I reluctantly peered up into his face, half afraid of what I’d see.
“I mean it when I say I won’t push you beyond your comfort level. I have time.” He smirked, then added. “I just won’t pass that time quietly. But you can ignore it, and say if it becomes too much.”
I studied Considine’s face, taking in his dark hair, his slight smile, and the faint scruff that I would die from embarrassment if he ever realized I thought made him look even more attractive.
“Partners?” Considine slid his hands off my shoulders and held one out for me to shake.
I hesitated, then nodded. “Partners.” I slipped my hand into his, and we shook.
“I’ll leave—you look exhausted. Lock up after me,” Considine said.
I frowned. “It’s kind of offensive you felt you had to say that.”
Considine laughed as he opened the door. “Of course, defense tactics are what get you wound up. Sleep well.”
I rested my hand on the doorknob and leaned against the frame as Considine stepped into the hallway. “Thanks…” my greeting died on my lips when I realized we weren’t alone.
Shelby was locking the door while her toddler, Mia, was so bundled up in coats and gloves she could barely move her limbs enough to wave at Considine and me.
Shelby looked back over her shoulder and smiled at us. “Jade, Connor, hi.”
That’s right, everyone in the apartment building still thinks he’s Connor.
“Hi Shelby, hello Mia,” I said—happy the words came easier than they had in the past.
Repetition really does help!
“Good morning,” Considine said before he opened his apartment door. “Jade, I’ll see you tonight.”
“You—wait,” I wheezed when Considine disappeared into his apartment, leaving me with Shelby and Mia.
Shelby laughed as Mia took her hand, and the pair slowly approached the elevator. “Are you two finally dating?” Shelby asked.
Confused noises escaped me, and Shelby shook her head. “I’ll take that as a no. The entire building is cheering for you two, you know.”
“Wait…peopletalkabout us?” I squeaked.
I knew Mrs. Weston and Ms. Elly—two of my senior citizen neighbors who both had enough sass in them to give my brothers trouble—talked about us as they’d once called Considine my boyfriend in front of him, but I assumed it was only the older ladies who had any interest.
Shelby laughed. “They say nice things,” she assured me. “Mostly everyone is sharing their approval. Connor is so nice, and even though he’s a vampire, he minds you well. It’s cute.”
Another noise escaped me—this one closer to a moo of distress.
The elevator dinged. “Step up, Mia,” Shelby coached to her daughter, who almost tripped on the step into the elevator as she dragged her feet—covered in pink boots.
Once the mother and daughter were safely in the elevator, Shelby waved to me. “Have a great day, Jade. We’re all cheering for you.”
“T-thanks!” I belatedly called out before the elevator door shut.
Today was such a weird day.
I shivered, then escaped into the safety of my apartment.
As I locked my door, a thought dawned on me.
I trusted Considine as my partner. In my soul, I knew he wouldn’t betray me when we were out on patrols. I trusted him, despite his strength and the possible threat he posed.
Which meant…I could take some risks as he would have my back. There was one major risk I’d been circling for a while because I suspected he would be a help in catching Gisila, and that risk was Orrin.
