When I turn a corner through the open door, Sara sits behind a desk with a pen in her mouth as she concentrates on the numbers before her. Fuck, she’s beautiful. I don’t want to fuck this up.
I’ve let others move me like a chess piece around the boards of their lives, but now, I’ve found a queen that I want to capture. Unfortunately, this queen is just looking for someone to fuck, which normally I’m good with, but not with her.
She makes my pulse race, and unlike some women I’ve dated, she actually wants to be with me. She sought me out. I’m afraid once we fuck that will be it for her, and I don’t want that. Not this time.
I lean in the doorway and put my hands in my pockets as I watch her. Her eyes flit from the paper to the screen and her forehead scrunches briefly. My phone lets out a soft chime on the hour and she looks up, startled.
Her face softens and she smiles when she sees it’s me. No one else has looked at me the way Sara Morris does. Like I could be a knight in shining armor. Her knight.
“Hey, is it time for lunch already?” She sets the pen down and taps a few keys before shutting her computer. “Have you been there long?”
“No, just admiring the view.”
She turns and looks at the closed blinds before her cheeks turn pink. “We should get going. My boss is very strict about lunch.”
“I know just the place.” When I hold my hand out, she slides hers into mine with a smile.
She arches an eyebrow. “Is it a surprise or should I guess?”
“Let’s make it a surprise this time.” I love how she practically glows when I say things that imply a future. I’m just going with how I feel, and Sara makes me feel hopeful and afraid at the same time. Those other women couldn’t hurt me, but Sara... Sara might have the ability to break my heart.
I don’t think she’d do it intentionally.
“Oh, just a second.” She pulls away and leans into the doorway next to hers. Her hands on either side of the door. “I’m heading out to lunch, boss.”
“One hour, pipsqueak.”
I step behind Sara and look into the office to see Dante Stone. I’ve seen him at events. He’s a hard guy to miss. He’s taller than everyone I know, has long blond hair, icy-blue eyes, and a chiseled jaw.
I catch Sara around the waist and draw her against me. She makes a little surprised sound, and Dante’s eyes flare with a hint of jealousy before he hides it. Interesting. I saw the same in Finn’s eyes when we had dessert.
Her hand covers mine and I put my chin on her head.
“Any word on Tom?” I ask.
Dante shakes his head. “Nothing yet. He seems to think whatever made him run will have some kind of backlash for Sara.”
My arm tightens around her waist. What kind of backlash?
“Sara didn’t mention that.” I give him a nod to let him know I’ll keep her safe when I can.
“Sara doesn’t mention a lot of things.” Dante lifts his pen and nods. “See you in an hour, pipsqueak. Not a minute later.”
“It’s not like you’ll punish me for being late.” She steps out of my arms and takes my hand.
“Don’t count on that, pip.”
I cock an eyebrow at Dante. Sara said she was getting over Wyatt, but there’s something here with Dante too. And I didn’t miss the way Finn watched her. I need to be careful because any misstep will let them swoop in.
“Let’s go, Drew.” Sara tugs on my hand and I let her lead me out of the office. When we near the elevator bank, I rest my hand on her lower back to guide her.
When we enter the crowded elevator, I move her into the corner so I can protect her and feel her body pressed against mine. Her breath catches as she looks up at me.
Using my thumb, I slide a strand of hair back behind her ear. Her hand squeezes mine. I lose myself for a moment in those pale green eyes. The elevator dings and everyone gets off, except us.
“Are you getting off?” some guy says, standing next to the elevator door.
“Not yet,” Sara murmurs as she leads the way out.
