Ellis eventually lets him through with the slightest glint of humor in his eye.
I quickly turn and continue on my way, but of course, my nemesis catches up.
“Nice of you to show up,” he snips, zipping right past me.
Our shoulders brush, and my brown hair whizzes out of my face from the haughty air he carries. He’s in dark slacks, a white dress shirt, and a casual suit jacket that hugs his arms like he’s about to outgrow it.
I pause. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
I pick up the pace and step in line with his casual yet determined strides.
“I’m right on time.”
He stops dead center in front of the elevator, his hand outstretched toward the button. “Oh? So you all wander out of bed and into work at this time on purpose?” His finger presses the up arrow. “Interesting.”
I cross my arms.
He glances at me briefly and chuckles.
“What?” I snap.
The elevator door slides open, and Rome shoves his hands into his trouser pockets while stepping over the threshold.
I stay rooted in place. There isnoway I’m going to share a tiny space with him.
“Nothing.”
“No.” I shake my head. “Say it.”
He leans back, hands still in his pockets, and runs his attention down my body. “It’s just that not much has changed since we were kids. You’re still a brat.”
The elevator doors slide shut with my jaw hanging loose.
It’s official.
I can’t stand Rome Pierce.
My glare stays glued to his playful eyes through the glass of the elevator. Even as I head for the stairs, I refuse to back down.
I’m making it to the meeting before him.
Even if I have to freaking sprint there.
He arrives on the second floor before I do, but with quick feet, I make it to the hallway just as he steps out onto the marbled floor.
Warm hints of his cologne fill the air, and it does nothing but make me angrier.
“Are you racing me, Princess?”
I stop dead in my tracks, but this time, I make an effort not to pop my hip and cross my arms. I wouldn’t want him to call me a bratagain.
“Stop calling me that,” I say, voice chilled.
A few steps behind me, he asks, “What should I call you, then?”
I grin and peer over my shoulder. He’s waiting with his eyebrows raised high.
