“Well done, Sunshine.”
She cuts her gaze at me, the apples of her cheeks pink.
“Thanks. I wanted to say more.”
“I know. You did good. Now let’s go — while I still have a glowing report.” I shoot her a grin and she relaxes.
With my hand at the small of her back, we make our exit. Knox pulls the Escalade around and we climb in, escaping. I sink into the leather seat, stretching out my long legs and swiping my palms down my thighs.
“Marked safe from the Yacht Club gala.”
Tori chuckles. “Honestly, it was a little more than I bargained for tonight. Thanks for saving me.”
“This afternoon, you said we need to work together. I’m good at teamwork.”
She glances over at me, the moonlight filtering in andhighlighting the delicate lines of her collarbone. She’s beautiful—especially when she’s not so icy.
“You proved it tonight. Still… I do appreciate the assist.”
“You’re welcome. Remember this next time I get in a jam, okay?”
Knox pulls up to our building, idling. Bishop hops out and opens the door for us. I exit, then turn back and offer Tori my hand. This time, she takes it.
We walk into the building hand in hand, on the same team.
At least for the moment.
Knox and Bishop park the car, leaving us alone together in the elevator.
The doors close, our hands still linked. My thumb slides along the inside of her wrist, just once. Instinct. Her pulse jumps beneath my touch, but she doesn’t pull away. Her eyes drop to our hands for one quick second, then back up to the doors.
I should let go.
I don’t.
The atmosphere between us is different now.
Charged.
I try not to stare at her mouth, those dark red lips.
Impossible.
The graceful curves of her body, that tiny freckle at the base of her neck.
That’s where I’d start. Slow, teasing. Until she stopped being so composed.
Inside, I’m buzzing, amped. Next to me, she’s still and calm.
She’s so different from anyone I’ve ever known. Anyone I’ve wanted.
Not that I’m interested.
There’s nothing between us. There can’t be.
She needed me tonight — that’s all.
Tori glances over and my mouth dries, heat creeping up my neck. The elevator dings and the doors slide open. She steps out and I put one foot in front of the other.
