The well-meaning stranger held the phone out for her and waited. As she willed her frozen body to unlock itself from where she stood, Allison was too mortified by her reaction to even look him in the eyes.
“I’m sorry,” the man offered softly. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
The gentleness of his deep, rumbly voice left her mentally berating herself for acting like such a fool. “You didn’t,” she finally managed to say.
It was a lie, of course. A big, bold-faced lie. Hehadscared her, but her knee-jerk reaction was thanks to her messed up past, rather than his well-meaning attempt to help.
At least you’re no longer just standing there like an idiot. That has to count for something…right?
“I’m the one who should apologize,” Allison spoke up again, this time with a touch more confidence. “I guess I’m just a little jumpy.”
Speaking of confidence…
She slowly forced herself to meet his gaze, the air in her lungs catching at the base of her throat with a hitch the second her tentative eyes landed on his. Brown. Intense.
Pretty.
Between his height, good looks, and the dark brown scruff covering his masculine jaw, the guy certainly had that whole tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome vibe going for him. What caught her attention the most, however, was the look of concern in his eyes.
It was a friendliness of sorts. A look that immediately put her at ease. And that alone scared the hell out of her.
Looks can be deceiving.
It was a lesson Allison had learned the hard way…and one she’d never, ever forget.
She searched his darkened gaze a moment longer, for what she wasn’t entirely sure. A flash of something that looked a lot like attraction crossed between them, but then?—
The elevator doors began to close.
Moving fast like a snake striking out at its prey, the man slapped a palm to the door’s edge. A clanking noise sounded as the doors’ movements were forced to a sudden stop, and at the same time, he nearly dropped the phone he’d only recently saved.
“You should probably take this before my good intentions end up destroyin’ the damn thing,” the man drawled.
Allison felt her lips lift into a slight smile. Just a tiny one, and it didn’t last long. But still…
“Thank you.” She took the offered phone from his hand.
Their fingers brushed against one another’s, the unintentional contact sending a shockwave of electricity racing through her veins. He jerked back suddenly, his eyes widening with surprise.
Stunned into silence, she watched as the doors began to close once more. This time, however, the handsome stranger was prepared.
With his entire body this time, he kept the doors open so she could finally step inside.
“Where to?” Those brown eyes found hers once more as he waited for her to make the next move.
She stepped inside the giant metal cart, keeping a safe distance away as she glanced at the illuminated digits. Naomi had told her the floor where she could find the team’s office
They’re on the top floor. Or…crap. Did she say the very top, or was it the one right before it?
“Um…I-I’m not exactly sure, actually,” she admitted nervously. “I was told the office for a company called Delta Team was in this building. Have you heard of it?”
Allison held her breath and waited, hoping this man at least knew where the private security team could be located. His confirming nod brought with it a silent sigh of relief.
“As a matter of fact, I have,” the man with the mesmerizing stare rumbled. Then he held out a hand and smiled. “I’m Liam Cutler. I work for Delta Team. And you are…”
A wave of hope fell over her even as a trickle of doubt threatened to seep its way inside. Desperate for help—and left with no other choice but to ignore the cynical nature that had been beaten into her by her soon-to-be ex—Allison lifted a hand and slowly and placed her palm against his. And for the first time since literally bumping into him, she let herself take in more than the attractive features of his face.
Broad shoulders and a sculpted chest formed the creases and curves of his light gray, short-sleeved Henley. Well-defined biceps pulled the sleeves tight, giving away the man’s obvious strength.
