Page 29 of Unhinged

Who was this woman and what in the world was she doing? Nearly a week ago she’d sat splayed across his lap, meek and insecure. Today, she strode across the room like the world was hers for the taking, along with everyone in it. This woman could bring a man to his knees with a single look—and he’d be the first to fall at her feet.

Since he’d known her, Hannah had covered herself basically from head to toe in shapeless dark suits that did nothing for her. Today’s outfit was the polar opposite, flattering and highlighting her best features. What had happened over the weekend to bring about this radical change?

Ice streamed through his veins as an unwelcome thought hit him square in the chest. Could she have a date tonight? Something akin to envy washed over him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

She intrigued him, triggered his protective instincts, and although he didn’t know her know her, his body did. Deep down, his body had recognized hers and the chemistry between them was so thick he could have cut it with a knife. He’d been with a good number of women but none who stirred him down to his very soul as Hannah did. Now that he’d gotten a taste, he wanted more.

Still unsettled, he swiped his key card through the slot on the wall and stepped into the room. Raúl called this the security office, but he didn’t do much back here except glance occasionally at the screens linked up to the cameras positioned around the building, watching clients come and go.

He’d ordered another half-dozen cameras, one to be installed on each floor—except Hannah’s—and a couple more at the main points of interest. The wiring and components were all sitting in a box in his office at Vantage. Once the cameras arrived, he hoped to get everything hooked up by the end of the week. He wanted to make sure that Hannah was safe, even after he was done here.

“Anything happening today?”

The building manager shook his head. “Nope. How about you?”

He let out a sigh. The job paid well, but he was getting a little burnt out with nothing to do. Not that he should complain. Any day spent watching the gorgeous doctor come and go was fine in his book, and today was better than the past week.

Part of him couldn’t help but wonder if her worries were unfounded. Maybe the murder was just a streak of bad luck on her part. There had been no communication since then, and the expense to keep him here would be astronomical by the end of the temporary four-week period that he was scheduled to stay on.

He’d missed a call from Knox that morning and needed to touch base with him. Just a week ago, Knox had offered to take over his position here. There was just one little problem with that… She was five-foot-two with pouty lips and long brown hair that he wanted to wrap around his fist while he explored every inch of her petite, curvy body.

He hadn’t spoken with Knox over the last few days, so Knox knew nothing of his encounter with Hannah last week in her office. There was no way he couldn’t see her anymore, especially after today. The only question was, did he stay on as security or let Knox take over so he could see her outside of work and not be associated with the bad things that had happened recently? Would it be better to be the lover or the savior?

Maybe he could be both. The last thing he wanted was to not see her at all during the day and miss his opportunity with her. If he picked up another gig that took him away from her, would she forget all about him? No, he couldn’t risk that. He’d stay on for now until he got a better feel for things.

Pulling out his phone, he tapped Knox’s number. After two rings, the call connected.

“What’s up?”

“Not much. Everything’s been quiet.”

“Glad to hear that,” Knox returned.

He took a deep breath. “Hey, change of plans. I’ll stick to the original contract.” Raúl didn’t know anything about his original plan to let Knox take over, so he didn’t elaborate.

Knox’s end was silent for a few moments before he spoke. “You sure?”

“Yep.”

“Did something happen that I need to be aware of?”

Other than the fact that he’d kissed his client? “Nope.”

“Okay.” His voice was hesitant, and Luke could practically hear the wheels spinning, trying to figure out the real story. “Grab a beer later?”

Let Knox grill him once he’d tossed back a couple too many? No thanks. “Maybe another night. Rain check?”

“Keep it in your pants.”

“It wasn’t…” He stopped before he could incriminate himself further.

“That’s what I thought. You sure you don’t need me to come in?”

Anger burned in his stomach. “No, I’ve got it.”

“Keep me posted.”

The line went dead, and he shoved the phone into his back pocket with a huff of irritation. He glanced at the computer screen over Raúl’s shoulder, watching as Dr. Audrey Stanton made her way through the doors, her husband on her heels.