Her expression turned thoughtful. “That is an interesting idea. I’ll mention your suggestion in my next report. The worst that can happen is it doesn’t have any effect.”
“How are you doing? You look exhausted.”
“I am. However, sleep will have to wait until I get some answers. There’s still so much we don’t know about these aliens, and I fear I might be missing something.”
“I get that feeling of frustration. I got a dose of it today when Aries told me I wasn’t ready to head into the field yet.”
“You’ve only been a Zodiac Warrior a day,” she reminded.
“I’m not a guy who likes to sit around twiddling his thumbs.”
“I’m sure Aries will have you working soon. This kind of crisis needs everyone pitching in.”
“I’ll admit I’m surprised you showed up tonight. I thought you hated socializing.”
“I do.” Her lips twisted. “Yet, the idea of being alone in my apartment seemed even more unpalatable.”
“I’m glad you came.” He truly was.
“Me too.” A soft and shy admission. “I should probably head out now, though. Busy day tomorrow.”
“Is Blue secure?”
“It, and all the samples, are locked in the chamber. I wasn’t taking any chances for them to escape again.”
“I’ll be honest, I don’t like the idea of you being alone on that floor with the aliens so close. Especially since Tower can’t tell you if they break out.”
“And what would you propose?”
“I could stand guard,” he offered.
“Don’t you need to sleep as well?”
“Yeah, but it doesn’t need to be in a bed. Your apartment only has the one door, right? I’ll bring a blanket and pillow and sleep in front of it.”
Her mouth rounded. “That would be extremely uncomfortable.”
He shrugged. “I’d survive.”
“While kind of you to offer, I can’t accept. I’m sure I’ll be okay. I should be going.”
“Can I walk you upstairs?”
A slight hesitation before she nodded. “I’d like that, thank you.”
Unlike other women, Leila didn’t flirt or act coy. He might have thought her cold and uninterested but for the fact she’d sought him out. They chatted on the way up, Grayson making her laugh as he recounted his terrible first attempt with a sword.
When they reached her door, she appeared nervous. “Thank you again.”
“My pleasure.”
“Perhaps we can share a meal again tomorrow?”
“I’d like that. How about we meet for breakfast?”
A quick nod and a hint of pink in her cheeks went with her murmured, “Yes, let’s do that.”
She entered her apartment, and he spent a moment outside her door internally debating. The lab door remained closed, and he noticed a new slide lock on the outside to prevent anything inside from getting out. Should be safe. However, should be wasn’t enough.
