She wrinkles her nose at me but finally lets out a sigh. “I know better than to argue with a determined man.”
I chuckle. “I take it you have a lot of experience.”
“Have youmetmy father and brothers?” she asks with a smile.
I step out of the vehicle and round the back, then hold the door open and extend a hand so she can more easily get out. I shut the door behind her and press the handle to lock the vehicle.
We walk toward the building and use the revolving door, stepping out into a white-and-gray marble lobby. I live a couple of buildings down the road, also on the ocean, and had noidea Rainey and I were within walking distance of each other. Given that we’ll probably be working together, is it too close for comfort? Doesn’t matter. I’m in it no matter what.
“Hi, Carl,” Rainey says to the concierge. “Lucas is leaving his SUV out front. He’s just going to walk me up to my apartment.”
He nods. “No problem, Ms. Dare.”
I place my hand on her lower back, and a subtle tremor runs through her at my touch. I clench my jaw and look straight ahead as she guides me toward the elevator. Though my palm presses against her dress, I swear I feel her body heat on my skin.
Once inside, she taps the PH button and steps away, placing her back against the wall so she’s facing me. I’m not surprised she lives in the penthouse. She comes from old money and a father who would insist she has the best.
“I looked at this building before I bought my place,” I tell her.
“Did you? I also checked out a couple of other apartment buildings, but this one was perfect. And it didn’t need a ton of renovations, which is always a plus.”
“I did have to renovate, but now my apartment suits me.”
She smiles. “I’m glad.”
The elevator comes to a stop and we step out. There are only two doors on the floor, one on either end of the hallway, and she turns right to her apartment.
Reaching into her purse she finds her keys. “So, I guess you can go now,” she says as she puts her key in the lock.
“I could.”
She turns back toward me, her head already tipped up so she can see my face. So petite and so fucking cute.
“Thanks again. For the ride,” she says.
My gaze strays to her mouth. “My pleasure.”
“Umm… mine too.” Her eyes open wide. “I mean—”
I’m unable to hold back a laugh. “I know what you meant.” Placing my hands on her shoulders, I turn her back toward herdoor before I do something stupid. Like dip my head and kiss those soft, pouty lips.
She turns the key, pushes open her door, and twists back around. “I’ll call you to set up that appointment.”
“Sounds good.” And damn if I’m not looking forward to it.
She smiles, showing me her dimples. “And thank you again for the ride.” Without warning, she lifts herself onto her tiptoes and kisses my cheek, giving me a brief hint of spicy cinnamon before she lowers herself to her feet.
Her cheeks are flushed red as she meets my gaze. “Night, Lucas.”
I can’t help but wink. “Night, Rainey.”
CHAPTER THREE
Rainey
Iwalk intothe building where the front offices of the Thunder are located. Before I go to my father’s, I stop by to see Hudson and Miles, but both are in meetings, so I head directly to my dad’s office. The door is open and voices sound from inside.
“Dammit, Ian. Free up the funds we need for the CTE protocol I want to put in place,” Uncle Alex says.
