I gulped and crept down to the lowest landing. Then I backed up one stair.
“I think I’ll go another way.” I tried to sound casual, but my voice came out more high-pitched than normal.
“Hang from the edge, and I’ll help you down,” Wyatt said.
Sure, that’s exactly what I wanted. To accept help from Wyattagain.
“Thanks, but I’m good! I need to go up anyway! See you later!”
I scurried up the fire escape, crouching at certain points so I wouldn’t be visible through any windows. When I made it to the fifth floor, I paused, mapping out the building in my head. If I’d guessed right, that would put me at…
I peeked through the nearest window.
Yep. Exactly where I thought I was.
I glanced downward. Wyatt still stood in the alley, looking up atme.
The last remaining threads of my dignity required me not to appear foolish to him. I needed to look like I was absolutely not panicking or doing something ridiculous.
So I tapped on the window and waved through the glass.
I couldn’t blame Bodie for looking surprised to find me outside his window, but his shocked expression lasted a mere second or two. Then he was at the window, raising the sash so I could climb in carefully, making sure not to rip my dress or get myself into any unladylike positions.
When I had my feet safely on the floor, I leaned out the window, waved at Wyatt—who was still watching me—and then ducked back inside.
I smiled at Bodie. “Thanks.”
“You could have used the door.” Bodie hooked his thumb inthat direction. “I know the people in this building like to gossip, but we’re both adults.”
“That’s not why I’m here,” I rushed to say as my face flared with heat.
Then I saw the laughter in his blue eyes and the twitching of his mouth.
My shoulders relaxed, and a relieved breath whooshed out ofme.
“I’m kidding,” he said, confirming my suspicion. “But why were you out there?”
“Let’s just say I wanted to escape an awkward situation.”
Bodie took a look out the window as he lowered the sash. “One involving that guy from the cocktail party?”
“You could say that.”
“Hmm.” He dragged his gaze away from the window. “Come on in. All the way in, I mean.” He turned and headed for his kitchen.
I took one last peek out the window—to see Wyatt finally walking off down the alley—before I followed Bodie.
“Why ‘hmm’?” I asked as I set my shoes on the floor and slid my feet into them.
He opened the fridge and looked at me over the door. “Sorry?”
“You said ‘hmm’ like it meant something.”
“Nah. It’s nothing. Can I get you a drink?”
“I’m good, thanks,” I said. “Drink-wise, anyway. Curiosity-wise, not so great. You can’t say ‘hmm’ like that and not tell me what it means.”
He shut the fridge without taking anything from it. “Look, I barely know you, so I’m not going to tell you who you should or shouldn’t date. It wouldn’t be my place to do that even if I did know you well.”
