath the blue gaze. “You look so surprised that I’d do something as simple as stop you from being knocked over.”
“I’m just…not used to anyone looking out for me, I guess.” That pained me to admit, but only because of how true it was.
He shifted close enough to my side that I felt the heat radiating from his muscular body. “Did someone hurt you?”
I swallowed. “Life hurts more than people.”
His jaw flexed, his expression turning gentle, fierce, and protective all at once. “Rylin.”
“I don’t want your pity,” I whispered, needing to remind both of us of the line between us.
“I don’t pity you. I admire you.” His gaze dropped to my mouth, then back up to meet my eyes again. “And I want you.”
Sensual awareness coursed through me, equally dizzying and dangerous. I wanted him too, but it was a luxury I couldn’t afford.
The ground began to rumble, then the glow of the train’s headlights cut through the tunnel. I took a small step closer to the yellow line, my tote clutched to my side. Micah stayed just behind me. Close enough that if I leaned back even an inch, my shoulder would brush his chest.
I cleared my throat, trying to shove back the warmth still rippling through me from his confession. Keeping my gaze forward, I murmured, “Just so we’re clear, I don’t date customers.”
His reply was low and amused. “Good thing I own the place.”
I snapped my gaze toward him. “That makes you my boss, which is even worse than dating a customer.”
He shrugged, his mouth lifting at one corner like he was enjoying our banter. “Raiden’s really the boss. I’m barely middle management.”
Despite myself, a short laugh escaped me. “Micah, I’m serious.”
“I know.” His tone softened, losing its teasing edge. “And I’m also aware that you’re trying really hard to convince yourself of rules you don’t even want.”
I ducked my head so he couldn’t see the pink in my cheeks. “It doesn’t matter. I can’t date anyone until my life is in order.”
The words came out quieter than I meant. More vulnerable than I wanted.
“I can help with that if you let me.”
His voice was so gentle it nearly undid me. His sincerity was obvious. He meant every word.
“I have to go.” I turned to step toward the doors as the train rolled to a stop, but he closed his fingers around my wrist, tugging me back long enough to look at him.
His thumb brushed lightly along the inside of my wrist, right over my pulse point. “Text me when you get home.”
Before I could react, he leaned in. His lips touched mine, soft and slow. The kiss was barely there but devastating enough to light up places inside me I’d never known existed.
Bodies flowed around us as people got off and on the train, the doors dinging a warning that I needed to board soon.
When he pulled back an inch, his breath mingled with mine. “Good night, Rylin.”
I stepped into the train on autopilot, turning just in time to see him still standing on the platform, hands in his pockets, watching me like I was the only thing worth looking at.
