A little while later, after Ian inspects the windows and talks to the workers, her parents leave.
Rainey turns to face me. “Well, now you see the overprotective side of my father.”
I can’t help but grin. “I’ve seen my dad act similarly.” And by dad, I mean Matthew.
“Doyouwant me at dinner?” I ask, brushing my knuckles over her cheek and hoping she reads into my words and tone. I want to be more than a buffer between her and her overbearing but loving family.
I want what I have no right to ask for. And maybe, if Jack were home, I wouldn’t push for answers. I’m walking further into trouble, and I can’t seem to stop myself.
“Yeah, Lucas. I want you there with me.”
I let her words settle inside me.
“Now, I have a favor to ask, and I know I’m pushing it. You didn’t sign up for all this with me. I’m turning working on an event into a full-time job for you and—”
I cut her off with my finger, placing it over her lips. “What do you need?”
She releases a long breath. “Would you go with me to my apartment to pick up clothes for staying with Kaylee? I’m sure it’s safe and there is a doorman, but the police scared me a little. I’d feel better if someone was with me.”
“You got it,” I tell her, not mentioning there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for her.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rainey
Last night andthis morning have been a whirlwind. Between the brick, the kiss—or should I say kisses?—being caught by Ashlynn, then the visit from my parents, I’m ready to call it a day and it’s not even noon. As Lucas and I step out of the elevator and turn right to my apartment, my stomach is in knots despite the doorman’s reassurance nobody has come looking for me.
Reminding myself I have Lucas by my side, I put the key in the door and let us inside. Lucas steps over the threshold first and I follow.
Everything looks just as I’d left it and I breathe out a sigh of relief. “I feel ridiculous being so worried,” I tell him as he steps back and shuts the door. I kick my shoes off and since I removed mine, he does the same.
“Because you were scared out of your mind the other night in a place you should feel safe.” He sets his hand at the small of my back, and I shiver at his touch.
“I should be okay staying here, right?” I ask, turning to look at him.
He nods. “You should, but why don’t you give it another night or two at Kaylee’s?”
I bite down on the inside of my cheek, my friend’s romance lesson spinning around in my brain. “Do you think I’d be safe here if someone stayed with me?” I ask him, my heart racing as I build up courage for what I’m about to do.
He raises an eyebrow at my obvious insinuation. “I suppose that depends on who the person is,” he says, his voice gruff, as if he’s already figured out what I’m really asking.
I step closer, placing a hand on his chest. “I’m thinking a big, strong man nobody would think about approaching or attacking. Someone who will keep me safe.” I walk my fingers up his shirt until I can finger his open collar.
“Rainey,” he all but growls. His body is stiff and his eyes are hooded.
“Just hear me out, okay?” I ask.
He sets his jaw and nods once.
I don’t know where my courage is coming from, but I forge ahead. “We’re both worried about us hooking up, right? Because of Jack? I don’t want to come between the two of you as friends or business partners. And he’s always warned me away from his friends.”
“He’s probably warned you away from me,” he mutters. “But yeah, that’s one of the reasons.” He grasps my wrist, stopping any further movement.
And I understand. I’m treading on delicate ground right now. I’m nervous even discussing the possibility of sleeping with the man I desperately desire. I think he wants the same thing, though I can’t be certain.
But I’m not finished with my pitch, and I’m determined to keep going. “I’m also worried about being perceived as unprofessional by sleeping with someone I’m supposed to be working with. The Thunder account means a lot to me.”
He inclines his head. “I’m aware of that, too. So where are you going with this conversation?” he asks, my wrist still in his grasp.
