At talking over each other, we stopped and burst into laughter. I lay my forehead against his chest and absorbed the vibrations of his joy as they melded with my own.
I looked up at his smiling face. “That was a close one.”
“Sure was. Wasn’t expecting Connie to throw his hat in the ring there. Thought it would be Hatch or NoBo who gave us the most trouble.”
“The woman at the desk gave me the weirdest look, and then I got in the elevator with one of the newer guys … Asher something?”
“Hell no!” He gripped my hips and pulled me in. “He didn’t recognize you, did he?”
“No. I’ve never met him, but I’ve seen his photo online. He exited on the fourth floor, so I’m guessing you’re all on that level.”
“Yeah, one floor down. When you sent the message, I made my excuses.”
And practically stormed up here. That he had arrived so quickly, no muss, no fuss, no games, was both thrilling and confusing.
“This is pretty exciting,” I murmured, my hands on his chest. I moved my fingertips furtively, checking for steeliness. He would barely notice, and I would have more data.
His fingers flexed on my hips. Subtle, but undeniably present.
“I feel like we got away with something,” he said.
My breathing was coming in shallow draws, and I had the strongest urge to reach for his mouth and cover it with my own. His gaze dipped to my lips, then back to my eyes. My lips again, and oh God, he was going to kiss me.
I wanted it, possibly more than I had ever wanted anything.
But it would complicate an already complicated situation. I stepped back and exhaled.
I avoided looking at him in case I saw something that made me jump into his arms and claim the kiss I so badly wanted. Instead, I picked up the scarf I had used for my disguise—so pretty with its dragonflies—folded it neatly, and placed it on the nightstand.
“This worked so well!” I sounded slightly hysterical. Calm down. Remember why you’re here. “How much time do you have?”
“I’m meeting the guys for dinner in the lobby at 6pm. I mean, real dinner—right now they’re smashing apps in the hotel restaurant.”
“So just over an hour. Not that it takes long.” I put my hand over my mouth. “I didn’t mean to imply that you’re speedy or lack stamina in that area.”
He tilted his head. “No? Well, it’s different when you’re going solo. Or when someone else is waiting on the other side of the door for a delivery.”
“I suppose it is.” I looked around, abruptly aware of how the room’s coziness. “Maybe I should leave so you can …”
“And go where? We can’t risk you being seen.”
“The bathroom. I can go in there and put on headphones.”
“Or you could just stay.”
It was like a bomb had exploded. Did he mean I should be in the same room?
Just in case there was any misunderstanding, he added, “And watch.”
Chapter Nineteen
Jason
* * *
Ask and you might receive.
The glittering excitement in her eyes the moment she pulled me into the room had been a sight to behold. And the way she laughed and vibrated and leaned her forehead on my chest told me more about this woman than I’d ever known before.
