“I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” Sitting up, I reached for the door. Trace opened it before I could and waited for me to get out.
I stepped out of the vehicle, and Dirk followed.
“Really, I’ll be okay, Dirk. I’ll give you that lap dance some other time.”
Why the hell did I say that?
Trace glanced down to hide his smile.
Taking my arm in his, Dirk escorted me into my building. He didn’t really ask permission, he just did it. My resistance was minimal and soon we were at the elevator where he pushed the up button.
His touch raised goosebumps on my flesh. I wanted to lean into him and run from him at the same time. My resistance to him coming up to my condo and my desire to go to his place caused my head to spin. Was I resistant to having him in my place? The desire to have him hold me and comfort me had not lessened.
“You don’t need to come up with me.”
“You don’t need to be alone.”
The elevator opened, and he entered with me in tow.
“You don’t listen well, do you?”
“I listen just fine. Floor?”
“Twelve. You just don’t hear then?”
“I listen, then I choose. I choose to come upstairs and make sure your condo is safe…” He pressed the twelve button.
“Safe? My asshat ex just delivered papers to take away my custody rights. He’s not stalking me.”
“I’ll feel better if I check out your place.”
“Just stay out of my underwear drawer.”
“You have underwear?” He turned his head to glance at me and smirked just as the elevator opened.
I ignored the questions as he escorted me out of the elevator to a hallway which extended to the left and the right. I leaned to my right, guiding him. When we reached my door, I searched my purse for my keys. My mind raced and my heart beat faster.
I finally found my keys, and we entered my condo.
The entryway opened into an open design living room, dining room, and kitchen. A hallway to the left led to two bedrooms with one adjoining bathroom between them, while a doorway to the right led to the master bedroom with a master bath and huge walk-in closet, as well as an office. I had insisted on a place with two spare bedrooms for Monica and Trey. Now the chance to have them at my place seemed to be slipping away. Again.
Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen with matching light fixtures contrasted nicely with the white marble countertops and white cabinets. White-tiled floors in the kitchen and dining room met a gray carpet which covered the living room floor. Light blue furniture with pastel green and yellow accents added a sense of coolness to the front room. Light oak end tables and book shelves contrasted the modern look nicely and completed the space.
I had a cleaning girl that cleaned once a week and she had done that this morning, so the space looked immaculate. I sighed on the inside in relief as we moved into the living area.
“Very nice place. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you. I’m proud of it.”
“You have excellent taste.”
“Well, I have Carol to thank for that. She’s an excellent interior decorator.”
“Carol?”
“She’s also my costume coordinator, money counter, and cheerleader at the Gentleman’s Club. You met her backstage.”
“Oh. Yes. Let me check out the rest of the condo.” He moved to the left and examined the bedrooms and bathroom. Then he checked out the opposite side, including my office. He moved quickly and efficiently, and he seemed ready to leap into action if he found an intruder.
