“Or?” Eden waited for him to finish his thought.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his thumb deliberately making another pass over the back of her hand. With his eyes staring deep into hers, Alex offered, “Or, you could stay with me.”
Eden took only a second to think about his offer before whispering a soft, “Okay.”
Standing, Alex quickly pulled his wallet from his pocket. After tossing down enough cash to cover the check plus the tip, he shoved the wallet back into place and went to her side. Pulling her to her feet, his deep voice rumbled when he spoke.
“Let’s go.”
Eden was thankful she’d followed him to the restaurant, rather than letting him drive. What she’d told him was the truth. She’d brought her suitcase with her in case they ended up working too late for her to go back home. But she’d also been worried about being too drained from the readings to drive.
That’s what she’d tried telling herself, anyway.
Admit it, girl. After that amazingly realistic vision yesterday, you were hoping he’d invite you to stay over.
Either way, the drive from the restaurant to his apartment gave her a few minutes to regroup and calm her nerves. It had been a long time since she’d slept with anyone. Averylong time.
In her thirty-two years, Eden had only had sex a handful of times. The first time was when she was twenty…and it was awful.
The visions she’d gotten during the act had been so disruptive it had ruined the entire experience. The guy became paranoid while Eden’s self-doubt grew. That was when she first realized just how difficult that part of life was going to be.
One thing her limited experience had taught her was most men didn’t want the person they were with to know their true thoughts or feelings. Or, like with a couple of the men Eden had dated, the thing’s they’d done.
Her most recent sexual partner was a former co-worker she’d dated briefly. Four years ago. She’d been working at a major bookstore downtown, before she’d began consulting with the Chicago P.D.
Brian was a nice enough guy, and she’d genuinely enjoyed his company. He felt the same about her, too…at first. But it didn’t take long for him be put off by her unpredictable behavior.
She could still remember the day he’d broken things off with her.
“I like you, Eden. I just can’t handle…whatever this is…anymore.”
“You mean you can’t handle what I am.”
“No, I can’t. I’m sorry.”
Like so many others, Brian had looked back at her as if she were a freak. Eden could still picture the look on his face, like he couldn’t get away fast enough.
After nearly a year together, he’d just up and left, without so much as batting an eye.
The longer Eden drove, the more those old insecurities began to seep in. By the time she pulled into Alex’s apartment complex, she’d all but convinced herself things with him wouldn’t end any differently.
Putting her truck in park, she got out but waited by the driver’s door. A cool breeze passed by, causing Eden to cross her arms at her chest to keep warm.
“Where are your bags?” Alex asked as he walked toward her. “I’ll help you carry them in.”
“I don’t”—Eden swallowed nervously— “I mean, maybe it would be best if I stayed at a hotel, after all.”
“Oh.” He looked back at her, his disappointment obvious. “If you don’t feel comfortable staying here, I understand.”
“It’s not my comfort I’m worried about.”
Alex frowned. “What do you mean?”
God, this was embarrassing. But she’d rather get this out now, before things went any further.
“I like you, Alex.” Eden swiped at some hair that had blown into her face. “A lot.”
“Good to know.” He smirked. “And in the interest of full disclosure, Imorethan like you, Eden.” He took a step closer. “Although, I’m pretty sure you knew that, already.”
